A N N U A L R E P O R T2 0 1 4

We ENVISION a World Where All People know they Belong.

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Racker was founded in 1948 to support people with disabilities and their families. Families wanted their children with disabilities to participate in their community, to belong. Sixty-six years later great progress has been made on this goal, but we are not there yet. People with disabilities still do not feel that they belong. Research indicates that 60% of people with disabilities do not have friends. Only 12% of people with disabilities are working side-by-side with individuals that do not have disabilities.

A straightforward way for each of us to think about the current situation for people with disabilities is a slightly modified version of a quote by Orlando Peterson: “The opposite of separation is not freedom, it is belonging.”Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you were invisible? You were there, but you didn’t feel like you belonged. People with disabilities are now seen in society, at restaurants, movies, public schools, but the “separated feeling” for most people with disabilities still exists. That will only change when they are in the room and “visible.”

The importance of the belonging focus, which comes from our founders in 1948, was strengthened by the Strategic Planning that we did in 2014. The planning process consisted of meetings with over 400 people, including community members, business representatives, partners, people with disabilities and their families, self-advocates, board members, and our staff.

from DAN BROWN | executive director

VISION We envision a world where all people know they belong. MISSION We support people with disabilities and their families to lead fulfill-ing lives by providing opportunities to learn and be connected with others. THREE-to-FIVE YEAR OUTCOME Individuals and families that we support will know they belong to more communities of their choosing.

The strategic planning work resulted in a new Vision, Mission and Three-to-Five Year outcome statements:

With your support and the great work of our staff we will:

• help people with disabilities find things they are interested in• help people with disabilities to have the confidence to take risks in community settings of their choice• make connections that nurture their interests• educate the community that people with disabilities can and do add value to our world

“It will take people with disabilities AND people without disabilities to make our Vision come true.” ~Dan Brown

With the exception of our preschool classroom services, the overwhelming majority of our services happen at offsite locations such as schools, people’s homes and throughout the community. Only about 9% of services happen at Racker Centers locations.

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1,298 children were provided universal mental health screenings in 2014 at their doctors’ offices, schools, and preschools through our Early Recognition project. This program, available to kids in tompkins and seneca counties is made possible with pass-through funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Olivia was having a hard time with transitions from classroom to classroom and completely fell apart when things “went off routine” such as fire drills and special assemblies. The last straw came when she was “sent to the principal’s office” because she had a meltdown in the classroom and could not be consoled. The principal ended up driving her to our babysitter’s house himself. Who was this kid who acted completely different at home and at her caregiver’s house? Finally, a meeting was scheduled with the school and the county and the process was started to get her tested. My husband and I also discussed taking her out of that environment and sending her back to her favorite caregiver where she did not kick and bite and scratch others. She continued to have good days and bad days, and we kept her home a lot of days just to finish out the semester. Her tests were inconclusive but showed significant signs of sensory processing issues as well as a lag in receptive language. She did not talk a lot with us but we thought that she might just be introverted. Perhaps the regular school classroom was literally too much for her to handle?

Luckily for us, we discovered Racker Centers and Olivia started attending preschool in the spring of 2014. Within weeks we noticed a difference both in her conversations with us and in how she interacted with other children. She had always enjoyed the company of adults but rarely played with other children unless she had spent significant time with them. Since starting preschool at Racker Centers, there were no more incidents of biting, kicking, and scratching and the principal has yet to drive her home! She began receiving occupational therapy (don’t lean on other children) and speech therapy (“receptive speech” is taking turns in conversation) two times per week. Things were great throughout the spring semester and we were thrilled that she was able to continue with the summer program.

Not Every Challenge is Visible by Elizabeth Brando

Last fall, our lively, fun-loving four-year-old daughter Olivia entered a universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) program in our local public school system. We had been looking forward to this “step up” in her life - she would get to ride a school bus, carry a backpack, meet new friends, and enjoy this new stage of learning with a new teacher. However, shortly after school began, we started receiving notes from her teacher about our daughter’s disruptive behavior.

The best “a-ha” moments for our family that demonstrate the difference that Racker Centers is making in Olivia’s life occur out in public around other children. Our daughter has started to play with other kids on the playground, at the public pool and/or at the splash pads. She will now have conversations with her peers. My husband took her to a park and when another little girl ran up to her and said “do you want to play with me?” our daughter said “yes” and off they ran. Seemingly simple steps, but ones that are critical for her development, and her feeling of belonging...someone you want to work with...have on your team. Best of all for our daughter, she gets to ride a big white bus!

An article that Elizabeth recommends that may help families better understand Sensory Processing Disorder can be found at:

http://www.childmind.org/en/posts/articles/2011-10-26-sensory-processing-issues-explained

R E S O U R C ESincerely,

Dan Brown, Executive Director

AnonymousRobert B. Allan*Beverly BakerRose Beckwith*Dan and Eve BrownWilliam and Anne ChernishJohn and Ann Racker CostelloDon and Sylvia DickinsonClifford DuBreuilJean M. Dunlavey*Dave and Peggy DunlopJohn* and Martha FergerRobert E. Fish*William F. Fuerst, Jr.*George V. and Jean A. Smith Charitable TrustDoris I. German*Charles A. Gibson*Margaret I. Gibson*Robert and Patricia HaleyJeanette Hanford*Lillian HoffmanNorma Jayne*The Keilbach and Hardie FamiliesDr. and Mrs. Howard Kelley*Judith K. LeavittThomas Longin and Nancy Tillinghast

Brick Miscall*Anna Maria Muenster*William J.* and Helen B. Musto*Kust Polho*Franziska W. Racker*Sarah RichTom and Betsy SalmHoward and Lauren SchlerJody and Kent ScriberHenry C. Sibley, Jr.*Roger and Carole SibleyAgnes Smith*Lawrence A. Snyder*Kevin Stearns*John C. StephensJean StroutSidney L. Tamarin*Pauline B. Treman*Jeffrey True and Susan SchattschneiderOlive L. Wilkinson*Agnes Gainey Williams*Fred (Ben) Williams

*Deceased

4 A n n u a l R E p o r t 2 0 1 4

OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS WHO, BY THEIR THOUGHTFUL ACTIONS

AND PLANNED GIVING, HAVE HELPED TO BUILD AND SUSTAIN

RACKER CENTERS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Racker Society

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Zack | Success Story by Sally Manning

Zack is a 12-year-old young man, who after several years of struggling to find his stride in life, has now reached a “Turning Point.” The Turning Point program is a partnership program between Racker Centers and Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga (TST) BOCES.

