Who We Are

Springbrook is a not-for-profit, state-licensed organization serving more than 550 people with developmental disabilities from across New York State and beyond. Our programs are designed to teach the skills needed to maximize potential, but also to put those experiences in a context. We work at school, in communities and in the home to create a comprehensive learning experience that makes every day a chance to discover, build and grow.

Each person’s unique abilities, interests, talents and needs are a part of our program planning, Their goals and desires are predicated first by their humanity, not their disability.

Springbrook is dedicated to the potential of each student and the power of community.

For over 80 years, Springbrook has provided a place where barriers are overcome, staff and friends are family, and students are seen as unique individuals. Springbrook serves about 550 people with developmental disabilities from across New York State and beyond and employs more than 800 people in the Central Leatherstocking Region. With spacious and bright facilities, Springbrook provides both the environment and staff necessary to enhance and guide the individuals we serve.

Springbrook is a place where learning never ends, challenges are conquered, and dependence is transformed into independence.

Mission

At Springbrook, we have a heartfelt commitment to serve people with special needs. We take pride in our Christian heritage, our family centered programs, and our ability to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve.

Our History

In 1925, Harriet Parish Smith founded the Upstate Baptist Home for Children after experiencing personal tragedy with a child she and her husband adopted. The home, founded on a working farm, served orphaned children, and with tremendous love, many were successfully placed in new homes. By the 1960s, the board of directors changed the home’s mission to serve children with disabilities — continuing a tradition of making the difference in children’s lives.

Principles

Springbrook has a heritage based on providing care and treatment to under-served individuals. We have grown to a multi-service organization that provides residential support, educational and clinic services for people with developmental disabilities.

We are dedicated to the following principles:

• People First: The children and adults we serve come first. Their needs, interests, goals and desires are predicated first by their humanity not their disability.
• Community Based Programs: Programs are provided in the least restrictive environment
  possible for individuals based on their wishes and abilities. Every effort is made to provide opportunities for recreation, education and the development of vocational or pre-vocational
  skills in integrated settings.
• Meaningful Choice: All people served by Springbrook have the opportunity to make meaningful choices based on their dreams, experiences or personal goals. These choices may be related to home, work or relationships. Opportunities for decision making are a routine part of each person's day. Life choices that do not compromise health and safety are respected and valued.
• Increasing Independence: Services and supports are provided to people based on their interests, preferences, strengths and the ability to promote independence.
• Consumer Satisfaction: All people and their advocates and guardians have the right and opportunity to communicate their satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction with the services they receive. Areas of dissatisfaction are addressed and result in tangible changes in the person's life situation.
• Transdisciplinary Approach: Planning is ongoing for the individual. All planning is collaborative and involves the people knowledgeable about the individual being served. All people are working in the best interest of the individual.
• Quality Staff: Through recruitment, hiring, training and evaluation, Springbrook is committed to maintaining quality staff members who are knowledgeable and competent. The strength of the Springbrook staff is founded upon their caring, concern for the individual and their respect for Springbrook and the people we serve.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Springbrook is a not for profit organization that receives funding from a variety of state and federal agencies. It is our responsibility to provide programs in a fiscally responsible manner. When funding constraints require supports or services to be limited or prioritized, the above tenets will guide our decisions.