MDP AR

2014 ANNUAL REPORT A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1972

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A LETTER FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAM Dearest Friends, We thank you, our friends and our donors, for your long-time support. We are proud to share with you our very first Annual Report that highlights our tremendous successes and accomplishments over the past year.

Great things are happening at Martin De Porres! The leadership team — Sr. Evelyn and I — continue together to chart MDP’s future. We are proud of our expanded and dedicated board, who bring needed expertise to MDP, and of our committed faculty and staff whose boundless energy inspires and motivates our students every day.

We have weathered some tough times, including the devastation that Superstorm Sandy bought to our high school shortly after its opening in the fall of 2012. After a major restoration, the school reopened better than ever a year later.

MDP is unique. We create hope for close to 500 young people each year who turn to us when other options don’t exist. We are often one of the best answers for students with special needs when all other placements have failed them.

There is nothing quite like MDP. To ensure that all of our students have a promising future, we need to do even more. For this, we need your help. Without you, our future is less bright. As you read our stories from just the past year, rejoice with us in the changes — and yes, miracles!—that we have created in the lives of our young people, and help us transform more lives.

If you are a part of the Martin De Porres Family, you will feel proud as you read these pages. If you are not...I am sure you will be before you reach the end of this report. The spirit of MDP is contagious. We hope you catch it!

Best Regards,

Edward Dana, Ph.D. Sr. Evelyn Lamoureux, DW Executive Director Chair, MDP Board of Directors

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Our elementary/junior high school in Elmont serves up to 180 students each year in grades two to eight — students whose emotional, behavioral, and learning problems mean that public school special education systems cannot meet their needs. Serving students for 42 years, our educational sanctuary allows students to thrive and ultimately graduate and attend high school, either at Martin De Porres or returning to a public school.

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— Elmont Campus A Typical Elmont Student Manuel,* an 8-year old boy, did not succeed in public school. Internal issues such as inattentiveness, difficulty following directions, impulsivity and depression contributed to his behavioral problems. Outside of school, Manuel and his family faced obstacles that made life even more difficult. His mother worked three jobs to make ends meet and had to rely heavily on extended family for childcare. They lived in substandard housing that was overcrowded and often in disrepair. Since the family resided in a less than affluent neighborhood, schools lacked resources as well as good community services. Manuel’s father, who faced prejudice daily, had limited education and employment options.

Sadly, he made many poor choices as a young man. As a result, he was unavailable to Manuel and the family in the present. Placement at the Martin De Porres School was sought to provide Manuel a supportive school setting where he could work to overcome these challenges.

When Manuel entered MDP, his reading and math were well below grade level, despite the fact that his cognitive skills were in the average range. By the time Manuel graduated from the 8th grade at MDP, he had made tremendous gains: • His reading and math were at grade level.

• His aggressive behavior was reduced dramatically.

• His social competence increased.

• He was a happy, hopeful young man.

Over six years, Manuel grew emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.

What a remarkable change! Currently, he is a freshman at Martin De Porres High School and doing well. Some day he hopes to become an NYPD police officer. *Manuel, like the other students featured in this Annual Report, are not actual students due to confidentiality issues. Instead, they represent typical students at each of the MDP sites.

32 students graduated—16 went on to Martin De Porres High School, and 16 made enough progress to move back to New York City Department of Education high school programs.

35 new students were successfully integrated into MDP. Most students participated in music and dance programs culminating in concerts and recitals.

Students had very high rates of attendance.

More importantly, students, who before disliked school, found MDP to be a place they truly enjoyed. To them, MDP became a safe, loving place where they experienced a sense of caring and belonging.

All students participated in vocational experiences.

All visited museums, exhibits, theater, and musical events as part of an effort to immerse them in the cultural opportunities that New York provides.

Our social workers and school counselors helped students to develop emotionally through individual and group counseling, and to build the life skills needed to be healthy and vibrant.

A theme-based curriculum immersed all in an exciting process of learning that captured the imagination.

Many students were connected with supportive services in the community such as mental health, intensive case management, family support, parent education, and medical services.

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MDP

HIGH SCHOOL

— Rockaway Park

Our New York State Registered High School in Rockaway Park, Queens can serve up to 276 students a year, and is open year-round. (It also houses a separate smaller school for the students from our Casa De La Salle residence, described next.) The school serves students ages 13 to 21; many come from our Elmont campus upon graduation.

We offer a Regents Diploma track with a full range of academic programs as well as vocational programs including, for example, a fully functioning automotive repair facility, a barbershop, and culinary arts.

