Durand

06/19/2026

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a significant day in American history.

Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor the resilience of those who came before us, and celebrate the ongoing pursuit of opportunity, dignity, and hope for all.

Wishing our community a meaningful Juneteenth.

06/16/2026

Durand Welcomes Erin Tyson, MSW, LCSW, to Board of Trustees

Durand is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Tyson, MSW, LCSW, to join its Board of Trustees. A respected clinician, social worker, and behavioral health leader, Tyson brings more than 25 years of experience in psychiatry and behavioral healthcare to the organization.

Throughout her distinguished career, Tyson has provided compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Her work has focused on helping individuals and families navigate life’s complexities with resilience, confidence, and hope while advocating for accessible, high-quality behavioral healthcare services.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Tyson has demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple disciplines within the behavioral health field. Her commitment to improving mental health outcomes and supporting meaningful, sustainable change has made a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

“We are thrilled to welcome Erin to the Durand Board of Trustees,” said Marc Sano, Chief Executive Officer of Durand. “Her extensive experience, compassionate approach, and dedication to improving the lives of others align perfectly with Durand’s mission. We look forward to the insight and leadership she will bring to our organization.”

Tyson expressed enthusiasm about joining the Board and supporting Durand’s work throughout the region.

“I have long admired Durand’s commitment to serving individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities,” Tyson said. “I feel empowered to be part of an organization that values each person’s individuality and encourages them to exceed their own expectations and potential. I look forward to contributing to Durand’s mission and helping strengthen opportunities for those we serve.”

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Tyson will help guide Durand’s strategic direction and support its ongoing mission of Helping Individuals With Special Needs Learn and Grow through its special education school, adult residential services, adult day programs, and community-based support services.

About Durand

Founded in 1972, Durand is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Helping Individuals With Special Needs Learn and Grow. Through its special education school, adult residential services, adult day programs, and community-based supports, Durand empowers children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential and lead meaningful lives.

For more information about Durand, visit www.durandinc.org

06/16/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Justin Deal and the entire Payday Employer Solutions team for selecting Durand as their nonprofit of choice during the Tix For Good Nonprofit Olympics.

We’re incredibly grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and determination shown by everyone involved—especially while competing in the summer heat. Your efforts help support Durand’s mission of Helping Individuals With Special Needs Learn and Grow, and we are honored to be part of such a meaningful initiative.

Special thanks as well to Foundation Board member Fernando Torres of On Target Media Group, Bryan Levens at Snevel Technologies, and to Tim Chew and Tix For Good for creating opportunities that bring businesses and nonprofits together to make a real difference in our communities.

Partnerships like these remind us that when organizations come together with a shared purpose, amazing things can happen.

Thank you for your support, your friendship, and your commitment to making an impact. We look forward to many more opportunities to work together in the future!

06/15/2026

🏅 June Jamboree 2026: Going for Gold! 🏅

Durand’s end-of-year celebration brought the spirit of the Olympic Games to life! Throughout the week, students proudly represented their classroom countries, creating team flags and torches for our exciting Opening Ceremonies parade.

The fun continued with a week full of memorable events, including inflatable horse racing, a visit from a petting zoo, a foam party, track and field competitions, state fair games, and our always-popular water play day. Students demonstrated teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit as they participated in activities designed to celebrate another successful year of learning and growth.

Thank you to our staff, families, and community partners for helping make this year's June Jamboree a gold-medal celebration for all!

06/11/2026

We're just a little over a week away from our car wash fundraiser and are still in need of volunteers. Please show your support and signup for an hour or two for a great cause!!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AA5A92BA4FDCE9-64111414-community?fbclid=IwY2xjawSXlVNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeU8n49REk-Z-6JpxDUDewWmbm7d-Nca6t8m5t4wvXa4j9RK7I5i9_Kg8GtFw_aem_YxrlOXXw-snCKdgnedxBpQ #/

Join us as we support Laryssa as she represents the Durand Foundation and her efforts in Dancing With Gloucester County Stars. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. The event is free of charge but donations are ALWAYS welcome. Thank you!

