Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an opportunity to celebrate employees with disabilities and their contributions to the workforce. At The Summit Center, we see these valuable contributions in the dedication and talent of individuals in our employment programs. We recently talked to David who is enrolled in the Supported Employment program. David has worked at The Home Depot for the past six years.
Q: How has working at The Home Depot made a difference in your life?
A: It’s great working at The Home Depot. I get to work with different people and different cultures and backgrounds. Also, the benefits are really good. When I was planning a trip to Cleveland, I got a discount on the hotel because of my work benefits. |
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Q: Does having a disability impact you at work?
A: Having a disability can make it difficult at times. Sometimes my ADD will kick in, and I have to ask a customer to repeat we’ve they said. But everyone has things they struggle with, and I know I do a great job at work.
Q: What are some ways companies can support people with disabilities?
A: They can give people more opportunities to get work experience, give them training, and the chance to earn certifications.
For many people, employment is much more than a paycheck. It provides connection, independence, and a sense of purpose. Yet, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment that prevent them from bringing their unique perspective to the world. October reminds us that greater inclusion makes our communities a better place. |
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Community gathers for the
opening of Claudia's Club |
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It was a beautiful fall day as family, friends, staff, and community supporters came together to celebrate the ribbon cutting at Claudia’s Club.
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. With help from their friends, the Roseneckers created a vibrant space for adults with disabilities to participate in recreational and learning activities.
The organization's inaugural partnership is with The Summit Center. Claudia's Club has graciously donated use of its facility to Summit’s STEPS Williamsville cohort, a day habilitation “without walls” program that enables people to be actively involved in their community. The family hopes to develop additional Claudia's Club locations around Western New York.
Remarks were shared by Tom Rosenecker, president of Claudia’s Club; Lisa Foti, CEO of The Summit Center; MaryGrace Rothfuss-Magnuson, program director of Claudia’s Club; A.J. Baynes, president of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce; and Bob Altieri, Town of Clarence councilman. Guests were invited to tour the space, which is uniquely designed for full accessibility, accommodating those who require more physical adaptations.
STEPS at Claudia’s Club supports individuals in fostering relationships, building independence, and enjoying volunteer and leisure activities. While most of their time is spent in the community, Claudia’s Club serves as a reliable hub to start and end their day. Since opening in September, participants have visited Clayton's Toy Store, Dash's Market, Transit Lanes, as well as area parks and libraries. Their most recent adventure was a trip to the Buffalo Zoo.
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Progress continues on
Creekside's new courtyard |
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Construction is in full swing on the new courtyard at Summit Academy Creekside. Crews have finished excavating and have marked the area where new surfacing will be installed. Once completed, this versatile space will give students the opportunity to engage in physical activities, practice foundational skills, and explore new hobbies—all while enjoying the outdoors. Beyond recreation, the courtyard is designed to foster social connections, encourage collaboration, and support the overall well-being of our students. We’re excited to see this space come to life and the positive impact it will have on our school community. |
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Philanthropist Tom Golisano to be honored at The Summit Gala |
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The Summit Center will present its annual Hope Award to Tom Golisano, philanthropist and entrepreneur, at The Summit Gala on Friday, November 7 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Erica Dayton, executive director of the Golisano Foundation, will be present to accept the honor. The Hope Awards are bestowed on supporters who have made an exceptional impact on The Summit Center’s mission to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Recipients exemplify the agency’s core values, including optimism, integrity, and collaboration. |
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In September 2024, Mr. Golisano pledged an unprecedented gift of $5 million to The Summit Center. The donation was part of a $360 million commitment to 82 charities across Western and Central New York. The vast majority of donations were awarded to augment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mr. Golisano’s gift is the largest in The Summit Center’s history. Preliminary plans are being made to invest his donation in a preschool program expansion.
