philips...lab. this on-site vocational exper-ience is available for all students. it expands our...

PHILIPSACADEMY

BethANY Started her first off-campus independent

internship at Sardis Oaks Nursing Home, which she plans to continue this

school year.

lexi Ubered independently to Aldi with a

shopping list for Bridges, got the items, and checked

out!

BRITTANY Took on a leader-ship role during

her Bridges Residential Experience, cooking meals and completing

her chores independently.

Jessica Cracked an egg independently.

John Used the self-checkout station at the

library for the first time.

savannah Stayed overnight for the first time at the

Belisle House for the Bridges Residential Experience, where she practiced cooking, grocery shopping, and

learning how to manage her own

schedule.

CELEBRATING

F 1 R S T S & SMALLBIG

FALL 2019

HANDS ON

LEADERSHIP

TOP: Deborah at HÆRFEST COFFEE BOTTOM: Paving the Way luncheon (L) & Turkey Trot

student event (R)

Atrium Health CMC Mercy Hospital Carolina Raptor CenterCotswold UPS StoreCrisis Assistance MinistryCustom Polymers Del Frisco’s Steak House Dilworth Soup KitchenFarmhouse BakeryFashion & CompassionFirebirds Wood Fired GrillFriendship TraysHarris YMCA Hope HavenHospitality House

Jewish Preschool on SardisLionel Racing NC MedAssist Panther’s Team StoreQueen City Pretzel FactorySardis Oaks Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Sharon TowersSpay Neuter Clinic of the CarolinasSpecial Olympics The Humane Society of CharlotteUrban Ministry CenterWaltonwood CotswoldWing Haven

THANKS TO YOU OUR PARTNERS! WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

VOCA

TION

AL P

ARTN

ERS

A Message From the Executive Director

ife is full of important firsts—the first day of school, the first time we try something new, and even the first hello to a stranger who becomes a new friend. At Philips Academy, we also have many firsts to celebrate: from student accomplishments (both big and small), to facility upgrades and program improvements; as well as each time we welcome someone new into our community.

None of this would be possible without you and your continued support. Thank you to our donors, staff, volunteers, partners, families and students who make these and many more firsts possible.

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead, as we continue to build our community and grow in new ways together.

With deep appreciation,

Deborah HoflandExecutive Director

L

Students working at Crisis Assistance

Ministry

fyDID YOU KNOW?

Philips Academy students

flavored and ground

of coffee last year.110 bags

PhilipsAcademyNC.org2

THANKS TO YOU OUR PARTNERS! WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Bill & Sharon AllenArts DeliveredBB&TCharlotte Fire Department (Station 14)CMPD (Providence Division)Duke Energy, Talent Acquisition TeamEarly Bird Developmental Services Elevation Church Evergreen Art and Plants Exceptional Foundation of CharlotteHÆRVEST CoffeeHarris YMCA

Javesca CoffeeJewish Community Center Magnolia CoffeeMass MutualAnke & Casey MermansMicrosoft StoreNorthwest School of the Arts,Project UnifyPiedmont Music TherapyPlaying for OthersQueens University, Music TherapyRainbow Express (Feast with Friends)

ReCyclery- Trips For Kids SHARE CharlotteSoccer ShotsSpecial OlympicsSpeedway Children’s CharitiesTherapeutic Recreation, Mecklenburg CountyTrinity Presbyterian ChurchVocational RehabilitationWAFEWeill FitnessWild Hope Farm CO

MM

UNIT

Y P

ARTN

ERS

rior to enrolling at Philips Academy,

Marcelle & Wilkins Kee home-schooled their son, Adam, and increased his Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ser-vices for one year. But they soon realized they needed to recalibrate during a transitional time in his life. Their search began online for a new school with a nurturing environment, customizable curriculum, life skills integration and smaller classroom size.

“We needed a new place to land where teachers see our son’s ability and not disability,” explain the Kees. “Philips Academy is just that place for us!

“From our first visit for a tour of Philips Academy, we felt like we were home. We have relished in knowing our son is in a caring and safe environment. We had the privilege of becoming a part of a very supportive community. We are truly blessed to be a Philips Academy family.