Our high school began in Brooklyn 12 years ago, and has been located in Rockaway Park for three years. Our aim is to help students maximize their abilities and leave high school prepared to move on to a job, college, or other appropriate educational or work placement.

A Typical MDP High School Student Jamal was a troubled 14-year-old.

He tolerated frustration poorly, was aggressive, and had limited social skills.

When upset, his behavioral problems increased and as a result he did not do well in public school. Simply put, Jamal needed a placement where he could be a success. The Committee on Special Education recognized this and made MDP his high school. Here, over time, he was able to learn and learn he did!

In his former public school, he was “on

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the fringe.” He could have easily been drawn into such things as gang activity or worse. Sadly, he would never reach his full potential there.

Jamal received clinical services over the years to help manage behavior and attentional issues, but he needed more.

His parents were very supportive but at a loss as to how to manage their son’s behaviors and parent him effectively. For the first year at the high school, Jamal was a constant behavior problem. When faced with challenges beyond his ability to cope, he would “melt down.” Jamal was in trouble—initially, the degree of his behavioral and emotional problems pointed to a very poor prognosis.

By the time Jamal was in the 11th grade, he had improved significantly. Despite this, he still needed MDP. When he finished the 12th grade, Jamal had become an honor student! He was the starting guard on the basketball team that won a league championship. Jamal earned a New York State Regents diploma and now attends a local community college. Without MDP, Jamal would probably have dropped out of high school and his life may have taken a negative trajectory.

Through the long-term application of MDP’s educational program and supportive milieu, along with committed parents, Jamal was able to make great strides. It takes a high level of commitment to deal with these seemingly intractable problems. Fortunately, Jamal was able to receive this help at MDP.

38 students graduated.

Six graduating students earned a Regents or Advanced Regents diploma.

Seven graduating students earned vocational certifications — four in Food Handling and three in Barbering Apprenticeship.

Other graduates went on to vocational training program or to structured work programs. Each student was placed in a program geared to help them further employment and life skills.

123 students participated in vocational programs—28 Automotive, 55 Culinary, 28 Barbering, and 12 Cosmetology.

49 students were placed in internships: 8 had paid positions, 25 had off-site unpaid internships, and 16 were in-house interns.

They worked in areas including education, elder care, customer service, automotive technology, animal care, and barbering.

All students were provided with the opportunity to participate in cultural and social experiences including visits to museums, historical sites, and athletic events.

Clinical staff helped students and families to cope with a range of challenging issues: homelessness, mental health emergencies, pregnancies, conflict resolution, and beyond. It is safe to say that our social workers help to create a safety net when society at large has failed them.

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MDP — Ozone Park

Casa de La Salle is an educational residence that for seven years has served young men aged 13-21 who experience emotional and behavioral concerns.

The “Casa” program was initiated as a combined effort of the New York State Department of Education, the New York State Office of Family and Children’s Services and the Martin De Porres School. The Governor’s Office at the

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Three students graduated; two received a Career Development and Occupational Studies credential and returned home prepared to pursue employment, and one went to a supportive living program.

Eight residents participated in Summer Youth Employment programs and worked at locations including Marshalls’ Department Store and a Subway Sandwich location.

A Typical Resident time determined that too many students needing a residential placement were sent out of state.

By working with MDP to develop a a comprehensive program for these youth, an educational residence has emerged that successfully serves students in their community rather than far from home.

“Casa” residents are a great group of young men who daily face challenges that may be triggered by internal factors, environmental influences or a combination of both.

As a consequence, their learning has been affected and they need a supportive residential program to achieve success. Class for these young men is held at our Rockaway Park high school in a program separate from the day school, as it requires a more intensive level of supervision.

Despite the challenges they present, the MDP staff appreciates the tremendous inner strength and unique qualities of our residents. We strive to increase their academic skills, to provide a milieu that is therapeutic, and to create opportunities for building competence in all areas: social, emotional, physical, and vocational.

We go” all out” to help our students discover a sense of meaning and belonging in a world that has often been uncaring and painful for them.

Tommy, age 14, came to the Casa as an angry and impulsive youth. Before finally being adopted at nine years of age, he lived in multiple foster homes where he was abused and neglected. In school, Tommy fought other students daily. At home he often ran away. Life was very painful for him. Prior to placement at the Casa, Tommy was hospitalized a number of times due to aggressive behavior. After much painful deliberation, Tommy’s adoptive mother, Florence, decided to place him in the Casa.

MDP accepted Tommy because he’s what we think of as “one of our kids.”

