Threshold's 25th Anniversary

On Saturday, March 31, 2007 over 330 people gathered at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA to celebrate the Threshold Program's 25th anniversary.  The evening was marked by good cheer, catching-up with old friends, making new friends, superb dining, and a moving tribute to the Threshold Program by Ross Syford Hoyle, parent of alum, Brian Hoyle, Class of 2004. 

Threshold's Director, Jim Wilbur, commented, "I have never heard any one articulate the mission of Threshold and the impact that it has on the young men and woman and the families we serve as well as Ross Hoyle".

REMARKS FOR THE 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE THRESHOLD PROGRAM AT LESLEY UNIVERSITY by Ross Syford Hoyle, Parent to Bryan Hoyle, Class of 2004. March 31, 2007.

"An unexpected honor.  Jim asked me to represent the families of our amazing young people and speak about our experience, Bryan’s and mine. I believe our story is like yours. We have common ground. 

Five hundred students and their families have had the good fortune to walk through the doors of Lesley University to the Threshold Program. Here we found a community of support, advocacy and compassion.

We found a realty based program, functioning in the real world, teaching life skills in a systematic way.

Forward thinking. Empowering. Turning lives around.

For our students, truly excelling for the first time as a result of their hard work. Giving our sons and daughters tools to build greater self esteem and confidence.

Supporting them for taking risks to be independent and advocating for themselves; at work, finding an apartment, in social groups.

Teachers and counselors recognizing challenges and strengths and being flexible and creative to customize the program to fit each individual. Unique and exceptional.

If you will allow me, I want to say a few words to my son. Bryan, at age three, you were handed a challenging diagnosis for your life. It was rough. I suspect this experience is shared by parents we know. Tutors, special schools, driving hours to services and programs. Our life was suddenly different than the people we knew.

Looking back, I wouldn’t have traded the chance to know some incredible people we met along the way. Because of your struggle, Bryan, my life was richer, more meaningful and I had a chance to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined; I’m a better person today because of you.

We were blessed to have my parents and friends who supported our search for programs and guidance. But it was your positive attitude, determination, charm, thoughtfulness and compassion for others that motivated you to try again and again. That made it possible for us to come here.

It’s not often a Mother gets to say that to her son in such a public way. I’m so proud of you!

Congratulations to all of you! You are living independent lives! You have succeeded brilliantly beyond challenges. And to your families, I hope I have captured some of our common pride and appreciation for what we have found here. I wish I had the chance to meet and know all.

Threshold has been the focal point of all our lives for five years. And the wonderful thing is that the camaraderie, support and life connections continue.  Students keep their friends and faculty and staff care enough to continue giving their support, guidance and friendship.

Who knew you were not just flying across the country to school, but to start a new life. One filled with confidence, rewarding work and friends.

And you all came back to celebrate! And so we shall! A toast to dreams and making them happen!"

* Visit this online gallery of Threshold's 25th Anniversary Gala and share the memories *