Spring 2026 Spirit Newsletter

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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

A smiling man in a blue and white sports jersey sits in a wheelchair next to a woman with short brown hair, who is also smiling. They are at the Buffalo Spring Summit. Dear friends,

Our mission calls us to put faith into action every day. At Heritage Christian Services, faithfulness is not only something we hold, it’s something we practice through the way we build supports that endure. Guided by my Christian faith, I am continually reminded that our work is rooted in the call to live, serve and honor the dignity of every person.

The quality of our care doesn’t happen by chance. It grows from thoughtful leadership, disciplined systems and long-term investment in people. Faith in action means creating the structures that help our teams offer consistent, compassionate support—the kind that reflects Christ’s inclusive love in both word and deed.

For our workforce, quality means defined expectations, professional development and leadership commitment. Quality services depend on strong support behind the scenes. It’s the quiet, faithful work that helps every employee live out our shared values each day.

As we reflect on this foundation and more than four decades of service to the community, we also celebrate 30 years of dedicated support in the Buffalo-Niagara region. What began there as a single home grounded in faith and hospitality has grown into a community that continues to thrive because people show up with love, integrity and purpose.

This year, I invite you to join us on June 3 for our inaugural Day of Giving. This is an opportunity for us all to come together in generosity to strengthen the mission that drives forward quality of care and faith in action.

When organizations build quality intentionally, people and teams are better positioned to move forward with confidence.

With gratitude,

Marisa Geitner

President & C.E.O

Celebrating Milestone Years

FAITH Foundation’s Legacy 30 Years Later

Six people of varying ages stand together outside on green grass with trees in the background, smiling at the camera. A woman holds a baby. A caption notes a home transfer to Heritage Christian Services by the Wolf family. On June 3, we celebrate 30 years since the opening of the first Heritage Christian Services-operated home in western New York on Hoover Road in Sanborn. A group of parents started the FAITH Foundation, looking to provide Christian homes for their children, and asked Heritage Christian to extend their support to the Buffalo area. Anne and Mike Wolf were original members of the FAITH Foundation and upon Anne’s passing in 1996, their home was transferred to Heritage Christian.

What began as a single home built on compassion and faith has grown into a wide network of support, innovation and opportunity. Through changing landscapes and expanding services, one thing has never wavered: our commitment to offering high-quality, person-centered care. For three decades in the Buffalo-Niagara region, we’ve walked alongside people and their families, adapting to changing needs while staying rooted in our mission. The foundation laid at the home on Hoover Road continues to guide us forward, with gratitude for the past and confidence in the future.

“When I was offered a direct support professional position at Heritage Christian Services, I was not planning for it to turn into a career. Here I am, three decades later! I have stayed because the agency has been flexible in supporting me through the seasons of my life, like relocating regions, having children and supporting my aging mom. I am blessed to be part of this family.” – Carrie Hallock, office manager

“The people I’ve worked with throughout the years are the reason I stay at Heritage Christian Services. They’ve taught me humility and given me grace when I needed it.” – Colleen Benson, residence manager

Our Child Care in Webster Turns 10

A young child stands beside a large poster covered with colorful drawings and blue handprints. A caption notes the artwork celebrates the child cares 10th anniversary. Since opening under the Expressive Beginnings Child Care name in 2016, the Webster location has welcomed more than 1,400 children, ranging from infants to age 12. Celebrating 10 years, Expressive Beginnings Webster currently serves nearly 400 children and employs several staff members who attended the center as children.

“It’s pretty awesome knowing that my son is growing up in the same environment that I did. The main thing that feels the same is the nurturing environment,” said Liz Ahearn, a former EBCC student who now sends her own child there. “That’s part of the reason why we chose [EBCC], along with all of the green space available to play.” To see more of what the students are up to, visit the EBCC Facebook page or ExpressiveBeginningsChildCare.org.

