2008-2009 Annual Report - Kennedy Child Study Center

A Message from theKennedy Child Study CenterExecutive DirectorPeter P. GorhamDear Friends:Tempus fugit is a Latin expression penned by the Romanpoet Virgil that has come to mean “time flies” – a simplecomment on how quickly the days and years of our livespass by. And so it has also been with the Kennedy ChildStudy Center.Over the past 50 years, the Center has evolved from asmall demonstration project to a valued New York City institutionthat has served many thousands of children withdevelopmental disabilities. It remains vibrant because it hasconsistently and effectively responded to major challengesin our society – including the need for new knowledge andskills to effectively assist children with special needs.At the same time, it has constantly adhered to the standardof providing the highest quality of care, and it has doneso with a steady practice of the core values shared withother agencies affiliated with Catholic Charities of theArchdiocese of New York. These include unconditional respectfor every child, support for every parent, and an expectationthat personal growth can take place and familycircumstances can improve when assistance is made availablein a timely and consistent way.What goes into this unique mix of continuance and changethat produces consistently superior results? The answer isboth simple and profound. It is a shared dedication to thewelfare of our children by every member of the Kennedyorganization, regardless of position.This commitment is present in the leadership provided byour Board of Directors and our program supervisors, andit is always visible in the classroom where our childrenspend much of the day. It manifests itself in the professionalinterventions provided by our therapists, social workersand nurses. And it is also evident in the work of our administrativesupport and building maintenance staffs. Allwork toward the same end – the betterment of thechildren in our care.I hope you enjoy this report, which outlines some of theimportant recent programs and projects that illustrate thedevelopments taking place at the Center.Tempus fugit? It matters not. After all, KCSC is 50 years and counting… and that’s a very good thing indeed.Peter GorhamExecutive Director