2016–17 Annual Report OUR MISSION VFES prepares children and adults with special needs to realize their potential as contributing members of the community. our workforce. You just don’t oneday services as evidenced by thetalent of disabilities, andenhancing existing employment services for adults with leasing space inthecommunity for Customized Workforce Solutions and challenged students, opening specialized classrooms for behaviorally committing to thedevelopment of fiscal year. We moved forward by that will beintroduced inthe2017–18 year with tangible newprogram plans Our strategic plan endedits second determination —hallmarks of VFES! risk andtriumphed.Courage and got right back upandtook thenext risks, succeeded, retook risks, failed, campers andadult participants took businesses where ourstudents, camp experiences andcommunity statement is found inourclassrooms, in 2016–17. The proof of this bold exploration, creativity, anddevelopment VFES embarked onanother year of individual is offered anequal opportunity for anindependent andmeaningful life. clinical, educational andsocial programs for people with special needs soeach VFES, inpartnership with thecommunity, will develop andimplement comprehensive OUR VISION perception, skill development and clinical services provide balance, participants. School-basedrelated needed social experience for the throughout the year provide amuch and September. Respite weekends and thelearning inplace between June is thegluethat keeps the skills intact seek for theirchild. Summer Matters quintessential harbor many families The Vanguard Schoolisthe thiscoming year. new programs andservices opening past year was spent preparing for the to know about theresult. Much of this money to dothis orthat. Folks want various stakeholders orasking for researching regulations, meeting with about thehard work that goes into 2017–18. Noonewants to read note what is about to unfold in 2016–17, Ithink it is worthwhile to While this Annual Report highlights enjoy thefruit of ourlabor. students, campers andadults will end, success has beenrealized, and of services we can deliver. To that providing theabsolute highest quality It takes staff focused onthegoal of most importantly, it takes dedication. time andenergy —alot of energy and adults with special needs.” It takes or let’s offer employment services for say, “Hey let’s open anewclassroom
Executive Director Grace Fornicola, A. Ph.D. With much appreciation, VFES! and know just how welcome you are at the advocate, andthefamily to feel the student, the visitor, theparent, comfortable inourprograms. We want yet familiar. We want you to feel services, is what makes VFES unique, and staff, along with ourcontinuum of Our students, campers, participants, in thefuture. programs andservices are sustainable everyone VFES serveswhile assuring focus onenhancing theexperience for for thecampaign. Our purpose is to as we analyze and prioritize needs pieces of this complex puzzle together and beyond. We are excited to put the on this journey well into 2017–18 a capital campaign. We will continue the needs, goals andobjectives for VFES took initial steps toward mapping that of ourselves! come to expect, each day. We expect services ourfamilies andfriends have continued to provide theexceptional strong planning year. Through it all, we services. This was anextraordinarily growth to all whoreceive these
1 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 2 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report Employment. Educators (ACRE) in Community Certificates with AssociationofCommunity Rehabilitation byvocational job coaches experiencessupported in career explorationandcommunity-based adults, 18–21years of age.Allstudentsengage and dailylivingskillsdevelopment toyoung careereducation support, preparation andsocial Transition Center (VTC) ofTheAs part Vanguard School, as through consultative efforts. classroom, individuallyandinsmallgroups aswell studentsinthe A teamoftherapistssupport become acontributingmemberofthecommunity. environment where the goalisforeachstudentto daily livingskillsapproach within asupportive school offersanintegratedacademic,socialand student andhis orherreadiness for life. services with aunique focus onthe individual special education andrelated clinical The Vanguard Schoolprovides comprehensive offers post-secondary offers post-secondary The Vanguard The ways to manage frustration andanger.ways tomanagefrustration emotional regulation skills,problem-solving skills,and on teachingstudentsevidence-basedbehavioral and special educationteacherandclassroom aidefocus behavioranalyst,clinicalsocialworker,certified certified Our teamcomprisedof a board interdisciplinary frequency andintensityoftheirbehavioraldifficulties. duetothe students whoneedadditionalsupport Intensive TherapeuticClassrooms intense languageneedsofthestudents. the designedtosupport and smallgroup instruction environments thatofferacombinationofone-to-one language pathologist.SLIclassrooms are language-rich model between theclassroom teacherandthespeech- communicators. Theclassrooms utilize acollaborative that significantlyimpacttheirabilitytobeeffective studentswithcomplexcommunicationneeds serve Speech-Language Intensive (SLI)Classrooms The Vanguard School’s SpecializedPrograms are designedfor 3 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 4 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report
l l l l maximize eachparticipant’s potential. friends,Summermake new Matters programs tohave funand to experiencingopportunities development ofsocialanddailylivingskills the maintenanceofacademicskillsto help themsucceed, learn andgrow. and build onparticipants’ interests to programs are of varying formats andlengths Summer Matters educational and recreational