Community Connections Across Decades

A young child wearing a helmet and glasses smiles while sitting on a brown and white horse, holding a ribbon. Adults assist nearby. Text at bottom highlights equine programs supporting people of all abilities. Heritage Christian Stables is celebrating a quarter-century of connection, growth and opportunity. Since its founding, the stables has provided therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning and volunteer opportunities that help riders build confidence, develop new skills and experience the unique bond between people and horses. To learn more, visit HeritageChristianStables.org.

Heritage Happenings

Heritage Christian Services Participates in Winter Special Olympics

A group of people in winter clothing and numbered vests stand together outdoors in the snow, smiling and wearing snowshoes, with trees in the background. Athletes joined hundreds of competitors at the Special Olympics New York Winter Games, showcasing determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. We thank community leaders like The Golisano Foundation for creating opportunities for people supported by Heritage Christian Services, including the Special Olympics.

Heritage Hurricanes Showcase Talent and Joy

A group of ten people, some wearing colorful tie-dye shirts and others in solid tops, stand smiling indoors in front of large windows with buildings visible outside. The Heritage Hurricanes All-Abilities Color Guard kicked off their winter season at the Winter Guard International regional competition in Corning, performing for more than 1,000 people. The season continued with performances in Medina and at Gates-Chili High School before wrapping up with a spirited friends-and-family showcase at the Pieters Family Life Center. In every event, the Hurricanes brought creativity, dedication and unmistakable joy.

Legislative Day in Albany

Four people stand and smile in a formal government chamber. One woman holds a framed photo. They are dressed in business attire, with ornate arches and American flags visible in the background. Heritage Christian Services leaders and a parent advocate traveled to Albany to meet with state leaders and advocate for what we believe is the appropriate investment in the New York state budget to safeguard people with disabilities and the workforce that supports them from future funding shortfalls. The visit was organized in alignment with the New York Alliance for Innovation & Inclusion, which brought advocates and providers together around shared priorities.

ROCStars Self-Advocates Shine

A group of four smiling people, including Tim Little in the center, sit together indoors at a table. They appear happy and engaged in a bright, welcoming environment. The self-advocacy group, the ROCStars, has worked over the past several months to strengthen their structure and voice, in partnership with the Self-Advocates Association of New State. Monthly meetings are a cornerstone, offering a consistent space to connect, share ideas and identify advocacy priorities. The group’s tagline remains their guiding principle: “Be the Star You Are!” Contact [email protected] for information.

Springdale Farm Sheep Shearing Festival

A close-up of a sheep with light wool standing on straw, looking directly at the camera with its mouth slightly open.

Springdale Farm hosted its annual Sheep Shearing Festival, where families had the chance to meet the newest additions to the farm, a pair of bonded mini ponies, Aladdin and Jasmine.

Giving Back to the Community

Two women smile behind a table filled with Marshalls shopping bags containing groceries; one holds a bottle of apple cider, the other holds a frozen turkey. Text below reads, “These efforts reflect compassion in action.”. Thanks to the generosity of donors, including Heritage Christian Services staff members, the Children’s Health Home of Upstate New York team provided 40 customized Thanksgiving baskets and Angel Tree gifts for families with limited means. Heritage Christian success coaches also partnered with Employer Resource Network business partners and community members for a Holiday Toy and Gift Drive, serving 95 families and nearly 240 children.

Families Learn to Plan with a Purpose

Three smiling men pose together in a gymnasium. The man in the center wears glasses and a suit, while the two on either side, wearing casual clothes, stand close. A screen and banner are visible in the background. Families heard from Josh Bielemeier, housing supports coordinator at Heritage Christian Services, and Seth Greenman, co-director of the New York Housing Resource Center, about noncertified housing options, available supports and strategies for long-term planning. We’re grateful to the speakers, volunteers and advisors who made the seminar possible.

