irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $29.24MSCHOOL AGE - SUMMIT'S SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM PROVIDES A 12-MONTH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS. SMALL GROUPS OF 6-12 STUDENTS WORK IN A CLASSROOM WITH A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL, INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE AND THE SUPPORT OF RELATED SERVICE PROVIDERS IN MANY AREAS INCLUDING OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY, ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AUDIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK. ADDITIONAL AIDE SUPPORT OFTEN IS AVAILABLE TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS RECEIVE SUFFICIENT ONE-TO-ONE AND SMALL GROUP ATTENTION. OUR DAILY LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS 14-21 YEARS OLD FOCUSES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ACADEMICS, LEISURE, DOMESTIC AND SELF-HELP SKILLS, AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF VOCATIONAL SKILLS THAT LEAD TO COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT.
- #2 $5.79MPRESCHOOL - SUMMIT'S PRESCHOOL PROGRAM FOR THREE AND FOUR-YEAR-OLDS ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN A HIGHLY STRUCTURED AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT WITH RICH STAFFING RATIOS. WE EMPLOY A UNIQUE TEAM APPROACH THAT INCLUDES SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS, AND OTHER SPECIALIZED PROVIDERS WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP EACH PRESCHOOL CHILD ACQUIRE THE LANGUAGE, SOCIAL, PHYSICAL, AND ACADEMIC SKILLS NECESSARY FOR TRANSITION TO PUBLIC SCHOOL. IN ADDITION TO OUR TRADITIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM, SUMMIT PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR INTEGRATED OR MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic
Offers short-term therapeutic interventions for children and young adults with conditions including anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression, and behavioral dysregulation, using evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and parent training.
Consulting Services
Provides behavioral and psychological consulting to schools and human service agencies, including functional behavioral assessments, development of behavior intervention plans, and staff training for students with autism, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and other challenges.
Preschool Program
Structured educational program for three and four-year-olds with developmental disabilities, featuring small class sizes, specialized staff, and integrated learning opportunities to support transition to public school.
Ready, Set, Thrive! Summer Institute
Two-day professional development workshop for educators and school personnel on strategies to support neurodiverse students, covering topics such as self-regulation, executive functioning, and proactive behavior management.
School Age Program
Provides a 12-month school experience for students with developmental disabilities, including specialized instruction and related services such as speech, occupational therapy, and psychology support. Includes a Daily Life Skills Program for students aged 14-21 focusing on functional academics, vocational training, and independent living skills.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Day Habilitation Services 2 activities
- Providing day habilitation services for adults with autism and developmental disabilitiesOperates a day habilitation program across multiple locations in Western New York that supports community integration, social engagement, and personal development for adults with autism and developmental disabilities through community outings, volunteer placements, leisure activities, and skill-building opportunities. Uses enhanced staffing ratios to support individuals with challenging behaviors and promotes independence through individualized program participation.
- Providing social and community engagement programs for young adultsOffers structured social programs on Tuesday and Friday nights and through activities such as bowling and arcade games to support peer interaction, relationship-building, and community integration for young adults with developmental disabilities.
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Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
- Delivering supported employment and pre-vocational servicesProvides individualized job placement and ongoing support services including skills assessment, job application assistance, transportation coordination, interview accompaniment, job site coaching, and workplace integration support for adults with developmental disabilities, including those supported by ACCES-VR. Offers pre-vocational services such as soft skills training, self-advocacy support, work readiness preparation, and internships with hands-on experience in settings like kitchens, lasting up to one year with the goal of securing competitive employment. SEMP Specialists provide one-on-one support to help individuals find and maintain employment.
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Respite Care for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
- Offering family support, training, and respite careProvides respite care services offering temporary relief for parents of children with special needs through after-school (3–5:30 p.m., Mon–Fri), Saturday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), and evening (6–9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays) programs. Delivers parent trainings, workshops, and resources including video modeling tools and free pre-recorded webinars. Operates the STAR (Support, Training, and Respite) program and Summit BFFs (Building Friendship Fridays) to support family capacity and children’s social development. Also provides information to parents, school professionals, and service providers supporting children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Special Education Support Services 1 activity
- Operating Summit Academy school programs for children with developmental disabilitiesProvides a 12-month school program for school-age students with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges using small classrooms and multidisciplinary support including special education, speech-language, occupational and physical therapy, psychology, and social work. Includes a daily life skills program for students aged 14–21 focused on functional academics, self-help, domestic, leisure, and vocational skills. Also operates a preschool program for children aged three and four with developmental disabilities, using a team-based approach to develop language, social, physical, and academic skills, with options for traditional, integrated, or multicultural classrooms to support public school transition.
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School-Based Mental Health and Family Support 1 activity
- Providing behavioral health and psychological consulting servicesDelivers behavioral health programs for children experiencing emotional, social, or behavioral challenges, including short-term therapeutic interventions for children and young adults with or without autism, and provides treatment summaries to referring physicians. Conducts functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and develops individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) in coordination with educational staff. Offers contractual psychological and behavioral consulting services to public and private schools and human service agencies in Western New York, including transition planning support during environmental or programmatic changes.
