The Children’s Institute Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence

The Children’s Institute (TCI) in Livingston and Verona celebrated 50 years of excellence and its 50th anniversary with about 100 capital campaign donors at a special event at its new Livingston campus November 16.

The Capital Campaign Recognition event featured tours of the new Livingston campus, which opened in the fall of 2012, and features a new high school and young adult program and The Center for Independence, an adult program for ages 21 and up. TCI is a nonprofit school which also offers preschool, elementary, middle and 9th grade programs at its Verona campus. All of the programs cater to children, young adults and adults on the autistic spectrum.

“Our 50th Anniversary Celebration and Capital Campaign recognition event was a great success!” said TCI Director of Development Diane Berry. “ It brought together those donors whose gifts made our dream of a new high school and adult center a reality – and we celebrated right there in the space!

“Perhaps one of the greatest  highlights was having our students and clients involved in the celebration: our adults helped with the centerpieces and the favors, our students greeted guests and provided tours, our film school created an incredible video for our guests, and our student chorus performed inspiring songs,” she said.

A presentation featured performances by the 26-student Notables choir, and comments from TCI Executive Director/Superintendent Bruce Ettinger, Board President Michael Reimer and founder Hattie Segal.  Eventgoers also enjoyed a video about the opening of the new Livingston Campus.

Ms. Segal talked about her involvement with the founding of the Jewish orphanage many years ago and then when TCI needed to find a new mission, she learned about the special needs children who required assistance, she said.  There was minimal public funding so fundraising was needed. Teachers did not have enough time to give to meet all their needs and volunteers were required, she said.

TCI opened with two classes of students and Ms. Segal worked as a volunteer aide for many years, she said. As Ms. Segal toured the new Livingston campus with her family and watched the Notables perform, she wiped tears from her eyes, so impressed with what TCI has become and how many children it helps. “I am full of love and happiness,” Ms. Segal said. “I am thankful to my very core. “

It was 32 years ago that Ms. Segal hired Bruce Ettinger as TCI’s superintendent/executive director. In his remarks, Dr. Ettinger welcomed guests and donors to the new Livingston campus. “We have a critically important and challenging mission to ensure that all children on the spectrum and with related disabilities are provided with all of the learning activities and experience that all children deserve with all of the special supports and accommodations to be successful,” he said. “The new Livingston campus with a high school, young adult program and the Center for Independence for adults, has enhanced our ability to make our dreams become a reality thanks to the continued support of our donors.”

Board President Michael Reimer also thanked everyone at the event for their support. “Many have said that they have stood on the shoulders of giants in order to achieve success,” he said. “In my case, I knew these giants. They were the pillars of the community. In the 50 years since our founders created The Children’s Institute, we have always been aware of our tradition of caring and providing the best environment for our students. What a thrill it was to have one of our founders return to see the tremendous success we have become and the bright future our students and adults will have tomorrow. Their inspiration will be passed on to the next generation of TCI leadership.”