After learning more about the Program and visiting with the team of BOCES and Racker staff in April 2014, Zack attended an official Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting in the Dryden School District and shared his feedback, “I want to go to the Turning Point Program – they have what I need.” Zack’s keen self-awareness and insight are two of the characteristics which have been key components in his success over the past year. Another key factor in his success has been the support and commitment of his parents. Zack is the son of Tom and Dorene Sorensen, who share that they also felt sure after that initial visit that Turning Point was the right place for Zack. They noticed that the questions staff asked him during the meeting indicated right away that they “got him.” According to Tom, the staff at Turning Point created an individualized approach for Zack rather than trying to fit him into a “one-size-fits-all” program.

Tom and Dorene were already familiar with Racker Centers as Zack received Early Intervention Services from Racker Centers’ staff in his home as a toddler. As a young child, Zack needed help with sensory challenges and some beginning signs of anxiety. He had difficulty with change and transitions, and the family worked closely with Dryden schools when he entered elementary school to address these concerns. Through his first few years of elementary school, many interventions were tried at school and at home including therapy, 1:1 aides, modifications to Zack’s

school day, medication, home tutoring, and even probation. It became clear when Zack was in the 5th grade that it was time to think outside the box and try something new. This led to a recommendation from the Dryden CSE for placement in a Turning Point classroom. Turning Point is an intensive Day Treatment program, licensed by the Office of Mental Health. Classrooms are located at TST BOCES in Ithaca and students referred to the program by their local school district are in need of comprehensive mental health services that are integrated into their academic program. Students see a therapist, have access to a psychiatrist or nurse-practitioner for consultations, and if needed, are prescribed medication. Students receive special education services and supports and benefit from the cohesive team approach of the BOCES teachers and the Racker Centers’ therapists. The goal is to offer these supports on a long term basis while working to transition students back to their home school whenever possible.

Zack describes what it was like to leave his home school and develop new relationships at Turning Point. “I didn’t know any of the kids, but I knew one of the teachers here, Angie Schmidt, an aide at BOCES and it helped to see a familiar face.” He shares that it was important to learn to trust himself and others in order to make some of the necessary changes in his behavior. According to Zack and his

counselor, Aubrey Munson, LCSW and day treatment counselor with Racker Centers, he didn’t always act in a safe manner before he came here, and even when he first arrived. As time wenjt on Zack began to develop many relationships within the Turning Point Program; including with his counselor Aubrey; and his aides James, Gabe, and Shana; BOCES teachers, Mrs. Hunt (classroom) and Mr. B. (ELA); as well as classmates, and Jasper the therapy dog. All of these relationships enabled Zack to better use some of his newly learned coping skills in a more consistent manner. Zack has grown to be a great role model for his peers and has developed skills in sharing constructive feedback with his classmates during regular weekly meetings in the classroom. He describes himself as having a lot more friends than before and that he is learning how to trust them and rely on them for support when he feels challenged. Zack now experiences a sense of belonging at Turning Point. His ability to connect with others seems directly related to the strong sense of belonging that has been cultivated in his family. Tom and Dorene are parents to Zack, his brother Will (age 11), Robert (age 16) and to numerous foster children who have been invited into their home through the years. The family has stayed connected. Zack also belongs to Boy Scouts and his connection to that group has also contributed to his sense of independence and mastery in many areas.

Zack’s parents describe that there were many layers to uncover in order to reach the place they are now, and the journey was not without some failures along the way. He has truly started in a new direction – a “turning point” for him. Zack seems very aware that the road doesn’t stop here; he must continue working on himself. He gives the following advice for other young people who may find themselves at a “turning point”: take breaks, use your supports, and learn how to trust yourself and others. This seems like good advice for all of us!

Racker Centers ’ Family Navigator’s Program is a grant funded program which helps to match families FACING mental health challenges with an individual who has had experience in supporting their own family member who has also struggled with mental health challenges. This peer support program has identified three individuals with “lived” experience and has successfully paired them with 30 families in 2014.

Betty HelsperMarjorie HelsperSue HemsathElaine HenryDavid HerrickRobert and Joyce HerrickDavid and Joan HerskovitsDavid HewlettJana HexterFelicite HibbardTom HickcoxRoger and Suzanne HinderliterHines & Allen Law OfficeLillian HoffmanHOLT Architects, P.C.Ed and Sue HooksJean HoriganRobert and Joan HornDavid HorrocksNeal and Pat HowardThomas HowarthAllison HoweJim and Sue HranekIrene HubbellGordon and Margaret HuckleHeather and Bill HughesBarbara HulbertElwood and Janet HulbertKellie HulbertKellie and Chris HummelCatherine Husa and Sami HusseiniMary and Bob HutchensIBEW Local 241David and Amy IlesIncodemaHarriet InkInlet Glass & Mirror, Inc.International Food NetworkIthaca Ace HardwareIthaca ChildIthaca CollegeIthaca Foreign Car ServiceKathleen JacklinJake and Janet JacobyAndre and Jean JagendorfRalph and Rhoda JanisJim Ray HomesJJ’s CafeJames JohnLaurie JohnstonDeborah Jones and Barb DeWallKenneth and Joyce JonesSusan KaplanRobert and Kathleen Kemple, Jr.John KennedyWilliam and Mary KennedyRobert and Evonne KernRyan and Aubrey KerwinKey BankIrene KielyJoe and Patty KielyThomas and Mary Ann KiernanJudson and Suzanne KilgoreMichael and Chris KimballKindret Construction Ltd.Gary and Judi KingKing’s Daughters HomePaul Kirk and Liz KeenanJeffrey and Diana KleinwaksKMT BooksKnights of Columbus Cncl. 277George Kobas & Linda Grace-KobasRobert and Rachel KollSara KomaromiJudith KomorKirit KottamBjoern and Antje Krenz