Recreational andRespite Programming The School Vanguard Summer L.I.F.E. Campand Summer Experience The Vanguard Center Transition ESY Career Prep Academy Extended School Year at (ESY)
From l l l Summer 2017Business Partners andjob sitementors. partners commitment anddedicationofourlocalbusiness The successofthisprogram isdependentuponthe adult withinavaluable work environment. participant’s interests andstrengths toplacetheyoung Partnering withlocalbusinesses, VIP evaluates each independentlivingexperience. a week-long supported exploration, community-basedvocational trainingand has astrong focusonwork readiness, career This four-week intensive, pre-employment program Immersion Program Vocational
Lintons Food Management Service Frontline Education Audi Devon 5 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 6 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report and leisure activities. and recreationjob coaching,retention services discovery, jobdevelopment andtraining, includecareerServices assessment,career integrated employment intheir homecommunity. career interests and maintaincompetitive, todiscover necessary individualized supports provide and adultswiththe opportunities Customized employment andsupported services help jobseekersattaintheiremployment goals. feature person-centered andtraining to support disabilities. BasedCWSservices inBerwyn, employment-related toadultswith services Workforce Solutions(CWS) launched ournewest program, Customized planning andcareful development, we This summer, after two years of thoughtful Solutions Wo C ustomize rkfo rc providing e d
Marie andPat Elliott,Parents options for asuccessful post-secondary career path. academic andjob-related skills necessary to give him He is aneager and capable student whohas acquired the We are looking forward to what thefuture holds for Brad. help Brad learn. communication home.Most importantly, they know how to are approachable, responsive, andexcellent with The teachers love working with thestudents; they Vanguard is awarm, welcoming andfriendly place. opportunities theschool offers. Brad continues to make friends and embraces thesocial school concerts andmusicals. As ahighschool student, Brad loves theextracurricular activities too, especially the grade reports. We like andappreciate reading good behavior andgood started to make friends andenjoyed going to school. Soon after Brad’s acceptance to The Vanguard School, he their abilities. the students were not separated from theirpeers based on campus andrelaxed atmosphere. We also liked thefact that When we toured The Vanguard School, we liked theopen environment that we were comfortable with for ourson. for music, library andphysical education. It was not an building for most of theday, only joining their peers the student body. Brad andhis group were inadifferent seemed like his class was mostly separate from therest of school district’s intermediate unit. During that time,it Before attending Vanguard, Brad was enrolled inourlocal grader. His transition from public school was seamless. Our sonBrad started at The Vanguard School as athird LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
7 7 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-172012 Annual Annual Report Report 8 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report Debbie Dagg, Parent students and want to helpthem learn, grow andsucceed. Every person we have interacted with seems to enjoy working at the school, genuinely care about ourgirls andtheother support theteachers and therapists have for theirpeers is evident. Working with the VFES staff has beenfantastic. We appreciate thebackground andknowledge theprofessionals have inworking with children with special needs. The a similar world like ours are comforting and provide us with a great support system. needs. Knowing this relieves so much stress from ourfamily. Additionally, growing friendships with otherfamilies living in The Vanguard School has given ourfamily peace of mind. We feel confident ourgirls are inthebest program to meet their teachers. the individualized education program, thesmall classroom setting andmost importantly, theenthusiastic andsupportive more programs including Halloween parades, shows, gym talent shows, basketball blast andsoccer. We are thankful for Not only are they getting thesupport they need,but they have also developed friendships andparticipated insomany The Vanguard School have also helped Sydney andDanielle’s confidence grow tremendously. by people outside of ourfamily, andthey are somuch better at communicating theirwants andneeds to us. The staff at outside of ourimmediate family. Now, ourgirls are talking inlonger phrases andsentences, are much better understood they started at The Vanguard School, they said alot of simple single words, but people didnot understand most of them The staff at The Vanguard School have significantly helpedourgirls improve their speech by leaps andbounds. When school. for thekids, just like those found ina“typical” learn that there are alot of activities andevents seemed very happy, andwe were excited to liked that thekids we passed inthehallway support that ourgirls would have access to, we In addition to theacademic andbehavioral fears went away theday we toured theschool. of sending themto a“special” school. Those we were having ahard timewith theconcept special needs would feel institutionalized, and we were concerned that aschool for kids with When we first considered The Vanguard School, than what was available to theminourdistrict. right fit for them, both neededmore support kindergarten, we knewearly that it was not the When Sydney andDanielle started CONFIDENCE GROWS HERE Peter Evans,Parent tenure, ourconfidence in your program and your people are reaffirmed. knew that Vanguard was anexcellent placement for ourson.Now looking back as we near theendof his activities. Parents are included andencouraged to participate inthe process. From thebeginning, we is a year-round effort to keep students engaged through summer programs, weekend retreats andspecial physical, have beenthekeys to ourson’s success andhis longevity at Vanguard. VFES doesn’t rest! There programs that address abroad range of developmental needs; social, academic, musical artistic, and The faculty focus onteaching students as unique individuals andthe commitment of VFES to offering proudly watched ourenigmatic child develop into askilled, confident, andpersonable young man. We are very grateful to have beenpart of the Vanguard family for 15 years. During that time,we have VFES DOESN’T REST! 9 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 10 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report Jim Raihall, ParentJim Raihall, experience forJack andhisfamily. forproviding such agreat you to VFES andthe Thank VIP staff we saideverything needed to hear about the program. That next year!” again Jack’s quote was, somuch, andit was hard,but Ilearned andit “Dad,they was pushed me inthis program, worth it. Ihopecan go foreach student to maximize success. adjusting the program jobof they didagreat andneeds, goals the students. was diverse Because the group with adifferent set of was fantastic with Jack andallof VIP staff The the investment inthis program. with onadailybasis. Something he doesnot always alone fromthat week social growth was see at somereason. home The for worth living with others. Hiseyes were opened asto understanding how hisactions can impact the others he lives inthe context of himself the day-to-day life skills(cooking, cleaning, shopping,laundry, etc.), whichup well. isalot,Jack deal about Outside of agreat learned choosing roommates forJack, assigninghimwith two to know boys inthe previous weeks who he hadgotten andseemed to match of great job dida final weekThe living off-site with roommates in the hotel took the whole experience to the next level.The VIP staff the most significant factors in Jack’sthe time to understand Jack andwas success with this program. one of experience was invaluable. the jobshe hashadinthe past, andsothe learning Job The work Coachindependent really took vs. some of able after initialguidance fromhisJob Coach, to work andefficiently to complete the independently This jobrequired more work. workThe site assignment forJack at Frontline was anexcellent choice forhim.He improved hiscomputer skillsconsiderably, andwas workforcefull-time. help to Jack will be agreat ashe moves the program into the in 4weeks. materials andthe electronic ‘resume’ that came out of The classroom workThe andsubject matter covered was extremely thorough, andIwas amazed at how much was covered andcompleted INVALUABLE EXPERIENCES THROUGH THE VOCATION IMMERSIONPROGRAM(VIP) away by how profoundthe experience was forhim. experience. andgrowth Wepotential foranincredible learning were blown to be achallenging inthat this was endeavor going going for Jack but saw the inVIP. wehe participated knew the program, From what we understood of Jack hasattended camps andother VFES programs, this was the first year My sonJack, this summer (2017). Although 19,attended the VIP program did a great job in portraying that to the students. jobinportraying did agreat andthe instructors for ‘the world’ real term, that isfacing them inthe short the students isdesigned to prepare growing. program and be able to start This Jack that was himto work critical toget through hisanxiety andfrustrations him andshowed behavior himwhat was andwork. expected regarding For with extremely they patient were with him,but what was firm most important, were with the group. instructors expectations andfelt more comfortable The first few daysinstructors. The were anadjustment forhimashe understood the other students nor knowing what to expect andeven notknowing any of to pleaseeveryone, which Jack sometimes isaburden to growth. went innot especially when faced with new, unfamiliarchallenges. He alsostrives hard very anxiety Jack socialyoung isavery manbut alsooperates with ahighlevel of aiyo Isabelle Ohlin Family of us andothers seehow much she can do? The wonderful teachers and staff of The Vanguard School. demonstrates is ASTOUNDING. Who is ambitious for my child with adisability? Who will never give uponher? Who will help it’s academics, orcommunity-based orgym instruction. The patience andintuition and flexibility that Isabelle’s teacher continuously teaching andmodeling theright behaviors. They find learning opportunities inthesmallest things—whether going to doat school, because IKNOW herteachers will support her, andIknow they will get thebest out of her. They are validation. Ourdaughter is acomplicated learner with alot of underlying anxiety, andInever, ever worry about how sheis must recruit staff for somesixth sense of whenachild is going to spring aleak orneedextra helporjust want positive staff share areas of challenge orgrowth, soeveryone is reinforcing thesame desired outcome. Most importantly, they well-trained andupto date ondisability issues. They cross-pollinate, andbasically, everyone there knows your child. The both public andprivate, in four states. For us, Vanguard is thePromised Land. The teachers andtherapists are incredibly How do you build aplace like Vanguard? (If Iknew, I’dreplicate it inmy own house!) We’ve gone through special education, she is andcan become. Vanguard is that place. daughter would be valued and respected for theindividual just theway sheis. We always dreamed of aplace where our and thendevelop anxiety ontheinside. Where sheis fine for repetition. Where shedoesn’t have to mask competency if shemisses what was said, shefeels secure enoughto ask be listened to, even if shesays something unusual. Where, about herbeloved beagle, Betsy. Where sheknows shewill who likes science, theBackstreet Boys andtelling stories Williams Syndrome. She is Isabelle, with thehearty laugh, that—Individuals! At Vanguard, sheis not Isabelle with individuals of all diagnoses were celebrated for being just happy environment where laughing was encouraged, and Peace is knowing that Isabelle was insafe hands anda of exhausting worryanddoubt,Iknewpeace. peers whoare agood fit?” For thefirst timein over adecade need for social andemotional connection? Will we ever find perseverance to help herlearn? Who will helpnourish her our daughter’s best interest at andtheskills heart, and “Who is going to get it? Who will tell us thetruth? Who has myself driving around town, clenching my jaw, wondering, nurture oursweet daughter fell away. Nolonger didIfind the day my many anxieties about how we would educate and The day Isabelle started classes at The Vanguard School was WE FOUND THAT GOODFIT 11 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 12 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report camp became ‘mountains’ as hedescribed thescenery. Afterarriving at camp andbeing cheerfully greeted the window at thecountryside around. Heis particularity fond of mountains, sotherolling hills around the beautiful drive through theLehigh Valley –most injust quiet solitude with Cade eagerly peering out had beentalking most of thesummer about going to ‘autism camp’ andhewas ready. Cade andIenjoyed The day arrived to drive to Camp Kweebec andwhowas themost nervous of all? Dad was, of course! Cade right!?’ but as hehas beensaying more andmore lately, ‘MomandDad, you know I’mbecoming more independent, never know until you something, try right?!Cade was his usual, cautious self andasked many questions multiple options along theEast Coast, andit seemedlike the VFES program would bethe best fit – but you 13 this year, we approached himabout going away for overnight camp at Summer L.I.F.E. We had researched functioning, his autism has impacted his ability to participate andsocialize inlocal day camps fully. Turning Our sonCade had never beento overnight camp before the Summer L.I.F.E program. While Cade is high OVERNIGHT CAMP WAS A SUCCESS Bruce Bell,Parent he gained more independence. experience! Camp was very fun for Cade andby attending, that Cade felt empowered from theentire Summer L.I.F.E. during theirbowling outing. There’s nodoubt inmy mind to helponeof theothercampers whowas having trouble also heard from oneof thecounselors that Cade was able nice andfunny, andthis boy was quiet andwithdrawn). I in his cabin andwhat they were like (i.e., this kid was very personality! For example, heknewthenames of theboys and counselors), healso told meabout everyone’s he not only kneweach of his newfriend’s names (campers faces, but not names. But whenIpicked himupon Sunday, process. Many times insocial settings he’ll remember enjoyed it andseemedto gain alot of confidence inthe Though his program was just for theweekend, Cade comfortable by this point! was very hard. Not for Cade that is –hewas completely instructions to not embarrass him,but thehuggoodbye time for Cade andmeto separate. Cade had given strict by thewonderful counselors at Summer L.I.F.E., it was Kaaren Sorensen Dupont, Parent Sorensen Kaaren injust afew days—and personal growth we next summer. alllookforward to hisreturning period of through anenormous his achievement. At home, it was immediately clear that hisdaily living skillshadimproved measurably. At CampKweebec Carlwent onthe Tarzan forasecond turn before returning swing.) Inaphoto taken inthe car on the way home, Carlisglowing with pride at try many new things. at first,” zone and (“Some things can be scary his comfort we were told hesaid out of confident enough to step whom were familiarto himfromschool, he felt and hispeers, many of environment where he could succeed. Amongthe staff andpositive support, As at school, andkindatmosphere hadprovided the camp’s Carlwith an activities, structured high level of jet ski.(A jet ski?Noway!) counselor’s activity, every invirtually report, including the zipline, the “Tarzan swing,” the water trampoline, canoeing, anda rideona that read “Most Adventurous.” fromcamp with acertificate when ourhomebody returned fromhis we learned He hadparticipated, with anxiety andtends to resist new experiences. sowere we. Sowe truthfully were Carlstruggles also nervous—and astounded nights.one-week session at CampKweebec He was gobut markedexcited to hisfirst time away fromusformore than a couple of year,This andESY, inaddition to the regular school program His inthe VFES Summer Matters program. alsoparticipated Carl atmosphere Vanguard hasprovided forourchild. them, proudly andjoyfully. and we forthe incredibly positive continue morning, onthe buswith to be asmileevery grateful He gets the adults at the middle school andintroduced me to each of the open house to meet hisnew teachers, he already knew most of Four years later, Carlhasnow andVanguard entered the middle school program, continues to be hishappy place. we When attended able to thrive fromthe moment he walked inthe door. provided asetting inwhich Carlwas kindness andpositive reinforcement created by the staff academics, andabove allthe culture of new faces. Vanguard’s its “whole-child” attention to social, emotional, andtherapeutic support, needs inaddition to of highlevel of only home he’d relationships with friends, ever knownnew house, caregivers, to long-term astrange andfrom andtherapists to asea overwhelming city changes—from to suburbanlife, fromthe environment where he clearly felt safe andvalidated inthe midst of ourson’s transition to our family’s of part new life inPennsylvania. out to be the easiest. At Vanguard, It turned Carlfoundapeaceful weWhen moved fromNew York City the summer Carlwas nine years old,we worried that changing schools would be the hardest OUR SON’S HAPPY PLACE
13 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 14 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report
Valley Forge Educational Services Financial Highlights Assets June 30,2017 Statement of Financial Position Net Assets Liabilities Liabilities andNet Assets Investments Cash andcash equivalents Total liabilities andnet assets Total net assets Permanently restricted Temporarily restricted Unrestricted Total liabilities Capital lease obligations Loan payable Student activities account Accrued expenses Accrued compensation andrelated taxes Student tuition deposits andcredits Accounts payable Total assets Property andequipment Prepaid expenses anddeposits Accounts receivable, net
$ $ $ $ $ $
13,720,484 19,724,893 24,582,455 21,138,603 24,582,455 8,171,264 2,017,974
2,139,696 3,443,852 484,756 659,497 754,213 382,030 187,977 793,941 23,676 10,458 44,402 49,649
Support Services Program Services for 2016-2017 Summary of Expenses for 2016-2017 Summary of Revenues and Support Total Expenses Total Support Services Fundraising Administration Total Program Services Other Program Services Summer Programs Student Support Services Instructional Total Revenues and Support Other Revenue Investment Income/Realized andUnrealized Contributions Federal Grants andMedicaid Summer Programs Tuition gain (loss) oninvestments
$ $ 264,304 $ $ $ $ $ 12,854,508 14,545,149 15,947,580 18,108,357 3,093,072 2,828,768 3,919,880 7,889,065 1,179,865 1,819,525 992,411 394,188 53,152 88,907 80,723
Investment Income 6.5% Contributions 2.2% Federal Grants &Medicaid 0.4% Summer Programs 10.1% Tuition 80.3% Revenuesand Support Fundraising 1.7% Administration 17.7% Program Services 80.6% Expenses Other Revenue 0.5% 15 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 16 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Frank andAngela Tait Steven andLynne Spencer John Rowley and Alan andLouise Reed Math-U-See, Inc. The Huston Foundation Drs. Simeon Bardin and Anonymous (1) GIFTS OF $2,500 TO $4,999 WSFS Bank Snave Foundation Lincoln Industrial Corporation H.O. West Foundation C.S. McKee, LP Aegon Transamerica Foundation GIFTS OF $5,000 TO $9,999 Ronald McDonald House Charities Company Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Pennsylvania Training and Technical GIFTS OF $10,0000 TO $49,999 Fund The H.P. &Associates Fund of the GIFTS OF $50,000 TO $99,999 Anonymous (1) GIFTS OF $100,000ANDABOVE Office at 610.296.6725, extension 108. accuracy. Please accept ourapologies for any incorrect listing oromission, andlet us know about theerror by calling theDevelopment We have compiled afull list of donors whomade agift from July 1,2016through June 30,2017. We have made everyeffort to ensure may become successful learners andcontributing members of theircommunities. adults through education, services andprogramming focused onunlocking potential soall As adonor, you are anessential partof ourmission to enhance thelives of children and Thank you for your generosity andcommitment to ourchildren andadults. Melanie Davis Rowley Susan Denman Assistance Network (PaTTAN) Bank of America Charitable Gift
Mary LouiseMary Zwaan Patricia Wilson Borth TowersWillis Watson Scott Wheeler Campaign Wells Fargo Community Support Robert andMaureen Weaverling Diana G. Weaverling Steven andLinda Vogler Vanguard School Bob andReenie Stirling Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Shruti andNivedita Singhal Lorieannand StephenJr. Showers, Jeffrey and Stacey Rohrbeck Joanne Proschinger PNC Foundation Matching Gift Patterson Family Foundation Partlow Jerry Merck Partnership for Giving International Bowling Campus Jim andJaneHutchinson The Gillece Foundation of theBank Peter andEllen Evans Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Anonymous (1) GIFTS OF $1,000 TO $2,499 Parent Teacher Organization Rabbi Margot Stein Program Youth Development of America Charitable Gift Fund
John Meenan LPL Financial Jerome Kline Jose Hernandez William Hennessey Roberta Goschler John Fessler Mark andBarb Comyns Nora Cincotta Scott and Suzie Carpenter Jack E.Burns Anonymous (3) GIFTS OF $250 TO $499 Zukin Realty, Inc. David andAnne Troyer Stephen Dupont and David andDenise Ryan Steve andMarlene Ross Robert andFaye Richelderfer Janet Paul Ann Lovell Exelon Corporation El Diablo Burritos Karl andDeborah Dagg Dr. Thomas andCatherine Conahan Children’s Surgical Associates, Ltd. Jacqueline Chatfield ABC Paper &Chemical Company, Inc. GIFTS OF $500 TO $999 Matching Gift Program Kaaren Sorensen
Barbara Goldstein Robert J. Germanovich, Jr. Joseph Garger Mr. andMrs. Anthony Fischer Anne S. Clark Don andEleanor Carroll William Carr, DMA Dr. Jack Carr Charles andBeth AnnBuzza Madeline Brown William andBarbara Bradley John Boucher Jack andDorothea Birnbaum Marge Bingnear Catherine Bingnear Alma Bingnear Walt andDonna Bielski Douglas andDonna Bernard Eugene andPatricia Benasutti Christian andEileen Armellini Anonymous (3) AmazonSmile GIFTS OF $100 TO $249 Dr. Kathleen Wilkins Uncle B’s BBQ Shack Talbots Howard andDenise Stredler Dr. Susan Sabol Simon andLinda Russin The Parnell Family
