Gary R. Altheim Psy.D.

In 1996, I founded a Growth and Development Service Inc. (GDS) GDS is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. I created the agency 17 years ago to help teens that other programs were not able to reach/service. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.). For the past 20 years I have worked in various hospitals, clinics and community based agencies with my focus being abused neglected children and chronically ill clients. Due to my extensive experience in working in camps and creating other recreational and therapeutic programs in 1995, I was approached by Westchester County Aids Council to establish a camp for kids and families that have HIV/AIDS. I took on that challenge and created Camp Viva. I directed the program for 3 years. Camp Viva still exists today and I am very proud of this creation. Recently I was awarded an honor for being the Founder of this program. At the same time I was also working in the south Bronx with tough seriously emotionally challenged teens, gang members, and runaways. I began to get frustrated with the ways not-for-profits were handling their clients—I was repulsed by the ethical and moral violations that I witnessed. To make a long story short-- ha ha-- I decided to take action, be a positive leader and create our own agency, Growth and Development Services Inc. GDS was created to establish effective programs to help transform the lives of teens and families that desperately need of the services we provide. In 1996, my passion was then drawn to teen that are challenged by social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Teens and families from some of the toughest neighborhoods in NYC, south bronx and Washington Heightsneed Hope!!! All teens all individual need hope. Emotionally abused, depressed, low self esteem, fatherless, and with a majority of the families family income below poverty level. Teenagers and Families in NYC South Bronx and Washington needed a program like GDS. I started GDS out of my home in Armonk, Westchester– I guess a true grass roots, then one of our donors (my father), donated office space to us in Manhattan we started a collaboration with Whecdo, Davon's Russell's agency in the south bronx. In 2003, we moved to our new location, the 168th Street Armory in Washington Heights. We are now focusing our Family and Youth Services serving "the heights", a community in which is in tremendous need of our program services. We are located in The site of The track and field Hall of Fame. We build out the space with generous donations from out capital campaign. GDS' community based organization is nestled in a safe area surrounded by some of the toughest streets in NYC. Through the Training Institute, Camp Excel and The Excel Program GDS has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals; youth workers and clients. Training volunteers in Personal Development, cultural diversity, and Leadership skills. Our programs empowering individuals to Reach their Potential, individually, as a group and as a community! I hope you decide to contact Growth and Development Services and become part of our GDS Team!