Anonymous15 StepsABC Services of Ithaca, Inc.Affiliated Psychological Consultants, P.C.Pete Akins and Connie GedEric AlaniChristopher and Brigid AllingerKiko Alvarez and Susana MendezAmazon Smile FoundationAmerican Legion Post 221Carmen and Tami AmiciKatherine Anderson and Max PenskyAnytime FitnessAPRA Florida ChapterFlorencia Ardon and Rodney ChinnChristine ArmaoRobert AronsonErin ArrasNeil and Judith AshcroftEdward and Gayleen AustenElizabeth BagnardiBeverly BakerCristin BakerNatalie BakerBaker-Miller Lumber, Inc.Caren BaldiniD. G. Bancroft-GowinDavid and Lenore BandlerPaul and Diane BanfieldJack BangsKevin and Jacqueline BangsBangs AmbulanceBangs Funeral HomeRick and Maryanne BanksBob and Melinda BantleJ. Robert BarlowEugenia BarnabaChris and Clara BarrettBridget BarryCarolyn and Gene BartellRoger BatchelderMyrtle and Robert BatsfordRichard and Norma BauerMarilyn BaurleCarol and Rosanne BeachJoan BechhoferRoger BeckJohn and Randi BeckmannVida and Vaughn BehnBernard and Linda BeinsBill and Nancy BellamyLouise BementFran BenedictMartha BenningerLegrace BensonRich and Debra BensonArthur BerkeyAnne and Ted BerrienRose BetheHeather Betz and Susan HazeltonRobert and Phyllis BetzlerNelson and Barbara BillsKenneth Birman and Anne NeirynckJames and Carole Bisogni, Jr.Richard and Louann BivianoEdith BlackmanPaul and Suzy BlanchardBlessed Trinity ParishMichael and Kathryn BohnPatrick Bohn and Ashley YatesTom and Donna BohnCoert BonthiusJoseph and Cheryl BordenBeverly BortzMichael BoviKrystal Bowen

Michael and Elizabeth BrandoRachel BrillJoel and Susan BrockLiese BronfenbrennerBethany Brown and Bradley SmithCrystal BrownKatie Brown and Eric TrotterSusannah BrownWarren BrownDavid and Julie BrumstedFrancis and Joyce BudneyGregory BudneyMichael and Susan BudneySue Budney Karin BurgessSeth and Carolyn BurgessAlbert and Mary BurkhardtLisa BurnsGeorge ButlerJoseph and Nan BylebylJim and Terry ByrnesByron’s Service CAenterByron’s Used AutosLeo and Sandra CacciottiSheila CafferilloCecilia Campbell and Deborah GagnonDavid Campbell and Thomas ConnorsMichael and Michelle CannonThe Capozzi FamiliesBarbara CappucciGary and Rita CarlsonRichard and Linda CarltonStanley and Carol CarpenterAnne CarsonStephen and Dolores CarusoJoseph and Jackie CassanitiCataract Hose Company No. 7Daniel and Patricia CawleyKristin CerioneCFCU Community Credit UnionLarry and Arlene ChaseStephen ChasePenelope Chick and Rory RothmanRoberta ChiesaMargo Chiuten and Shawna BlackJohn and Pamela CincottaCity Club of IthacaAndrea and Richard ClarkLeslie and Kay ClelandMark ClementeNancy ClevelandJohn CocciaElissa Cogan and Barry ChesterHelen S. CoganConstance ColbertMary Ann K. and Timothy J. ColbertBarbara CollyerSteve and Ann ColtCommuniqué Design & MarketingKaren Coney CoplinMargaret CongdonGordon and Onalee ConklinPamela ConklinConley & Son Excavating CompanyPeter and Kay CookeBert and Helen CooleyEd and Caroline CopeBrad and Nancy CorbittCorks & MoreDaphne and Ezra CornellCornell Men’s Ice HockeyCornell Pochily Investment AdvisorsDavid and Carolyn CorsonCortland Eye Center

Anne CostelloWalton and Jean CottrellRick and Jill CowanMarilyn CrookerJohn CrosbyKatherine CrottySheila CrowleySteven CroyleMary Ellen CummingsWilliam CurrieWilliam and Gail CutlerKim DaghitaMarion DaGrossaJoseph DainoBrenda DanielsDanks Burke FamilyRick and Marlaine DarflerMarie Anne de RoosMichelle DelaneyDavid DelchampsDorothy Delisle and Shawn PompeVictor and Jean DelisleDonna Dempster-McClainChristine DennisKen and Regina DeschereSusan DetzerRoy and Fran DexheimerAnn DexterBill and Sandy DhimitriDon and Sue DickinsonDavid DierSteve DippolitoMatthew DobushPamela and Charles DollawayDebra DonnellyEve DonnellyChuck and Cris DonovanGretchen DouglasDoug’s Fish FryDr. James Fey, DMDMichele DraissNancy DreierDavid and Judy DresserDavid DubowGerard and Sherri DunhamHorton and Shirley DurfeeDaniel and Debra DwyerJan DysonEagle EnvelopeForrest and Sara EarlMildred EarlBrian and Jody EarleCorey EarleEvan EarleTerry and Jean EarleEastern Managed Print ServicesDanny and Lynn EastmanMaralyn Edid and Lawrence BlumeRon and Randy EhrenbergEhrhart EnergySandy and Jeffrey EhrlichEric EisenhutTony and Julie EisenhutTerry and Vaughn EldredBrian EldridgeStephen Ellner & Nancy SaltzmanHarry and Mary EllsworthRobert and Lisa ElstonNancy Emerson and Roy LuftArvilla EnckKatherine EnglanderStephen and Kathy EschlerRoger and Sue EslingerRodolfo EspinoMatt, Madeline, and Peter EstillAndrew EvansMichele EvansF&T Distributing Company Inc.