Pop-Up Pantry Events Bring Neighbors Together

Volunteers in yellow vests distribute cartons of eggs from large boxes at an outdoor pop-up pantry event, with vans and buildings visible in the background. Heritage Christian Services partnered with Foodlink for two PopUp Pantry events at the Pieters Family Life Center in Henrietta. With the help of almost 70 volunteers, nearly 400 households received fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products and more. The drive-through food pantries made it easy to pick up groceries, turning a simple idea into meaningful days of community connection.

Together, We Make It Possible

Moments of joy are supported by the generosity of donors and friends who give to Heritage Christian Services. Join us June 3 for the Heritage Christian Services Day of Giving, as we come together to raise support for people as they live lives of endless possibility. Learn more or make a gift at HeritageChristianServices.org/DayOfGiving

REMEMBERING THOSE WE’VE LOST

After this Spirit, we will no longer mail memorials or list obituaries here, recognizing how challenging it can be to coordinate funeral details within print and mail timelines during an already tender time. We will continue to honor each life by staying connected with those most affected, especially care, support and grief resources to the staff.

Matt Ford was known for his contagious smile and laughter, and his life was marked by humor and joy. He passed away Oct. 28 at the age of 58.

Jennifer Garver moved through the world with a quiet radiance. She passed away Nov. 29 at the age of 55.

Nancy Tantalo embraced life wholeheartedly, leaving a legacy of laughter and kindness. She was 61 when she passed away Dec. 16.

Karen Robertson was known for her bright smile and spunky energy. She passed away Feb. 3 at the age of 55.

Joan Schutt was known for her laughter and spirited personality. She passed away Feb. 18 at the age of 64.

Linda Mazza lived a life filled with determination, love and warmth. She passed away March 23 at the age of 73.

Carol Donahue’s life was marked by joy, both in what she embraced and the joy she brought to others. She passed away March 25 at the age of 56.

Kathy Scott was known for her smile, her deep faith and how she cared for family and friends. She passed away March 29 at the age of 72.

Robert Orico will be remembered for his bright smile, gentle kindness and the care he showed as a friend. He passed away March 31 at the age of 74.

Dan Bergen was known for his caring heart, Irish humor, determination and gentle strength. He passed away April 9 at the age of 62.

Kornelijus “Neil” Cieminis was a devoted and generous board leader who had a decades-long impact on Heritage Christian Services. He passed away Jan. 24 at the age of 76.

Building Bridges of Faith and Belonging

Four adults stand closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. Trees and greenery are in the background. One man holds a cane, and the group appears friendly and happy. Some work happens quietly, but its impact reaches every corner of Heritage Christian Services. The members of the faith community inclusion team — Diane Sturmer, Sherry Gricar, Joe Starling and Padraic Collins-Bohrer — support people to make meaningful connections with their faith and faith communities.

The team’s work reflects the diverse faith traditions of the people served. They help people connect with faith communities and traditions, celebrate milestones such as weddings, baptisms, holiday observances and community gatherings, and walk alongside people as they grieve life’s hardest moments.

“We’re in hospitals, homes and programs — visiting, praying with someone, supporting the staff members who are there, especially when someone is very ill or nearing the end of life,” said Starling.

A man and a woman smiling and sitting close together, enjoying a moment of fellowship at an event. The man wears a Buffalo Bills jacket and the woman has shoulder-length hair. For Sturmer, at the agency since 1987, the heart of the role remains the same.

“My original title was community bridge builder,” she said. “That’s still what we’re doing, building bridges between people and the things that are important to them.”

Sometimes that means supporting someone through grief or hospice care. Other times, it’s creating moments of joy: retreats, dance, music or time outdoors.

As people supported by Heritage Christian age, this work becomes even more important, helping ensure that spiritual health remains part of the compassionate, person-centered support that defines our commitment to quality.

Two women dressed warmly in jackets and hats smile while standing close together outdoors, surrounded by trees. President & C.E.O. Marisa Geitner says that commitment has been part of Heritage Christian since its earliest days. “This team has reported directly to the president since our founding, and that has always mattered,” she said. “I’m proud of the day-to-day involvement I have with their work. I see the impact and know this level of investment is a true differentiator for Heritage Christian Services. Most providers simply don’t have anything like it.” Team members have regularly been invited to share this unique work at local, statewide and national gatherings.

Two men sit at a table with bingo cards and chips, smiling at the camera inside a cafe. Other people are in the background. Text below names them as Padraic Collins-Bohrer and David Longo at a Wellness Wednesday bingo event.

Their work also reaches the staff members who walk alongside the people that choose our services, whether it’s through encouragement, listening, prayer, teambuilding activities or on-site presence to help teams stay grounded, connected and cared for.

In May, Heritage Christian Services also hosted the annual conference for the Council of Reformed Charities welcoming leaders of faith-based service organizations from across the country for conversation, fellowship and learning.

Through all of it, the faith community inclusion team continues its quiet work: listening closely, building connections and helping people find the spiritual communities where they flourish.

Supporting People Through Grief

Loss is part of every life. At Heritage Christian Services, a dedicated grief support team made up of members of the faith community inclusion team and clinicians helps ensure that no one navigates it alone.

The team provides education, emotional support and spiritual guidance to people supported by Heritage Christian Services and staff members. Through training, conversation and compassionate presence, the team helps people understand loss, express their feelings and find comfort in community.

Sharing Faith, Friendship and Opportunity

A woman smiles while hugging a young boy in front of a green wall. The boy looks off to the side, and the woman wears a T-shirt with a cartoon character. Both appear content. For more than two decades, Heritage Christian Services has shared a partnership in Guatemala grounded in faith, friendship and a belief in the dignity of every person.

The connection began in 2001, when the first volunteers traveled to Guatemala through Heritage Christian Services’ International Ministries program.

Through the agency’s long-standing partnership with Bethel Ministries International, teams return each year to expand opportunity and belonging for people with disabilities. Since beginning, Heritage Christian volunteers have built 17 homes, distributed roughly 600 wheelchairs and have served more than 3,400 people through camps and related programs.

A smiling man with glasses and a beard hugs a young girl with special needs. They are sitting together on white chairs. The man holds a white bag, and both appear happy.

Our trips in 2025 included building homes, distributing mobility equipment and supporting three weeklong camps welcoming children, teens and adults of all abilities. During that trip, volunteers supported the distribution of wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches that offered greater mobility and independence to 80 people.

The camps are filled with simple moments that grow into lasting connections, including daily activities, games, worship and shared meals, creating space for laughter, confidence and belonging. The volunteers who participate represent a wide range of roles across Heritage Christian Services, and each brings home experiences that deepen their connection to the mission and influence their daily work.

Two smiling children, one in a wheelchair and the other hugging them, enjoy outdoor games at an inclusion camp. Both are dressed warmly, with a green lawn and buildings in the background.

For Matt Smeltzer, success coach, one of those connections began at a drawing table when Edgar, an aspiring artist who had lost his hands in a fire, joined him to sketch.

“It was really empowering for him,” Smeltzer said. “He saw that someone believed in him and that he had a real talent he could develop.”

Joan Levato, associate director of quality advancement, experienced a similar moment with a man named Gudy. One evening, Levato paused to pray with a mother. “Gudy came right up next to her and put his hand on her, and his other hand on her son,” Levato recalled. “It was just a beautiful moment.”

Three smiling women, wearing work clothes and gloves, stand outdoors and hold up trowels together. In the background are trees and construction materials. A caption notes they are volunteers building homes.

Joe Starling, a faith community inclusion specialist, has traveled to Guatemala more than 16 times and continues to be moved by the spirit of collaboration that defines each visit.

“It’s hard work,” he said, “but it’s amazing how everybody gets together to become one team.”

For the people who gather each year in Guatemala, those connections remain at the heart of it all.

A New Chapter in Quality Oversight

After 24 consecutive years of Compass accreditation, Heritage Christian Services is preparing for the next chapter in quality oversight. New York state is phasing out the Compass accreditation and transitioning all providers to a unified review process through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ Division of Quality Improvement.

