 |  | Philanthropist and Paychex Founder B. Thomas Golisano announced a transformational $25 million gift to the Mary Cariola Foundation, reinforcing his ongoing legacy of elevating opportunities and quality of life for children, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This historic investment, the largest single gift in Agency history, will allow Mary Cariola Center to significantly expand and modernize the services it provides to students, families, and staff across the region. This gift accelerates Mary Cariola Center’s vision to own and build a unified, state-of-the-art school campus, replacing current facilities with a customized facility meeting the complex needs of its students. | | | | The new space will allow for enhanced therapies, advanced technology, sensory-supportive environments, clinical and medical services, social work support, and flexible classrooms designed for students with a wide range of abilities and medical profiles. Tom Golisano’s gift positions the agency to fundamentally reimagine the learning environment for students who have historically faced significant barriers to receiving appropriate education. For Cariola families, this investment represents more than improved facilities — it symbolizes hope, stability, and a promise that their children will receive the exceptional support they deserve. For Cariola’s many donors, it’s important to understand that this gift is only available for the development of future school facilities, so there continues to be an ongoing need for annual support of special programs and services. Read more at more at marycariola.org/media-room-press-releases | | | |  | We are overjoyed by the extraordinary gift from Mr. Tom Golisano—a transformational commitment that will one day open the doors to a new campus. While that project is years in the making, the needs of our students, residents, and staff are here today. Your Giving Tuesday gift ensures success stories across the Cariola Community continue to unfold right now. | |  | | | | | | | Between sponsorships, individual donations, and team fundraising, this year's Walk brought in more than $211,000 in general funds for the Agency, a new record for the event. This year’s Walking on Sunshine was extra special, thanks to the Nichols Construction Team who chose Mary Cariola as their charity of choice and raised more than $40,000 at the first ever Walk Kick Off in July. Their generosity and excitement set the tone for our best year yet. More than 1,000 participants came together at Veterans Memorial Park for a day filled with energy, smiles, and community spirit. The weather was perfect, and the sense of support for Cariola could be felt everywhere you looked as families, staff, and friends joined together to celebrate and walk for a cause that means so much to all of us. The Seneca Park ZooMobile drew big crowds eager to see the animals up close, while balloon art from Balloons by Kenz and Balloons by Mya brought extra color and fun to the park. The staff who were recipients of the Employee of the Year, Hands & Heart, and Sunshine awards for 2025 were recognized on the main stage as they received their honors. DJ Moonlight kept the energy high with great music that had people dancing and celebrating throughout the morning. We were proud to feature eight sponsor tables around the event, showing off the strong corporate support that continues to make this day possible. Behind the scenes, over 200 volunteers gave their time and energy to make sure everything ran smoothly. Their hard work and dedication made all the difference, and we are so thankful for every one of them. This event would not have been possible without those who attended, donated, volunteered, or sponsored. It was a true community effort, and the money raised will have a lasting impact on the programs and services we provide to those we serve at Mary Cariola Center. Thank you for helping make this day one to remember! To see the Walking on Sunshine Photo Gallery click the link: Events — Mary Cariola Center | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Rochester Community Individual Practice Association (RCIPA) Foundation is a network of dedicated local physicians and healthcare professionals who work together to improve the quality of care in our community. Their commitment to health and compassion extends far beyond their patients and into the lives of those they touch through their generosity. Since 2009, RCIPA has shared kindness and joy with the Cariola students and residents by gifting them stuffed animals. Over the years, their donations have included a variety of cuddly lions, elephants, woolly mammoths, and pigs, each one bringing smiles and comfort to our children and young adults. In addition to these thoughtful gifts, RCIPA Foundation made a generous $25,000 donation last year to Mary Cariola Center. Their continued support helps strengthen our programs and enhances the experience for those we serve. On behalf of the students, residents, families and staff at Mary Cariola Center, THANK YOU for your generous support. | |  | | | | | | | Two years ago, the Mary Cariola Center launched an inspiring initiative called Sunshine Speakers—a passionate group of parents and family members of students and residents who serve as