Brightway is dedicated to helping every person we support achieve personal growth and fulfillment. We have a longstanding and trusted reputation for providing comprehensive, specialized services for individuals with multiple diagnoses – charting all ways forward.
– Kim Kubasek, CEO
The heart of the mission
Beyond the Diagnosis
"We were told the dreams we had for our child were just that. Only dreams. Then we joined the Brightway family."
For a father in Smithtown, one of those dreams was taking his son with autism to a Broadway show. His son attends Brightway’s Adult Day Program and recently joined the program’s performing arts group. Most people take a theater trip for granted, but for this family, it was unexplored territory – literally and figuratively. Would the loud noises or the hustle and bustle make the trip impossible?
Because of the confidence built in Brightway’s performing arts group, the father watched in awe as his son didn’t just sit through the show – he followed it with joy.
"The staff is amazing, the facility is amazing. He is loved, cared for, nurtured and protected."
Another family had been missing their regular morning Mass, opting for the smaller afternoon service dedicated to those with special needs. As their thirty-year-old son began enjoying more community habilitation days at Brightway, the family decided to try the regular morning service again. Not only did the full congregation love having him there, their usually nonverbal son belted out the Our Father without hesitation. Sunday mornings became an absolute joy.
This is what we do at Brightway. We believe that progress is always possible. Whether it is a mother crying tears of joy as she helps her daughter move into a college dorm room, or a young woman using her first paycheck from a new job to buy a book for her brother, we are dedicated to helping every person achieve personal growth and fulfillment.
With nearly 65 years of service, Brightway provides a full continuum of care – from preschool to residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs – for over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Brightway is a dynamic, nonprofit, multi-site agency serving the Long Island community and families across the tri-state area. We recognize the unique needs of each person we support and maintain the highest standards of teaching and staff training, utilizing research-based methods across all programs.
While families celebrate these milestones, thousands of caregivers do not have the same support network. They are anxious about where their loved one will live as they transition out of grade school. They can’t sleep not knowing who will be there once they themselves are gone. With your support, we will be able to welcome more families into the Brightway community and advance our mission to extend personal growth and fulfillment to more children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The Challenge
A Crisis of Connection and Support
The landscape of developmental support is shifting rapidly, creating an urgent need for expanded support. Here’s why we need your partnership now.
Rising Diagnoses and Demand for Support
Autism diagnoses have risen over 300% in the last twenty years – and as of 2025, the CDC reports that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has autism, with boys four times as likely to be diagnosed than girls. New York State carries a 3.09% prevalence rate, above the national average of 2.89%. While the required interventions vary, this dramatic increase requires a new approach to care. As society continues to learn more about autism, there is an increased demand for programming that meets a holistic set of needs – inclusion, independence, and an overall improved quality of life. Brightway, with its innovative network of services and robust roster of specialized staff, is prepared and equipped to welcome anyone seeking best-in-class care. But we need your help to scale these efforts.
The Aging-Out Crisis
The transition from adolescence to adulthood presents unique challenges for neurodivergent people, such as underemployment and the lack of social support systems. According to the latest New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) data, the number of children enrolled in state developmental services has surged by 20% over the last six years, representing 8,000 new youth entering the pipeline. This is creating a massive demographic wave of young adults preparing to transition out of the school system.
Without targeted localized support, this wave faces immediate barriers:
• Growing Demand: Over 15,800 New York youth now utilize self-directed plans, indicating a massive push for personalized, community-integrated skill-building opportunities.
• Employment Barriers: Only 14% to 16% of autistic adults hold paid, full-time work, leaving up to 85% unemployed or underemployed.
Brightway’s Supported Employment Program and corporate partnerships actively rewrite these statistics through individualized vocational training and job coaching.
Funding Gaps
While public resources like Medicaid and state grants provide a vital foundation for many needs, navigating adulthood brings shifting tides. One in four young adults with autism loses public health coverage upon turning 18. Community support ensures that no individual faces a gap in care, transforming public assistance into a stepping stone toward true, lifelong independence.
