Welcome to Githens Center (Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association)

Githens Center Bids Farewell to Executive Director after 45 Years of Service

Kate York is retiring after 45 years with the Githens Center—Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association. For the past 27 years, she has served as the organization’s Executive Director and Chief School Administrator.

“I am most appreciative of the many years spent at Githens Center. It has truly been a blessing and an honor to be of service to the community, especially individuals with disabilities and their families. I will cherish the memories and the relationships developed over the years,” says York, who started her Githens career as a Speech Therapist.

York was instrumental in implementing vital programs and services after realizing the increased need for additional support for families and caregivers. Under her leadership, Githens Center launched the first after-school program for individuals with complex, multiple disabilities in the State of Jersey. She also instituted in-home and agency-based respite care programs designed to give caregivers temporary relief.

Moreover, she helped secure two real estate properties which allowed for the expansion of those programs and services, including an adult day program. More recently, she led the development of a horticulture program in memory of her late husband, William T. York, Sr. Among her many accomplishments at Githens, Kate is pleased to leave the center with a fully accessible playground equipped with wheelchair swings for both children and adults.

“It’s truly rare to find a dedicated, loyal, compassionate individual, but to have the opportunity to be led by one for 45 years is incredible! Ms. York has been a tireless advocate for our clients and their families, our staff and the community,” notes Ken Nilson, Githens Center’s Board President.

Githens Center’s Associate Director, Robert R. Andrews, Ph.D. will take over as Executive Director effective July 1. Dr. Andrews is a former superintendent of the Salem County Special Services School District.

Welcome to Githens Center

Githens Center is a private and non-profit agency providing high quality programs and services to children and adults with disabilities and their families. Githens Center is renowned for its intimate, family-like atmosphere and unique programming which includes:

  • An education program for students 3-21 years of age operating for 10 months with an Extended School Year Program during the summer
  • Personal, individualized attention in a small, nurturing environment
  • Student-staff ratio of 2:1
  • Experience and expertise of a highly qualified staff (NJ Department of Education Standards)
  • Innovative, multi-sensory learning experiences including a personal care curriculum
  • An intense, multi-disciplinary team approach with trans-disciplinary strategies for OT, PT, and ST
  • State of the art technology for augmentative or alternative communication, mobility, fine motor, and cognition
  • Inclusive programming in regular education environment
  • After-school care in a safe, stimulating environment
  • Parent and sibling support activities including other respite services and recreation
  • Music, art and aquatics
  • Homebound instruction as needed
  • Family support options that include in-home and out of home respite or cash options

Thank you for visiting with us and we hope you find the information on this site helpful.  If you need additional information please contact us.