“Adam enjoys his school. He has made new friends and quickly adapted to the schedule and new setting. He really surprised us this year by learning to multiply. His strong suit is reading, but seeing him blossom in math was simply outstanding. We have also seen Adam’s life skills improve around the house. Often times, we don’t have to ask him to do certain tasks. He sees a need and fills it!

“We hold in our hearts the teachers, staff, sponsors and all who make it possible for our son to have a school that fits him. We are forever grateful for all that you do to enhance our son’s learning and life experiences. You have given us immeasurable hope for his future. All that’s left to say is: thank you!”

INFINITE

GRATITUDE Meet Adam and the Kee Family

Wilkins, Marcelle, Logan,and Adam Kee

P

fy

FALL 2019 | Celebrating Firsts 3

e welcomed Amelia Nielsen into the Philips Academy family this past year as a volunteer turned teacher. On leave from her home in London, Amelia has brought so much to the classroom.

“Her zeal and ability to reach the students was refreshing,” says Tomeka Martin, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

“She learned classroom routines and kept them in place to maintain consistency and order. When needed, Amelia could lead the class and never miss a beat. My favorite moments were hearing the students asking to go to the “bathroom” mimicking her British accent! I am pleased she will be with us during the 2019-2020 school year!”

Amelia Nielson is a volunteer turned teacher

W

“The summer of 2018 was an exciting time for me, I got married and moved to Charlotte to join my husband for his two year transfer. I have taught high school math for a few years but wanted to follow my interest in special education schools while here in the States.

“My gut told me that Philips Academy was the place that I wanted to gain more experience and enjoy a new challenge. Within the first few weeks of volunteering, it was apparent that my support and prior experience was very much appreciated, so I transitioned to a member of the staff.

“The huge progress I have seen in the students during the academic year has been exceptional and I have enjoyed every (American and teaching) experience, learning many skills myself. I have loved the summer program and fall adventures, especially meeting new students.”

Here’s more from Amelia, in her own words,about the experience:

AN ON LEARNING

ACCENT

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Two local artists created a special “Silver Wolf” multimedia piece for Philips Academy students, families, and their community.

The colorful 3x4’ artwork is illuminated with glowing LED lights that change and move.Stop by to see it in person!


lay and Meredith Phillips first found out about Philips Academy by getting to know a very special graduate, Philip Blount, who works in the cafeteria of the school their children attended. Their son, George, a second grader at the time, would come home chatting enthusiastically about his new friend, Philip, and how nice he was to everyone who came through his line in the lunchroom.

It turned out the boys shared a lot of similar interests too, from rooting for the same college team (NC State) to following sports—everything from basketball to NASCAR—together. Over the years, the Phillips and Blount families have had fun getting to know each other through their sons’ friendship.

When Clay and Meredith attended the annual Philips Academy luncheon in 2018, they felt honored to be there in support of Philip and enjoyed learning even more about the school.

“We were blown away at the testimonials of families and students that have been served through Philips Academy,” says Meredith. “We kept hearing the same theme that life was not just better for the students that attended the Academy, it was a ripple effect through our community. Taking students that may have not been well-served in other schools and capitalizing on their talents, cultivating their strengths, and building up life skills is what our world needs more of and exactly what this special place provides.”

Then the Phillips heard about the Belisle House, a place where Bridges students can practice life skills, and they realized they could help out in a unique way. The couple owns Ross & Witmer Inc., a heating and air conditioning business. They offered to take care of service and maintenance of the home for free.

“This place is so fantastic and you can help too,” says Meredith. “Whatever your business, talent, or hobby - offer it up. It may be just what they need. If not, there will surely be another way you can help. Many families move from all around the world just so their child could attend. When we have something this special in the city of Charlotte it is easy to want to help out in any way we can!”

Meet the Philips Family

A COOL(AND HOT!)

WAY TO

SUPPORTOUR

SCHOOL

Clay & Meredith Phillips with their children

C

Do you have a service or skill to offer Philips Academy?

