Devereux New York in the News

Devereux recently hosted an intimate concert – “Sunday Jazz with Wynton Marsalis” – at the home of Devereux New York family member Merritt Lutz, who also serves on the Devereux New York City Advisory Board, to raise critical funds for the organization’s music therapy program.

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, Devereux is celebrating the differences of children, adolescents and adults with autism, and promoting inclusion for these individuals in all aspects of community life.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is celebrating the many remarkable achievements of youth and adults with developmental disabilities, highlighting the importance of helping these individuals lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Devereux New York provides a wide range of educational, clinical, residential and community-based programs and services for children and adults. Learn how we are helping those in our care become positive, productive and socially-connected members of their communities.

Carol White joined Devereux New York in 2017 as a licensed practical nurse. While she loves her current role, she has always dreamed of something more. Over the years, White considered going back to school to become a registered nurse, but one thing held her back – the cost of higher education.

During Recreational Therapy Month in February, Devereux is highlighting the positive impact recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games and sports, can have on those with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Catherine Kortlandt was recently elected to Devereux New York’s Advisory Board. Kortlandt, who serves as the senior assistant general counsel and managing attorney at Linde (formerly Praxair, Inc.), a global industrial gas and engineering company, was elected to a three-year term.

During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Devereux is highlighting the importance of empowering survivors to break the cycle of abuse, regain their independence and take control of their lives.

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Before you dive head-first into the decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping and entertaining, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico, M.A., suggests you take time to focus on your social and emotional health and well-being.

Katrina and Melvin Jones became therapeutic foster parents with Devereux New Jersey in 2008. Since that time, they have fostered 25 children, including three currently. In 2012, they adopted their first foster child, Dennis, and then, in 2019, they adopted three other children, all brothers, Lavion, Demetrius and Dayshawn.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Devereux is celebrating the significant contributions of employees with disabilities, and highlighting the importance of creating a workplace culture that is positive, supportive and equitable for all.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Devereux is joining other organizations in spreading the word about actions we can all take to provide help, healing and hope to those who are struggling.

If you are looking to create a summer routine for your child, Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers enriching – and fun – activities for families of children with disabilities.

Everyone deals with stressful situations at some point in their lives. Being able to adapt to those situations requires resilience. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers a five-week Resiliency Challenge to help adults learn how to “bounce back” from misfortune or change.

Devereux Arizona Accounts Receivable Specialist Team Lead Kagen Leva was 37 years old when he came out as transgender. Leva, who was working at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center (now Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services) at the time, describes it as a “sudden realization.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn common warning signs of mental illness in youth and adults, as well as coping techniques to help you strengthen your well-being and resilience.

Listen as Samantha VanAlstyne, who receives services through Devereux New York, discusses her children’s book titled, “Hi, I’m Sam,” on WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s Roundtable program. VanAlstyne’s book about her journey with cerebral palsy aims to raise awareness and promote inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Patricia Armellini, who receives services through Devereux Pennsylvania, wears many hats in her day-to-day life. She is a dog owner, artist and retail employee. Patricia says Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program has taught her essential job, life and social skills, and helped her secure and maintain meaningful employment.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is raising awareness about the importance of inclusion for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, and celebrating the unique strengths and vital contributions of these individuals.

February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has reported nearly 74,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S. Learn how Devereux is empowering survivors to regain control of their lives and supporting them on their path to recovery.

At Devereux, we are proud to assist businesses and organizations that need training and consulting services in a variety of areas. Recently, Devereux provided consulting services to Catholic Guardian Services to help strengthen the business performance of the New York nonprofit’s Family Counseling and Wellness Center.

The holiday season is here. For many, this time of year may generate feelings of excitement, joy and happiness while, for others, it might elicit feelings of anxiety, anger, regret or disappointment. Learn how to recognize and label your feelings so you can better enjoy the holiday season.

Devereux recently released its 2021 annual report, which includes information about our commitment to quality and safety, and the Devereux Family Standard.

November is National Adoption Month. Learn how Devereux is helping youth in need find safe, stable and supportive homes where they can grow and thrive.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role people with disabilities play in the workforce. Learn how Devereux is helping adults build self-confidence, utilize their skills, achieve their goals and thrive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020, with an average of one person taking their own life every 11 minutes. Learn how you can help someone who is struggling.

Planning on taking to the skies or hitting the open road this summer? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips for families of children with disabilities to ensure a safe and successful trip.

Practicing empathy can help you build stronger relationships, manage your emotions and foster greater compassion. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers free video series on the power of empathy and how to avoid toxic positivity.

In recognition of Pride Month in June, team members from Devereux centers across the country share what #DevereuxPride means to them.

There has never been a more important time to make your mental health a priority. Learn coping strategies for managing stress and building resiliency.

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our team members are our greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering an environment where they can grow their careers. Learn how Devereux New York is investing in the future of its employees.

Devereux New York has announced it is expanding its social media presence, and will amplify its voice on various social media platforms to share news and information about programs and services that support individuals and families living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults with developmental disabilities increase their independent living skills, integrate into the community and achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare nonprofit organizations in the country, just published our most recent Safety and Quality Report.

Learn how Devereux is using recreational therapy to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences learn new skills, achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.

Human trafficking is a global issue that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual trauma and exploitation lead safe, healthy and happy lives.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers tips for having a happy - and less stressful - holiday season.

