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4 HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL | MAY 2024 | BUSINESS PROFILES Address: 60 Hicksville Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 Phone: (860) 635-6010 Website: www.adelbrook.com Product or Service: Individualized and comprehensive services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Top Executive: Alyssa Goduti, President and CEO No. of Employees: 650 Year Founded: 1900 I t is the transformative moments and individualized level of support that make Ädelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services the premier resource for children and young adults with Autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals with Autism and other developmental and behavioral challenges come to Ädelbrook with the promise of finding a future filled with achievement, dignity, happiness and hope. It is through Ädelbrook's individualized care, team approach and supportive environment that they find a path toward greater independence. "The transformative changes that we see in the children and young adults that we support are unique," said Alyssa Goduti, who started as a volunteer at Ädelbrook and is now its President and CEO. "That is apparent when people come out, visit our programs and talk to staff. They see their sense of commitment, compassion, and collaborative approach to care." Ädelbrook has undergone its own transforma- tion. It was founded in 1900 as The Swedish Christian Orphanage to "provide a home for homeless and neglected children." The mission evolved over time. By the latter half of the 20th century, the nonprofit began offering educational and behavioral health services. The changes were eventually reflected in the transition to a new name, Ädelbrook, which is derived from the Swedish word for precious (adel). Brook con- notes the ever-changing path of life, as well as the twists it takes as people grow. Today, Ädelbrook offers a range of services to nearly 500 children and young adults, primarily focusing on autism spectrum disorders, starting as young as three years old. Through state-of- the-art residential treatment services, special education schools, a transitional academy, two student-run commercial businesses, a pre- school and daycare center, therapeutic group homes for children, community residences for adults, respite services, home and communi- ty-based care, and training and consultative services, Ädelbrook has continued to expand to meet the growing needs of children, young adults and families. "We don't use a cookie-cutter approach," Goduti said. "We take a person-centered, collaborative approach to care. We work with individuals and families to build a sense of trust, to dream, and to believe in the infinite possibilities of their future. We focus on our students and individual's abilities and capitalize on their strengths." Recently, Ädelbrook has been building out its services for young adults with Autism, who have high rates of unemployment. The ventures include two commercial businesses where students gain experience that can lead to jobs in the community. The first, called The Barkery, opened five years ago in Middletown and pro- vides tasty treats for dogs. Ädelbrook students manage everything from baking to setting up the store to ringing orders. The second voca- tional storefront, Ädelbooks & More, opened this year next to the Barkery. This space offers used books and local gifts while providing students with the opportunity to learn and practice es- sential vocational and employment skills. Ädelbrook also recently added respite services in the Enfield area to help parents who are round-the-clock caretakers for their children, Goduti said. Staffing is a challenge, as it is for many social service agencies. But thanks to a menu of train- ing, support and encouragement, Ädelbrook boasts employees who are reliably dedicated to the nonprofit's mission. "Every day our staff members are helping children and families transform their lives and find achievement, dignity, happiness and hope," Goduti said. A premier resource for children, families and young adults