Paul and Pam FairbanksJerry Feist and Joyce MarshJonathan FeldmanDavid Feldshuh and Martha FrommeltJohn and Anita FerroMaura FetskoJohn FinneganFirst National Bank of DrydenDouglas FirthFrank and Gail FlanneryBurt FlickingerDavid and Mary FlinnJames and Judy FogelSam ForcucciOlan and Katie ForkerAlan and Jeanne FoxRaymond FoxGary FrankFranziska Racker Centers (PT Dept)Ed FreemanBrandon FrenchFrontenac DesignsJohn FuchsAllen and Gail FulkersonSusan FullerJames and Kathleen GaffneyJohn GainesGamba AutoKenneth and Vonnie GardnerLoren and Kristen GardnerKathy Garner and Jim DarniederLowell Garner and Susan LustickReeder and Sally GatesPaul GeislerWayne and Regina GenungLiz and Jon GesinGivalikeRonald and Sandra GladstoneRabbi Scott and Sharon GlassGlenwood Pines RestaurantAlexandra GoetzConnie GoldsmithMerri GoodrowRodney GouldDaniel and Karen GovernantiBernard and Madeline GrahamBob and Johanna GranadosPamela GravesLorraine GreenbergSteve GreenbergCarolyn Greenwald & Adam SchayeMark Grimm and Alexis ZaharisHelen GrippoNancy Grossman and Donald SwansonDenise GroutDavid and Sally GrubbCarmen GuidiGeorge Gull and Nancy PotterWilma HabelDianna HalevyDavid HallHeather HammondMargaret HampsonTorrance HanleyJeff HardgroveSkip and Holly HardiePeter HarriottHarris Beach PLLCChristopher HartThomas HartshorneJoan HassThe Hawkes FamilyCarl and Susan HaynesCharles and Liz HeathDavid and Joyce HeckMarie and Alan Hedge

FRIENDS of the Centers

We feel fortunate to have so many friends who support us with gifts to annual operating as well as targeted needs and special projects. Our FRIENDS of the Centers’ list includes those who made gifts, pledges, or gifts-in-kind. We owe a special thank you to those on our Racker Fellows and Business Partners lists for their donations of $1,000 or more. Gifts to Racker Centers help us fill funding gaps and address areas of greatest concern. With your help, we can continue providing innovative services for people with disabilities in our community, helping them have happy, productive lives. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our many friends.

Anonymous John and Elaine AlexanderW. David and Mary Lee Banfield Dan and Eve Brown John and Ann Racker Costello Bob and Vanne Cowie Dora Donovan Dave and Peggy Dunlop Chuck and Yvonne Everhart Stanley and Suri Friedman Charles and Linda Garbo Amanda Gibson Margaret I. Gibson*Brad and Mary Grainger Rip and Pat Haley Joan and Dave Hardie*Greg and Bev Hartz Mark and Mickie Jauquet Catharine Joyce Phyllis and Lanny Joyce Kevin and Lindsey Kauffman Meg and Eric Keilbach Jeffrey and Kristin Lewis Stuart and Ruthye Lewis Stephen and Kathryn Lipinski Glenda Long Michael and Iris Long Perri and Mick LoPinto Josephine McAllister Dan and Rose McNeil David and Christine McNeil Mary McNeil Philip and Peggy Meyer Jeanette Miller Anna Maria Muenster*Carol Neigh Herbert Nowell Cal and Joan Organ Ed and Mary Ann Oyer Dave and Shirley Palmer Stephen and Linda Pope Frank and Rosa Rhodes Sarah M. Rich David and Margaret Robertshaw Tom and Betsy Salm Howard and Lauren Schler Fred Schneider and Mimi Bussan Topher and Emma Scott Jody and Kent Scriber Kevin and Lynn Shreve Roger and Carole Sibley David Stinson and Elizabeth Ashford Deborah Streeter and Tom Owens Fred Tomvzuk Betty Watkins Erik and Deborah Whitney Jennifer and Sean Whittaker Eugene and Jeanne Yarussi

R A C K E R F E L L O W S* Estate Gift

Benefit Design ServicesBorgWarner Morse TECCargill Deicing TechnologyCayuga LandscapeCayuga Radio GroupCortland Community FoundationDr. Robert Duthie, D.D.S. & Dr. Gregory Subtelny, D.D.S.Emerson Power TransmissionGeorge V. and Jean A. Smith Charitable TrustHaylor, Freyer & CoonInnovations Aveda SalonIntertek ETL, SEMKO DivisionIthaca JournalIthaca Plumbing SupplyIthaca Sertoma ClubJohn Ben Snow Memorial TrustLeChase ConstructionLewis G. Schaeneman, Jr. FoundationLinz Real EstateM&T Bank

B U S I N E S S PA R T N E R S

GIVING to Racker Centers

Maguire Family of DealershipsMcKinnon Benefits GroupMcNeil DevelopmentMutual of AmericaNew York State ElksNorthwestern MutualPanera BreadPuzzle SolversRauch FoundationSciarabba Walker & Co. LLPSocial Service League of IthacaSparrow’s Fine WinesTioga United WayThe Ability ExperienceThe Computing CenterThe Mildred Faulkner Truman FoundationTompkins Trust CompanyTriad FoundationUnited Way for Cortland CountyUnited Way of Tompkins CountyWegmans Food Markets