Proceeds from The Summit Gala benefit the Summit Foundation, Inc., which helps ensure that The Summit Center can continue to serve the community for generations. In addition to the Hope Award, the event will feature live and silent auctions, an open bar, and an afterparty hosted by DJ Primo. More information is available at SummitGala.org.
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Win a stunning David Yurman necklace |
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Get ready to sparkle! Thanks to the generosity of Reeds Jewelers, you have the chance to take home a gorgeous David Yurman Madison Chain Necklace, featuring lustrous South Sea Pearls set in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold—valued at $4,800. Tickets are just $20 each or three for $50, and every purchase supports The Summit Foundation. One lucky winner will be drawn on November 7 at The Summit Gala. You don't need to be present to win.
Secure your chance to win today at SummitGala.org. Click the pink ticket and sponsorship button to purchase. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of timeless elegance while supporting a great cause! |
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Donate to help children thrive |
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Jack is a typical student at Summit Academy. He loves playing sports and adores visiting his grandparents. He could spend hours pretending “the floor is lava."
Like many of the individuals we support, Jack struggles with limited verbal language. He has difficulty regulating his behavior, and change often causes him prolonged distress. For children with autism, it can be incredibly difficult to cope with a world that wasn’t designed for them. Our faculty and staff go the extra mile to understand each individual’s unique needs as well as the barriers everyday life can create. They know that, no matter how significant their support needs, every child and adult with autism can achieve greater independence and well-being. |
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The right educational and therapeutic services make all the difference for students like Jack. Our programs are built on methods tailored to how individuals with autism learn. However, these methods come at a high cost, and state funding isn’t nearly enough to sustain our work. By investing in The Summit Center, you can empower Jack and so many others in living their best life.
Make a donation today and stand along individuals navigating some of life’s greatest challenges. Your gift says, “I believe in you.” And that belief changes everything. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Robert Lewis! What is your role at Summit?
I am the coordinator of pre-vocational and employment services. I supervise three great people in the PACE, SEMP, and ACCES-VR programs as well as maintain a workload of SEMP and ACCES-VR clients. These programs are designed to assist people in their journey of gaining skills to seek, obtain and maintain employment. Describe what your day might look like.
I’m typically first to arrive at 75 Pineview when I’m not meeting a client first thing in the morning. I attempt to maintain a daily routine, checking and approving daily time progress notes from my three areas of responsibility. I schedule meetings and keep in contact with clients and their families. I will then write my own progress notes, visit the PACE program at UB, and/or provide job coaching support for my clients.
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Robert discusses employment opportunities at Tops Markets with Zach, a participant of Summit's employment services. |
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What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
Personally, I’m most proud of my three children, Kyle, Beau, and Cole and my two grandchildren, Lincoln and Lena. I’m proud, but mostly blessed, to have met my wife Karin, who also works in human services as a transitional teacher. Professionally, I’m most proud of transitioning my 30+ year private sector career that included working up through several corporate levels positions to making a difference in people’s lives in human services.
What is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?
My go to place is Wayside Family Restaurant in South Buffalo. I have been eating there since I was a teenager. I enjoy eating at local diners much much more than fine dining.
Name someplace on your bucket list.
Hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah and, God willing, the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California.
Remarks from Melissa Kimmel, assistant director of community services:
"Robert joined us one year ago, coming to us with six years’ experience in the pre-vocational and employment world, and has demonstrated a natural knack for supporting individuals in their employment endeavors. Robert is invested in the progress individuals make and looks at ways to maximize the delivery of these important services. A parent of someone we serve recently shared how impressed she was with how quickly Robert onboarded and helped their adult child obtain a job. She stated that he communicates regularly and effectively to support her son’s needs. Robert’s experience and enthusiasm make him a valuable member of the Summit team. Thank you, Robert!" |
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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.
December 2: Giving Tuesday
Support The Summit Center on Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving to strengthen the critical work that nonprofit organizations do every day. |
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This year is the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This yearly event began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with disabilities. In 1988, Congress designated the commemoration as NDEAM. (Department of Labor, 2025) |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
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