Gary Arrington Anonymous (8) John Baranowski and Brian andElizabeth Adams Bill Adams, Jr. David Abbruzzi GIFTS OF $99ANDUNDER Target Corporation Frank andHelen Stecklair Edwardand Therese Staquet Diana Staquet Mary-Jo Siegfried Markand Teresa Sharrow Rita andDavid Schaefer, Sr. M. SatkoGregory Kim Rusich Alicia Roletter Mr. andMrs. William Richards Tiia Rettig Peggy Pennington Pasko Paul Patrick andChristine Palus Frank Naab Peter and Susan Murray Terry Nolen andAmy Murphy Robert andIlsa Monteith Sandra Molnar Paul Mitchell Deborah Miller Ann Micka Capt. Raymond andMrs. Mello Timothy Lanshe Richard J.Kirk Sylvia Keating James Keating andMichele Kemble Leon andRandi Katz Samuel Hammer Claire Hackett Guardian Life Insurance Co. Kim Andreacola
Nancy Leaf Leaf Kelly Joe andPeg Lavery Eleanor M.Kwapinski Jacqueline Kubacki Leon andRosemary Krushinski Judy Kinman Barbara andFrank Keating, Jr. Paul Johnson Dave andLaura Howden Barbara andPeter Herschel, Sr. Thomas R.Harper David and Suzanne Hall Ashley Kate and Scott Grimes, Jr. Darcy Greenfield David Goldberg Carol Gillece General Mills Box Tops Heather Gallagher Terri Fusaro Mary F. Dick andGabrielSherry De Felice, III Sheila Davis CutilloCheryl Jane Constable Wayne andKathie Choromanski Prabhakar Chitrapu Carole Chilton Mr. andMrs. Scott Cassidy Peter Carson Michael andLorry Callaghan Sheila andRichard Buzza, Jr. Sharon Burkard Karen Bradley Dorothea and Thomas Boyle, Sr. Christine C.Blidan Bara Thomas Bruce andJulia Bailey Patricia Arrington Howard andCathy Maris Michael andPatricia Maguire LoweLinda Sue Randy andRebecca Luft Alexandria Love Robert Larson and Daniel andDiane Van Dyke Louisand Suzanne Valenti David andMargaret Turnier Amy Thistle Roslyn Stitt Margaret Smith Thomas andMaryann Sinnott Mark andKathleen Schmidt Foundation Silicon ValleyCommunity Robert andJudy Schachner Robert F. Savage Lynne Sansone Dr. Rose Marie K. Salsbury Sadowski Gary Dolores Sadowski William P. Richards Al andMichelle Ricciardi Edward L.Reed Allen C.Qualls Allen andMaureen Qualls Abbe andEdmund Pescatore, Jr. Jeff andCatherine Peaper Frederick and Teresa Pagani Peg Osborne Abby O’Donnell Derwin Moore Michael Meers Phyllis McNeff Anne andJohnMcDonnell, Jr. Nancy Markle Stephanie Ledesma
United Way of Chester County United Way Greater Philadelphia/ Truist State Employees Campaign Appeal Combined Federal Campaign PA Combined Federal Campaign NJ PARTICIPATINGUNITED WAYS Willis TowersWillis Watson Fargo Wells Voya The Vanguard Group, Inc. PNC Foundation Nationwide Merck &Company LPL Financial Guardian Life Insurance Dell RETIRED EMPLOYEES MADE BY THEIR CURRENT OR COMPANIES THAT United Way of theNational Capital United Way of Midland County United Way of Massachusetts Bay United Way of Delaware Southern NewJersey Area Merrimack& Valley MATCHED GIFTS
17 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 18 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report Thomas andMaryann Sinnott Mark andKathleen Schmidt Sadowski Gary Dolores Sadowski Kim Rusich Jacque Murray Ann Micka LoweLinda Sue Nancy Leaf Leaf Kelly Jacqueline Kubacki Sylvia Keating Samuel Hammer David and Suzanne Hall Darcy Greenfield Heather Gallagher andGabrielSherry De Felice, III CutilloCheryl Karen Bradley Christine C.Blidan Bara Thomas IN MEMORY OF FLORENCE HUTTON Carole Chilton IN MEMORY OF JANEAGORDON Dr. Amy Abramowitz IN MEMORY OF ROSE GOLDSTEIN Robert andMaureen Weaverling I Ann Curran IN MEMORY OF ANNE CAVANAUGH Paul Johnson IN MEMORY OF UNCLE CARL Christian andEileen Armellini IN MEMORY OF ANNAARMELLINI and remember theirloved ones. significant events intheirlives. We honor chosen usintheircommemoration of We are grateful forthosewhohave MEMORIALSAND TRIBUTES N MEMORY OF LEO P. CLARK, SR. Dr. Thomas andCatherine Conahan BRACEGIRDLE IN HONOROF BENJAMIN John Fessler IN HONOROF ZACHARY BLAIR John Baranowski and IN HONOROF RACHEL BARANOWSKI Bill Adams, Jr. IN HONOROF MATTHEW ADAMS Patricia Wilson Borth Ashley Kate and Scott Grimes, Jr. Sharon Burkard activities. not beable to participate in student financially whootherwise would fund are used to assist students Vanguard School, gifts from this former Director ofEducation at The In memory ofJohnD. Wilson, WILSON MEMORIAL FUND Diana G. Weaverling WEAVERLING IN MEMORY OF PHILIPP. Michael Meers IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM TURNER Amy Thistle IN MEMORY OF JOHN THISTLE, SR. Amy Thistle IN MEMORY OF JOHN THISTLE, JR Madeline Brown I Robert F. Savage IN MEMORY OF MARY ANN SAVAGE Leon andRandi Katz OFMEMORY SYLVIA IN SAMET Leon andRandi Katz ROZENTULER IN MEMORY OF CLARA Katherine Dix I N MEMORY OF POP SMITHSO N MEMORY OF WARREN PEDERSEN Kim Andreacola
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Robert andFaye Richelderfer IN HONOROF CONNOR DINDA Mary F. Dick IN HONOROF ANTHONY DICK Sheila andRichard Buzza, Jr. Charles andBeth AnnBuzza IN HONOROF RYAN BUZZA Jane Constable IN HONOROF JOSHUA LAVERTY Richard J.Kirk IN HONOROF BRANDON KIRK James Keating andMichele Kemble Barbara andFrank Keating, Jr. IN HONOROF NICHOLAS KEATING Roslyn Stitt IN HONOROF FRANK HUTCHINSON William Hennessey IN HONOROF MAURA HENNESSEY Thomas R.Harper IN HONOROF CHRISTOPHER HARPER Claire Hackett IN HONOROF PATRICK HACKETT John Boucher IN HONOROF MELODY GROVE Barbara Goldstein IN HONOROF JACOB GOLDSTEIN Carol Gillece IN HONOROF TREY GILLECE Terri Fusaro William andBarbara Bradley IN HONOROF ALEXIS FUSARO Mr. andMrs. Anthony Fischer IN HONOROF ALLIE FISCHER Peter andEllen Evans IN HONOROF JAMIE EVANS Steven Dupont and IN HONOROF CARL DUPONT Kaaren Sorensen