advocates and storytellers. They actively engage with local communities, elected officials at every level, and members of the media to share their firsthand experiences and perspectives from Mary Cariola. The mission of the Sunshine Speakers is simple but powerful: to communicate, advocate, and amplify the voices of those closest to our mission. | | | | Over the past two years, their impact has been undeniable. From email campaigns to policymakers, panel discussions with staff and donors, to speaking engagements at community events, their voices are making a real difference. “There are wonderful things that happen at Cariola every day,” said Greg Kamp, Director of Marketing and Communications. “Sharing those stories helps promote our mission and the incredible services we provide.” Kamp added, “The most compelling and authentic messages come directly from our families. Their experiences resonate in a way no marketing ever could.” | | | | The Sunshine Speakers program offers a wide range of activities to suit every comfort level—ensuring anyone who wants to get involved can do so in a way that feels right for them. To learn more about the Sunshine Speakers or find out how to join, please contact Greg Kamp at gkamp@marycariola.org | | | | | |  | Dave Sweezy -Residential Maintenance Assistant Dave consistently shows exceptional pride in his workmanship and is always ready to lend a helping hand to his colleagues. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him a vital asset in mentoring and training new members in our Community Services team. Kayanna Johnson LPN/ Medical Liaison - English Road Kayanna planned graduation parties, supported residents at off-site events, assisted an individual as he transitioned to an adult program, and showed up on her days off—bringing joy, stability, and heart to every moment, and to every one of the young men living at our English Road home. Camille Wilson- Teacher Assistant - East Avenue Campus Her compassion, creativity, and care light up every classroom. From encouraging words, to energizing movement, she lifts students and staff alike. Proven, passionate, and always growing, Camille is the heart of the East Avenue campus. Daryl Cherry – Shift Manager - Rush Residence In his first year at Mary Cariola, Daryl is already making a difference. Proactive, dependable, and always ready to lead, Daryl builds trust, sparks joy and helps residents thrive. Daryl leads with heart, helping every resident and staff feel seen, supported, and at home. Laurie McMahon- Records and Retention Clerk – Elmwood Campus Laurie’s creativity and problem-solving shine through everything she does—from streamlining staff attendance to enhancing family engagement through our communication platform, ParentSquare. She’s a filing wizard, a collaborator, and a joy to work with. | | Our Employees of the Month are featured on the third Thursday of every month on the 6:00 PM 13WHAM Newscast during the Bright Spot segment. | | | | | |  | Mary Cariola Center, known for educating and caring for people with intellectual developmental disabilities and medical complexities, expands services to include Intensive Behavior (IB) Services. This Home and Community Based Waiver Service provides behavior support services to individuals with developmental disabilities who live in non-certified settings. These services are designed to help individuals live more independently in their homes and communities, but could be adapted for other settings with consultation and collaboration between teams. The Mary Cariola IB Services provider must ensure the plan does not have conflicting or inappropriate strategies. | | How Does it Work? A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is conducted by a Mary Cariola Behavior Analyst. The findings from the FBA are used to create a Behavior Support Plan (BSP). Family members and other caregivers are trained to utilize the strategies in the BSP aimed at decreasing target behavior. The Behavior Analyst monitors the BSP for efficacy and collaborates with the team to ensure strategies within the plan remain effective and ethical. In New York State the program is administered by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). | | | | | | Service duration is limited and capped at one year (50 Hours) from enrollment into the service. There are some instances when reauthorization for additional hours is available in limited circumstances. Physical interventions and Time Out Rooms are not included in a BSP developed through Intensive Behavior Services. Teamwork & Requirements In order to track progress and ensure that the plan is being followed, the team meets every 60 days to review the implementation and effectiveness of the BSP. | | | | The requirements for applying for the service are listed within the Administrative Directive Memorandum (ADM), which are official documents issued by OPWDD to provide guidance, direction, and clarification on various aspects of services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ADM can be accessed through OPWDD’s website. A Care Manager is responsible for the application and its contents. Look for ADM #2022-04 Intensive Behavioral (IB) Services Requirements at https://opwdd.ny.gov/. | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |
