Embracing New Opportunities Through Summit's PACE Program |
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Sarah recently celebrated an exciting milestone as she graduated from STEPS and transitioned to PACE, Summit's prevocational training program, at the University at Buffalo.
While beginning this new chapter, Sarah has fondly reflected on her time at STEPS Clarence Center, sharing stories with her new peers about the friendships she made, the activities she enjoyed, and the valuable skills she developed. Among those skills was learning how to maintain and manage a spending ledger, helping her build greater independence. During her first day shadowing at PACE, Sarah discussed some of the skills that helped prepare her for this transition, including self-advocacy and soft skills. Sarah also explained what motivates her to work.
"It gives me something more—more of a challenge. It gives me a chance to meet more new people, too," she said. When asked if there was a staff member who played a particularly important role in her journey, Sarah enthusiastically praised Shawndra. "Shawndra was super helpful! She encouraged me to self-advocate. She was someone to look to if I needed any help."
Sarah's success is a testament to her hard work and determination, as well as the dedication of the STEPS Clarence Center team, including Shawndra, the Behavior Support Team, and leadership staff. Through person-centered support and a commitment to helping individuals achieve their goals, Summit continues to empower people like Sarah to build confidence, develop independence, and pursue meaningful opportunities. Congratulations, Sarah, on this exciting next step. We can't wait to see all that you accomplish! |
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Building Friendships, Confidence, and Community Through BFFs Program |
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Great friendships can help open the door to new possibilities. Summit's Building Friendship Fridays (BFFs) program creates those opportunities by bringing young adults together for fun, engaging, and skill-building activities throughout the community.
Designed for individuals ages 18-30, BFFs offers regularly scheduled evening outings and special activities during school breaks. Participants gather at Summit's Amherst location before heading out to local destinations with Summit staff, where they can explore new interests, connect with peers, and build confidence in real-world settings.
Activities are chosen based on participant and family feedback and are designed to reflect a wide range of interests. Past outings have included art experiences, cooking activities, fitness programs, volunteer opportunities, and community events. Whether trying something new or revisiting a favorite activity, participants have the chance to strengthen social skills while enjoying time with friends. Beyond recreation, BFFs encourages greater independence and self-advocacy. Participants practice managing personal belongings, making purchases, and navigating community experiences, helping them develop skills that support confidence and success in everyday life.
The program offers at least four in-person sessions each month, with additional bonus outings offered throughout the year. Through every activity, BFFs helps young adults expand their social networks, build independence, and create lasting friendships while actively participating in their community. For more information, please visit Summit’s website at TheSummitCenter.org. |
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An Evening to Remember
at Summit Academy Prom |
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As the school year winds down, Summit Academy students recently celebrated one of its most anticipated traditions—prom.
This year's disco-themed event transformed the evening into a fun-filled celebration complete with colorful decorations, photo opportunities, music, and treats. Students enjoyed dancing with friends, striking poses with props, and casting their votes for prom royalty.
Congratulations to this year's prom court: - Prom King Hunter Lucas
- Prom Queen Rebecca Sullivan
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Prom Prince Josh Phillips
- Prom Princess Gianna Farsai-Rofot
A special thank you to our faculty and staff for creating a memorable evening and helping make prom a night our students will always cherish. |
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Summit Athletes Shine at Special Olympics Spring Games |
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Several Summit Academy students recently showcased their athletic skills and determination at the 2026 Special Olympics Track and Field events.
Our athletes demonstrated hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the day. A highlight of the event was Bobby McFadden, a Summit Academy student, leading fellow competitors in the Athlete Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
After their events, athletes proudly received ribbons recognizing their efforts and achievements.
A round of applause to all our participants for representing Summit with enthusiasm, courage, and team spirit! | |
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Summer Institute to Provide Teachers with Tools for Student Success |
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This July, The Summit Center will be hosting its 2026 Summer Institute “Ready, Set, Thrive!” The Summer Institute is a two-day preparatory workshop for educators and school personnel working with students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and other neurodiverse learning profiles.
This year’s workshop will be presented by David Meichenbaum, PhD, clinical director of the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at The Summit Center. An in-person only session will be held July 8 and 9 at 75 Pineview Drive in Amherst. A virtual only session will take place July 15 and 16. Both sessions will run from 8-11:15 a.m. and 12:15-2:15 p.m. for a total of five hours per day. Registration is $350 and includes CTLEs, Psychology CEUs, or Social Work CEs. Topics include preparing and setting up for success, establishing effective inclusion, supporting emotional learning, building positive thinkers, and more.
For more information, including an outline of learning objectives and additional details on Dr. Meichenbaum’s credentials, visit our Summer Institute webpage. |
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Give 716 Returns July 15-16 to Support Outdoor Play at Summit |
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Mark your calendars! The Summit Center is excited to participate in Give 716, a community-wide day of giving that brings Western New Yorkers together to support local nonprofits. This year's event kicks off at 7:16 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Funds raised through our Give 716 campaign will support outdoor play areas at Summit, creating engaging, fun, and sensory-friendly spaces where students can learn, explore, and thrive.
In the coming weeks, we'll share more details about how you can participate. Every gift will help create enriching outdoor environments that support social connection and joyful play for our students. |
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Delta Sonic Raises More Than $5,000
for Summit During Round-Up Campaign |
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On May 21, The Summit Center received a generous donation of $5,363.04 from Delta Sonic Car Wash as part of its April round-up campaign in support of Autism Acceptance Month.
Throughout April, customers at all 11 Delta Sonic Buffalo-area locations had the opportunity to round up their car wash and convenience store purchases, with proceeds benefiting The Summit Center as one of the featured nonprofit recipients.
This community-driven effort helped raise both funds and awareness in support of individuals with autism and their families.
The Summit Center is deeply grateful to Delta Sonic and its customers for their continued support of the autism community. |
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July 8 & 9: Summer Institute Session 1 Time: 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Location: 75 Pineview Drive, Suite 200, Amherst, NY 14228
An in-person, two-day workshop for educators and school personnel covering a range of topics, including social emotional learning, responding to challenging behaviors, and building positive thinkers. Register today. July 15 & 16: Summer Institute Session 2 Time: 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Virtual Session
A virtual, two-day workshop for educators and school personnel covering a range of topics, including social emotional learning, responding to challenging behaviors, and building positive thinkers. Register today. July 15 & 16: Give 716
Time: 7:16 p.m. Kickoff
Give 716, a community-wide effort to support Western New York-based nonprofits, will kick off at 7:16 p.m. on July 15, and end at 11:59 p.m. on July 16. Funds raised will support outdoor space where our students can explore, learn, and play.
November 3: The First 50 Days Workshop Time: 12-3 p.m.
Virtual Workshop
“The First 50 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.
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Adults can be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Diagnosis includes reviewing the individual's medical history, clinical interviews, and administering diagnostic tools. It can be more challenging to diagnose an adult because it is not always possible to confirm autism traits were present during the first few years of life. (Source: CDC) |
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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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