Parents packed the Wildwood school’s auditorium Wednesday for a 50th anniversary year kick-off celebration.
An absence of adequate programs five decades ago inspired a determined group to start a school of their own.
“There was a beautiful small group of families that got together beginning in 1967,” said Wildwood founder Ginny Rossuck.
The non-profit runs a school for elementary through high school age students. Ginny Rossuck credits Wildwood’s longevity and expansion to a family-like atmosphere.
“When you believe that there’s a better future for your child and you can be part of creating that, you roll up your sleeves and you run with it,” said Rossuck.
“And that’s that feeling of family, and it is still here today,” said Wildwood CEO Mary Ann Allen.
Janice Monty has been with the group since the beginning. Her son, now an adult, was one of Wildwood’s first students.
“The school has grown. The physical building has grown since I was here and the number of students. Everything has grown,” said Monty.
Services have expanded to include supportive housing, job assistance and family support, something Linda Gardner is thankful for.
“It has been years of support that have got me to that point, the social workers. He has fabulous social workers, and it is just the feeling of family,” said Gardner.
Although programs are designed to promote independence, members of the school community know continued growth can’t be accomplished without collaboration.
“Let’s continue to work together as a family to advocate for the next 50 years of what our kids need,” said Allen.
Wildwood offers a range of other services, including a program for young adults in Latham and an outdoor summer program in Altamont.