He had been hurt, over and over again, throughout his short life and as a result, was angry, defensive, and lacked trust. To his credit, Tommy had strengths and was a survivor. Although he had many issues that challenged us as a staff, we knew that, as Nicholas Kristoff suggests in his book, A Path Appears, when you begin a journey with brothers and sisters in need without knowing exactly how you will help—but knowing that you can help—a path appears and you can journey together. So, we began our journey!

Tommy still lives with us at the Casa.

He is less impulsive and not as angry.

Graduation will be soon! Tommy wants to explore a career in music. In the meantime, he has a job in Ozone Park and works after school and on weekends. He and his mother get along much better. She trusts him more now than she ever did before. We are incredibly proud of Tommy’s hard work.

We’re also incredibly honored that he’s accepted us as part of his family.

Five residents got work experience at our site as maintenance interns.

All residents participated in trips to such places as the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, as well as trips to amusement parks and sporting events.

Clinical intervention was provided for all students, including mental health services, psychotherapy, life skills training, and family support.

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Our Supporters We greatly appreciate the support of our friends and partners this past year.

Robert Aiello Susan & Michael Aloise American Industrial Partners Patricia & Edward Babor Laddy Baldwin Cindy & Paul J. Bamatter Margaret Bartley Jean Bell John Bertram Barbara Bishop Patrick J. Boyle Jo’Anne & Frank Brancato Barbara Romano & Gerald J Caliendo Dolores DeCrescenzo & Dominick Calisto Capital One Bank Br. Thomas Casey, FSC 10

Nancy Casimates Janet & Al Centrella Diane Cipollone Joel Claudio Steven Cohen Patricia & James Collins Dennis C. Coppin Cretan’s Association Omonoia, Inc. Crowley For Congress Br. Dennis Cronin, FSC D & F Development Group, LLC Delma Crump Diana Filiano & Edward C Dana Joanne & Thomas Darnowski Daughters of Wisdom O’Conner Davies Mary B. Degen Mary & Thomas A. Demakos DENA (Brothers of the Christian Schools District of Eastern North America) Joanne D’Esposito Ellen C. Dorsey

Pierre A. Douyon Dresden Occupational Therapy Patricia Dusenbury Bridget Edwards Dominique Edwards Katherine A. Ellmer Fabienne Epps Ralph Esposito Familiaris Paul Fantetti Thomas M. Farrell Eileen Finn Nicole M. Frankenstein Friends of Aravella Friends of Costa John Galassi Emily Gallagher Br. Joseph Garito German School of New York Christine Gonzalez Barbara & John P. Gould Grassi & Co.

Sr. Ann Gray, DW Greek Farms Int’l., LLC Hope Harley Lucille T. Hartmann Bernadette Howell Vivian Howell Henry J. Iori William Jesinkey Ron John Andre R. John Michael G. Jones Anne and Julie Kelly Charitable Trust Maureen A. Kelly Sr. Eileen Kelly, CSJ Priscilla O’Connell and Walter Key Catherine C. & John E. Kiely Erik G. King Irving Klein Mary E. Klein Anna Kril Sr. Evelyn Lamoureux, DW Karel Lancaster

Kathleen & Andrew Leary Lease Express Cheryl Lewis-Smith Rudolph Lewis-Smith LAK Public Relations, Inc. Lions Club of Ravenwood Magic Pest Management John Manfredonia Mariano’s Cleaning Service Martin De Porres Group Home Br. James Martino, FSC Garcia & Roland O. Masanto Frances P. McDonald Mushroom House, LLC Price Y. Olivier, Jr. Jane Canner & Kevin O’Mealy Jean & Arliss Pack Brian K. Pack Dolores Pack Paul Effman Music Br. Edward Phelan, FSC Vilma Phillips

Patricia & Alan S. Pozin Alice Premus Quill Corporation Br. Philip Rofano, FSC Paul Sapienza Carolyn Scarano SHAREing & CAREing Br. Edward M. Shields, FSC St. Mary Magdalene Parish Taminent Democratic Club Margaret Tarzian Carmine R. Tedesco Kathleen Thibodeau US Foods Sr. Mary Walsh, CSJ Maureen Watler Betty and Arty Williams Dudley Williams Norman Williams Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLP Zonta Club of LI 11

Martin De Porres Elementary/Junior High School 621 Elmont Road ı Building B ı Elmont, New York 11003 ı 516.502.2840 Martin De Porres High School 140 Beach 112th Street ı Rockaway Park, New York 11694 ı 718.525.5550 Martin De Porres Casa De La Salle 101-25 104th Street ı Ozone Park, New York 11416 ı 718.850.0191