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George Grand
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Longtime Githens Center director retires
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By: DANIELLE CAMILLI
Burlington County Times
MOUNT HOLLY - After 45 years of service, Kate York has retired as the executive director of the Githens Center, where she advocated and helped shape the programs for Burlington County's children and adults with developmental disabilities.
York, a Willingboro resident, closed out her professional career at the center, the home of the Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association, last week. For 27 years, she was the nonprofit's executive director and chief school administrator.
"I am most appreciative of the many years spent at Githens Center. It has truly been a blessing and an honor to be of service to the community, especially individuals with disabilities and their families," she said. "I will cherish the memories and the relationships developed over the years."
York began her career at the center on Cedar Street right out of college when she was hired as a speech pathologist. She spent about a decade in that role before being named education director and principal at the center's school and then the top administrator.
"It's truly rare to find a dedicated, loyal, compassionate individual, but to have the opportunity to be led by one for 45 years is incredible," said Ken Nilson, the Githens Center's board president. "Ms. York has been a tireless advocate for our clients and their families, our staff and the community."
York said after "pondering" the idea of retirement for a while, she knew she was ready this year.
"But I still have that burning inside me to help and provide services," she said. "I don't have any specific plans, but I will travel and I know I will volunteer. Right now I'm going to reorganize, relax, and get a feel for what is next for me."
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York said when she reflects on her career, she enjoyed the diversity of her job and working with so many clients and their families.
"There were so many changes over the years, even in the needs of those we served," she said. "No two were the same and no two days were ever the same."
York was instrumental in implementing programs and services for families and caregivers of those with disabilities. She said at one time there was very little support for them, despite the critical need. She instituted in-home and agency-based respite care programs designed to give caregivers temporary relief.
Also, under her leadership, the Githens Center launched the first after-school program for individuals with complex, multiple disabilities in New Jersey, officials said.
As the programs grew, York helped secure additional space in Mount Holly for the center, allowing for the expansion and ultimately the addition of an adult day program.
More recently, she led the development of a horticulture program in memory of her late husband, William T. York Sr.
York said she is proud of the recent accomplishment of a fully accessible playground at the Githens Center that is specially equipped with swings for children and adults in wheelchairs.
"It was always a major goal, and we accomplished it in phases and it was finally completed and dedicated in October of 2009,"she said.
Robert R. Andrews, the center's former associate director, replaced York. He is the former superintendent of the Salem County Special Services School District.
Contact: dcamilli@phillyBurbs.com or 609-267-7586
July 06, 2010 01:50 AM
TEXT SIZE Increase text size Decrease text size
By: DANIELLE CAMILLI
Burlington County Times
MOUNT HOLLY - After 45 years of service, Kate York has retired as the executive director of the Githens Center, where she advocated and helped shape the programs for Burlington County's children and adults with developmental disabilities.
York, a Willingboro resident, closed out her professional career at the center, the home of the Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association, last week. For 27 years, she was the nonprofit's executive director and chief school administrator.
"I am most appreciative of the many years spent at Githens Center. It has truly been a blessing and an honor to be of service to the community, especially individuals with disabilities and their families," she said. "I will cherish the memories and the relationships developed over the years."
York began her career at the center on Cedar Street right out of college when she was hired as a speech pathologist. She spent about a decade in that role before being named education director and principal at the center's school and then the top administrator.
"It's truly rare to find a dedicated, loyal, compassionate individual, but to have the opportunity to be led by one for 45 years is incredible," said Ken Nilson, the Githens Center's board president. "Ms. York has been a tireless advocate for our clients and their families, our staff and the community."
York said after "pondering" the idea of retirement for a while, she knew she was ready this year.
"But I still have that burning inside me to help and provide services," she said. "I don't have any specific plans, but I will travel and I know I will volunteer. Right now I'm going to reorganize, relax, and get a feel for what is next for me."
Advertisement Click Here!
York said when she reflects on her career, she enjoyed the diversity of her job and working with so many clients and their families.
"There were so many changes over the years, even in the needs of those we served," she said. "No two were the same and no two days were ever the same."
York was instrumental in implementing programs and services for families and caregivers of those with disabilities. She said at one time there was very little support for them, despite the critical need. She instituted in-home and agency-based respite care programs designed to give caregivers temporary relief.
Also, under her leadership, the Githens Center launched the first after-school program for individuals with complex, multiple disabilities in New Jersey, officials said.
As the programs grew, York helped secure additional space in Mount Holly for the center, allowing for the expansion and ultimately the addition of an adult day program.
More recently, she led the development of a horticulture program in memory of her late husband, William T. York Sr.
