About Us

Inspire was founded as Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. in 1950 primarily to help children with cerebral palsy. Today, Inspire provides a wide array of outpatient, educational, and support services for people of all ages with a variety of disabilities and challenges, and for the general public. Inspire is a non-profit organization. Inspire is an affiliate of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and is a member agency of Orange County United Way.

Inspire publishes the Success Newsletter three times a year with the goal of educating and informing readers about Inspire and issues affecting people with disabilities in our community.

History

From 1946 to 1949 members of the Junior League, Anne Sneed Deane and Susan Scott of Newburgh, realized the need for services for people with cerebral palsy. Through their efforts Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association was formed and incorporated in 1950. Mrs. Deane was President of the Association for 30 years. Miss Janet Lockwood was the first physical therapist employed at the Cerebral Palsy Center, as it was then called. She also served as the Executive Director until her retirement in 1982. The treatment center opened in Goshen, NY to provide services for nine patients with cerebral palsy. It soon became evident that there were patients with other conditions who required similar services. Therefore, the incorporation papers were amended to include “people with various disabilities.” In 1979 the first Preschool class was opened at the Center with 11 children in attendance.

Janet Lockwood started the preschool program. Over the years, Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. continued to expand its services to accommodate changing community needs. In 1998 Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. adopted the name Inspire. While the organization specializes in early childhood development, it also offers outpatient services, educational, and support services for people of all ages.

Our Mission

Inspire's mission is to form partnerships with adults and children who have challenges in order to maximize their capabilities to lead fuller lives…

President & CEO Marcel Martino, President & CEO

Inspire Board of Directors Mary Ellen Rogulski, Chair Alan B. Bernstein, M.D., Board Member Allen Zick, Treasurer Damian Brady, Esq., Board Member David Weintraub, Board Member Debra Machnicki, Board Member Donna Benson, Fundraising Chair Helen Richards, Immediate Past Chairman John Sergi, Board Member Katharine Fitzgerald, Vice-Chair Mary Lee Berry, Board Member Maureen Torelli, Board Member Paul Boadie II, Board Member Stephen Napolitano, Board Member Suzanne Schindler, Parent Representative Tom Fay, Immediate Past Chair

Inspire Foundation Board of Directors Katharine Fitzgerald, Interim Chair Anthony Ingrassia, Board Member Barbara Scherr, Board Member Donna Benson, Inspire Board Liaison John Sears, Board Member Kevin Downer, Board Member Marcel Martino, Secretary Suzanne Schindler, Board Member Tim Dempsey, Board Member