06/10/2026

Safety Through Preparation, Success Through Teamwork

Yesterday, Durand School successfully completed an evacuation and safety drill, an important exercise that helps ensure the well-being of our students, staff, and school community. While safety drills are designed to prepare us for emergencies, they also serve as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when dedicated professionals come together with a shared commitment to safety.

For many of our students, particularly those with autism and other developmental disabilities, changes in routine and unfamiliar situations can be challenging. That is why thoughtful planning, patience, and collaboration are essential to the success of these exercises.

To support successful drill implementation, Durand School collaborated closely with Officer Derick Allcott and the Woodbury Police Department, as well as Dr. Jason Vivadelli of Evergreen Elementary School. Together, with Durand's Chief of Safety and Security, Cory Holmes, Principal Jennifer Amoroso, and other Durand staff, helped ensure that emergency preparedness efforts are both effective and responsive to the unique needs of our students.

Durand Chief Operating Officer Jim Myers reflected on the importance of the exercise, stating:

"School Safety is not just a catchphrase; it is a commitment by leadership and staff to ensure the safety of our students. This commitment could not have been more evident than at the recent evacuation exercise at the Durand School. Students were seamlessly evacuated to designated safe areas under the guidance of staff and under the watchful eyes of our community partners, the Woodbury Police Department. This success was the result of excellent planning by school leadership and great communications with staff. Kudos to the entire Durand School staff for an outstanding job."

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Woodbury Police Department, our community partners, school leadership, and every member of the Durand team whose preparation, professionalism, and compassion contributed to the success of this drill.

Most importantly, we are incredibly proud of our students, who demonstrated resilience, cooperation, and determination throughout the exercise. Their success reflects the strength of a school community that works together every day to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. By preparing today, we help protect tomorrow.

06/02/2026

At Durand, we believe that milestones matter—and that every student deserves the opportunity to celebrate life's special moments surrounded by the people who care about them most.

Our annual Prom is more than just a dance. It's an evening where students, families, guardians, and staff come together to share a meal, enjoy music, make memories, and celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible students. These moments create lasting memories not only for our students, but for the parents and families who have supported them every step of the way.

For many families, opportunities like these are about more than dressing up and taking pictures. They are a chance to experience the joy, connection, and traditions that make milestones so meaningful. Seeing our students shine on the dance floor, laugh with friends, and celebrate alongside loved ones reminds us why creating inclusive and supportive communities is so important.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Durand Prom a special evening filled with smiles, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

06/02/2026

🌈 June is Pride Month.

Observed each June, Pride Month is a time of reflection, recognition, and celebration for many people across the country and around the world.

As part of our June Multicultural Calendar, we acknowledge this observance and the many individuals and communities it represents.

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful Pride Month.

06/01/2026

🌎✨ June is a month filled with opportunities to celebrate; at Durand, we recognize the rich cultures, traditions, and communities that make our world so vibrant.

By embracing different perspectives, experiences, and traditions, we continue to build a community rooted in respect, acceptance, and belonging for all.

💙 Together, we celebrate what makes each of us unique while honoring what brings us together.

05/29/2026

Building stronger, more inclusive communities starts with understanding.

On May 19 and 26, Durand was proud to partner with the Mt. Laurel Police Department to provide specialized training on interacting with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Durand COO Jim Myers and School Principal Jennifer Amoroso led the sessions for command staff and officers, focusing on recognizing signs of autism, effective communication strategies, understanding potential triggers, and creating positive, less stressful interactions for everyone involved.

The training also highlighted valuable resources already available to officers, including Blue Envelope programs, sensory support kits containing noise-reducing earmuffs, fidget tools, communication aids, and other accommodations designed to support successful encounters.

We are grateful to the Mt. Laurel Police Department for their commitment to learning, collaboration, and serving all members of our community with compassion and understanding. Together, we are helping create safer, more supportive environments for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities throughout South Jersey.