York said she is proud of the recent accomplishment of a fully accessible playground at the Githens Center that is specially equipped with swings for children and adults in wheelchairs.
"It was always a major goal, and we accomplished it in phases and it was finally completed and dedicated in October of 2009,"she said.
Robert R. Andrews, the center's former associate director, replaced York. He is the former superintendent of the Salem County Special Services School District.
Contact: dcamilli@phillyBurbs.com or 609-267-7586
July 06, 2010 01:50 AM
Post edited by George Grand on
Comments
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Ms. York did one hell of job!
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I am glad she is most proud of the playground. The members who donated played a small humble role and of course GG led the way.
I wish her the best and suspect Mr. Andrews will carry on, God Bless this Center, its work and especially the children whose lives it watches over everday, there is no doubt in me that Tiffany Grand's spirit lives in us as she looks down from above.
RT1 -
reeltrouble1 wrote: »I am glad she is most proud of the playground. The members who donated played a small humble role and of course GG led the way.
RT1
Tedwick, I am gladified that you caught that. I was privy to a lot of stuff, but I didn't know just how "long" in the planning the playground was! A humble role is an understatement. You guys/gals here at Polk, and the guys/gals over at AK, just about paid LOCK, STOCK, AND BARREL for that playground and its accessories (the sidewalks, the ramps, etc.). The initial rough figure was about $25k for the playground equipment, and the rubberized, textured surface underneath it. The figures for the sidewalks and concrete ramps coming out of the school were added later.
I am just about 100% certain, that over the last 5 years, the largest donation other than Polk/AK was a $500 grant from Ronald McDonald House. That was nice of them, but YOU are the people that donated, by my estimate, a MINIMUM of $25k by this time (since late 2005), and certainly by the time the year is out.
I'm feeling pretty good that it looks like this affair was a pipedream until we came along. Now who's in charge? -
Sounds like Mrs. York loved her job and put 45 years of her heart and soul into it.
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She's a pretty class act.
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George Grand wrote: »She's a pretty class act.
Could not have said it better.engtaz
I love how music can brighten up a bad day. -
George Grand wrote: »Tedwick, I am gladified that you caught that. I was privy to a lot of stuff, but I didn't know just how "long" in the planning the playground was! A humble role is an understatement. You guys/gals here at Polk, and the guys/gals over at AK, just about paid LOCK, STOCK, AND BARREL for that playground and its accessories (the sidewalks, the ramps, etc.). The initial rough figure was about $25k for the playground equipment, and the rubberized, textured surface underneath it. The figures for the sidewalks and concrete ramps coming out of the school were added later.
I am just about 100% certain, that over the last 5 years, the largest donation other than Polk/AK was a $500 grant from Ronald McDonald House. That was nice of them, but YOU are the people that donated, by my estimate, a MINIMUM of $25k by this time (since late 2005), and certainly by the time the year is out.
I'm feeling pretty good that it looks like this affair was a pipedream until we came along. Now who's in charge?
That info is absolutely awesome to hear and very inspiring George. I'm so glad that YOU have made such an impact and got us and AK involved. Truely great stuff George. I wish I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. York when we were there. 45 years of her life spent on making these kids lives so much better, she's going to really get the grand (no pun intended) reward!
I'm sure Tiffany is beaming from her place in heaven and is singing your praises!!;) God bless her and you!:)
Just for the record I'll bet that any two of us has matched McDonald's house donation. -
Mike please quote this from me to George:
Thank you Ms Camilli for all that you have given to others. George, thank you for giving a part of your life to help others. You know all of us here will continue to carry on and give our help when we can. You are one of the good ones.
My sister says "Thanks".:D (she smiles a lot) -
George has specifically asked that we don't do that Russ so I wouldn't push it if I were you.
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Cool. Tell him thanks anyway.
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I wish her the best of luck in retirement, sounds like she earned it.Living Room 2 Channel -
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She's the type of person that makes me think....there are still great people left in this world.
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Its nice to read a inspiring story about a great person. She has no doubt seen a lot in her long career. She was involved in the beginning of the movement to move disabled individuals out of institutions into community based support. I worked in the mental health field for ten years and worked with individuals that were duel diagnosed (people who suffered with mental health issues and developmental disabilities). I can tell you that it is a very difficult job that pays nowhere near enough. I loved working with people we supported , but its the constant fight with the system and advocating that burns a person out. The fact that this lady did this for 45 years shows just amazing she is.
I wish her all the best and hope she finds health and happiness in retirement.
P.S. Congratulations to all the members in this forum for their contributions to the playground. There are some great people in this forum
Tim"They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde
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