6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 4continued on page 8

*Estate Gift

7

Edward Thomas and Kathleen StricklandJohn and Betty ThomasJoe and Margaret ThomasThomas L. Shields, DDSSusan and Mark ThomasMichael and Marina ToddChuck and Ann TompkinsTompkins Insurance AgenciesFrank and Melanie TownerHilda TownsendAnne TreichlerTriphammer Wines & SpiritsTrombley Tire & AutoVance TroutJeff True and Susan SchattschneiderYohko TsujiThomas and Claudia TullJames and Janice TurnerBik TyeDavid and Lucia TylerCarol TytlerJohn and Carol UberCurt and Amanda UffordDave UlrichGeorge and Diane ValesenteMary VallelyMargaret Van HoutteElizabeth van LeerMara van LoggerenbergFrank Van Sickle IIJoan Van VrankenMarcia VannRobert and Laurie VanvleetLewis and Barbara VarneyVillage Greenhouse, Inc.John and Carol VineyardCharles and Jane WalcottMaureen WallerRussell WanishRichard Warkentin and Dawn KleeschulteWarren Real Estate of IthacaWilliam and Norma WasmuthAlexandra WatsonJames Watson, Jr.Todd WebbDonald Weber and Shira SternHarry and Barbara WeberKristen WeinbergerFannie WelchChris WellsJoseph and Betty WeneserCarol WestonMike and Cathy WhalenMark and Ellen WheelerKen WhiteKevin and Barbara WhiteMaurice and Steffi WhiteTara WilderAnthony WilliamsDavid and Katherine WilliamsFred (Ben) WilliamsJay and Vicky WilliamsonLou and Fran WithiamDavid and Susan WohlhueterHilary WongSophia WoodhouseKen and Marie WoodmanAndrew Yale and Brenda KuhnShijie Yang and Hongnan MaKim YeohBettie Lee YerkaLincoln YoungRobert and Agnes ZavaskiJoel and Cathy Zumoff

John and Cheryl MitchellDaniel Mont and Nanette GoodmanPat and Victor MontanezRobert Laurence MooreMoore’s Christmas Tree FarmRichie and Pat MoranSharon MorganMorgan Stanley Wealth ManagementAndrew MorpurgoFlorence MosherDale and Patricia MuellerArthur and Betty MukaSusan MurphyKarlis MusaDon Nagle and Cindy StilesMike NeelyMark NelsonCarolyn NeumanElizabeth NewburyNewfield Lioness ClubKatherine NewtonSean and Claire NicholsonAndy and Betsy NoelEsther NorthrupJerome and Barbara NosanchukBrendan O’BrienKate O’Connell and Robert D’AddarioOculus Info Inc.Brad and Lila OlsonChristine O’MalleyMarne O’Shae and Ira KampThomas and Kathleen OverbaughKenneth and Catherine PaddockGreg and Sherry PageSteve and Ellen PalladinoGlen Palmer and Carol True PalmerLuke PamelStan PamelSonya Monosoff PancaldoCorina Park-Batsford and Mike BatsfordLarry and Jackie PatakiLisa and Chris PateBarbara and Robert PattenPatterson’s Service StationMike PattisonKerry PauldineJohn and Ann PaviaAlan and Nancy PedersenMarianne M. Pelletier and Laura StaubesAlexander and Kristina PerialasStephen and Paula PeteKristina PetrilloseDebra PhenesJanice and Arthur Phillips IIINikolette PhillipsCharlie and Karen PhlegarMichael PitcherCurtis and Shatoya PittmanJennifer Podkul and Craig KullmannTed and Joan Podkul, Jr.Leonard and Christine PogorzalaLarry and Bonnie PollowGeorge PoppensiekLarry and Pamela PostleDakota PotenzaJohn PotterJane PowersPrecision Filters Inc.Walter PriestPritchard AutomotiveProject SunshineJim and Wendy Prout

Throughout 2014 Racker Centers benefitted from the support of 697 INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES and 118 businesses to carry out our mission of supporting people with disabilities and their families to lead fulfilling lives by providing opportunities to learn and be connected to others.

2014FINANCIAL REPORT

Public Support & Revenue

Children’s and Clinical Services $7,119,935 22%Residential Services $17,362,626 53%Community Support Services $5,095,941 15%Counseling for School Success $2,534,441 8%Fund Raising $393,595 1%Other Revenue $169,814 1% Investment Gains....................................$96,895 Prior Period Adjustments..........................$4,254 Miscellaneous.........................................$68,665

TOTAL $32,676,352 100%

Expenses Children’s and Clinical Services 24%Residential Services 54%Community Support Services 15%Counseling for School Success 7%

TOTAL 100%

Children’s and Clinical Services, 24%

Community Support Services, 15%

Counseling for School Success, 8% Residential Services, 54%

E X P E N S E S

Rose KrupasAlan and Mary KrystalKyle Kubick and Marie GarlandBen KuoStephen LambJohn Lambert and Robin RogersRachel and David LampertCarolyn LangeGary LansdowneLansing High School Student CouncilChristina LarkinPatricia LarsenWayne and Marcia LarsenVivian LaubeDr. David Leavitt & Dr. Marnie BurkmanJudith K. LeavittNoah Samuel Leavitt & Helen KimPhilip and Lesly LempertDr. G. Peter Lepage and Deborah O’ConnorOfer LeshedAntoinette LevatichDeborah LevinSimon and Carole LevinDiane LevineMatthew LibertyCindy and Tom LillyBrian and Laurie LindbergDavid and Nancy LippertJun LiuTom and Lisa LiVigneHoward and Carolyn LonghouseJohn and Linda LonghouseTom Longin and Nancy TillinghastMichael Longo and Gina AmiciDarlene LoopeAudrey LoweJack and Janet LoweYolanda LucatelliMick LumbDavid and Priscilla LundeenRichard and Janet MacDonaldDan MahoneyTed and Judy MalleyMancini-Ferrara & Sons Inc.Victor and Ellen MarchettiGlenna MargarisBarbara and John MarmoraHerbert MarshallBrenda MarstonMelanie MartinRoxanne MartinMarvin and Annette Lee FoundationFrannie MasonAnthony and Amelia MassiAngelo and Connie MastronardiMichael and Shelley MathenyMary Beth MatheyBrian McAree and Kris CordaJames McConkeyMarie McCroneMolly McDowellSharon McGee and Jin Soo KimCarolyn McGoryAdrienne McNairJean and Daniel McPheetersMcPherson Builders, Inc.Judith MehravariJoe and Emily MetzEdna Z. MichaelSueann Mikitiuk-GiacaloneDavid MillerNina MillerGerald and Janet MinerArthur MintzDoug Mitarotonda

