Vanderheyden

06/03/2026

Mrs. Stephanie and Ms. Vanderhoeven’s science classes from our Richard A. Desrochers Educational Center recently went on an extra special trip to the Museum of Science in Boston. Students had the opportunity to explore science in ways that brought learning to life through exciting, hands-on experiences and demonstrations. One of the highlights of the trip was watching an incredible robot dog demonstration that amazed both students and staff alike! We are so proud of our students for representing Vanderheyden so well and making the most of this incredible opportunity!

06/02/2026

Did you know we have a piece of local history right here on campus? Our Meneely Bell is part of a legacy that has been ringing across generations for nearly 200 years. The Troy Orphanage Asylum complex on Spring Ave. was completed on Aug. 17, 1893. Two trolleys from the Troy City Railways carried the children from the east side of Troy for free to their new home on Spring Avenue. Upon entering the grounds, Clinton H. Meneely, bell maker from Troy presented the home with a brand new bell that was rung to mark the occasion! 🔔

06/01/2026

Team Krusin’ for Kyle showed up for the Annual Walk at UAlbany campus for Albany Great Strides Fundraising Walk! Many of our individuals and team members joined President & CEO Karen M. Carpenter on Saturday in support of her son, Kyle, and everyone affected by Cystic Fibrosis. It was a meaningful day of community, support, and coming together for a cause that hits close to home.

05/29/2026

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the FY 2027 Budget yesterday. The budget aims to make New York more affordable, keep New Yorkers safe, and expand opportunity for all. Attending that signing was our President & CEO, Karen M. Carpenter and CFO, Matthew Jachym. They were especially interested in the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) which was approved at 2.7%. We appreciate the state’s 2.7% targeted inflationary increase for essential human services programs. The increase is necessary to recognize the cost of living increase for human services workers, and to help organizations maintain critical services amid rising costs.

05/29/2026

Michelle Perrott was recognized today as a 2026 Jim Purcell Award Recipient! Presented by the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), this award recognizes staff who go above and beyond in service to children and families.

She is a Direct Support Professional and has been with Vanderheyden since 2023. She perfectly represents our mission of “changing lives, to save lives.” An example of this is when one of our youth was out walking and visiting the pond, he fell and went under the dock. Michelle thought nothing of jumping in, went under the dock and saved his life, putting his needs over her self-preservation. She helps our individuals every day with the life skills program, going to libraries and the YMCA, counseling, and working on supporting their health and well-being.

Her selflessness, courage, and unwavering dedication continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth and families we serve every day. We are proud to recognize the difference she makes within our Vanderheyden community!

05/29/2026

💼 We’re hiring an HR Coordinator to join our dedicated team and help support the employees who make our mission possible every day.

✨ What You’ll Do:
✔ Process payroll and employee data updates
✔ Support onboarding and offboarding processes
✔ Maintain compliance and HR records
✔ Assist with employment verification and reporting
✔ Help support employee programs and benefits administration

🎓 Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in HR Management preferred
• HR/payroll experience required
• HR Certification preferred
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and HRIS proficiency

💜 Why Vanderheyden?
We offer a generous benefits package, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

📲 Apply today!
Scan the QR code in the post or visit: https://www.vanderheyden.org/join-our-team/careers/

05/28/2026

We are grateful to be recognized in Highmark Health’s 2025 Community Impact Report for our partnership supporting emergency readiness and lifesaving response efforts at Vanderheyden.

Link to the Full Report: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.highmarkhealth.org%2Fhmk%2Fpdf%2Fnewsroom%2F2025-Community-Impact-Report.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjcavalcanti%40vanderheyden.org%7Cc02913dcfd0d41f49cf108debb5aca68%7C90f647c05dc04da28812bb00ec20bac1%7C0%7C0%7C639154195822666724%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qykkRpPPPeOMTFlSd8XJ0OBN6xR5LDB%2FdgXBuaylT1g%3D&reserved=0

05/28/2026

Our students’ creativity on display at the National Alliance for Mental Health Art Show at Empire State Plaza in Albany!

05/26/2026

A special thank you to the educators making a difference every day at The Richard A. Desrochers Educational Center at Vanderheyden.

05/25/2026