Contact: Deborah Hofland704-365-4533

DID YOU KNOW?

of Bridges students had internships or paid employment.

100%

of middle & high school students had off-campus volunteer or internship work experience.

95%

Students providedhours of community service to local nonprofits.

1,500+


eSOMETHING’S

BREWINGMeet the Foreman Family

THIS FALL

Cheri & Toby Foremanwith their children

ÆRFEST COFFEE was first inspired in 1998 by founder Toby Foreman’s brother, Ethan, who had an intellectual disability and worked alongside Toby for eight years at Diedrich Coffee in California. As he watched his brother thrive and grow in confidence and sense of value, Toby, a former left-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners organization, realized he wanted to create a coffee roasting company that would intentionally employ those who are often overlooked in the workforce.

Eight years later that sense of conviction took on another level of purpose and inspiration when Toby and his wife welcomed their second child, Reid, into the world. In the delivery room they learned their son was showing signs of Down Syndrome. Through tears and resolve they promised each other to move forward on HÆRFEST COFFEE because “Reid and his friends will need jobs someday.”

HÆRFEST ensures that every aspect of the company provides a job for those with disabilities: from the artwork on the bags commissioned by individuals with a disability, to roasting, grinding, packaging, and delivery, as well as home-based microbusinesses for those unable to work outside of the home.

This fall, HÆRFEST COFFEE is helping Philips Academy launch Flavor House in the new vocational lab. This on-site vocational exper-ience is available for all students. It expands our employment training while reinforcing academic skills (science, math, language) and social skills.

Toby, who has been in the coffee industry for nearly 30 years has provided advice, guidance, and leadership related to equipment, supplies, vendors, workflow, and the flavoring and grinding processes to Philips Academy.

H

“We are honored that Philips Academy has taken this opportunity to create a curriculum-based vocational program re-lated to the flavoring and packag ing of coffee,” says Toby. “I am committed to Philips Academy and to creating a special vocational facility that shares the value of all people and the skills and talents that are within.”

Toby brought beans and know-howto our new Vocational Lab on Sept. 10th.


BB&T Lighthouse Project Team provides invaluable

help and support

BB&T group with students during move out day in June 2019 and move in day in August 2019.

he BB&T Lighthouse Project is an annual, company-wide community service effort that brings together thousands of BB&T associates to serve as a beacon for neighbors in need. Philips Academy was overwhelmingly chosen by BB&T Insurance Holdings team members for the 2019 Lighthouse Project.

“Our personal connection to this project and to Philips Academy is simple—it’s a place where ‘special’ is celebrated, cultivated and nurtured,” company representatives explain in a written statement.

“Our Lighthouse team has members who are parents of special needs children. These children and their differences show us every day how important it is to be kind and accepting, and how being different is something to celebrate and nurture. Philips Academy does this in a unique and successful way and it is

our personal goal to demonstrate to everyone there that they are special, accepted and worthy!”

As part of their service project, BB&T Insurance Holdings employees packed and moved supplies and furniture from an old wing of Philips Academy to a new wing, in preparation for renovations. Several volunteers worked on each room with assistance from Philips Academy staff and students. The company also purchased four tables, eight chairs and six Chromebooks for students.

“It was so inspirational and de-lightful to work with Philips Academy students and staff!” writes one volunteer. “This, by far, has been my favorite Lighthouse project over years past. I was glad to help them move back into their newly refurbished wing in August.”

T

COMMUNITY SERVICE

A BEACON OF


On May 31, we cheered the accomplishments of six new Philips Academy graduates at a special ceremony held at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Holly Zipperer, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, provided the commencement address. In her remarks, she reminded the graduates that no matter what challenge or opportunity comes next they are surrounded by a supportive and loving team who are there to help them reach their goals.

We wish our graduates the best as they move on to their next big thing, whether it’s Philips Academy’s Bridges program, paid employment, or other post-secondary programs near and far.


