STEPS at Claudia’s Club
opens in Williamsville |
|
|
On September 3, the doors to STEPS at Claudia’s Club officially opened in Williamsville. STEPS (Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports) is a day habilitation “without walls” program for adults with autism and other disabilities who want to be actively involved in their community. This is the sixth STEPS location, accommodating a cohort of eight individuals. The space is uniquely designed to offer total accessibility to serve those requiring more physical adaptations.
STEPS at Claudia’s Club supports individuals in fostering relationships, building independence, and enjoying volunteer and recreational activities. Program participants spend most of their time in the community, and Claudia’s Club serves as a reliable hub to start and end their day. In just a few short weeks, they've visited Clayton's Toy Store, Dash's Market, Transit Lanes as well as area parks and libraries.
“Programs like STEPS are vital because they empower adults to participate in community activities while learning critical skills for future success,” said Diana Schmit, vice president of Community and Adult Services. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to access the customized space being offered by Claudia’s Club to expand our reach in Western New York and support more individuals in being accepted and included in their community.”
Claudia’s Club is an independent nonprofit organization started in 2024 by the Rosenecker family in honor of their daughter, Claudia. Claudia attended Summit Academy for 18 years and recently graduated from the special education school in June 2025.
“Our family created Claudia’s Club in response to a deeply personal need: the lack of meaningful programs for adults with disabilities once they age out of the school system,” said Tom Rosenecker, Summit Foundation board member. “Too often, these young adults are left with limited options and few opportunities for engagement.”
“Partnering with The Summit Center was a natural choice. For the past 18 years, they’ve been an essential part of our family’s journey—providing unwavering support to Claudia and so many others with developmental disabilities,” Rosenecker shared. “Their compassion extends beyond the individuals they serve to include their families, and we’ve experienced that care firsthand.”
STEPS was launched in 2014 to fulfill a distinct need for community integration services for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Visiting museums, libraries, volunteering for local charities, and participating in other activities of their own choosing is a key aspect of the program. |
|
|
Construction begins on new courtyard |
|
|
In late August, we officially broke ground on the new courtyard at Summit Academy Creekside. Once finished, students will be able to participate in physical activities, explore new hobbies, practice foundational skills, and much more all while enjoying the outdoors.
Plans for the courtyard began in 2022 with a series of brainstorming sessions led by landscape architect Joy Kuebler. She guided a team of faculty members in determining how the space could foster learning and wellness. Together they identified physical fitness, camaraderie, and self-regulation as priorities to support and enhance our students' well-being.
Funders from across the region have stood behind the project since its inception, including:
The Children’s Guild Foundation
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
Golisano Foundation
James H. Cummings Foundation
Jolly Boys of Williamsville
Renovations are expected to be completed in October. Thank you to our donors for making this important space a reality! |
|
|
A warm welcome to a new school year |
|
|
Summit Academy welcomed back students on September 3 for the 2025-2026 school year. Students and teachers alike were excited to get back in the classroom to start another year of learning and growing together.
"It’s a joy to welcome back our students, staff, families, and caregivers for another exciting school year," said Mary Bennett, superintendent of Summit Academy. “We remain focused on delivering meaningful instruction, building our partnerships with caregivers, and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Together with the Academy leadership team, I look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements throughout the year.”
Over the past year, Summit Academy leadership has been working to restructure the four schools to take advantage of each building's unique footprint. Summit Academy Stahl, the elementary school, supports students from preschool to age 11. Summit Academy Creekside serves middle school age students, and Summit Academy Hazelwood supports students who are high school age. Summit Academy Elmwood can accommodate students ages 13 to 22. The curriculum focuses on daily living and vocational skills.
|
|
|
Sponsorships, tickets available
for Summit Gala |
|
|
Join us for a lovely evening at this year’s Summit Gala on Friday, November 7, at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew. Partygoers will enjoy a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, the Hope Awards, and dancing at the afterparty hosted by DJ Primo. This year’s co-chairs are Tammy Nicholson and Missy Cornish.
Sponsorships and tickets are now available at SummitGala.org. Check out our Amazon gift list to donate to the silent auction. We look forward to an exciting evening to benefit The Summit Center Foundation!
|
| |
|
Lower your taxes with a qualified charitable distribution |
|
|
Starting at the age of 73, anyone with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) whether they need the money or not.
Qualified charitable distributions are a strategic way to meet your required minimum distribution while reducing your adjusted gross income.
Seniors can fulfill their RMD obligation by donating to The Summit Center through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). In 2025, individuals who are 70 1/2 and older can make qualified charitable distributions of up to $108,000. For married couples, the combined total is $216,000.
Of course, QCDs of any amount are a win-win. The funds go straight to the nonprofit, and the distribution is excluded from taxable income.
It's important to note that QCDs apply exclusively to IRAs and not to employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s. The donation must be transferred directly to The Summit Center and should not pass through your hands. Contact your IRA or financial advisor to start the process. For more information on donations that can have a substantial impact on our programs and services, such as naming Summit in your will, contact Laura Brann at lbrann@thesummitcenter.org. |
|
|
Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
|
|
Earlier this month, we celebrated our direct care workers during Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week (September 7-13).
Our direct care employees play a vital role work across several Summit programs, including respite, community habilitation, BFFs, and STEPS day program. Each of these programs support children and adults in building upon communication, social, and every day life skills to help them grow and thrive in meaningful ways. We are grateful for the compassion, hard work, and dedication our direct care professionals bring to their work. Their efforts make a lasting difference in the lived of the individuals and families we support. |
|
|
October 16: The First 30 Days Workshop
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual
“The First 30 Days: Troubleshooting and Overcoming Challenging Behaviors and Its Related Barriers” is a virtual, three-hour workshop for educators and school personnel who work with students with autism, anxiety, and/or behavioral disorders. Participants will pause and reflect on the early successes, challenges, and barriers they have encountered during the beginning of the school year. This workshop will be presented by David Meichenbaum, Ph.D., clinical director of the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at The Summit Center. Register today.
November 7: Summit Gala Time: 6-10 p.m.
Location: Salvatore's Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043
Join us at the 2025 Summit Gala for a lovely evening featuring a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, the Hope Awards, and a fantastic afterparty including dancing and late-night snacks. Sponsorships and tickets now available.
|
| |
Autistic individuals may experience the world more intensely—sights brighter, sounds louder, textures stronger. This is called sensory sensitivity. Respecting sensory needs, like quiet spaces or headphones, helps create a comfortable and supportive environment. |
|
|
Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
|
|
*Don't forget to add TheSummitCenter.org as an approved sender to ensure you receive
all future emails from The Summit Center. |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| | |
|
|
