DURAND CELEBRATES 5 DECADES OF SERVICE
Durand, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary, tracing its roots back to 1972, when Dr. Simone Durand Schulmann founded the groundbreaking, grassroots nonprofit with the inception of the Sunny Day School for children with autism. It all began when Dr. Durand heard the cry of a special needs child. The cry sounded different—it was clear the child needed a unique form of help. On that day, Dr. Durand decided to commit her life to providing this help. Thus, Durand was born.
Since then, Durand has evolved into a multi-service agency that supports individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, advocacy, and behavioral expertise. Durand’s wide array of services includes a private day school, seven group homes, three adult training programs, and family support and advocacy assistance. To reflect its multidimensional impact, the organization changed its name from “Durand Academy and Community Services, Inc.” to “Durand, Inc.” in 2014.
Under the stewardship of Durand’s Board of Trustees, the organization serves as an essential resource for individuals with special needs in southern New Jersey. The agency actively supports hundreds of children and adults throughout Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
“This anniversary marks 50 years of hard work, growth, and joy,” said Durand, Inc. CEO Raymond Cristofoletti. “Throughout its half-century of service, Durand has helped countless individuals with special needs pursue fuller, more independent lives.”