We want to celebrate some of stu-dent Eddie Imbrogno’s many accom-plishments during the past school year. Eddie has been part of the Bridges Transition Program since 2016, focused on building career and independent living skills, along with other post-secondary students. Eddie recently started a new job at Chick-Fil-A! He also experienced other independent living firsts, like staying overnight at the Belisle House, and engaging with the community in new ways.

Eddie enjoys his new job, clearing tables and keeping the restaurant clean. He’s also a fan of the food at Chick-Fil-A. But one aspect has been a particular challenge for him: talking to all the different people who work there. That’s a skill he has been working on this year.

“Eddie has grown so much in his ability to communicate with others,” says Philips Academy staff member Casey Turner, who has overseen Eddie’s residential training at the Belisle House. “He expresses his likes/dislikes/opinions instead of always letting others in the group make decisions. His growth in communication has played a huge role with him getting hired atChick-Fil-A!”

It’s something he has practiced in other settings too. For example, he recently went into a Petsmart, found an associate and asked for assistance on his own. Everyone who knows Eddie recognizes this is a huge accomplishment for him.

“My teachers helped me feel confident talking to the staff in the store,” says Eddie.

He has also shown growth during his stays at the Belisle House, stepping up to take initiatives with chores around the house without being asked. “I can always rely on Eddie to do a thorough job,” says Ms. Turner.

Best of all, peers and teachers are getting to know Eddie better as he gains confidence communicating with others. They have watched his personality blossom this year. “We are able to see more of his sense of humor, which is wonderful,” says Ms. Turner.

Eddie Imbrogno is making his way

Guys’ Overnight at the Belisle House with Eddie, JP and Ben (L to R)

ONE OF

THE GUYSThe Guys: Eddie, JP and Ben (L to R)

Eddie with new skills and confidence at his new job


INDIVIDUALSLarry & Virginia AbernathyDonna AbernathyScott AbernathyGreg & Jess AbramsValorie AkeHelen Anne AlfordPeanut BelkLinda CranfordMarilyn & Bill CrawfordVictoria A. SmithDr. & Mrs. David L. SmithJenna MayhewKirsten & Mike PhalenAnonymousJeannine EubanksAnonymousKaren MontgomeryJennifer & Matt NicholsJohn Sredman, Jr.Jennifer E. ChunTerra ReillyCheryl L. HendersonAnnette FerebeeAlisa ReckerChris KonkelMisty SkvoretzRoshane & Scott BruleSusan RaphaelyPaula ReckerSusan PurvianceBeth WojcikKaren Matthews MastrantoniDori CazorlaThad A. WaltonDavid & Lisa ArdreyTony & Judith AreyLiz AshburnerBrian & Elise BarksdaleLewis & Kimberly BarnhardtJames J. & Margery J. BelisleBecky & PJ Berolatti

Phil & Jane BlountJason & Carol BlountBill & Corine BockenekSandra & Ron BoozerDoug & Bev BradleyRosanne BrandtTodd & Renee BroudJim & Norma BrownRichard Derek BrugmanKedar & Flo BryanJoann & Andy CalhounDawn & Aaron CannonIrene & Carl CarandePhilip & Anna ChandlerBrad & Amanda CherryLinda & James CherryLisa ChidesterAnna ChinBrenda & John CincottaPam & Wes ClarkGeorge & Barbara ClimerRobert & Anne CochranJean & Gene CochraneCraze Family FundCarol Jon CurcuruDell & Sonya CurryKevin DalyPeter & Patricia DanielSi & Lisa DavisJames & Lynn DavisWilliam Perry DavisRhyne & Lisa DavisCutter & Greta DavisBrian & Allison DeblitzSteve & Lee Ann DeCarloTonia & Nick DelgadoKathryn DonkleDana & Mary Katherine DuBoseTina & Samuel DulaKaren DunawayDr. David & Sandy DupuyTammy DuzanJames Benjamin Edwards II