8 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 4 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 4 9

FRIENDScontinued...Richard and Donna PrybylBeth PutnamElaine QuaroniThomas and Kathryn QuirkRadiology Associates of Ithaca, PCRauch FoundationJosephine ReedJoe and Carrie RegensteinKeith and Crystal RehbeinVictor and Joyce RendanoRuth and Charles ReniffMelissa ReynoldsAnne RichardsMary RichardsRichardson Bros. Electrical ContractorsJames RiderVirginia K. RinkerBryan RobertsMartha and Steve RobertsonWendy Robertson & Doug AntczakDan and Becky RobinsonEric and Margaret RobinsonJoseph and Rachel RoccoWard RomerGeorge and Kay RossArthur and Ellen RostenJulia RothRSVP KnittersThomas Ruane and Donna AugustineAurora Rubens ValentiElliot and P. A. RubinsteinJohn Rudd and Beverly ChinStellario and Barbara RuggieroScott and Jan RussellMatthew RussoGillian RyanJoseph and Jessica RyanTimothy RyanRobert and Rita RyczakDolores and Sid SaltzmanCarolyn SampsonRose SanfordCarlos and Margarita SantistebanSteve and Karen SassFrank and Pauline SatterlyCatherine SavageEsty and Jonathan SchachterErich and Cheryl SchaeferWilliam and Marianne SchaffnerSchickel ConstructionMichael and Joan SchlerGeorge and Bobbie SchneiderDan and Mary Ellen SchreherNancy SchrempfJosie SchugArnold and Mary SchwartzMichael SchwartzDavid and Rebecca SchwedChristine SchweitzerBeatrice SchwoererAndrew and Rosemary SciarabbaDebra ScottDonna ScottRobert ScottThomas ScottThomas and Jean SeamanSecurity Mutual Insurance CompanyRose SeelyRose Marie SerigneseGary and Colleen SforzoCarl and Marilyn SgrecciMargaret ShackellSteve Shaff

Quinn ShamlianLaurie ShaverRichard SheffieldBonita ShelfordGregory ShenstoneJudy and Richard ShermanJerry Shing and Duane DivineyMichael and Karen ShulerArthur and Charlotte ShullHenry and Sandy SibleyRita SickMatt and Nancy SiegelRachel SiegelKirk SigelWalter SilbertLisa Silverman HoffbergMichael and Sandra SimkinAlbert and Jeanette SinnigenRay and Judy SmallAnna SmithCarlton SmithCourtney SmithRobert Smith and Alice MooreScott and Lisa SmithTom and Elfriede SmithDonna Smith-O’ConnellJeffrey and Suzanne SnedekerJean SnowThomas and Donna SokolDavid and Rebecca SparrowCeil SperoRobert SproleSt. Catherine of Siena ChurchMelissa StalicaMichael and Therese StanleyKimberly StantonLara StantonErica StarkKevin Stearns*Matthew and Lynn SteenbergThomas SteffiePaul SteigerStellar StereoRobert and Diane StitesWayne StokesJanet and James StraitViolet StreetRobert and Naomi StrichartzJean StroutPeter StrumpfCarol SullivanSusan SullivanMike and Sandy SweazeyKaren SzembrotNichole SzembrotT.G. Miller, P.C. Engineers & SurveyorsVictoria TagarelliJulie TaibiCharles and Heather TallmanKevin and Helen TaltyMarisue and David TaubeChuck TauckTaughannock AviationHollands TavelliKara TaylorRobert and Judy TaylorLouanne TenkateThe Boatyard GrillThe Frame ShopThe Hair-LoomThe Statler HotelThe Strebel Fund for Community Enrichment of the Community FoundationThe William Henry Miller InnTherm Incorporated

In Honor of: Ann Racker CostelloDale and Patricia Mueller

In Honor of: John and Ann CostelloAnne CostelloFrank and Rosa Rhodes

In Memory of: Rev. Allen CropfCharles and Liz Heath

In Memory of: Cassidy D’AddarioAnn DexterThomas and Mary Ann Kiernan

In Honor of: Toby and Larry DeutchmanJudith K. Leavitt

In Memory of: Robert “Bob” DiemondCataract Hose Company #7

In Memory of: Joleen DiGiacomoSara Komaromi

In Honor of: Cris DonovanRichard and Janet MacDonald

In Honor of: Billy Earl Mildred Earl

In Memory of: William Earl, Sr.Mildred Earl

In Honor of: Sheryl EdwardsBridget Barry

In Memory of: Eric L. EhrenbergRon and Randy Ehrenberg

In Honor of: Terrie EllisCarolyn McGory

In Honor of: Scott ElstonRobert and Lisa Elston

In Honor of: Bev Fitzpatrick and Meg GillardDolores and Sid Saltzman

In Memory of: Jennifer FooteOlan and Katie Forker

In Honor of: The Owls ClassroomMichael and Elizabeth Brando

In Memory of: Margaret I. GibsonRoger BatchelderCortland Eye CenterAmanda GibsonVivian LaubeBrian and Laurie LindbergJoe and Emily MetzCal and Joan OrganElizabeth van Leer

In Memory of: Richard “Dick” BackerCharles and Heather TallmanLewis and Barbara Varney

In Memory of: William BaldiniNeal and Pat HowardRobert and Kathleen Kemple, Jr.

