Racker (Cortland) (Owego) (Ithaca)

About

Franziska Racker Centers is a voluntary not-for-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. Throughout the organization's history, our goal has always been to be responsive to the needs of individuals not only to provide services, but also to offer each person and family opportunities for growth and learning. Our founding in 1948 was based on valuing diversity and on appreciating the many things all people have in common. Our mission and vision and our guiding principles as well as the Circle of Courage universally apply to all people, including those we serve and those in our employment. Racker Centers currently serves over 3,000 individuals and their families with approximately 200,000 individual services from our main service areas: Early Childhood, Clinical, Mental Health, Community Support, Residential and our Learning Initiative. We have over 30 sites in Tompkins, Cortland, and Tioga Counties. We employ more than 750 people, making Franziska Racker Centers one of the larger employers in our area. Licensed by five state agencies, Racker Centers offers a range of services including: preschool special education, clinical therapies, mental health treatment programs, residential opportunities, and community support services. We serve people of all ages from newborns to senior citizens with diverse strengths and needs.

Services Provided

Independent/Community Living

• Housing/Residential services (e.g., apartment, low-income housing)
• Supported living (e.g., in-home assistance, group living)
• Daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting)
• Recreation (e.g., parks, sports centers, arts, summer camps)
• Home modifications (e.g., ramps, environmental control)
• Financial assistance (e.g., public assistance, financial literacy)
• Transportation (e.g., public transportation, driving instruction, vehicle modification)
• Food security (e.g., food pantries)

Healthcare

• Health specialists serving youth with disabilities (e.g., developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral support)
• Mental health (e.g., crisis, clinics, social work)

Family Supports

• Support groups (e.g., parents, caregivers, peers)
• Educational resources for families
• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)
• Respite services

Education/Training

• Preschool/early childhood programs
• School-age programs

Other Services

• Advocacy
• Assistive Technology

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• TIOGA
• BROOME
• CORTLAND
• TOMPKINS