Durand, Inc.

Please join us in welcoming Marc B. Sano as the new Executive Director, CEO of Durand, Inc.! After 25 years of extraordinary leadership and service to the autism community, Mr. Ray Cristofoletti declared publicly in November his intent to step down from CEO of Durand, Inc. In response to his retirement announcement, the Board of Trustees conducted a comprehensive search to determine his successor. With great consideration and confidence, the Board has appointed Mr. Marc B. Sano to the role of Executive Director, CEO. Joining the Durand Inc. Board of Trustees in 2016, Mr. Sano quickly impressed everyone with his commitment, knowledge, judgement, and willingness to contribute to Durand. Generously giving of his time and energy, Sano is known for his analytical nature, being solutions-oriented and capability to implement operational improvements. As Board Chairperson over the last four years, Sano provided agency oversight and top-tier leadership, while working closely with Cristofoletti and the rest of the Executive Team, on all program directions, policies, and strategies. Mr. Sano brings to the seat a strong history of dedication and commitment to community service; exemplified by his time spent as a Law Enforcement Officer, Chief of Police and most recently a Security and Safety Executive for the Virtua Healthcare Network. Always civic minded, Sano has focused a significant portion of his career on helping vulnerable populations, including those with behavioral issues and developmental disabilities. Passionate about the safety and wellbeing of Durand's students, clients and staff, Sano's background in non-violent crisis intervention, safety, and healthcare administration will be wonderful assets to our already robust human services organization. On behalf of the Board, the staff, clients, families and all of the autism community, please join us in the thanking Ray Cristofoletti for his years of dedication and service and ALSO welcome Marc Sano to his new role. We wish BOTH many blessings and years of continued success!

Parents and Guardians of those with special needs have many decisions to make daily, monthly, yearly and over the course of a lifetime. One major financial component includes how their retirement and social security benefits can and will impact their children with disabilities in a big way. Register for this important informative webinar to learn more. https://lnkd.in/e97YipKF

***Call to Action!!!*** As a multi-services agency, Durand provides learning opportunities for individuals with special needs in a safe environment. These key services extend past that of traditional education and allows for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities a chance to continue their education while surounded by their peers. Day habilitation services are important for individuals with autism because they assist with developmental milestones, tailored support, communication skills, social connections, sensory sensitivities, independence, daily living skills, and fostering meaningful relationships. These services can assist individuals in acquiring, retaining, or improving self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills. Day habilitation programs happen during weekdays and focus on helping people work on their individual goals. Currently Govenor Murphy is evaluating the merit of funding the transportation requirements of such programs so we need your help. Without your support, countless individuals may lose access to such wonderful and fulfilling opportunities. Please consider contacting Gov. Murphy reaching out and espressing your thoughts and feelings regarding how proper funding for transportation is a crucial component in providing such services. https://lnkd.in/eifWgrGF . . . #Durand #specialneeds #dayhabilitation #transportation #govenormurphy #autism #autismacceptance #autismawareness #neurodiversity

Did you know that December 3rd is when we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities? The 2024 theme is amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. The leadership of persons with disabilities is epitomised by the global disability rights movement’s slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us”. It connotes the basic requirements of participation, representation and inclusion and calls for persons with disabilities to actively shape the conditions of their lives.

Giving Tuesday is here! We’re so thankful for the support of our donors just like you. In the next 24 hours, we’re looking to raise $10,000. Can you help us? In 2023, Giving Tuesday raised $3.1 billion in the United States, which included $49,405,464 for 3,500 nonprofits. This Giving Tuesday you can help support Durand's mission of Helping Individuals with Special Needs Learn and Grow by making a contribution to our amazing Foundation. In doing so, you will help those in your local autism community in countless ways. Your generous financial support allows for us to provide housing, transportation, education services, early interventions and so much more for 100's of people with autism in the Delaware Valley region. For more information on how to have direct impact, please contact Rae Pastore, Director of Marketing and Development at [email protected] or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/eXv3TXP7 . . . #givingtuesday #givingback #givingbacktothecommunity #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #charity #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #specialeducation #specialneedseducation #specialneeds

We are so excited to announce the launch of our online shop! Now you too can show off your Durand pride with custom logo apparel and accessories. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, you can choose from a variety of branded merch; with a nice selection of t-shirts, hoodies, accessories and more, you can support us out in the community and at home. A portion of all proceeds go to the benefit of the Durand’s fundraising efforts. https://lnkd.in/eBfF7ZHP . . . #Durand #autism #brandedmerch #specialneeds #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #holidayshoppingmadeeasy #fundraising #fundraiser #givingtuesday #travelmug #customhoodies

