News from the Noteworthy from Springbrook
Education, Professional Growth Important
As the summer winds down and the first signs of a new school year begin to appear, I find myself reflecting on the value of education and the many ways it shapes the lives of those in the Springbrook community.
Graduation season is a time of joy and pride and, this year, we celebrate several outstanding achievements. From the seven students who graduated from The School at Springbrook to the staff who earned college credits and advanced degrees, each accomplishment represents a powerful step forward in our mission.
Education is central to that mission. Whether through partnerships with institutions like SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, or internal programs like Springbrook Scholars and EmpowerU, we are proud to build a culture that encourages learning, growth, and connection.
This year, 19 direct support professionals from Springbrook earned microcredentials through the state’s new workforce training initiative, which was developed in collaboration with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. These credentials not only validate their hard work and skill, but also represent a meaningful investment in the workforce’s long-term success. As Willow Baer, commissioner of OPWDD, noted, this program gives DSPs “a true professional career path” and the tools to “sharpen skills, think creatively, and really examine how to best support people with developmental disabilities.”
I could not agree more.
We are also proud to support professional growth through our Springbrook Scholars program, which currently has 17 enrolled participants. These staff members are pursuing graduate-level study in areas like education, therapy and nursing. Many are ready to put their talents to work in a meaningful way with their energy, fresh ideas and drive to learn, serving as an important asset to our organization.
In that same spirit, we launched EmpowerU in partnership with Hartwick College this year. EmpowerU offers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience college life, complete with classes, internships, peer socialization, and professional mentorship. This inaugural semester included studies in chemistry and economics, and students participated in job-skill internships aligned with their interests. The growth we witnessed—academically and socially—was nothing short of inspiring.
As we look ahead, I am especially excited for the official opening of our new day habilitation program, the Go Zone, on the SUNY Oneonta campus. Launching this August, the Go Zone represents another bold step in our commitment to educational inclusion and community integration. Here, people will engage in campus events, volunteer in meaningful ways, and connect with students, faculty, and staff. This collaboration speaks directly to Springbrook’s core values: education, opportunity and belonging.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our valued partners. I extend heartfelt thanks to SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, and others who have embraced these efforts. As Mark Davies, dean of the School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies at SUNY Oneonta, and a member of our Board of Directors, recently said, “This is just the beginning. We are committed to partnering with local organizations serving people with developmental disabilities.” Together, we are building a future in which every person has the resources and opportunities to thrive.
To all the graduates, mentors, staff, and community supporters—congratulations and thank you. Your work and dedication are helping us strengthen and build the Springbrook community. Let us continue to learn, grow, and make a difference for everyone in our community, and make a good life better, together.
Patricia Kennedy is the chief executive officer of Springbrook.