Robin & Orrin EdwardsMark & Minna Elliott Family FundEmily ElliottMartha & Eric EubankDavid & Joan FairclothCori FappianoCheryl C. FiorenzaHenry A. FleishmanKaren ForsterAnn & Steve GarrettBarbara FrechLaura & George FredrickPaul & Barbara GalentineJohn & Lynn GerstenmierJeswant & Layim GillRuth Ellen & Thold GillGreg & Linda GombarRegina GordonHolly & Jon GraffJohn & Marilyn GrahamGrantham Family FundMeredith & Kelly GravesMartie GriffinBarbara HainesJayne & Kent HammondTina T. HelmsMarya V. HicksJohnnie HoRod & Gretchen HoflandJohn & Deborah HoflandRobert HornerKaren HowardWendy Smith & Jim HummelWalter & Lilia Vasquez-HunterRebecca HunterTelece Y. HunterTimothy J. IgnasherFred ImbrognoMichael ImbrognoEd & Annette ImbrognoJonathan IngramFrasier & Jane IvesJenny JacksonLucy H. JonesRhoda & Davin JuckettWilkins & Marcelle KeeKevin T. Kennelly Jr.Sam & Kelly KingJan KonetchyRonald Konkel

Martin KreshonKathleen KullickBetty Lynn LambertPeter & Kelli LashLoretta B. LentzCara LidrbauchFranklin & Luz LimBill & Beth LippincottRalph & Pamela LittleTim & Sarah LittleLorinna LowranceLeland MaddoxNorman & Gwen ManningHarrison & Margaret Marshall Charitable FundCharles & Martha MarshallGloria & George MarshallBill & Dee Dee MaxwellRob McCarterJulianne Smith McCollumDelia McMullenKatrina MeltonAndy MermansMiller Bower Family TrustMike & Ginny MitchellDavis & Amy MoiseBarbara W. MorinDuncan Morton Jr.Barbara & Richard NaidingerKumar & Sally NaiduLee & Lisa NeislerDick & Jan NelsonKM NewellJudy NicholsJennifer & Matt NicholsMr. & Mrs. William Nichols Jr.Q NoorCrockettJane & Tim O’DonoghueDanita OliverDanni Renee OrtmanGeoff OwenGerry & Dayna OwensPaul & Robin PacificoJennifer ParsonsRohan & Angela PaulPamela & Robert PaynterLeslie PedernalesKelly PerezReta PhiferClay & Meredith PhillipsBuntin Podrebarac

THANK YOU TO ALL OF

OUR DONORS!


Joy PoeLynn PolkStephanie PoludniakJulio Ramirez & Anne PorgesScott & Courtney PurvianceDonald & Carol PurvianceSam & Mary RambhaiDonna & Bob RasileDebbie & Joe RechnerJim & Fran ReichardLouise Beaver RipplePage & Rick RogersJeannie & Eric RogersKurt & Kim RombergGary & Bonny RombergNancy Z. & James L. III RuaneArthur & Pricilla RucksKarl & Pamela SawyerJohn & Grace SaydlowskiGreg & Kim SchildRichard SchmidtSusan ScottSteve & Katie Scruggs William & Glenna SevyPat & Nina SheehanStephanie & Dominick SheppardMichael & Cary SherckSue & Pete ShieldsStephen P. ShufordAndy & Courtney SilverNeal & Carol SimmonsGene & Kay SimmonsMarybeth & Steven SimonJim SmithBettie Smith

Sherese & Matt SmithDeborah SpaughPatricia & David SternMartin & Susan SternBeverly StewartKarla W. StovallDavid & Vickie StreetsAnn StrongEdward & Anne SykesPhil & Lisa TappyRobert & Molly TarrMark & Debbie TaylorCarolyn D. Spence & Venu ThamodharanLashanda ThomasAndrew & Dianne ThreattFrank & Julie TippettDr. Mark TobinMary Beth & Steve TownleyLou & Cathie TroschElaine Scott & Jerry TylmanNick & Kay ValaorasMelissa & Todd WalkerDaniel Lee WatsonLinda & Rex WeltonCathryn Wheeler JonesPete & Judy WhitingT. Randolph & Barbara B. WhittMike & Chris WigginsRobert Wiggins Jr.Colleen WillisWilliam Lee & Calli WilsonJ.W. & Betty WilsonJustin & Karen WolfJulian Wright

