Birch Family Services

Learning, connecting, and building stronger supports for families. 💙 Our Birch Family Services Education and Training Departments were proud to represent Birch at the 38th Annual Bronx Family Support Conference hosted by the Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council. Events like these create meaningful opportunities to connect families with resources, share expertise, and strengthen advocacy across every stage of life, from early intervention through adulthood. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to meet our team and learn more about the services, programs, and support available throughout the Birch community!

Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for our Adapting Books Virtual Workshop at 6:30 PM📖! Learn why, when, and how adapting books can help children with autism and developmental disabilities build communication, strengthen social understanding, recognize emotions, and engage with stories in meaningful new ways. Adaptive books are powerful tools that help bring learning to life through visuals, sensory experiences, and creativity while supporting every child’s unique way of connecting with the world. Join us and discover how books can help open new doors for learning, communication, and growth. 💙 Click here to register: 🔗https://lnkd.in/ecm_iA3z

A huge thank you to our Champion Sponsor, Lamb Insurance Services, for helping make our 14th Annual 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment such an incredible success! 💙👟 Your partnership and support helped bring together more than 300 runners, walkers, families, volunteers, and supporters in celebration of community, inclusion, and empowerment. Because of partners like you, Birch Family Services can continue creating meaningful opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Thank you for running alongside us and helping move our mission forward, one step at a time.

👟 Over 300 runners. Countless cheers. One incredible community. 💙 Our 14th Annual Birch Family Services 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment crossed the finish line this weekend at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, and together, we made this our biggest 5K yet! From runners and walkers to volunteers, sponsors, families, and the individuals we proudly support, the day was filled with energy, connection, and celebration. Seeing our Birch community cheering from the sidelines, crossing the finish line, and celebrating together is what makes this event special year after year. 🏆 Congratulations to our top finishers: 🥇 Male: Malik Stewart 🥇 Female: Melissa Munoz 🥈 Male: Eli Shlonsky 🥈 Female: Samantha Bobal 🥉 Male: Max Lustig 🥉 Female: Gabrielle Vaculikova 🎉 Top Fundraising Team: Team Sammy To date, this year’s race has raised more than $120,000, with fundraising continuing through June 30. There’s still time for one final push because every dollar helps Birch continue creating opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, donated, and showed up for our mission. Special thanks to our sponsors: 💙 Champion Sponsor: Lamb Insurance Services 💙 Community Partner Sponsor: EisnerAmper 💙 Refreshment Sponsors: Apple Bank, JD Masters Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Virtu Financial 📸 You can find all race photos here: https://lnkd.in/eGAWUGPd. Don’t forget to share your race photos and tag us using #WhyIm5KForward. Continue the momentum and help us fundraise through June 30 here: https://lnkd.in/ee5zPiez

Join us in congratulating Kaliana on achieving her Frontline Supervisor Certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy! This accomplishment reflects Kaliana’s dedication, commitment to professional growth, and passion for delivering high-quality, person-centered support. Her hard work and perseverance throughout the certification process are truly something to be proud of. We are grateful for Kaliana’s continued service and the positive impact she brings to Birch every day. 👏 Congratulations, Kaliana—we are proud to have you on our team!

Race Day is almost here! This Sunday, the Birch Family Services community hits the pavement for our 14th Annual 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62! From runners and walkers to families, supporters, and advocates, we can’t wait to see everyone come together in support of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. 📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026 📍Hudson River Park, Pier 62 🕛 Check-in Opens: 8:00 AM 👟 Race Begins: 9:30 AM A few quick reminders before you lace up: ✔️ Check your text/email from EliteFeats for your bib number ✔️ Race takes place rain or shine ✔️ Head to the registration tent when you arrive for your bib + t-shirt ✔️ Water and light snacks will be available 🚆Taking transit? C/E or 1 trains to 23rd Street M23-SBS to Chelsea Piers / 12th Ave 🚗Driving? Nearby paid parking is available at iPark on W24th Street off 11th Avenue. Use the link below for google maps. https://lnkd.in/dawxRvr6... See you at the starting line — let’s make every step count!

Every runner, walker, donor, and fundraising team for our 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment Race has a reason for showing up. For some, it is to support a loved one. For others, it is to give back to a community that changed their lives. For Jackie and her family, it is both. Before joining Birch Family Services, four-year-old Eli was completely nonverbal, and his family struggled to find the support he needed. Today, he can say more than 100 words, sing songs, and tell his mom something she once only dreamed of hearing: “Love you.” This Sunday at the 14th Annual 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment, Team Eli will walk, run, and fundraise so more children and families can experience moments just like this. There’s still time to join us at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 on May 17. Every step forward helps create more stories like Eli’s. Read Eli's full story and join us this Sunday here: https://lnkd.in/ej7ATQNk

Connecting families to resources, support, and community — one conversation at a time. Birch Family Services was proud to represent at the Manhattan DD Council Family & Professional Resource Fair, where our team had the opportunity to connect with families, professionals, educators, and community partners from across New York City. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and helped make the day such a success. We’re always proud to stand alongside organizations and advocates working to create more inclusive, supportive communities for all.

Teachers plant the seeds that change lives forever. As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we’re celebrating the incredible educators across our Education programs who help children find their voices, build confidence, and reach milestones that once felt out of reach. Every breakthrough, every first word, every moment of connection is made possible through the patience, compassion, and dedication our teachers bring into the classroom each day. Their impact extends far beyond academics. They help shape brighter futures for children and families across our community. Thank you to all of our amazing teachers for the care, heart, and expertise you bring to Birch Family Services every single day! Watch the impact here: https://lnkd.in/ehBXjUi8

This National Nurses Week, the students at our Long Island City Early Childhood Center had a special message for their incredible nurse who helps care for them each and every day! From comforting little ones to supporting our residences and families, our nurses are the heartbeat behind so many moments across Birch. 💙🩺 To all of the amazing nurses across Birch Family Services: thank you for the compassion, patience, care, and calm you bring to our community every single day. You help the children, adolescents, and adults in our programs feel safe, supported, and healthy!