As a part of Durand's mission of Helping Individuals With Special Needs Learn and Grow, we operate daily within a set of essential core values. These 12 values are what we hold dear as we provide services to our students, clients and families in the autism community. Recently during our Employee Recognition Event, we had the opportunity to commemorate four individuals who exemplified our values daily. This year, the Dr. Durand Leadership Awards were given to Lucy Flores, Donald Kircher, Tesenia Medina and Eric Hall. Named after our founder Dr. Simone Durand Schulmann, and presented by Kelli Brack (the Durand Foundation President) , the leadership awards recognize staff who are nominated by their peers and supervisory staff for going above and beyond and exceeding standards. By working effectively and conducting themselves with the highest level of professionalism, the Dr. Durand Leadership Awards celebrate those who embody Dr. Durand’s life work of respectful and compassionate care. Please join us in congratulating the staff who inspire and act as role models for the entire organization. Recipients received a certifcate of appreciation and a substancial monetary bonus from the Durand Foundation. We are Dedicated, Different, Durand!

Recently we celebrated some of our long-term members of the Durand Family Support Services; individuals who have been a part of Durand for 5 and 10 years. Durand’s Family Support Services provides assistance to families caring for a loved one with a developmental disability. All referrals for assistance come from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, support coordination agencies, and Department of Children and Families. Durand’s Family Support Services are delivered 1:1 by our highly qualified staff and include assistance in the following areas: Activities of Daily Living such as getting dressed, eating and personal hygiene. Increasing Community Participation such as daily errands, attending events, going to a restaurant, purchasing items and travel training. Increasing Independence such as helping clients do laundry, cook, clean and grocery shop. On-The-Job Support such as safety awareness, using the restroom, attending to tasks and general workplace etiquette. Learning Activities such as reading and writing or attending a class. Durand can find the staff or the family can recommend qualified staff. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, pass all state background checks and hold a valid driver’s license. For additional information, please contact our Family Support Department at (856) 235-3540.

Many of Durand’s clients participate in a variety of enrichment programs which enable individuals with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities to feel involved and be a part of the community. One such offering is the Blue Light Music Program The Blue Light Music Program provides a supportive and engaging environment for people of all abilities to explore and develop their musical skills. By taking an inclusive, person-centered approach to musical activities, the Blue Light Music Program helps students discover and develop their musical interests, all while encouraging them to explore their unique musical talents to the fullest. The Blue Light Music Program’s motto is CREATE. EXPRESS. EMPOWER and it is their mission to help students create the music they love, express themselves musically and empower them to live musical lives. Recently, Blue Light celebrated 15 years of success in the South Jersey market. Founded in 2009 by CEO Matt Bogacki and a few fellow musicians, the program unites approximately 250 students per year in an inclusive and supportive environment wherein they can focus on their own personal music and learning objectives. Blue Light Music Program serves youth and adults with diverse abilities like those in the Durand programs. With a focus on music performance, production, and recording, their state-of-the-art studios provide an immersive and empowering musical experience. Blue Light Music Programs’ unique approach, centered around the needs and interests of each student, equips individuals with the skills they need to express their creativity. Through group sessions, students are a part of a community of people who love music as much as they do, building meaningful relationships with fellow music enthusiasts. While at the Blue Light studios, Durand's clients participate in a unique variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner, which facilitates the development of communication, social interaction, and motor skills. Blue Light’s Music Programs provide success-oriented opportunities for achievement and mastery. From jam sessions, instrument lessons, music production, vocal recordings and more, Blue Lights helps bring students’ musical vision to life. . . . #durand #bluelightmusicprogram #music #autismawareness #autism #developmentaldisabilities #musician #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #intellectualdisabilities #success #acheivement #supportive #Community #engagement #personcentered

Get ready for the biggest rivalry in town! Support Durand by entering our exclusive sweepstakes. After the Eagles win over the Cowboys last night, this game is sure to be one for the ages! https://lnkd.in/eqRgCx-2 One lucky winner will score 2 club-level tickets to the highly anticipated Eagles vs. Cowboys game on December 29, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field. But that’s not all—you’ll also receive access to an unforgettable VIP Tailgate Party before the game! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the ultimate football experience while making a difference for a great cause. Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Cloudline Physical Therapy, and our other sponsors IT Data, City Tap House – Logan Square, Prelude Solutions, and Bellefonte Brewing Entry Deadline: 11:59pm 12/22/2024 Winner Selected: 10:00am 12/23/2024