2023 Marks the 30th Year of In Flight, Inc.

RED HOOK – 2023 marks the 30th year of In Flight, Inc. a nonprofit organization which empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach for their hopes and dreams, and support a meaningful quality of life. This has always been In Flight, Inc.’s strategic vision and continues to be the core mantra of the entire organization manifested through its diverse and inclusive person-centered programs. These programs teach new skills in communication, socialization, volunteerism, and employment which form the building blocks to be as independent and financially sustainable as possible.

The development of not-for-profit agencies stems from the rapid decentralization of state institutionalized developmental centers due to deplorable and inhumane conditions which then existed. To fill a gap of available services in the Hudson Valley region, In Flight, Inc. grew from being a Medicaid Service Coordination only agency to offering24/7 residential and a variety of community-based programs. As time passed and the need for services continued to grow, so did In Flight’s service area to include Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, and Greene counties.

Through various partnerships within the community, In Flight has been an active leader to progress advocacy, collaboration, policies, and legislation in the field of human services. As a founding member of Hudson Valley Services Providers, LLC, In Flight returned to its roots to help fill in program gaps with the start-up and launch of LifePlan CCO, LLC, in response to New York State’s initiative to promote conflict free Medicaid service and coordination.

In Flight, Inc. is an innovator of developmental achievement and is always assessing the need for support to obtain independence. In Flight created In Flight’s Success Academy for Independent Living to provide an added support layer to the skills learned in residential, pre-vocational, and supported employment programs with an additional focus on job retention. This unique program addresses the barriers to living independently and financial sustainability, promoting additional steps toward independence.

In celebration of 30 years, In Flight, Inc. is redoubling its efforts to create innovative and relevant programming and support services to accommodate the ever increasing needs from the community, keeping focused always, on the high quality service delivery which In Flight has become synonymous with.

When asked of In Flight, Inc.’s impact and desire for the future, Chief Executive Officer of In Flight, Inc., Matthew G. Bateman stated, “At In Flight, we strive for excellence, and from the immortal words of Sir Winston Churchill, ‘Adequacy is no standard at all’. In Flight will continue for another 30 years and beyond, empowering people with disabilities far past what is adequate so all people can have the best quality of life and live as independent and financially sustainable as possible.”

As time progresses, In Flight, Inc. will continue to assess the needs of people with disabilities and create programming to empower their independence. Together with the community, we will create a world where everyone can strive for the best quality of life, in a supportive and fulfilling environment.