From the Not So Frozen North

In our northern counties, Elmcrest Direct Support Professionals work with the children in community-based programs. These boys and girls may have mental health, substance abuse, and/or behavioral health needs. Program goals help to identify strengths, provide therapy, and build relationships to help youth develop coping skills. Staff professionals encourage these children to try various activities Read More »

Living Museum

All last month – 12 youth at Elmcrest researched famous persons and created exhibits for the Black History Month Living Museum. Their dedication was an amazing success. Each child chose his or her favorite and prepared a mini booth with photos and bios of the person they chose to represent. Elmcrest residents and staff were Read More »

Writing Our Lives

Future authors and possible journalists are among the boys and girls at Elmcrest who spent time last year “Writing Our Lives.” Mentored by students from Syracuse University, the children were encouraged to write about themselves and share their stories with the group. This marks the eighth year that the SU students have come to share Read More »

Game Time

The Elmcrest staff and youth in Cottage Three designed and created an Arcade Room --  topping it off by painting a wall orange!  Beyond a creative learning experience, the Arcade Room will provide incentive for youth who have earned special privileges. They will have access to this space during special occasions. Games on! Read More »

Winter Fun Inside

ECC Mexico Managed Care Office children bowling. On these chilly winter days, the children in Elmcrest’s Mexico, NY program have been spending their free time in a variety of activities. Bowling was the first challenge they took on with staff professionals Lisa and Rich. They carried their energy over to a dance party in their Read More »

Mystery Readers

Mr. Geglia reads to a class of ECC residents. Each month a ”Mystery Reader” gathers several of the children at Elmcrest together for story time. The boys and girls are surprised by which staff member takes on the mystery role. (Executive Director, Joe Geglia was the mystery reader in December for a Christmas story). January’s Read More »

Building Strength and Perseverance

Elmcrest youth climbing ropes during physical education class on campus. Facing the challenges of a climbing wall and rope course help to develop many strengths. Coached by Elmcrest’s Physical Education, Mr. Albert, this regimen does more than improve the children’s core and muscular abilities. Conquering new challenges helps youth develop agility, coordination, speed, balance, power, Read More »

ISplash!

Euclid AOBH boys splashing. The young men from Euclid House found an unusual and engaging way to test their artistic skills last weekend. They splashed their way to fun in a backlight room with squirt bottles in hand, not paint brushes, in a local games center. This novel entertainment offers participants a way to freely Read More »

Gliding Along…

The weather was calm and the ice was smooth, so the boys and girls from Cottage 7 took to the ice rink at Clinton Square. This fun winter spot in the heart of downtown also makes it easy for beginners and those not yet “Olympic-ready.” Some of these children took advantage of the skater’s helpers to Read More »

Come Fly with Us!

Terminal B hallway at Hancock Airport. If you are traveling on United, Frontier, or Delta airlines this year, please note the artwork in the Terminal B hallway. The children of Elmcrest school, and Elmcrest art programs, created these masterpieces that will be displayed all year. These twenty selections were among many that the boys and Read More »