irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $44KADIRONDACK FAMILY CAMP- THE ADIRONDACK FAMILY CAMP IS APROGRAM THAT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES FACING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER TO ENJOY A SUPPORTIVE CAMP EXPERIENCE IN A BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT. THE CAMP IS STAFFED BY PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS AND RELATED SERVICE PROVIDERS (OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, PHYSICAL THERAPIST, SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST, ETC). MANY CHILDREN WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT NEEDS AND LIMITED COMMUNICATION TEND TO HAVE MORE CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS. THESE BEHAVIORS MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR ENTIRE FAMILY UNITS TO EXPERIENCE TYPICAL FAMILY VACATIONS. THE CAMP PUZZLE PEACE STAFF PROVIDES A SUPPORTED ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND RELATED DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
- #2 $51KANT PROJECT - PROVIDE PROGRAMS AT THE AUTISM NATURE TRAIL (ANT) ON WEEKENDS BETWEEN MAY AND NOVEMBER. OUR PROGRAMMING IS DESIGNED TO WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED SPECIAL SUPPORTS DUE TO THEIR DISABILITY. WE TRAIN STAFF AND PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FAMILIES THAT VISIT THE TRAIL. WE ALSO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR EDUCATORS ON HOW TO USE THE ANT AND PROVIDE STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT THEIR STUDENTS. THIS PROGRAM IS 100% FUNDED BY ANT.
named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
ADK Family Camp
Supported family camp experience in the Adirondacks for families of individuals with autism and related disabilities, offering structured activities, behavioral support, and respite in a judgment-free environment.
Autism Nature Trail (ANT) Program
Weekend programming on the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park, providing supported outdoor experiences and training for families and educators.
Community Connections Summer Camp
Research-based social skills program for children and young adults with social cognition delays, combining direct instruction with community-based practice in Rochester, NY.
activities · 2 groups
What they do
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Specialized Summer Camps for Disabilities 2 activities
- Manage and program the Autism Nature Trail (ANT) in Letchworth State ParkConsults with state and conservation partners to maintain and operate the Autism Nature Trail, providing weekend supported outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities from May to November. Offers training for staff, families, and educators on using the trail and supporting participants, serving as Director of Programming for the trail.
- Operate family camp program for families affected by autism spectrum disorderProvides a fully supported traditional camp experience in the Adirondack wilderness for families of children with autism and related disabilities, including multiple annual sessions with dedicated programming for young adults aged 18–28. The program includes respite support, multi-sensory activities, and evidence-based behavioral strategies such as social stories and visual schedules, staffed by professional educators and related service providers.
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Social Skills Development for Neurodiverse Youth 1 activity
- Run Community Connections Summer Camp for social skills developmentOffers a research-based summer camp program providing approximately 150 hours of individual and group social skills instruction for children and adolescents with social interaction difficulties, with no diagnosis required for participation. The program emphasizes immediate application of skills in community settings and is proven effective for individuals with autism and related disabilities.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$214K
Contributions & grants$29K13%
Program service revenue$151K70%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$34K
expenses
Total expenses$212K
Program expenses65%
Admin / overhead35%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$120K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$137K
Cash$100K
Investments$0
Liabilities$7K
Net assets$131K
Liquid reserves5.6 mo
3 years on record · 2022–2024 · YoY revenue +0.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JENNIFER HACKETT | PRESIDENT | 10 | $24K |
board members · 9
- CHRIS HOKE — BOARD MEMBER
- JAMES PERGOLIZZI — BOARD MEMBER
- JULIE LARSON — BOARD MEMBER
- KEITH POLIDOR — BOARD MEMBER
- LESLIE PINENKOV — SECRETARY
- ROBERT BALSAMO — VICE PRESIDENT
- ROBERT PICKERING — BOARD MEMBER
- SUZANNAH IADAROLA — BOARD MEMBER
- TODD LIBERATORE — TREASURER
relationships · 7
Who they work with
- Autism Nature Trail Partner — Collaborates on weekend programs between May and November, with all funding for the ANT Project provided by the Autism Nature Trail.
- Beaver Camp Partner — Provides lodging facilities for ADK Family Camp; families are directed to Beaver Camp's website for facility details.
- Canisius College Partner — Research partner in studies evaluating the effectiveness of the Community Connections program.
- New York State Government — Partnered with Camp Puzzle Peace in the creation of the Autism Nature Trail in Letchworth State Park.
- The Hunt Hollow Youth Ski Foundation Partner — Jen Lambert, President of Every Tree, serves on the board and provides adaptive skiing instruction through this organization.
- The Open Space Institute Partner — Collaborated with Camp Puzzle Peace to create the Autism Nature Trail in Letchworth State Park.
- University at Buffalo Partner — Research partner in studies evaluating the effectiveness of the Community Connections program.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Experiential Social Skills Trainingmethodology: experiential-social-skills-trainingBy practicing social skills in real-world, immediate settings through role play and group activities, we build social cognition and competencies because active, contextual learning reinforces retention and real-time application.
- Family-Partnered, Strengths-Based Skill Buildingmethodology: family-partnered skill-buildingBy partnering with individuals, families, and educators to build skills through inclusive experiences grounded in strengths and self-advocacy, we foster independence and community inclusion because collaborative, affirming support increases confidence and engagement.
- Nature-Based Therapeutic Programming with Educator Trainingmethodology: nature-based_therapeutic_programmingBy delivering structured, staff-supported nature-based experiences on the Autism Nature Trail, we support therapeutic growth and family engagement, and extend impact by training educators to replicate strategies in schools, because immersive, sensory-friendly environments combined with knowledge transfer amplify reach and sustainability.
- Structured, Supportive Environment for Predictability and Safetymethodology: structured-supervisionBy maintaining consistent behavioral protocols and structured supervision, we create a safe and predictable camp environment because clear expectations and routines reduce stress and support emotional regulation for campers with autism.