In Memory of: Clarence Ball Jr.Stephen Chase

In Memory of: Christine Alice BartellCarolyn and Gene Bartell

In Honor of: Trudy BaumStephen and Linda Pope

In Memory of: Richard BlackmanEdith Blackman

In Honor of: Tom and Donna BohnPatrick Bohn and Ashley YatesThomas and Kathryn Quirk

In Memory of: Lolanda M. BordoniJoseph Daino

In Memory of: Marilyn S. BoviMichael Bovi

In Honor of: Phyllis and Marissa BowersSharon McGee and Jin Soo Kim

In Memory of: Dudley Briggs Ann Dexter

In Honor of: Dan BrownKatie Brown and Eric TrotterVictor and Joyce Rendano

In Memory of: Paul Brown Sr. Susannah Brown

In Honor of: Peter BurgessSeth and Carolyn Burgess

In Honor of: Jessica Campbell AnonymousThe Danks-Burke Family

In Memory of: Jaime K. CanfieldSue BudneyNancy Emerson and Roy LuftSusan FullerOculus Info Inc.

In Memory of: James M. CironaCaren Baldini

In Honor of: Helen S. CoganTom and Donna Bohn

In Honor of: Ezra CornellCaren Baldini

In Honor / IN Memory In Honor of: Joshua GriffinCarlton Smith In Memory of: Raymond GrippoHelen Grippo

In Memory of: Drew HalevyTom HickcoxAlan and Mary KrystalPerri and Mick LoPintoRoxanne MartinRauch FoundationJosephine ReedJoe and Carrie RegensteinThe Rauch Foundation

In Memory of: Steven HalevyDianna HalevyPerri LoPinto

In Honor of: Lawrence HallDavid Hall

In Honor of: Bev HartzFranziska Racker Centers’ PT Department

In Honor of: Marie Hedge’s retirementNancy Emerson and Roy Luft

In Memory of: the Helsper FamilyStephen and Dolores Caruso

In Memory of: Melvin (Bill) HelsperBetty Helsper

In Honor of: Bill HennessyLouise Bement

In Memory of: Adelaide K. HeppelArvilla Enck

In Honor of: Laurie HubbellMyrtle and Robert Batsford

In Honor of: Mary HutchensDorothy Delisle and Shawn Pompe

In Memory of: Laurie Hyde-TullThomas and Claudia Tull

In Honor of: Andy Iles Joe and Emily Metz

In Memory of: Mary JonesHarry and Mary EllsworthRichard Sheffield

In Honor of: Ruari JorgensenNancy Cleveland

In Honor of: Annie JoycePhyllis and Lanny JoyceRose Marie Serignese

In Honor of: The Joyce FamilyJohn and Randi Beckmann

In Memory of: Kevin Merrill KauffmanKevin and Lindsey Kauffman

In Honor of: Will Keilbach’s 8th BirthdayMeg and Eric Keilbach

In Honor of: Karen KillgoreJudson and Suzanne Kilgore

In Honor of: Ari Kim-LeavittNoah Samuel Leavitt and Helen Kim

In Honor of: Talia Kim-LeavittNoah Samuel Leavitt and Helen Kim

In Memory of: Rose and Joseph KlineJudith K. Leavitt

In Honor of: Brent LarsenWayne and Marcia Larsen

In Honor of: David Leavitt and Marnie BurkmanJudith K. LeavittNoah Samuel Leavitt and Helen Kim

In Honor of: Judith K. LeavittDr. David Leavitt and Dr. Marnie BurkmanNoah Samuel Leavitt and Helen Kim

In Honor of: Noah, Helen, Ari and Talia Kim-LeavittAnonymous Dr. David Leavitt and Dr. Marnie BurkmanJudith K. LeavittHelen Kim

In Memory of: Richard M. LeavittJoseph and Cheryl BordenMargaret CongdonJames and Kathleen GaffneyJudith K. LeavittNoah Samuel Leavitt and Helen KimJennifer Podkul and Craig Kullmann

In Honor of: Dick Leavitt, Noah Leavitt, and David Leavitt’s birthdaysTed and Joan Podkul, Jr.

In Honor of: Jeff and Kristin LewisLeo and Sandra Cacciotti

In Honor of: Dr. Jeffrey S. LewisDr. Robert Duthie, DDS Dr. Gregory Subtelny, DDS

In Honor of: Steve & Kathy LipinskiDavid and Joan HerskovitsDiane Levine

In Honor of: Glenda LongPaul Steiger

In Memory of: Carmella LongoCarmen and Tami AmiciElizabeth BagnardiJack BangsBangs Funeral HomeThe Capozzi FamiliesBarbara CappucciBert and Helen CooleyFelicite HibbardRose KrupasPatricia LarsenMichael Longo and Gina AmiciYolanda LucatelliMancini-Ferrara & Sons Inc.Marie McCroneAlexander and Kristina PerialasStephen and Paula PeteRadiology Associates of Ithaca, PCRuth and Charles ReniffArthur and Ellen RostenAurora Rubens ValentiJosie SchugPeter Strumpf

In Honor of: Perri LoPintoRachel and David LampertCarol Tytler

In Memory of: Joseph MarzoMichele Evans

In Honor of: Dick and Sharon MatthewsThomas Howarth

In Honor of: Aelwen McAllister’s First Year of SchoolJosephine McAllister

In Memory of: Alia McGurkMarion DaGrossa

In Honor of: Dr. Philip MeyerKenneth Birman and Anne Neirynck

In Honor of: Richie MoranDavid and Susan Wohlhueter

In Memory of: Donald NorthrupEsther Northrup

In Honor of: Dustin PatakiLarry and Jackie PatakiRose Seely

In Honor of: Jennifer Podkul, Craig, Sienna Rose, and Louisa KullmannJudith K. Leavitt

In Honor of: Joan and Ted PodkulDr. David Leavitt and Dr. Marnie BurkmanJudith K. Leavitt

In Honor of: Deb Wojcik, Tim Podkul and Benjamin Judith K. Leavitt

“We were apprehensive at first, BUt all our fears were laid to rest within a very short amount of time.”

