Shrub Oak International School, a leading day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults, continues to grow its relationship with the community through several meaningful initiatives. Shrub Oak International School’s focus on fostering social responsibility and community involvement is evident in its ongoing collaboration with St. Mary’s Food Pantry in Mohegan Lake and its long-term support for BluePath Service Dogs, demonstrating a commitment to local outreach and broader autism awareness organizations.
Michael Koffler, CEO of Shrub Oak International School emphasizes that a standout initiative this year was Shrub Oak International School’s participation in a back-to-school backpack drive with St. Mary’s Food Pantry. Shrub Oak International School donated 75 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to children in need within the local community. Shrub Oak International School students played a key role in this effort by selecting, purchasing, and organizing the supplies based on specific grade-level requirements. This hands-on involvement not only ensured that the backpacks were properly equipped but also allowed Shrub Oak International School students to develop practical life skills, including financial literacy and organization.
The project culminated in a special event at St. Mary’s, where Shrub Oak International School students distributed the backpacks to families. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that this experience provided the Shrub Oak students with a greater understanding of the impact their efforts have on others, helping them build empathy and a sense of responsibility toward their community.
What makes this backpack drive particularly unique is the school's approach to integrating it into the educational experience. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School emphasizes that by encouraging students to participate in every step of the process—from planning and budgeting to shopping and organizing—Shrub Oak is teaching vital life lessons that extend well beyond the classroom. It’s a real-world application of skills essential for their future, and it’s done in a way that emphasizes giving back and community participation. This integration of service with educational development ensures that students learn the value of both teamwork and personal responsibility while making a tangible impact on their surroundings.
Shrub Oak International School’s partnership with St. Mary’s Food Pantry extends beyond the backpack drive. During the fall and winter, students will also participate in holiday food drives, helping to provide critical resources to families facing financial difficulties. Giving back to the community is particularly important to Shrub Oak International School CEO Michael Koffler, whose support was instrumental in bringing this partnership to life. Mr. Koffler has long emphasized the importance of community engagement as part of Shrub Oak's holistic approach to education, ensuring that students develop academic and social skills and emotional understanding in a supportive environment.
Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that by collaborating with organizations like St. Mary’s, Shrub Oak helps students recognize that their actions can make a significant difference in the lives of others. These experiences help foster empathy, one of the key pillars in Shrub Oak’s philosophy, and reinforce the idea that every individual has a role to play in creating positive societal change. Shrub Oak’s approach is about more than simply giving back—it’s about helping students become active, engaged members of the community at large.
In addition to its local work, Shrub Oak International School collaborates with BluePath Service Dogs, which provides service dogs to disabled individuals. The annual BluePath walkathon, in which Shrub Oak International School staff and students proudly participate, raises awareness about autism and highlights the vital role of service dogs for autistic individuals. This event brings together individuals, families, and supporters from across the region to walk in support of BluePath’s mission while raising funds to ensure service dogs are accessible to those in need.
Shrub Oak International School’s students not only engage in advocacy for autism awareness but also experience the power of collaboration in promoting inclusion and creating positive societal change. The walkathon also allows Shrub Oak International School’s students to connect with the broader community and learn more about advocacy. Many students find this event a highlight of their year, as they get the chance to interact with others who are passionate about autism awareness and have the opportunity to support and play with BluePath’s service dogs.
Beyond this, Shrub Oak’s work with BluePath has also resulted in additional opportunities for students to volunteer and learn about the important role service dogs play in improving the quality of life for autistic individuals. These opportunities expose students to new experiences and align with Shrub Oak’s mission to instill empathy and compassion in all its learners. The partnership with BluePath goes beyond a single event, serving as an educational tool that fosters a deeper understanding of how service animals provide autonomy and emotional support to autistic individuals.
Shrub Oak International School’s community engagement efforts reflect its broader mission of autism inclusion. Michael Koffler explains that Shrub Oak International School continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its students and the communities it serves by focusing on initiatives that foster kindness, empathy, and social awareness. These efforts are not just isolated events but part of a comprehensive strategy to help students prepare for the future, supporting them in becoming active, engaged, and caring community members. Shrub Oak students benefit from academic development and meaningful, real-world experiences that teach them the importance of giving back, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
Shrub Oak International School’s involvement in local community engagement is vital to its mission to foster social responsibility and connection beyond the campus. Through initiatives such as organizing backpack drives and participating in food drives with St. Mary’s, Shrub Oak helps instill a sense of empathy and community service in its students. These activities allow students to develop social skills, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful causes. Shrub Oak International School’s collaboration with organizations like BluePath further expands its commitment to community engagement and supporting its students in practical, life-enhancing ways.
For more information about Shrub Oak International School and its community initiatives, please visit www.shruboak.org.
