Launch

08/30/2026

08/21/2026

Community Partner Spotlight: Launch 💚💙

Caregivers shouldn’t have to navigate the challenges of raising a child with special needs alone. It takes a community and strong organizations working together, to make sure families have the support they need.

We’re grateful for organizations like Launch, whose work helps connect individuals and families with resources, opportunities, and support throughout our community.

These photos are from last year’s HAUN Golf Tournament, where members of the Launch employment team volunteered their time to help make the day a success by selling 50/50 tickets!

At David’s Refuge, we focus on caring for the caregiver through respite, wellness, and community. Organizations like Launch complement that work by supporting individuals and families in other important areas of their lives.

No single organization can do it all and caregivers shouldn’t have to navigate it all alone. When we work together, we can create a stronger network of support for the families in our community. 💙

08/20/2026

Throwback Thursday! Throwing it back just one week to our Summer Learning Program! We miss it already... looking forward to next year!

08/19/2026

How Are You Feeling Today? 😊💭

During our Summer Learning Program, we made it a daily habit to check in with ourselves and share how we were feeling.

Students used a feelings chart and chose the number that best represented how they were feeling that day. It was a simple way to practice self-awareness, recognize our emotions, and understand that it’s okay to feel different ways each day. 💙

**Which number represents YOU today?** 👇😊

08/17/2026

Turning Goals Into Keychains! 🔑✨

Our Pre-ETS Work Readiness students got creative while working on SMART Goals! 🎯 After setting a goal, each student created a personalized keychain to represent and remind them of what they’re working toward.

A fun, hands-on way to turn our goals into something we can see, carry, and remember! 💙

08/15/2026

🌟 Student Spotlight: Noah King! 💻✨

We’re so proud of Noah King and all the hard work he’s doing at his Techback job! His supervisor shared that Noah is doing very well, and we can see why! 👏

📸 The shelf Noah is standing in front of holds all of the laptops he has wiped and repaired to get them ready for resale! Talk about an impressive accomplishment! 💻🔧

💙 Fun fact: Noah actually started his journey with Launch CNY through our Pre-ETS program! It’s amazing to see how far he has come and how he is putting the skills he learned into action in the workplace.

Keep up the great work, Noah! We’re excited to see where your journey takes you! 🌟🙌

08/13/2026

Thank You for an Amazing Summer! ☀️💙

What a wonderful summer we’ve had together! We are so grateful for all of the students, families, mentors, guest speakers, and community partners who helped make our Summer Learning Program so special.

From exciting field trips and fun activities to new friendships, learning opportunities, and so many great memories, this summer was truly one to remember. We loved watching our students learn, grow, try new things, and most importantly—have fun together!

Thank you to everyone who was part of our summer family. 💙

08/12/2026

Yesterday was a beautiful day to enjoy the sunshine along the Onondaga Lake Parkway! ☀️🚴

A few of our Community Habilitation clients spent the day cycling along the parkway with their mentors, enjoying the fresh air, getting some exercise, and building friendships along the way. It was a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter, and time spent in the community! 💙

08/10/2026

Thank you to NY Alliance for highlighting LAUNCH in its member spotlight!

08/10/2026

FREE EVENT! TOMORROW!

Agency 101 Abridged: Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Services

Brief overview of eligibility and services presented by: Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Adult Career & Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB), Workforce Development, Office of Mental Health (OMH), Independent Living Centers (ILC), College Services, Families Together in NYS & Youth Power! and Peer Services

Participants will:
• Learn about adult service agencies available in New York State and what kinds of support they offer.
• Understand how and when to start referrals and identify next steps.
• Connect with agencies, ask questions, and learn how to support successful post-school outcomes, including
employment and independent living.
* Please note that we are not able to record this training

Register by emailing: [email protected]
In your email please indicate your name, agency, county, and any accommodations needed.