Hannah with her CSP (Community Support Professional) Nancy

1 0 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 4 A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 4 1 1

HANNAH: a success storyHannah is a 31-year-old with intellectual and developmental disabilities who lives in the Coventry house operated by Racker Centers. After waiting for seven years, Hananh’s parent’s Jan and Jerry, were delighted to hear that the house was available and that both Hannah and her sister, Angie, would be able to move in together.

To help with this new transition, Hannah and her family were able to go into the house while it was being built and were given the opportunity to see their room that they now share while it was being built. Today, the room is full of each girl’s personality; there are John Wayne and Wizard of Oz posters plastered on the walls and vanity tops covered in a variety of scented perfumes and beauty products.

Hannah spends her weeks going on outings with her Community Support Professional (CSP), Nancy Jackson, to A New Hope Center where she volunteers four days a week organizing, sorting, and folding clothing donations. Outside of volunteering, Nancy and Hannah enjoy going to zoos, parks, and shopping malls.

“She laughs a whole lot more, she stands better, she really recognizes the people that she works with” remarked Jan when discussing Hannah’s progress since working with Racker Centers and volunteering with A New Hope Center. Hannah’s eye contact has improved and her CSP, Nancy, says “she will look at me when I am talking to her and most of the time she’ll look at the objects that I show her.”

Volunteering at A New Hope Center has helped Hannah to belong to her community. “It helps her be a part of the community that she lives in and I think that is very important,” Jan says. “People look forward to having Hannah come, they miss her if she doesn’t show up, and they ask about her; that means she’s assimilated into the community a great deal,” Jan concludes.

~ Hannah’s Mother, Jan

In Memory of: Dr. Franziska W. RackerDora DonovanFrannie MasonStellario and Barbara RuggieroJudy and Richard ShermanAnne TreichlerWilliam and Norma Wasmuth

In Honor of: Andrew RiceLisa and Chris Pate

In Memory of: Paul R. RidleyTed and Judy MalleySharon Morgan

In Memory of: Ed RobertsCatherine Savage

In Memory of: Jake SchaferAnthony and Amelia Massi

In Honor of: Howard and Lauren SchlerMichael and Joan Schler

In Honor of: Topher ScottHeather and Bill Hughes

In Honor of: Jody ScriberMatthew and Lynn Steenberg

In Memory of: Miles SeelyCindy and Tom Lilly

In Memory of: Laurel ShenstoneGregory Shenstone

In Honor of: Roger R. SibleyMarilyn CrookerJean Strout

In Memory of: Richard J. Sick Rita Sick

In Honor of: Lauren SlebodnickJohn Gaines

In Honor of: Danya SnavelyErich and Cheryl Schaefer

In Honor of: Yoni and Shira SpeizerStanley and Suri Friedman

In Memory of: Paul SteigerAlbert and Mary BurkhardtGeorge and Kay Ross

In Honor of: Zachariah TullVirginia K. Rinker

In Memory of: Robin VoorheisHeather and Bill Hughes

In Honor of: Tristan WebsterEdward and Gayleen Austen

In Honor of: Kenneth J. WoodmanKen and Marie Woodman

In Honor of: Marian YatesPatrick Bohn and Ashley Yates

Published by Racker Centers’ Office of Community RelationsEditor | Heather Hughes, Director of Public RelationsDesign | Dawn Bricen LaMorte, Sunrise Studios Design | SunriseStudiosDesign@gmail.comContributors | Elizabeth Brando, Dan Brown, Heather Hughes, Sally ManningPhotography | Courtesy of Racker Staff

Cortland County SitesPreschool Program, Community and Residential Services882 NYS Route 13 | Cortland, NY 13045 Tel: 607.753.9375

Counseling Programs at OCM BOCES1710 NYS Route 13 | Cortland, NY 13045 Tel: 607.758.5100

Tioga County SitesPreschool Programs and Community Services1277 Taylor Rd. | Owego, NY 13827 Tel: 607.687.8929

Tompkins County Sites Administrative Building, Margaret Gibson Preschool, Community & Residential Services3226 Wilkins Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850 Tel: 607.272.5891

Clinic1001 W. Seneca St. | Ithaca, NY 14850 Tel: 607.277.8020

Counseling Programs at TST BOCES, Smith School555 Warren Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850 Tel: 607.257.2353

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.rackercenters.org | info@rackercenters.org | tel: 607-272-5891 | 1-800-336-1660

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014

President, Steve LipinskiVice-President, Cal OrganTreasurer, Eugene YarussiSecretary, Kevin Shreve

DirectorsPaul BanfieldDavid CampbellJohn CrosbyElizabeth Gesin David HallKristin S. LewisDavid McNeilDavid RobertshawKara TaylorChuck Tompkins

Emeritus Executive DirectorRoger R. Sibley

Emeriti DirectorsBob BantleDave DunlopSam ForcucciMargaret GibsonTom LonginDan McNeilDave PalmerChuck TompkinsMark WeidmanF. Ben Williams

Associate DirectorsW. David BanfieldCarolyn BartellTom BohnLorry ColeDaphne CornellRick CowanEugene C. EricksonYvonne Moore EverhartPhyllis JoyceJeffrey Lewis, M.D.Brian McAreeRichie MoranSarah Rich, Ph.D.John Rudd Howard SchlerGeorge SchneiderEmma ScottChristine SchweitzerL. Joseph ThomasJames Turner, Ph.D.Jen Whittaker