About Us
Members of the Durand Foundation Board of Trustees and Parent Board provide invaluable philanthropic fundraising support to ensure tremendous gains for the special needs community of Southern New Jersey. Currently, these members include the following individuals:
Durand Foundation Board of Trustees
Mrs. Patricia Lennon, President
Mr. George H. Hutchinson, Treasurer
Mr. Raymond Cristofoletti, Secretary
Mr. Jim Adair
Mrs. Sally Fish
The History of Durand
Durand Academy and Community Services traces its roots back to 1972, as an outgrowth of the work of Dr. Simone Durand-Schulman and the Camden County Guidance Center in addressing the needs of children with severe behavior disorders. Under the leadership of Dr. Durand, an educational program for children with autism was established called the Sunny Day School. In 1984, the Sunny Day School became an independent, nonprofit agency. Six years later, it was renamed Durand Academy in honor of Dr. Durand.
Growing Services and Support
Over the years the scope and range of specialized services for individuals with special needs and their families have steadily expanded. In 1991, Durand began operating community-based group homes for children with autism at the request of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. In 1999, specific training programs were added. That same year the Durand Foundation was established as the philanthropic arm of this burgeoning organization. Today, Durand offers a day school program called Durand Academy, group homes for individuals with special needs, adult training services, and family support, including respite services. To reflect the expanded range of services that are offered to individuals and their families living in central and southern New Jersey, the name of this nonprofit organization was changed in 2002 to Durand Academy and Community Services. The Durand Foundation continues to support the expanding financial requirements and services of a growing population with special needs.
