Opening Doors...Changing Lives - CP Rochester

Quite recently someone reminded me that it is challenge and adversity
that lead to learning, innovation and accomplishment. We most often do
our best when we are challenged. I think that this is particularly true for
the people of CP Rochester.
New York State continues to be in a deep financial crisis that seems
to have no foreseeable end. As a result, funding for new service
development has essentially been eliminated and significantly cut for
many existing services. In addition, state regulations and oversight have
greatly increased with the intent of taking back money for services that
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Brian Klafehn
President, CP Rochester
have already been provided to those in need. All this has happened in an effort to reduce spending by
New York State. Debate continues over how much and where cuts should be made in a state budget,
which is yet to be passed. What has become clear is that we must continue to do more with less.
We face many challenges as we strive to provide supports and services to those who need them.
I am pleased to say that our CP Rochester staff, volunteers, consumers, families and community
are working hard to continue to help make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Responding
to the challenges, we have found creative new ways to grow in fulfilling our mission of supporting
those with disabilities in building the lives they choose for themselves, with the people they choose,
in the places they choose.
We have had to make some difficult decisions about services that are no longer viable. Yet our dental
clinic provided one thousand more visits last year and continues to grow, providing critically needed
services to those with physical disabilities in an open, accessible environment. A growing number of
people with physical challenges continue to live independently in their own homes because of home
renovations, provided by CP Rochester, which make their homes more accessible. We are expanding
these services moving forward. Children play and learn about nature in a new and growing outdoor
classroom. Every day people receive the services they need to remain independent in the community
and in their homes. The CP Rochester team has managed to do this while continuing to be very
fiscally responsible and sound.
Our fundraising efforts continue to play a growing and vital role in the development of resources
for our consumers. We are also fortunate to have several important partnerships and associations
whose efforts on our behalf have provided much needed financial and in kind support.
I extend my profound gratitude to each and every one of our staff members, volunteers, board members,
donors, consumers and families for joining us in our mission. There are challenges to come and it will
take our collective efforts to continue to grow while “Opening Doors and Changing Lives.”
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