“We are extremely grateful to Pinnacle Credit Union and Mr. Deming for their support of our Shining Stars program,” said Lisa DeFlora, Director of the Gramon Schools. “The holiday program benefits many students in the community who come from homes that truly need support from caring neighbors.”
In addition to the Shining Stars holiday program, Pinnacle Federal Credit Union contributes funds to the Gramon Family to Family food pantry, which raised enough supplies to provide extra-large food boxes to six local families in need. The Parent-Pupil Organization (PPO) of New Beginnings, a Gramon school dedicated to serving students ages three to 21 diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, launched the pantry last year. By collecting non-perishable items from the community, the program provides underprivileged children the nutritional staples required to grow up healthy.
The Gramon Family to Family Food Pantry also provides an innovative educational opportunity to the school’s ongoing Transition Program. Students from the Gramon Family of Schools are responsible for processing requests and delivering food while under the close supervision of the New Beginnings staff. This exposure to a work-like environment helps developmentally delayed children prepare themselves to become productive members of society when they leave the Gramon Schools. For more information about the Shining Stars program or the Family to Family Food Pantry at the Gramon Family of Schools, contact Lisa DeFlora at 973.882.8822.
The Gramon Family of Schools originated with one school in 1939, serving adolescents and young adults with special needs. Glenview Academy opened in 1984 with the recognition that intervention is more effective when a child’s developmental problems are addressed as early as possible. With rising incidences of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum, the Gramon Family of Schools opened New Beginnings and New Beginnings Annex to provide programs to address these critical needs. For more information about the Gramon Family of Schools, visit www.gramonschools.org or call 973-808-9555.