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Autism & Neurodiversity Education Workshops 1 activity
- Providing capacity-building trainings and professional developmentOffers workshops, conferences, and preparatory training for educators, school personnel, and mental health professionals on supporting students with autism, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. Delivers a two-day summer institute that provides 10.0 CTLE credits and equips school staff with strategies for neurodiverse students. Has delivered over 600 presentations locally and nationally and provided consulting services to more than 85 school districts and private schools on behavioral and educational strategies.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$50.94M
Contributions & grants$5.46M11%
Program service revenue$45.25M89%
Investment income$41K0%
Other revenue$178K
expenses
Total expenses$45.81M
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead11%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$38.52M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$33.80M
Cash$3.58M
Investments$0
Liabilities$22.22M
Net assets$11.58M
Liquid reserves0.9 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +43.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 7
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISA A FOTI CPA | CEO | 38 | $275K |
| AMY JABLONSKI PSYD BCBA-D | PRESIDENT | 38 | $251K |
| STEPHEN R ANDERSON PHD | EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT (FORMER CEO) | 20 | $190K |
| DANA ZAKES | CFO | 38 | $176K |
| DAVID MEICHENBAUM | DIRECTOR OF CONSULTING SERVICES | 38 | $153K |
| SUSAN KEENAN | CHIEF HR OFFICER | 38 | $147K |
| DIANA SCHMIT | VICE PRESIDENT - COMMUNITY | 30 | $139K |
board members · 15
- DANIEL DIPOFI CPA — DIRECTOR
- DANIEL P O'NEILL — DIRECTOR
- DAVID P FLYNN — DIRECTOR
- ERIC SAENGER — SECRETARY/TREASURER
- FREDERICK G FLOSS PHD — CO-VICE PRESIDENT
- JENNIFER FELBER PHD — DIRECTOR
- JOHN CINQUINO — CO-VICE PRESIDENT
- JOHN GAVIGAN — DIRECTOR
- KATHY RALABATE DOODY PHD — DIRECTOR
- KENNETH SNIATECKI — DIRECTOR
- LISA BURROWS-MACLEAN PHD — DIRECTOR
- MARIA CRUZ — DIRECTOR
- MARK BRAND — PRESIDENT
- MATTHEW SHRIVER CPA — DIRECTOR
- RAHSAAN H DELAIN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 16
Who they work with
- Buffalo State University Partner — Hosts prevocational work experience and job coaching programs at Bengal Kitchen.
- Daemen University Partner — Approved provider partner for Continuing Education credits for Licensed Social Workers attending Summit Center workshops.
- NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Government — Eligibility for respite programs requires qualification under OPWDD and its HCBS Waiver funded programs.
- NYSARCSD Partner — Collaborates on registration and delivery of the Summer Institute educator workshops.
- New York State Department of Education Government — Provides behavioral consulting services in alignment with state requirements for positive behavioral interventions for students with disabilities.
- New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Government — Eligibility for the program is determined by OPWDD criteria.
- New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Government — Funds the Supported Employment program and determines eligibility for services.
- New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Government — Primary funder of the STEPS program, providing financial support through state-funded services.
- New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Government — Provides sponsorship and funding for Summit's community habilitation, respite, family training, and supported employment services.
- New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Government — Authorizing agency that refers individuals for employment services provided by The Summit Center.
- Perry’s Ice Cream Partner — Provides financial support to the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic
- The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Partner — Collaborative partner in operating the WNY Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- University at Albany Partner — Collaborative partner in operating the WNY Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- University at Buffalo Partner — Collaborates with The Summit Center to provide real-world work experience for PACE interns in a kitchen environment.
- University at Buffalo Partner — Hosts prevocational work experience and job coaching programs through Campus Dining and Shops.
- public and private schools throughout Western New York Partner — Receives contractual psychological and behavioral consulting services from The Summit Center.
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.
- Applied Behavior Analysis as a Developmental Mechanismmethodology: applied-behavior-analysisBy using structured applied behavior analysis (ABA) methods, the organization supports children with autism in achieving greater independence, because ABA is based on the principle that targeted behavioral intervention drives measurable developmental progress.
- Community-Integrated Skill Developmentmethodology: community-based_integrationBy embedding prevocational training, social development, and employment support in real-world community settings, the organization fosters functional skill acquisition and social integration, because learning in natural environments improves generalization and retention for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Family and Systemic Capacity Buildingmethodology: systemic_capacity_buildingBy training educators and supporting families with education, respite, and collaborative care models, the organization improves behavioral health outcomes, because strengthening support systems around the individual amplifies the effectiveness of direct interventions.
- Individualized, Person-Centered Pathways to Independencemethodology: person-centered-careBy tailoring behavioral, educational, and employment interventions to individual needs and choices, the organization promotes independence and successful community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities, because personalized planning and informed decision-making increase engagement and long-term outcomes.