Celebrating 75 Years of  Empowering People and Building Community

For three-quarters of a century, Upstate Caring Partners has been supporting people in our community. As we mark this exciting milestone, we invite you to join us in celebrating 75 years of dedicated service, compassionate care, and unwavering commitment to empowering people across the Central New York region.

Our success through 75 years is a result of visionary leadership, exceptional staff, and committed community partners.

Spotlight on 75 Years of Making A Difference

Throughout our anniversary year, we’ll shine a light on the programs that make Upstate Caring Partners a leader in care and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We’re excited to highlight the programs and people who bring our mission to life!

75 Years of Impact

Since our founding, we have been driven by a mission to empower people and build meaningful connections with those we serve. Our journey has been shaped by partnerships with our community, the dedication of our team, and the countless individuals who have trusted us with providing innovative programs and services that support and create opportunities for people of all abilities.

On this special occasion, we reflect on our rich history, celebrate the successes we’ve achieved together, and look forward to the future. Thank you for being a part of our story.

1950

Over a half-century ago, parents and grandparents from the Utica area were desperate to find a way to help children with Cerebral Palsy. The outlook for children with a developmental disability at that time was bleak since there were no programs or services to meet their needs. Through these families’ hope for a brighter future for their children, the agency was formed.

1979

The appointment of Louis Tehan as Executive Director in August 1979 marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of expansion for the agency. In 1983, Upstate Cerebral Palsy purchased its first building, which is the present-day Barneveld Campus. Not only was Upstate Cerebral Palsy growing with buildings, but also in the services provided. The agency established itself as a leader in addressing unmet and emerging needs, developing residences certified by the NYS Office for Persons With Developmental Disabilities to accommodate individuals relocating from Willowbrook and other Developmental Centers as they were closing and meeting the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our region. Today, the agency operates 45 certified residences in four counties providing 325 individuals with a home to call their own.

1982

Spring House Clubhouse opened for Behavioral Health Services.

1983

Upstate Caring Partners service area expanded to include Oneida, Herkimer, and Lewis County.

1991

The agency was approved to operate day care centers which we now operate in Utica, Rome, and Westmoreland.

1992

The Education Division started in 1992 as Upstate Cerebral Palsy developed the first of its three Tradewinds Education Centers. The Utica campus was the first in our region to incorporate residential opportunities on the school campus for individuals with intellectual disabilities, primarily on the autism spectrum, whose severe behavioral and developmental issues present challenges to achieving success in their own school districts and family homes. As additional needs emerged for this model, the Rome Tradewinds Education Center with accompanying residences was constructed in 2005, and the Chadwicks Tradewinds Education Center was also opened in 2006. This program now serves over 400 preschool and school-age students annually, including day students and 72 who reside in 10 residences.

1999

Armory Drive expansion of the Annie P. Tilton Center for day treatment and education center.

2023

Upstate Caring Partners has been providing mental health services since 1977 and was one of the first agencies in our community to promote the role mental health plays in a person’s overall wellness. Currently, the two Office of Mental Health-certified Article 31 clinics deliver over 45,000 mental health service appointments annually. In addition, certified Community Residences and Mental Health Treatment and Supportive Apartments provide individuals with housing opportunities. School-based Behavioral Health Services are currently offered in locations in Utica and Rome. In 2022, Article 32 Substance Use Disorder services as approved by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports were added as services to support individuals who experience co-occurring addiction and mental health issues. These services are also essential for addressing the impact of the opioid crisis on the individuals served by the clinics.

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