It seems such a simple and obvious need: a post-secondary school where a student can grow academically, enjoy a rich social life, and prepare for an independent future. Those of us whose children have learning disabilities know how complicated and frustrating it is to find the right place for our kids. For our son, David, VIP is the right place.
David, now a sophomore at VIP, has become a confident young man with a large circle of friends. He enjoys his classes and his teachers while being challenged to achieve his academic potential. His advisors know and understand him, and they provide guidance based on reality, kindness, and humor. His vocational training gives him substantive real-life experience to complement his classwork.
David is flourishing at VIP; his increased maturity and happiness are obvious to all who know him. He is proud of being away at college. His path may not be identical to that of his brothers, but he’s going in the same direction.
Lois Frischling and Jerry Miller
VIP helped me so much in moving on and getting over some traumatic things, and in becoming the person I am today. Without the friends I made last year and this year, I don’t know what I would do. The job now I am working at makes me feel like I belong. It makes me happy.
Joseph Fiesel ’ 08
Commack , NY.
I’ve never had the kind of support that I have had at VIP. My parents have seen a tremendous change in my self-confidence. I was never really motivated before, but at VIP, I was on student council, helped run some dances, and started a women’s group. Now I am a part of Student Contacts, reaching out to freshmen and sharing my experiences at VIP. At VIP, I’ve found lifetime friends who inspire me to accomplish all the things I want.
Joy Jordan ’ 07
Chicago, Ill.
I learned so much from being at VIP and made the best friends of my life. I’ve learned how to succeed in academics and finally am able to understand what is going on in class. VIP classes are really set for each student’s needs. It is one of the only places I feel I can be myself and not have to hide who I am. The teachers are wonderful. They are always willing to help you and make time even if you don’t have them. If I didn’t come here, I don’t know where I would be.
Nicole Sprenger ’ 08
Needham , Mass.
VIP has done so much for me in so many ways. Thanks to this program, I am able to balance my checkbook and maintain my check register by myself. I am able to cook and am able to learn how to become a better cook for myself. My social life has done a complete 180-degree turn, thanks to this program and all of its social activities. The staff here cares so much and is so responsive to your needs. It is so nice to know they care about you. It’s just amazing. I am so grateful for this program. I love it. Thank you, VIP.
Amy Newville
East Meadow, N.Y.
VIP has meant a whole lot to me. It has helped be become a better learner and a terrific writer. VIP has also helped me because of RA Damian. RA Damian was always there for me when I needed him and he has also made me become better at my laundry. By enforcing rules at VIP, you can think and learn from your mistakes. Accepting your mistakes as an adult is a very good thing to do. By using my critical thinking skills and taking in information, it will bring my life up to a huge success.
Ryan Kraker ‘08
Smithtown, New York
VIP helped me grow a lot. I learned how to interact with people and how to leave them alone if they give me negative feedback. I learned how to deal with people in the work environment by repeating the directions that other people give me and following them.
Russell Hornig-Rohan ’ 07
New York City
During my three years there, VIP meant a lot to me. Before I went to the program, I really had no friends, but that all changed the first year. It not only offers classes that give you knowledge but gives you tools that will give you help in the real world. Teachers, counselors, and peers helped me through times of thick and thin. I felt more like family here than anywhere else besides my home. One of the emotions that I think VIP is big on is caring. I never met anyone who is more caring than my wonderful roommate.
Cory Trowbridge ’ 07
Ithaca , N.Y.
I have more friends than I did in high school. I was accepted here for who I am. Nobody tells me that I can’t be all of who I am.
Lauren Cooper ’ 07
Smithtown, N.Y.
SUCCESS STORIES