2022 Abbott House Annual Report - Report - Page 3
Dear Friends,
The year 1963 was a defining moment for America’s civil rights movement. On August 28,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
to a crowd of over 200,000 people attending the March on Washington. His message inspired generations
to work towards a society that respects, protects, and promotes the inherent dignity of each member.
In that same spirit, on November 1, 1963, Abbott House opened our doors in Irvington, New York, as a
community-based agency at the forefront of child welfare—a haven where all children, regardless of
race, religion, background, or circumstance, could find an anchor to their place in the world.
Two years later, Dr. King attended our inaugural dinner. He gave an invocation sounding themes of community,
identity, and family while praising Abbott House for being “at the forefront of family life.”
This year, as we reflect on 60 years of support and service, Dr. King’s words are never far from our thoughts.
Each day we strive to live up to his faith in our organization.
YOU make this possible.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined our Abbott House family in more recent years,
your commitment matters!
Over the past six decades, we have expanded our programs and geographical footprint, extending
compassionate care in a variety of settings to a diverse range of individuals and families throughout
the New York metropolitan area and surrounding Hudson Valley counties.
Countless lives have been forever changed because you, our generous donors, sponsors, volunteers,
foster parents, community partners, and staff, continue to invest in resources that pave the way to better
and brighter tomorrows.
In 2022 alone, we directly served 3,007 individuals. These include children who found forever homes, families
who were reunited, adults with disabilities who were empowered to embrace independence, teens who
received tutoring and career coaching, and unaccompanied minors who found a temporary home on their
arduous journeys from afar.
In the pages ahead, we invite you to journey with us through six decades of photos, historical facts, and
inspiring testimonials. Meet youth and adults formerly in care, learn about our holistic approach to caregiving,
and view our Hall of Dreams Art Gallery, inspired by Dr. King’s introduction of a dream to the world.
We are privileged to partner with you.
Cheers to 60 years of doing good in the world—and the promise of safeguarding this legacy for
generations to come.
With gratitude and admiration,
James L. Kaufman, LCSW-R
Walter Montgomery,
President and CEO
Board Chairman
