History

Fifty Years of History
Five Decades of Service

1950's
In the late 40's, a handful of parents began to search for help and answers for their disabled children. Finally in 1950, the first clinic offering specialized medical, surgical and physical therapy for disabled children began. Soon there were 60 families receiving services from the clinic. The Center was born with incorporation as United Cerebral Palsy of Glens Falls and the beginning of an organized approach to treat children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Max Tupper's popular outdoor Christmas displays
were used as a way to educate the public about Cerebral Palsy.

1960's
In an attempt to gain more help for their children, parents continued to organize and seek support and services. In response to the need for more educational programs, on-going funding and an "organized approach," Marilyn Cohen was hired as our Executive Director. Fund raising and program development now began in earnest. The Center opened a classroom at Friends Meeting House and an office on Bay Street.

First Local Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Glens Falls Hospital
Max Tupper, Honorary President, Glens Falls Area
Cerebral Palsy Association,
Dr. George A. Reich, Cerebral Palsy consultant, Schenectady, NY,
Bobbie Hall, South Glens Falls,
and Marilyn Cohen, physical therapist at Glens Falls Hospital.

1970's
Continuing to be responsive to community needs and responding to increasing national awareness, the 70's saw the initiation of social, recreational and more extensive educational services. By the mid 70's, the Agency employed 20 staff and served over 100 children. A building fund was implemented with the culmination of a new building with three classrooms on Aviation Road.

The front room of the lower apartment at 121 Bay Street,
was the first headquarters for the
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Glens Falls.

1980's
By the beginning of the decade, the Center had grown to 50 employees with the need, once again, to rent additional classroom space. Supporting the need for services as early as possible, the Center received a grant to provide early intervention services to infants and families, as well as to provide outreach services to identify and serve children and families in rural areas. Prospect School, on the south side of Aviation Road, was opened in response to increased referrals from the tri-county area. By the end of the decade, family support services and respite services to families were initiated through state and federal grants.

Early physical therapy services were conducted in a variety of locations throughout the city until 1979 when the Center for the Developmentally Disabled on Aviation Road was completed.

1990's
The 90's were a time of tremendous growth. The agency began the decade with 90 employees serving 400 individuals and culminated the decade with nearly 200 employees serving over 800 individuals. Continuing to respond to community needs, the Center experienced growth in outreach programs, early intervention, service coordination, respite and integrated programs creating the current need for expansion.

Today the Center provides evaluation, education, family support,
medical, therapy and outreach services to 800 children and adults.