Hillside Strong: Stories of Hillside
“He’s going to be ready for the world”: Since early childhood, Dominik’s social-emotional challenges resulted in exhibiting verbal and physical behavioral issues that, combined with mild learning disabilities, made it difficult for him to succeed in a public-school setting. At age 12, he left his public school to study at Hillside’s Halpern Education Center, where smaller class sizes and a specialized curriculum proved a better fit for him to learn while working through his challenges.
Traveling by bus each day to the Halpern school, Dominik has applied himself both in the classroom and in one-on-one clinical sessions with Rebecca Cowan, his Hillside Clinician. The integrating educational and therapeutic components, this Day Treatment program has made a big difference in his life: At Halpern, he says, Dominik learned that “I can actually be myself and be nice.”
As his behavior has modulated, his self-esteem and confidence have grown. Now, at 15 years and having graduated from the Hillside school, he’s excited to transition to a new less intensive program where he can complete his high school studies and prepare for adulthood and a career.
“Beyond Hillside, he’s going to be ready for the world,” says Dominik’s mother, Haleigh Detro. Cowan agrees: “He is so smart, so clever … he’s really headed for something great.”
Stronger Futures Together: How You Can Help
The successes behind these Stories of Hillside are the result of partnerships—among youth, families and staff; community partners committing time, expertise and resources; and donors whose support empowers key programs and drives our innovation. Your support for our work can take many forms, and will help countless young people and adults achieve the stronger futures they deserve.
Become a Foster Parent at Hillside
The need for stable, loving foster homes has never been greater. Hillside provides training and support to ensure your success.
Work at Hillside
As a member of the Hillside team, you’ll advance your career while making a difference every day.
Donate to Hillside
Your generosity ensures the strength of our programs today, and helps us reach more youth, adults and families tomorrow.
About Hillside Day Treatment
Hillside’s Day Treatment programs are designed for students who experience significant challenges which impact their academic performance or social development. At our Day Treatment schools, licensed by the New York State Education Department and the Office of Mental Health, youth attend special education classes and coordinated counseling services; together, these integrated programs support students’ Individual Education Plans and their personal and family goals.
Age-appropriate Day Treatment services at two Hillside sites: the Golisano Campus at Crestwood in Chili, NY, serving children 5 to 14 years of age; and the Halpern Education Center in Webster, NY, serving older children in grades 7-12. At both locations, says Clinician Rebecca Cowan, “We give students that experience of belonging so they can be handed back to the world in a better place.”
LEARN MORE
- Click here for more details about Hillside’s Day Treatment programs.
- Ongoing program innovations and facilities support are made possible in part by generous philanthropy from the communities we serve. Click here to donate today and support Hillside’s mission of service.