In celebration of National Adoption Month, learn how Devereux helped a young man heal from past trauma and find his forever family.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Devereux is helping adults secure and maintain meaningful and competitive employment in the community.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 35 to 54. Learn how you can support those in crisis - and possibly save a life.

Is your child excited - and nervous - about heading back to school this fall? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips to help children with special needs ensure a smooth transition.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers tools and resources to help adults strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

Samantha VanAlstyne is a devoted aunt, dedicated college student - and most recently - published author. VanAlstyne, who receives services through Devereux New York, wrote a children’s book titled, “Hi, I’m Sam,” about her journey with cerebral palsy and learning self-acceptance.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the current issues facing the LGBTQ community. Learn how Devereux is creating safe spaces to help youth and adults strengthen their overall emotional health and well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many individuals. Learn how to cope with uncertainty and build your resiliency.

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Devereux Senior Vice President of Organizational Development Rayni Brindley, M.Ed., BCBA, shares her perspective on raising a child with autism.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults of all abilities achieve success in their homes, schools and communities.

At Devereux, providing fun, safe and effective recreational activities is a critical component of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual trauma thrive and succeed in life.

The holidays may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean the festivities have to stop. Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers creative ways to make the season special, while staying safe and healthy.

November is National Adoption Month, and Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children find a loving family and a permanent place to call home.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents and thrive in their communities.

Wayne Robinson, who receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York, is using his musical talents to give thanks to the center’s front-line staff for providing the best possible care and support during COVID-19. Robinson is enrolled in Devereux New York’s adult self-advocacy program, and was recently inspired to write a rap song to show his gratitude and appreciation for the center’s essential employees.

Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, shares activities to help your child or adult with special needs learn new skills - and have fun - while staying safe and healthy.

Devereux is launching an adult resilience initiative to help team members learn new skills to strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

Pride Month is an annual celebration in June of the LGBTQ community. Learn how Devereux is working to ensure every child, adolescent and adult in our care feels welcomed and safe to express themselves openly and without judgement.

There has never been a more important time to make mental health a priority. Learn how to manage stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.

Children, adolescents and adults at Devereux New York are bringing bright colors - and smiles - to the Red Hook, N.Y., community, and across the Hudson Valley, to lift spirits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn how to talk to children and adults with autism about COVID-19 to ensure they have the information and resources they need without causing unnecessary worry and anxiety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth and adults with developmental disabilities often face barriers that can make it challenging to function on a daily basis. Learn how Devereux is helping to break down these barriers.

At Devereux, providing fun and healthy recreational activities is a critical part of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country and every state in the U.S. Learn how Devereux Florida is granting hope and healing to individuals in need.

The holidays are a time of celebration, filled with family gatherings, gift giving and good cheer, but for many people, they also are a time of stress and seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Devereux Center for Resilient Children’s Nefertiti B. Poyner offers tips for families to slow down this holiday season and focus on being present, not perfect.

Since 1995, National Adoption Month has been recognized in communities across the country. Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children in need find a permanent, loving family.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and achieve their fullest potential.

Devereux New York recently awarded its first-ever high school scholarship to a Red Hook High School senior who plans to major in psychology.

Lena and Paul Martino credit Devereux New York with helping their son, Cristinel, grow and thrive. Cristinel recently graduated from Devereux New York’s Red Hook School.

Devereux’s Amy Kelly shares back-to-school tips for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program, a strength-based assessment and planning system designed to promote resilience in children, ages 4 weeks to 6 years old.

Pride Month is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ community, and a time when LGBTQ individuals - and their supporters - seek to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges youth and adults face in their daily lives.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is proud to serve as a nationally recognized leader in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare, providing innovative specialty mental health programs/services for youth and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders.

The June 15 event will feature discussions with internationally-recognized motivational speaker Lou Radja and Dr. Robert Naseef, psychologist, author and father of a child on the autism spectrum.

Author Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” The music therapy program at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York is helping adults with developmental disabilities find their voice.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health a leading provider of autism services for children, adolescents and adults - wants to highlight the need for greater understanding, compassion and support to help individuals diagnosed with autism lead more independent, fulfilling and socially connected lives.

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Recreational therapy uses activities such as music and dance classes and arts and crafts to help stimulate and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions.

Doug Patton, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York’s food service manager, knows the importance of a good sense of humor. In his 20 years on the job, Patton has always tried to keep a sunny disposition - and plenty of so-called “dad jokes” on hand.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. In the United States, one of the biggest challenges to combating this form of modern-day slavery is a lack of awareness and understanding.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., offers tips for families to focus on togetherness during the holiday season.

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Month and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health wants to shine a light on the urgent need to connect the thousands of children and youth in the U.S. foster care system with permanent, loving families.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York’s Advisory Board hosted a reception for more than 60 supporters on October 18 at the Coveleigh Club in Rye, N.Y. Attendees had an opportunity to learn how Devereux New York supports, and cares for, individuals living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and make a positive impact in their communities.

The American Association of Suicidology reports that, in the U.S., nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicide in 2016. In addition, the organization said suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with an average of one person taking his or her own life every 11.7 minutes.

This month, the Devereux Center of Resilient Children invites everyone to embrace our shared role in promoting healthy early childhood development by taking its online pledge to promote the resilience of all children, and to learn more about the negative impacts of childhood trauma, as well as the need for trauma-informed practices.

This summer, Devereux New York held its first “Self-Advocate Gala” for adults served by the nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider. The gala was coordinated by the organization’s “Adult Self-Advocacy Group.”