By Karen Zandi, Mary Cariola President/CEO
The year was 1949.
Congressman Joe Morelle presents a proclamation at the 75th Anniversary kick- off press conference.
The intergovernmental military agreements between North America and European countries formed the North American Treaty Organization (NATO). The National Basketball Association was formed. A guy named Joe Bari changed his name to Tony Bennett and Harry Truman was President. Here in Rochester, New York, a television station made its debut, today’s WROC-TV Channel 8. The home of Eastman Kodak founder, George Eastman, officially became a museum. And a very vibrant, motivated and compassionate woman named Mary Cariola founded what is now The Mary Cariola Center. 75 years later, her mission is still alive in the form of a preschool program, school age program and residential group homes.
This month we kick off a yearlong celebration of Mary, her vision, our staff, students, residents and their families.
Mary was told early on that her concept of educating and caring for children with developmental disabilities wouldn’t last six months. That comment provided her with even more motivation than she previously had, and that says a lot.
Her vision set the foundation for the Mary Cariola Center today. 2024 is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Mary Cariola Center and is the regional leader in interprofessional education and care.
Today, the Mary Cariola Center has evolved into a school that serves over 450 students with intellectual developmental disabilities and medical complexities. The independent non-profit agency operates a preschool program and a school age program serving students age five through twenty-one across three different campuses. Students come from over 50 different school districts in the region while the six Cariola residences are home to 44 residents.
Mary’s drive was second-to-none. Her philosophy was that “every child has potential, regardless of disability.” Her advocacy was 40 years ahead of the passing of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). In fact, a number of the actions outlined in the ADA, Mary Cariola had already proposed to City of Rochester and New York State politicians.
Mary was named as the honorary Ambassador to Italy and she was referred to by former New York State Governor, Mario Cuomo as a “jewel in the crown of humanity.”
As we approach our 75th Anniversary year, it is a great time to reflect on our past and impact the future. For decades Mary Cariola Center staff have dedicated their expertise and compassion to thousands of students, graduates and their families. The services the agency provides, both in school and in residences is unparalleled in this community. The lives touched, first by Mary Cariola and by a committed team of professionals is what truly makes our agency unique as the innovation once thought impossible, is thriving.
The impact that the Mary Cariola Center has made in 75 years is now the foundation for reaching new heights in innovation, education, care and staffing in the future. Medical miracles happen every day, especially here in Rochester at the Golisano Childrens Hospital. Children who may not have survived birth anomalies or trauma just five years ago, are now living longer and Mary Cariola Center is perfectly positioned to be there for them and their families.
Yes, the last 75 years has been full of “innovative firsts” and solutions to the numerous challenges our students and residents face each day. Thanks to our donors, board members, volunteers, families and staff, this agency is prepared to do “what Mary would do” in our services and programs both now and in the future.
If you haven’t seen the Mary Cariola Center, give me a call, we’d love to have you visit. You will see firsthand the rich history and legacy that Mary entrusted to us. As you walk down one of the school hallways or visit one of our residences you will become part of, what we call, the “Cariola Community.” The impact that Mary and her supporters had on the intellectually disabled community is immeasurable, then and now.
Receiving proclamations from the Monroe County Delegation at 75th Anniversary kick-off.