For Heritage Christian, the moment reflects both pride and opportunity. The systems we’ve developed, from internal audits to continuous improvement practices, will continue guiding our work. As a new framework takes shape, we look forward to sharing what we’ve learned and collaborating with partners to strengthen quality, accountability and person-centered outcomes.

Awards & Recognitions

A group of nine people standing in front of a step-and-repeat banner displaying TOP 100 and Greater Rochester Chamber logos, posing and smiling for a photo at an event. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Top 100
For the fourth year in a row, Heritage Christian Services was named to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Top 100, ranking 27th.

A woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair is smiling at the camera. She has blue eyes and is wearing a dark top. The background is softly blurred indoor lighting. Jona Wright Named Vice President of People Operations
Jona Wright joined Heritage Christian Services as vice president of people operations, overseeing human resources technology, workforce analytics, compliance and employee services. She has over 15 years of leadership in people operations. Wright holds a Masters of Science in Administration and a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership and Organizational Development from St. John Fisher University.

A woman with straight, light brown hair, fair skin, and red lipstick smiles at the camera against a plain white background. Megan Antonitto Named United Way Trailblazer
Megan Antonitto, vice president of corporate compliance and risk management, was awarded the Leaders United Trailblazer Award by the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

A woman with short, straight brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a teal top and is posed against a plain, light background. Marisa Geitner Selected as ATHENA International Award Finalist
President & C.E.O. Marisa Geitner was recognized as an ATHENA Award finalist by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. This award honors women who demonstrate professional excellence, meaningful mentorship and lasting impact in their communities.

A woman with straight, shoulder-length dark hair smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a dark-colored top and is pictured against a plain, light background. Deborah Campbell Receives RBJ Impact and Inclusion Award
Rochester Business Journal recognized Director of Eleversity Deborah Campbell with the Impact and Inclusion Award for her dedication to an equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

A smiling woman with short, blonde hair and black-framed glasses, wearing light pink lipstick, in front of a plain light background. Julie Owen Honored as Woman of Excellence
Julie Owen, vice president of customized sports, was honored as a Rochester Business Journal Woman of Excellence, which identifies highachieving women with significant career and community accomplishments.

Staff Award Winners Announced

A woman with straight, shoulder-length blonde hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top with a red floral pattern. The background is light and slightly blurred. The Amy Marie Tessoni Advocacy Award: Maria Rosa Capozzolo, speech pathologist

A woman with long, wavy dark hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a plaid shirt and large hoop earrings, standing in front of a plain white background. The V.K. Tarneja Empathy Award: Sonja Tisdale, day hab manager

A woman with medium-length brown hair, wearing a white top, smiles at the camera against a softly blurred, light-colored background. The Eunice Hanson Excellence in Nursing Award: Beth Carey, Registered Nurse

A woman with wavy blonde hair and a light complexion is standing in front of a blurred background with light curtains, looking at the camera with a neutral expression. The Paul W. Hanson Excellence Award: Debi Hill, director of day services

A woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a white top, smiles at the camera against a plain light background. The Anne Wolf Memorial Award: Dawn Losey, direct support professional

A woman with long brown hair wears large, black-and-white patterned glasses and colorful round earrings. She is smiling slightly and standing in front of a light-colored background. The Jobina Bruinsma Memorial Award: Catalina Johnson, director of health home care management

New Board Members

Agency Board

A middle-aged man with short brown hair, glasses, and a friendly smile is facing the camera. He is wearing a dark suit jacket and a light-colored shirt against a plain white background. Mike Osborn, founder of Digm, served nine years as the foundation board chair, guiding the Homes with Heart campaign that built and renovated 14 homes across Buffalo and Rochester. His brother, Andy, lives in an HCS home.

A woman with long light brown hair smiles outdoors, with a blurred green background behind her. Nuala Boyle brings 27+ years of higher-education leadership, specializing in civic engagement and experiential learning. She directs equity and access in experiential education at Nazareth University, and serves her community through multiple organizations, including Brigid’s Hope.

