Give 716 Donors Raise Nearly $14,400
to Expand Outdoor Opportunities |
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Thanks to the generosity of our Give 716 donors, the children and adults we support will soon have enhanced spaces to learn, play, and connect outdoors.
Together, our community raised $14,398 during this year’s campaign, including a generous $6,000 matching gift from Cindy DeMarti and her family. These funds will help create engaging outdoor spaces for Summit Academy students and individuals in our community programs. Outdoor experiences offer opportunities to explore new interests, improve motor skills, regulate emotions, and simply have fun with friends and peers.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year’s Give 716 campaign and to the DeMarti family for helping make these outdoor experiences possible! |
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Summit Academy celebrates
Class of 2026 |
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As the school year came to a close, Summit Academy proudly celebrated 14 graduates during a special ceremony in late June. The celebration marked an important milestone in each student's educational journey. CEO Lisa Foti and President Amy Jablonski shared remarks congratulating the graduates on their hard work, growth, and achievements throughout their time at Summit. Samuel Garcia served as the keynote speaker, while Josh Phillips led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Congratulations, graduates! We know you will continue to shine bright, and we wish you all the best in the next chapter of life. |
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How a Hiking Community Changed the Weekends of a Father and His Autistic Son |
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For Summit Foundation Board President Joe Brown and his son, Matthew, hiking has become much more than a weekend activity. What started with a simple Facebook post about hiking with his autistic son led to an unexpected outpouring of encouragement from the Western New York hiking community and inspired the pair to take on the Western New York Winter Hiking Challenge. Since then, hiking has become a meaningful part of their lives and a special way for father and son to connect. From exploring new trails to ending their adventures with ice cream, their shared routine has created opportunities for communication, growth, and countless memories. |
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PACE Interns Recognized
for Hard Work and Growth at UB |
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PACE, The Summit Center’s pre-vocational program, recognized six individuals who successfully completed their internships with the University at Buffalo’s Campus and Dining Team.
Family members, friends, and Summit staff gathered to honor the interns and recognize their work ethic and dedication along with the valuable skills they developed throughout their time at UB. Their responsibilities included preparing and packaging food, cleaning, labeling, and providing excellent customer service, giving each intern the opportunity to gain real world experience. Matthew Bressette gave the keynote speech, and each intern was able to share a few words about their experience. Graduates also received a certificate of completion along with a gift from the university. The event continued with a catered lunch and dessert, providing everyone with an opportunity to celebrate the interns' accomplishments together.
We are so proud of our interns and all they have achieved through PACE. We wish them the very best as they take their next steps toward a bright future! |
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A Memorable End to the School Year
at Summit Academy Elmwood |
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Summit Academy Elmwood wrapped up the school year with an unforgettable picnic. Students, staff, volunteers, and families came together for a day filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of fun.
The celebration featured a delicious cookout and a variety of hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy. Students put their creativity to work building Ferris wheels, got their hands dirty in the garden, and enjoyed some friendly competition on the volleyball court. Freshly made cotton candy and popcorn added a sweet touch to the festivities, while cosmic bowling brought even more excitement to the day.
A special thank you goes to our incredible family volunteers, whose support and participation helped make the celebration such a success. Events like this are a wonderful reminder that our school community is strongest when we come together to recognize the accomplishments of our students and the people who support them every step of the way. | |
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Address Challenging Behaviors with Strategies for a Successful School Year |
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Educators and school personnel who work with students with autism, anxiety, or behavioral disorders are invited to attend “The First 50 Days: Troubleshooting and Overcoming Challenging Behaviors and Its Related Barriers,” a virtual workshop taking place Tuesday, November 3, from 12-3 p.m. The workshop will be presented by David Meichenbaum, PhD, clinical director of The Summit Center’s Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic.
Participants will have an opportunity to pause and reflect on the successes, challenges, and barriers they have encountered during the beginning of the school year. By examining what they have learned during the first 50 days, participants can identify ways to prevent challenging behaviors from becoming persistent, tolerated, or inappropriately accommodated.
The workshop will explore factors within educational settings that may contribute to challenging behaviors, strategies for overcoming common barriers, and tools to support the development of adaptive alternative behaviors.
Registration costs $105, which includes three NYS-approved CTLEs, Psychology CEUs, or Social Work CEs.
Visit TheSummitCenter.org for more information or to register. Contact (716) 629-3417 or [email protected] with questions.
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Shop the Bella Kids Fall Sale
to Benefit The Summit Center |
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Get ready to shop and support The Summit Center at the Bella Kids Fall Sale, taking place August 7-9 at 2040 Wehrle Drive in Williamsville. Shop Bella Kids’ biggest consignment event of the season, with a special opportunity to get an early start. VIP tickets are now available for $15 and provide early shopping access on August 6, with 100% of VIP ticket proceeds benefiting The Summit Center. During the sale, shoppers can also donate $1 at the registers, and Bella Kids will match donations up to $1,000 to support Summit. |
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Save the Date:
Summit Gala Set for Nov. 6 |
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Mark your calendars for this year’s Summit Gala taking place on Friday, November 6 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 Khoury. This year’s co-chairs are Tammy Nicholson and Missy Cornish.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information, please contact our development department at
716-629-3423. We look forward to an exciting evening to benefit The Summit Center Foundation! |
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August 7-9: Bella Kids Fall Sale Location: 2040 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville
Shop the Bella Kids Fall Sale and support The Summit Center. VIP tickets are now available for $15 and provide early shopping access on August 6, with 100% of VIP ticket proceeds benefiting Summit. Shoppers can also donate $1 at the registers, and Bella Kids will match donations up to $1,000. Purchase VIP tickets today.
November 3: The First 50 Days Workshop Time: 12-3 p.m.
Location: Virtual
“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 learn strategies to overcome the challenges they have encountered since the start of the new school year. Presented by David Meichenbaum, PhD, clinical director of the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic. Register today.
November 6: The Summit Gala Time: 6-11 p.m.
Location: Salvatore's Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew
Enjoy a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, the Hope Awards, and an afterparty hosted by DJ Khoury at this year's Summit Gala. Sponsorships are now available. Call 716-629-3423 for more information. Ticket and event details to follow. |
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Although not unique to neurodivergent individuals, stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) can be a way for people with autism to channel and manage excess energy and self-soothe. Stimming behavior can include body movements like rocking or spinning, making vocal noises, or engaging in other stimulation of the senses. (Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute) |
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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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