2007 Accomplishments

2006 Accomplishments 

• Trees on Snell Farm Children's Center's farm were tapped and maple syrup was produced. The youth were involved in all aspects of the process from tapping to syrup production.

• Construction of a new prototype cottage called AdaptaCare Cottage was completed and construction of another residential building has been proposed on the Snell Farm Children's Center Campus in Bath.

• Construction began on a new school administrative building at the Snell Farm Children's Center Campus.

• Snell Farm Children's Center's Office of Children and Family Services triennial review was very positive

• Direct intra/internet access has been established on the Snell Farm Children's Center Campus

• An upgraded phone system with voice mail capabilities has enabled increased communications with Snell Farm Children's Center's surrounding community.

• Admission criteria has been expanded to include those with a minimum IQ of 65 and 6th grade academic level.

• Ongoing consultation and implementation of an evidenced-based practice continues as part of Snell Farm Children's Center's service delivery.

• There were many successful discharges, including Snell Farm Children's Center's first high school graduate, who went on to college.

2005 Accomplishments 

• Enhanced staffing to 3:1 ratio by qualifying for a “Hard to Place” services reimbursement rate.

• Received approval from the New York State Education Department to provide a full education program in a campus school operated by Hillside Children’s Center.

• Upgraded facilities including painting, new carpeting, and landscaping.

• Provided additional cell phones, computers, and technology capabilities to staff.

• Provided more training opportunities to staff through Hillside Family of Agencies’ Learning Institute.

• Parental involvement increased through implementation of a Parents as Partners initiative, including offering parent support group meetings biweekly.

• Created a recreation department to provide youth programming such as dog obedience classes, drill team, 4-H, and a fitness program. Youth participation in the Steuben County Fair yielded numerous awards and recognitions in the areas of plants, vegetables, photography, cows, and rabbits.

• Consulted with a national consultant on the development of a new treatment program targeted to the specialized population of youth served at its campus.

• Received approval from the New York State Department of Health to provide on-campus medical services (includes nursing, a psychiatrist, and a psychologist).

2004 Accomplishments 

• The Boards of Governors of Hillside Family of Agencies and New Life Homes-Snell Farm, Inc. (Snell Farm) signed an affiliation agreement on Monday, May 24. The signing comes after a six-month due diligence process conducted by Snell Farm and Hillside Family of Agencies Board of Governors and management to determine affiliation feasibility.

• The staff to client ratio was increased for our services from 5:1 to 3:1.

• A new campus school was opened with new staff, portable classrooms, equipment, and school supplies allowing for the continuation of the therapeutic milieu into the classroom.

• Establishment of the new school has resulted in the publication of a new student-produced newspaper.

• Extensive physical improvements have been made to the campus including the purchase of new furniture, painting, and landscaping.

• A new recreation department has been created under the direction of a new recreation coordinator to implement a 4-H program and other planned activities for the youth on campus. Youth in the new 4-H program earned award ribbons at this year’s Steuben County Fair for various projects including animal showings and science exhibits.

• The Mighty Oak Drill Team, comprised of youth on campus who are interested in joining military, held a graduation ceremony for its first class in June.

• New vehicles were purchased by the campus for transportation of youth and for grounds maintenance. Among those was a 12-passenger van to be used for youth field trips.

• Karen Sylvester was appointed executive director. Since joining Hillside Children’s Center (HCC) in 1980, Karen has held a variety of roles including family social worker, social worker, and vice president of day treatment programs. Prior to her appointment at Snell Farm Children’s Center, she served as HCC Western Region service leader.

• As a result of affiliation with Hillside Family of Agencies, staff has been given the opportunity to take part in numerous trainings offered by the Hillside Learning Institute and outside consultants on the topics of sex offender services, professional boundaries, HIPPA, and being a mandated reporter.