Foundation Board

A woman with straight brown hair smiling at the camera, wearing a light-colored top, with an indoor background out of focus. Stephanie Sieffert, a partner at Nixon Peabody, uses her legal and financial expertise to help families develop strategies to preserve and transfer wealth. She also guides corporate fiduciaries on complex matters involving wills, estates and trusts.

A woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a grey top, and the background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting. Kelly Gusmano, a partner at Woods Oviatt Gillman LLP, specializes in elder law, long-term health care and special needs planning. She supports families navigating complex decisions and is a dedicated advocate for her clients.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Lynn and Pete Sarratori

A smiling man and woman stand side by side on a deck overlooking a lake. The man wears a light purple shirt and dark pants; the woman wears a floral blouse and black pants. Trees and water are visible in the background. Lynn and Pete Sarratori have supported Heritage Christian Services for many years as members of both our Leadership Circle and Legacy Society, first connecting with the agency through Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp. Recently, after meeting with their attorney, they chose to include Heritage Christian as a beneficiary of their individual retirement account.

“A legacy gift through our IRA stood out to us,” Pete said. “Being able to pass our gift to Heritage Christian without tax consequence to our heirs made perfect sense. Heritage Christian gives so many people quality of life and families peace of mind. This is something we want to see continue for years to come.”

Heritage Christian Services is grateful to generous Leadership Circle and Legacy Society donors like Lynn and Pete who have included our agency in their estate and annual giving plans. Their legacy commitment and gifts today ensure future generations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live meaningful lives full of endless possibilities.

Questions about the Leadership Circle or Legacy Society?

Contact Danielle Pierleoni (585) 340-2068 [email protected]

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Joan Harrington

A smiling young girl wearing a helmet rides a light brown horse, led by a woman in a cap along a fenced path. The scene takes place outdoors on a sunny day, with green grass and trees in the background. The 2026 Gail Otto Community Service Award recipient is Joan Harrington. Named in honor of Gail Otto, one of Heritage Christian Services’ founders, this award recognizes people whose volunteerism has made a lasting and meaningful impact.

For more than a decade, Joan has generously shared her time and talents with Heritage Christian Stables, contributing over 300 volunteer hours in 2025 alone. Whether caring for the horses or supporting riders in lessons, Joan shows up with unwavering dedication on the coldest winter mornings and the hottest summer afternoons alike. She is dependable, compassionate and deeply committed, ensuring that riders have the opportunity to participate in lessons, no matter the circumstances.

Joan builds relationships rooted in compassion, respect and joy. Her dedication is a true gift to the community, strengthening our mission and reflecting the heart of Heritage Christian through her commitment to excellence and her steadfast belief in the dignity and worth of every person.

GIFTS OF SUPPORT

Many thanks to the Rochester Area Community Foundation for supporting the important animal care and agricultural education taking place at Springdale Farm.

Logo of The Community Foundation featuring a blue and green abstract design on the left and the organizations name in bold black letters on the right.

Heritage Christian Stables recognizes and thanks the following foundations for their generous support, allowing children and adults with developmental disabilities, veterans and community members to access therapeutic horse-riding lessons.

Logos for Polisseni Foundation (with wings and halo), Webster Community Chest (family silhouettes), The Jordan Fund, and Ralph and Wilma Maibaum Trust, all philanthropic organizations.

Eleversity, the education and training division serving businesses around the state, thanks the following organizations for helping promote career development and equity through our 2025 ColoRISE Lunch and Learn series, Empowered to Lead program and Women of Color Summit.

Logos for RG&E, Wegmans, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. RG&E features colorful leaves, Wegmans is in black script, and Excellus displays blue cross and shield symbols.

We are humbled by the generosity shown by the following contributors who have provided support for enabling people to stay in their homes with safety, comfort and dignity.

Logos of Toyota, Hoselton Auto Mall, and text listing J.M. McDonald Foundation, Zeron Foundation, and Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, representing sponsors or supporters.