IN HONOROF THE MCVEIGHFAMILY Dr. Susan Sabol IN HONOROF JOHNMCDONNEL Eugene andPatricia Benasutti IN HONOROF SHANE MARTIN Ann Lovell IN HONOROF CHRISTIAN LOVELL Shruti andNivedita Singhal OF SIDSINGHAL HONOR IN Eleanor M.Kwapinski IN HONOROF JOHN SHEA Catherine Bingnear Alma Bingnear IN HONOROF RYAN SHARROW Rita andDavid Schaefer, Sr. IN HONOROF AMANDA SCHAEFER David andDenise Ryan INHONOROF MAURA RYAN Al andMichelle Ricciardi IN HONOROF ALFREDRICCIARDI Alan andLouise Reed IN HONOROF EDWARD REED Jeff andCatherine Peaper IN HONOROF CLARE PEAPER The Parnell Family IN HONOROF MIAPARNELL Judy Kinman IN HONOROF LILY PAIKOFF Peter and Susan Murray IN HONOROF RYAN MURRAY Drs. Simeon Bardin and IN HONOROF JACQUE MURRAY Sandra Molnar IN HONOROF MATTHEW MOLNAR Patricia Wilson Borth Susan Denman
L Valley Forge Running Company TrattoriaNicola San TJ’s Restaurant &Drinkery Soltane Breads and Spreads Alba Restaurant Joanne Proschinger The Office Bar andGrille Lintons Food Service Management International Bowling Campus Great American Pub &Hotel Friendly’s Ice Cream Shop Dixie Picnic The Desmond Hotel Malvern Chick-fil-A Lionville Casey’s Public House Casey’s Pour House barre3 Main Line 333 Belrose Bar andGrill IN-KIND GIFTS Anonymous IN HONOROF BEN WITMAN Robert andMaureen Weaverling Diana G. Weaverling Anne S. Clark GEORGE WEAVERLING IN HONOROF Roslyn Stitt IN HONOROF LINDSEY TURNIER Roslyn Stitt IN HONOROF ADITYA THIRUMARAN Paul Johnson OF THEHONOR STAFFIN Youth Development
Christa Fisher Cynthia Feimster Dr. Jeanne Erthal Katherine Dix Gina Curry Ann Curran Kimberly Colsher Mindy Chidester Norma Carson Patricia Carlton Debbie Carletti Hugh Braun Annette Brandolini Nita Blue Dabney Blackwell Lee Berger Anonymous (2) Dr. Amy Abramowitz who gave toourAnnual Appeal. Thank you toour VFES Staff VFES STAFFGIFTS
Sheila Hricik Jeanne-Marie Heighton Theresa Haenn Helene Greenstein Krystle Gallagher Vicki Fringer Dr. Grace Fornicola Marcy McGee Anne McCrary Jacqui Maxwell Dr. Darren Levin Jennifer Kunz Timothy Krushinski Murray Kramer Kathryn Klingman James Kirkpatrick Norma Kasper Ellen Jordan Juliann Jaffe Cary Hunter
Kaley Roberts Brittany Rapp Rita Porrecca Joan Onorato Jacque Murray Carolyn Morgan Donna Metricarti Holly Zipperer Carla Zajac Lauren Wowk Erica Weber Cynthia Watkins Lori Stauffer Sandy Spuhler Dr. Johanna Spangenberg Thomas Smith Jean Shavor Sue AnnRusso 19 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 20 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation for their generous support. Dance Circus Theater. VFES would like to thank the Snave Foundation andthe African storyteller Sistah Mafalda Bouzy, The Claymobile andtheAlmanac hands-on learning experiences with ourstudents. This year’s artists included brought adiverse trioof artists to ourcampus for structured, engaging and exposure to andcelebration of at thearts The Vanguard School. This year, AIR Three years ago, The Artist-In-Residence (AIR)program was launched to provide u u u Philadelphia Region, Inc. and The Vanguard School PTO. Mr. Charles T. Ehlers, PECO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Daily Living Center: The CharterFoundation, Connelly Foundation, skills. Thank you to ourdonors for their very generous support of the and master theirdaily living, self-determination andinterpersonal constructed to provide areal-world setting for students to practice The Daily Living Center, anewfully-functioning was apartment, Center was renovated to house this newprogram. Customized Workforce Solutions participants. Asectionof theJarmon sessment anddiscovery services for our Vanguard School students and operates in asimulated work environment to improve thecareer as Assessment Exploration System (PAES), adynamic curriculum that With support from ananonymous donor, VFES purchased thePractical - Terry Nolen, Parent Terry will get even bigger. Andsowill ours. For that, we are sograteful andsoproud. Vanguard’s we support, know that Liam will grow andthrive andhave even more newopportunities. His world be transitioning out of highschool, andhis momandIare abit terrified about what lies ahead. But with and opportunities, tremendous andawonderfully support, positive environment. Next year, Liam will for his parents). The school has provided newexperiences bigger. Vanguard has beentheperfect place for Liam (and As parents, it’s beenthrilling to seeourchild’s world get and secure. clothes.” Andhedid:onhis own, incredibly focused andproud stairs carrying abasket of his laundry, saying, “Gotta wash my A few days later, we were at home, andLiam came down the get lunch at thecafeteria (cereal!) andasnack (ice cream!). and putting themaway. Hewas excited to share that hecould learning to dolaundry of theuniforms andaprons, folding them proudly telling us all about his newjob andthework hedid: school that day. But go hedid–andcame homethat afternoon about this newchallenge, telling us that hewasn’t going to cafeteria. At first, not knowing what to expect, he was anxious This year, he began anoff-campus job at Eastern University upcoming production of has bolstered his self-esteem (he’s already talking about the two years, gaining asense of confidence and connection that He’s beenonstage crew for theschool musicals for the past and, last spring, went to theprom with his newgirlfriend. He’s loved going to thehighschool dances, making new friends, Liam’s loved his teachers, thecommunity outings, thecampus. Liam asense of excitement for school andnewopportunities. that Vanguard has surpassed ourexpectations andreignited in Vanguard seemedto beagood place for him.I’mhappy to say time, we wanted himto bepart of abigger environment, and been at amuch smaller school for most of his education. At the Our sonLiam is entering his third year at Vanguard after having FOCUSED, PROUDAND SECURE The LionKing ). 21 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 22 CommunityValley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report Day Kimberton Inn Kimberton Joe’s Crab Shack Homewood Suites by Hilton Great Valley Home Depot Glen Mills Home Depot Claymont Herr Foods Hedgerow Theatre Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar Hand & Stone Massage Facial Spa ValleyGreat Grill Grand Slam USA Garden State Discovery Museum Freedom Valley YMCA at Phoenixville Dutch Wonderland Dorney Park Delaware Children’s Museum DataPrint Currie Hair Skin Nails Corropolese Bakery &Deli, Inc. Colonial Theatre Chick-fil-A Lionville Chanticleer Garden Center Ice Skating Rink Cedar Hollow Inn Canine Trade Group Bucks County River Country Brandywine River Museum Brandywine Prime Seafood & Steaks Bowling Palace Black Powder Tavern MurrayArthur Dance Studio Arnold’s Family Fun Center Arden Theatre Company American Helicopter Museum Altitude Trampoline Academy of Natural Sciences BUSINESSES WSFS Bank Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Partlow Insurance Agency, Inc. Giant Food Stores, Inc. El Diablo Burritos Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia COMMUNITYDAY SPONSORS Thank you for your support of Community Day. Wilmington BlueRocks Baseball Wawa Villanova Theatre Vetri Family Events Verge Power Yoga Uncle B’s BBQ Shack Twenty9 Restaurant &Bar TJ’s Restaurant &Drinkery Title Boxing Club TGI Fridays Taylor Rental Target Wilmington Target Malvern Target Glen Mills Target Exton Spa Car Wash &Detailing Center Smashburger Sky Zone Glen Mills Seven Stars Inn Schmata Productions Red Robin Gourmet Burgers &Brews Reading FightinPhils Pro Football Hall of Fame Planet Fitness Philly Pretzel Factory The Phillies Philadelphia Union Philadelphia Rock Gym, Inc. People’s Light & Theatre Company Penn Oaks Tennis Club Penn Cinema Riverfront P.F. Chang’s China Bistro On theBorder Mexican Grill &Cantina Nota Bene Boutique Not Your Average Joe’s Northbrook Canoe Company National Museum Liberty National Constitution Center National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum of theAmerican Revolution Merck Partnership for Giving McKenzie Brew House Longwood Gardens Lintons Food Service Management
Katherine Dix Sheila Davis Ann Curran Rebecca Ashjian Anonymous (1) Brian andElizabeth Adams INDIVIDUALS WSFS Bank Vanguard School PTO Tredyffrin Township Police Sleepy Hollow Petting Zoo Rutgers University Department of Paintings onPeople Montgomery Media Funtastic Party Rentals VENDORS Carla Zajac David andMargaret Turnier Rajesh andPriya Thirumaran Bob andReenie Stirling Stephen Dupont andKaaren Sorensen SenghaasSherry Rita andDavid Schaefer, Sr. John Rowley andMelanie Davis Rowley Joan Onorato Anne andJohnL.McDonnell, Jr. Bonnie Marvin Michael andPatricia Maguire Randy andRebecca Luft Ann Lovell Paul andPatti LeStourgeon Robert Larson and Stephanie Ledesma Joseph andPeg Lavery Timothy Krushinski James Keating andMichele Kemble Andrew andDonna Katz Cathy Hall Claire Hackett Theresa Haenn Furey Kelly Mosquito Control Entomology &Mercer County
23 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report
24 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report continued tocontinued TheVanguard TransitionCenter. each year, started highschool at The Vanguard School and camper. Over thenext seven years, Ieagerly returned to camp programs. Istarted my journey with VFES as a Summer L.I.F.E. I consider myself lucky to have beeninvolved insomany VFES MANY YEARS. MANY PROGRAMS. Attiya Hall,Student,Camper andVIP Participant thateverything you have given me. have ever happened to me. Thank you to everyoneandfor participating in VFES programs were thebest things that me on.Itruly believe attending The Vanguard School and more to accomplish andagroup of people always cheering I miss school days oncampus, but Iknow that Ihave much on from The Vanguard School, Iplan to study culinary arts. and realized my talents andinterests. Now that Ihave moved Through each VFES program, Ibecame thebest that Icould be successful career. a resume andgained theemployability skills neededfor a improved my job skills, prepared for interviews, developed fully immersed inhands-on, real-world work experiences. I’ve and thesummer Vocational Immersion Program, Ihave been the real-world. Through community-based vocational training VFES has helpedmeto feel confident andprepared to take on fact, Idon’t think there is anotherschool quite like Vanguard. help medoso. Noonehas ever helpedmelike at Vanguard. In struggling. They wanted meto succeed andwere willing to the teachers andstaff genuinely care. They noticed whenIwas to bethebest that Icould be.I’mstill amazed as to how much attended. Iwas held accountable andconsistently supported The Vanguard School was different than any otherschool Ihad John Meenan Kline Jerry Jacqueline Chatfield Jack E.Burns 2016–17 OFBOARD TRUSTEES Engagement Services Director of Career &Community Holly Zipperer Director of Development Carla Zajac Director of Human Resources Anne McCrary Director of Clinical Services Dr. Darren Levin Director of The Vanguard School Timothy Krushinski Chief Financial Officer James Kirkpatrick Communications Director of Marketing and Juliann Jaffe Director of Information Technology Victoria Fringer Executive Director Dr. Grace Fornicola 2016–17 LEADERSHIP TEAM Scott Wheeler, Chair Robert Weaverling Robert Stirling Jeffrey Rohrbeck Paul Mitchell
25 Valley Forge Educational Services – 2016-17 Annual Report 1777 North Valley Road Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 p 610.296.6725 [email protected] f 610.296.6530 vfes.net
Valley Forge Educational Services is an equal opportunity employer Customized Workforce Solutions and educator and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability in administration of its organizational policies, activities, admissions, programs, financial aid or employment practices.
Valley Forge Educational Services is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible in accordance with the law.