eNEWS | July 2026

View as a webpage

Congratulations 2026 Graduates!

June was filled with important milestones, including our High School Graduation, 8th Grade Moving Up ceremonies, and the graduations of our littlest learners in Nature’s Nursery. One theme echoed throughout each celebration as students reflected on their time at Green Chimneys: the relationships they built. Again and again, graduates spoke about the lasting impact of the connections they formed with staff, classmates, and the animals who were part of their daily lives. Those relationships helped them build confidence and strengthen their well-being. Whether students are continuing their education at Green Chimneys or moving on to college or post-graduate employment programs, we can't wait to see what they do next! See how Green Chimneys' therapeutic education helps students reach their next milestone >

High School

8th Grade

Nature's Nursery

Basketball Builds Student and Staff Connections

Residential Supervisor Jayson Matthews sees the Green Chimneys Recreation program as a way to help new students acclimate more easily to staff and peers because activities take place in a safe, structured social setting. “Relationship-building happens through shared experiences: a basketball game, an art project, or cheering each other on during a contest or challenge,” he says. Read the story >

Summer Camp is for Everyone

This past spring, Green Chimneys awarded a total of $67,065 in camp scholarship funds to 31 families, ensuring that 48 local youth could attend our Hillside, Clearpool, and Nature’s Nursery Summer Sprouts day camp programs. The average scholarship award was $2,163.

The generous donors that made this possible include the Barbara Apisson Testamentary Trust; the Peckham Family Foundation; the M & T Charitable Foundation; the Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Trust; the George P. Wakefield Trust; and the Caroline Previdi Foundation. Additionally, 21 camp families gave in support of the scholarship fund. Thank you for helping children experience the joy of a summer at camp!  

Happy Birthday to Our Andean Condor

Our Andean Condor recently celebrated his 39th birthday! This condor was bred in captivity at the Washington, D.C. Zoo as part of important research supporting California Condor recovery efforts during a critical decline in the wild population. Due to regular human interaction, he became too imprinted to be safely released and in 1990 the Green Chimneys Wildlife Center became his permanent home. To recognize his birthday, we gave him a special enrichment box. Watch on Instagram to see his reaction >

Golf & Pickleball Classic: August 3

Hit the Green for Green Chimneys on Monday, August 3rd! The day will include fabulous food, an auction, prizes and a great day of golf on one of Westchester’s most challenging golf courses. Plus, returning this year: Pickleball! For the non-golfer, join us for an exciting Round Robin Pickleball Tournament followed by cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres with participants of the Golf Classic. Get your tickets today >

Our bi-annual printed newsletter is another way to stay connected to Green Chimneys. Each issue of the Gazette illustrates our therapeutic approach to education. Inspiring student stories, honest perspectives from parents, and profiles of our animal partners make each issue special. Join our mailing list and have each issue of The Gazette delivered to your doorstep >

Children and families continue to find hope, healing, and opportunity every day because of the generosity and commitment of our donors. We are pleased to share Green Chimneys’ 2025 Impact Report, illustrating the accomplishments of the past year made possible by a compassionate community of support. Read the report >

Learn about The Green Chimneys Difference and hear directly from students, families, and staff about the benefit of our integrated approach, community built on relationships, individualized support, and the benefits of a nature-based setting. Watch the videos >

Your gift today makes a difference for the students we serve, and the animals in our care. Green Chimneys helps young people maximize their potential by nurturing strong connections with their families, the community, animals, and nature. Your support helps us maintain the integrity of our nature-based therapeutic programs for children with special needs, and provides for the essential care of our animal partners.