Our vision depends on us all moving forward together. Now is the time to give – join us in building the premier agency for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
300%
Autism diagnoses have risen over 300% in the last twenty years1 in 31
As of 2025, the CDC reports that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has autism, with boys four times as likely to be diagnosed than girls3.09%
New York State carries a 3.09% prevalence rate, above the national average of 2.89%85%
Only 14% to 16% of autistic adults hold paid, full-time work, leaving up to 85% unemployed or underemployed.8,000
The number of children enrolled in state developmental services has surged by 20% over the last six years, representing 8,000 new youth entering the pipeline.1 in 4
One in four autistic children lose public health coverage when they reach adulthood, according to a study by the Autism Institute's Dr. Lindsay SheaWhat Sets Brightway Apart
All people, all paths, and all challenges can be met with forward-thinking, evidence-based support. Here are the ways Brightway impacts children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Brightway’s core strengths set the organization apart from similar institutions:
- Size, scope, and longevity
- Dedicated staff
- Professional proficiency to meet the widest range of medical, educational, and social needs
- Continuum of care and lifelong commitment from childhood to adulthood
- Pioneering innovations in therapy
- Excellence in training
- Family trust and engagement
Brightway’s approach is rooted in scientifically validated methods, including Applied Behavior Analysis. We are committed to advancing research to support our organizational mission and vision.
“Our clinical support services are nothing short of a team approach,” said Dana Reinecke, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Health Services at Brightway. “The behavioral health team works together between our nursing team, our wider staff, external partners, and each family to recommend individualized care unique to each person.”
Early Childhood Program
Brightway's Early Childhood Program offer a full complement of services at home, in the community, and at our three centers, with almost 400 preschoolers each academic year.
Children's Day Program
Serving over 200 children in three locations, Brightway's individualized, holistic Children's Day Program is underpinned by best-in-class clinical and educational support services, multidisciplinary and specialized areas of instruction, and vocational and community engagement.
Children's Residential Program
Brightway's Childhood Residence Program is the third largest in New York State, with eight residential facilities housing 65 children ages 10 to 22. An interdisciplinary team of professionals partners with family members to closely monitor growth and development, with the objective of teaching each child to live a happy, independent life.
Adult Residential Services
Our 40+ adult residences – always expanding – provide the opportunity for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to live as independently as they can and become integral community members, neighbors, and coworkers.
Adult Day Services
Over 400 adults participate in the day program across nine sites, in addition to nearby employer locations. Activities and programming are personalized to each person to foster self-esteem, improved relationships, the development of new skills, and community participation. Without Walls (WOW) is a community-based day habilitation program offering volunteer, recreational, and educational activities. Day participants are picked up from their homes and returned in the afternoon or evening.
Self-Direction
With over 400 people served and growing, Brightway's Self-Direction Program gives children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities the flexibility to choose the mix of supports and services that are right for them – so they can live the life they want.
“A small success that felt like a big win was when the person I support accomplished what they worked on. It might seem like just a simple step to others, but for me, it showed growth, confidence, and determination. Personally, I’ve become more patient, understanding, and empathetic.”
– Lauren
“The freedom to explore and experience their potential alongside them is what I love most about working with children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. I am proud that I am able to teach people to communicate efficiently and watch them utilize the skills.”
– Caitlyn
“I really enjoy meeting new people and seeing all the different personalities. I feel proud when I see them being able to communicate their needs and complete their goals.”
– Yarieliza
“It is my passion to work with the people I support – putting smiles on their faces, helping them achieve their goals, and taking them out to enjoy community outings.”
– Bankole
“Raising my kids was the most important job I ever had, and now that they’re young adults, this role gives me a new family to be proud of and new hands to hold along their journeys.”
– Kelly
Our Strategic Funding Priorities
While New York State funds the baseline medical support for qualified children and adults enrolled in Brightway’s care, we are seeking investments to cover governmental shortfalls, as well as unrestricted capital funds that support the level and quality of holistic services that advance our vision. Three strategic funding priorities directly help our participants progress.
