Thank you to our maintenance staff for clearing the snow and keeping our campus safe. We appreciate all the early-morning work you do. - Paula Matthews, Principal, Children's Day Program.

I would like to thank the whole maintenance department for all they do to keep our individuals and staff safe. I am not sure that many people realize that the last 2 storms occurred on weekends which meant that the maintenance department had to work the whole week (M-F) and then may had to return for countless hours over the weekend to clean up our sites/residences. I always worry about our maintenance guys and hope that they are getting some rest and are safe while performing snow removal. It can be very strenuous and physically demanding. I think they do a great job and deserve to be the February employees of the month! - Linda Werle

After the last snow storm, Diana and I both reached out to Brendan regarding vans being plowed in at EQUIP & Crossways DH, and the parking lot at Crossways DH not being safe due to snow and ice. Brendan, Rob & Sebastian quickly came over to help snow blow, plow and sand at Crossways DH, and then came to EQUIP and helped remove the snow blocking their large van in. We are not sure who plowed Bethpage Parking lot from our Maintenance team during the storm, but Steve came in and assisted with clearing remaining snow away from entrance to building and secondary exits. – Jane Reich

The CDD maintenance department is awesome…their continuous hard work keeps us running - our buildings/grounds would be a mess without them and all they do! - Karen Adler

The Maintenance Department is the backbone of the Center. Whether it’s a repairing a burst pipe, preparing for a storm, removing snow after a snow storm or handling any other emergency that pops up, they’re there to make things better. They’re reliable and it’s comforting to know the houses are in good hands with them on the job. Thank you to the Unsung Heroes aka, the maintenance department. - Kent Ng

The Center’s Maintenance Department more than deserves to be the employees of the month! They are our winter heroes who brave the cold, often at ungodly hours of the morning to make sure that our sites are clear and safe for the individuals and staff. They also deserve recognition for the things they do year-round to  make sure our sites and grounds are safe and beautiful. We are so fortunate to have each and everyone of you with your individual skillsets and collective dedication to the mission! -Amy Barker 

Ketcheny Garraud was hired in December 2022 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for our Children’s Residence Program (CRP). In May, 2025 he was promoted to a Medical Counselor/DSP. Jaime Huether, Director of Children’s Residence, nominated Ketcheny for Employee of the Month. Jaime said, “Ketcheny has always demonstrated professionalism, team work and pride in his work. Most recently, management had noticed the exceptional work he has been presenting. Everyday Ketcheny comes in with a smile on his face, ready to play with, laugh with, and work with all of the children at CRP. His reliable support during staff shortages has been appreciated. He is always quick to jump in no matter the situation. Anytime a team 3 is called, he seems to be the first one there, with his sleeves rolled up and ready to help in any way possible.”