Kevin WrightGail WylieJean Zoutewelle

Corporate & FoundationA Special Needs PlanAllen Tate FoundationAmazon SmilesAmWINSBank of AmericaBaringsBill & Sharon Allen Family FoundationBojangles RestaurantsBragg Financial AdvisorsCobb FoundationDuke Energy FoundationGreerWalker LLPGreerWalker WealthManagementHarsco RailJ. McLaughlinJP Morgan ChaseKingdom Bridge AcademyMicrosoftMoore & Van Allen, PLLCNew DominionPNCProvidence Preparatory SchoolRegions BankRobinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.Speedway Children’s CharitiesSt. John PhotographyThe Duke Endowment

The Mary E. Carnrick FoundationThe Merancas FoundationUnion Bank & TrustWells FargoWindermere Insurance Group

In-KINDAnne & Steve GarrettAnnette ImbrognoBB&TBeth LippincottC&D LandscapingCenter Pointe Baptist ChurchDorsey ElliottHaerfest CoffeeJane & Frasier IvesJavesca CoffeeLevine JCC CharlotteMicrosoftOfficer Joel Wing, CMPDPaul GalentinePhil & Jane BlountRoss & WitmerScott DavisSt. Luke’s Lutheran ChurchYouth GroupSusan O’BrianTricia Tam

$500,000+James & Margery Belisle Family Fund

$25,000—$49,999AnonymousPaul & Barbara GalentineAnonymousAndy ZoutewelleEd & Annette ImbrognoAnonymousPeter & Kelli LashAnonymous

$10,000—$24,999Frasier & Jane IvesRichard & Susan CoeJames KomanMcAlister Family FundJeswant & Layim GillJohn & Ann GoodwinPat & Nina SheehanPhil & Jane BlountRenee & Hugh McColl

$1,000—$9,999Mark & Dorsey ElliottCharlotte Woman’s ClubDerick & Sallie Close DonorAdvised FundDoug & Bev BradleyEldon DeWeerthLeigh & Daniel LevineMary FroelichDavid & Patricia SternSherese & Matt Smith

Wells FargoAmerican Wax Lubricants, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. John HamiltonMr. & Mrs. E. Blanton Hamilton, Jr.Becky & PJ BerolattiAngus M. McBryde IIIEleanor SheehanEmma SheehanPatrick Sheehan Jr.Peter & Amy BarryWellford & Ann Tabor

$0—$999Al WaughIan & Shannon HardingtonPaige WaughRobert & Alejandra RussellThomas & Robin McCoyWalter Hunter & Lilia Vazquez-Hunter

Blake SnyderEdwina Willis FlemingFredric & Katherine GarnerAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousRod & Nancy SpruillAnonymous

$250,000—$499,999Mike & Jennifer Smith

$50,000—$99,999Bissell Family Foundation FundHarris BartonHoward R. Levine FoundationPurviance Family FoundationThe Dowd Foundation

CAMPAIGN DONORSLEARN LAUNCH LIVE


Thanks to you, the Learn Launch Live Campaign has raised over $1.3 million to support the cost of facility improvements, and to secure a separate, permanent training facility for our Bridges program. We are in the final phase of our Capital Campaign with $150,000 remaining to reach our goal.

Your generosity has helped renovate and expand our current teaching facilities to include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and technology upgrades. This includes a new teaching kitchen, second floor walkway connector, elevator, technology infrastructure, and four ADA compliant bathrooms.

Additionally, we have a new home, the Belisle House, which serves as an “adult centric” space, providing an opportunity for independent living training including supervised overnight experiences.

You have made it possible for us to expand and help many more young people learn, launch and live! A celebration is being planned, and those contributing $500 or more will be included on a recognition wall.

Capital Campaign improvements take us to a whole new level

CELEBRATINGLEARN LAUNCH LIVE

philips...lab. this on-site vocational exper-ience is available for all students. it expands our...

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