Brookwood and the McBirney Family were together from “the beginning!” My brother, Patrick, was the second citizen to join Brookwood when the mission was launched in 1985. Patrick joined his Lord and loved ones that preceded him in death when he passed away on June 29, 2025, at the age of 67.

In those early years, Yvonne Streit and her team began working with Patrick and a handful of other young adults with special needs. Together, they were determined to discover what was possible even in the face of great obstacles. In turn, they pioneered an educational, vocational and spiritual foundation that has now made Brookwood a nationally and internationally recognized model in the broader field of disabilities.

For our family, the most important outcome was Patrick’s development, growth and feelings of self-worth as a contributing member of society. His abilities, his talents, his interests, and his potential were nurtured in the jobs he had at Brookwood, and in the activity programs he enjoyed in the evenings and on the weekends. He was a fully engaged and vested citizen in this remarkable community, and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments. He loved living at Brookwood and considered it his home.

We are grateful for Brookwood, and we want to see it continue to bless the other citizens for years to come. Because Brookwood doesn’t take government funding, it relies on revenues from its enterprises, program fees and private sector donations to underwrite its operating expenses. While Patrick is no longer with us, this year we wish to raise support in his memory through the annual fall fundraising campaign. We hope you will make a donation to our Team fundraising goal. The McBirney Family thanks you for your support!