Modernize Brightway's Housing and Facilities
Pillar 1Brightway’s Buildings and Grounds team continually enhance sour homes, schools, and program spaces to ensure they remain safe, welcoming, and responsive to the evolving needs of the people we support. Investments in energy efficient upgrades, accessibility improvements, and modern amenities create environments where children and adults can learn, thrive, and age in place with comfort, dignity, and independence. Philanthropic support also helps introduce thoughtful enhancements—such as student lockers in our school hallways—promoting Independence, organization, and the dignity of having a personal space for belongings and hygiene items.
Your gift at work:
Upgrade Brightway's Innovation and Enrichment Programming
Pillar 2New York has seen an exploding 219% increase in self-directed care plans, proving that individuals themselves are choosing customized paths to autonomy over defined institutional programs (ny.gov).Brightway answers this call by investing in experiential spaces, sensory environments, and cutting-edge adaptive technology. By building real-world independent living labs within our programs, we ensure the individuals we support don’t just navigate the world—they master it with absolute confidence and joy.
Your gift at work:
Advance Brightway's Employee Culture
Pillar 3Our direct support professionals and educators are the heart of Brightway, building the daily bonds of trust and safety that allow our individuals to thrive. In a field facing severe nationwide workforce shortages, investing in our team is an investment in care continuity.
Funding elevates our workforce culture through advanced behavioral certifications, specialized career paths, and wellness initiatives. By honoring and uplifting our frontline heroes, we reduce turnover and ensure our families always have familiar, expert hands guiding their loved ones.
Your gift at work:
Spotlight
Partnering with Home Depot to Scout Brightway Talent
Andrew is a valued member of Home Depot’s team in Bellport. His kindness, quiet pride, and dedication to his work shine brightly, especially when he’s helping customers – his favorite part of the job.
Andrew’s success wasn’t immediate. He built a strong foundation of skills through various roles, always assisted by Brightway’s unwavering commitment. Now, at Home Depot, he’s more than just an employee; he’s a valued team member. His supervisor shares more: “Andrew has been an amazing addition to our team. He brings humor and kindness and a big smile to the store every day.”
Andrew’s journey to meaningful employment is a direct result of Brightway’s Supported Employment Program. Our dedicated staff provides crucial, individualized support – from navigating daily logistics like transportation and schedules to offering tailored job coaching that empowers people to not just perform but excel. An investment in Brightway’s staffing allows us to expand essential programming like our vocational services.
Supported Employment Services include:
- Discovery and job exploration
- Vocational assessment
- Employment training
- Job development
- Travel training
- Ongoing on-the-job training and support
Employment Partners
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The Invitation: Move Forward With Us
Every journey is unique, and at Brightway, we are committed to helping everyone move forward. With expert care, innovative strategies, and unwavering support, we achieve progress at every stage. From little victories to big milestones, every step matters. Applying proven means, there is always a way forward.
Here’s how you can support our long-term vision and redefine the next generation of support for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities:
1. Support the General Fund
Make an unrestricted gift to Brightway. These contributions allow us to direct resources exactly where they are needed most at any given moment.
2. Target Your Impact.
Match your gift to the part of our mission that you are most passionate about by choosing one of our strategic funding priorities.
3. Engage your employer.
Double your impact by exploring your company’s matching gift programs, or advocate for corporate sponsorship opportunities to align your workplace with our mission.
4. Build your legacy with planned giving.
Invest in our future with planned giving. Contributions via retirement plans, real estate, or insurance policies can be established at no cost to you during your lifetime.
5. Stay informed and engaged.
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Attend our annual events
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Share our story: follow Brightway on social media
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Support the important work of our Self-Advocacy Group
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Volunteer with us
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Set up a recurring donation
“I lead with the mind of a Board Chair, but I see this mission through the heart of a father. Brightway provided my family with a foundation of safety and expertise for decades for my son Bobby. Together, we are reaffirming a promise to the next generation of families: that their loved ones will always have a place where they belong, flourish, and move forward.”
– Joseph Schmidt, Board Chair
Help Brightway achieve and advance our mission for generations to come.
Help us build the next generation of support. Let’s move all ways forward, together.
To learn more and discuss your gift to Brightway,
contact Senior Director of Development & Public Affairs Jennifer Low: