Message from the Executive Director

This past year Sinergia welcomed you to our new home. Now in 2007 it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the new Sinergia website at the commencement of our 30th year. The year 2007 marks three decades of service to underserved children, adults with disabilities and their families. Our mission to serve Latino and other minority individuals with disabilities and their families continues through the work of the Metropolitan Parent Center. Sinergia received a 5-year contract from the U. S. Department of Education to continue to provide intensive Parent training and information to families of children with disabilities so that parents may learn to navigate the special education system to enable them to help their children attain educational progress. The curriculum has been adapted to include the Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 and the recently promulgated federal regulations. It will be translated in Spanish and available through our parent training offerings. In addition, our outreach and programming to Latino families will be expanded through the generosity of the New York Community Trust.

Sinergia’s residential and support services, housing assistance and neighborhood preservation programs fill a tremendous need of individuals and families who desperately seek homes where they will be secure, preserve their families and contribute to their communities. Homeless families with disabled family members find a refuge in the Sinergia Tier II residences and share with other families in Sinergia’s traditional events such as our Annual Picnic and Christmas Celebrations.

The adult consumers from our Day Habilitation, Family Care and Residential Services held the first dinner dance this fall. Participants in the Day Habilitation Program volunteer at community sites, engage in self-advocacy training and look forward to developing job opportunities and internships that will bring them fulfillment.

This year Sinergia was appointed a regional site for the newly established New York State Disabilities Advocacy Association and we will work with advocacy organizations that provide services across disabilities and age groups, as well as disseminate best practices in the provision of multicultural services.

Sinergia is planning to mark our 30th Anniversary with several special events such as the commemoration of the Richard M. Lash Resource library in honor and memory of our founder, the 30th Anniversary Gala, forums and colloquia, the establishment of a capital campaign, development of a training center; a collaboration between Sinergia, the Caribbean Cultural Center and Hostos Community College. This will be an exciting year and we welcome your participation. Please check our calendar and website for special postings of events and times. Also share information with others through our Newsletter and postings on our Web site.

Sinergia has made great strides through the years because of the steadfast support of the Board of Directors, consumers, families, funders, staff, colleagues and friends. This has been a true labor of love and dedication by many and for that we are most thankful to all. Please help us to continue our work for many years to come!

Myrta Cuadra-Lash