We thank The Fred & Floy Willmott Foundation for boosting our spiritual life programming, and the Kyrias Foundation for providing support to purchase needed medical equipment.

Logo for The Fred & Floy Willmott Foundation and KYRIAS, with the word KYRIAS stylized and featuring a green plant-like graphic above the Y.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and Davenport-Hatch Foundation generously provided support as we installed a new therapeutic pool at the Pieters Family Life Center.

Logos of Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, featuring a heart with a cross and rays, and Davenport-Hatch Foundation, written in bold black text below.

The Rich Family Foundation and Rochester Press-Radio Club generously supported our respite programs, which offer families a break from everyday caregiving.

Logo for the Rochester Press-Radio Club featuring two hands shaking, with text Celebrating 75 Years and Rich Family Foundation beneath it.

CORPORATE GIVING WITH A PURPOSE

Corporate partners fuel life-changing programs and support communities where everyone belongs. Your support can strengthen essential programs for children, older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the caring professionals who walk alongside them. As a corporate partner, your company will be recognized year-round, not only at our signature events, but across the programs and communities your generosity empowers. You will also become a member of our Leadership Circle.

Together, we can build inclusive communities where every person is valued and has opportunities to thrive.

Join our corporate partners program and make a lasting difference.

HeritageChristianServices.org/CorporatePartners

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, June 3: Inaugural Heritage Christian Services Day of Giving

Thursday, June 11: Workplace Wellness Seminar, hosted by Eleversity, at Ridgemont Country Club

Thursday, June 18: Western New York 30th Anniversary Celebration & Basket Raffle at the Clarence Church of Christ

Wednesday, June 24: Finger Lakes Anniversary Celebration at the Pieters Family Life Center

Monday, Aug. 3: Golf Classic at Monroe Golf Club

Wednesday, Aug. 19: Family Night at Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

Wednesday, Dec. 2: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Pieters Family Life Center

Thursday, Dec. 17: Gala Holiday Pops Concert with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre

THE IMPACT OF GIVING

In 2025, your generosity made these moments possible:

2 homes were built in Guatemala, providing safe shelter and stability for families who previously lived without adequate housing.

43 dancers took the stage in the Heart of Dance “Coming Home” performance, celebrating creativity, confidence and belonging.

44 families facing food insecurity received Thanksgiving dinner through the Children’s Health Home of Upstate New York sponsored program, ensuring they could celebrate the holiday with a full table.

76 people are now living in homes newly designed to help them age in place with dignity, safety and independence.

80 people received properly fitted wheelchairs, increasing mobility, independence and access to daily life through our International Ministries program.

1,600 caring professionals were affected by a salary increase.

WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

The inaugural Heritage Christian Services Day of Giving is June 3, and your gift can support our mission of creating opportunities and community for children, older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Learn more or make a gift at HeritageChristianServices.org/DayOfGiving

New Beginnings at the Walter Hubbell Home on Stream View Circle

A modern, single-story gray house with a two-car garage, black shingled roof, and white trim, set on a paved driveway with a grassy lawn and leafless trees in the background under a clear blue sky. Community members, government officials and Heritage Christian Services employees gathered on Stream View Circle in Perinton to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the Walter Hubbell Home. The new residence, made possible through the Homes with Heart campaign, reflects a shared commitment to helping people age in place with dignity and comfort.

During the celebration, several of the men who live at the home joined donors and elected officials to cut the ribbon together, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a space created for endless possibilities. Derek Scott, the Hubbell home’s residence manager with more than 18 years of tenure, shared, “We are looking forward to the future and the good things and memories that will come with our new home.”

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS

Often, people will make a donation in memory of a loved one who has passed away. The agency sends the bereaved family a note of sympathy and informs them of the gift, without disclosing the amount. People also mark joyous occasions – like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings – by donating in honor of a friend or family member.

Questions? Email [email protected].

View memorials & honorariums