AHRC Nassau COMPASS
Empowers people to live fulfilling lives. Together with Family-Friends-Community
July 2025 Semi-Annual Report
Recognized by CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership with Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction Working toward a world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people
AHRC Re-Designated a Compass Agency—CEO, Stanfort Perry
It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that we share truly exceptional news AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited have achieved the highest level of accreditation offered by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities: Compass designation. This is a rare and remarkable honor, one that only four agencies across all of New York State have earned and we are proud to say AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited are two of them. Special thanks to Karen Hirschfeld, Colleen Tapia and Eric Rosen, along with the executive management team, vice presidents, directors, and committee chairs for your hard work to achieve such outstanding results!
This achievement is not just a milestone it is a resounding affirmation of who we are. It reflects the values we live every day: person-centered support, inclusion, respect, and a tireless commitment to excellence. It underscores what we have always known that our staff at every level, and our incredible self-advocates, are the heart and soul of our mission. Whether you're providing direct support, advocating for yourself or others, managing operations, leading programs, or offering behind-thescenes assistance, you have each played a vital role in shaping the culture of dignity, empowerment, and innovation that sets us apart. Compass designation doesn’t just distinguish us from others it defines us as leaders, pioneers, and compassionate champions in the field of developmental disability services. This honor belongs to all of us, and we hope you feel the full weight of what you’ve helped to accomplish.
Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for believing in the power of community and thank you for continuing to push us toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
This year’s COMPASS re-designation visit was more than an evaluation it was a celebration of inclusion, advocacy, and forward -thinking supports and services. Every interview, site visit, and activity reinforced our commitment to person-centered services and community engagement. Congratulations again to every single contributor who made this possible you continue to set the standard for excellence in our field. We are proud. We are grateful. We are AHRC Nassau.
With heartfelt thanks and appreciation, Stanfort
AHRC Day Services Day of Connections
In a heartwarming celebration of service, people supported at the Bethpage, Farmingdale 1, and Carle Place Day Services locations, along with Amy Yeung, activity specialist, traveled to the Brookville mansion and joined members of the Alpha Phi Alpha (APA) Fraternity’s Theta Lambda Chapter, Stanford Perry, CEO; and Jerri Walker, Volunteer and Project Coordinator. Together they packed meal kits for Nosh Delivers! and Island Harvest Food Bank. Everyone worked diligently to prepare two delicious meal options a hearty pasta dinner and festive taco night kit.
The event was about more than creating meal kits it was a joyful opportunity to connect, share stories, and bond over a common mission. Both familiar faces and new friends came together to positively impact families in need. With every kit packed, there was a shared sense of pride knowing that these meals would help fight food insecurity in the community. The day was filled with laughter, teamwork, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As the event concluded, everyone left with full hearts and a sense of accomplishment. Through their efforts, they not only honored Dr. King’s legacy of service but also strengthened the spirit of unity and compassion that can make a real difference in the lives of others. It was a powerful reminder that, together, we can create lasting change and uplift our community.
On February 25th, people supported from the Freeport Day Services location rallied at the Capitol Building in Hauppauge to raise their voice and advocate for positive changes. They joined other agencies in calling for increased investment in disability services, including a 7.8% targeted inflationary increase, the establishment of a wage commission for human service workers, and reforms to voluntary services provider rates. These changes are crucial to investing in the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the dedicated professionals who support them. Everyone wore orange to demonstrate solidarity and show lawmakers their support for investments in Disability services. The rally highlighted the need for a stable care system people with disabilities and their families can rely on.
Community Recognition
Kate Monsour, who runs Books For Dessert at the Port Washington Library, is the head of Adult Services and positively contributes to people in AHRC Nassau Day Services who enjoy reading. She supplies the books and Susan, a library volunteer, gives everyone in the group the opportunity to read and improve their skills. Refreshments are served and when they finish the book, people are allowed to keep a copy.
Frank Basile is a local senior who participates in our food shopping initiative. He shows tremendous dignity and respect to the people in Day Services who volunteer to shop and deliver his groceries. The volunteers often have a healthy debate over who will shop for him as they enjoy giving back to this community member. Thank you, Frank!
PERSONAL MISSION
Community Connections
Thank you to the wonderful people at Amwins, our corporate volunteers, for working with Day Services to plant a sunflower maze at Wheatley Farms. We can’t wait to see them grow.
Ladies and gentlemen in Day Services recently attended an event at the Nassau County Police Department's academy. They introduced themselves to officers, learned about the equipment, and some even hopped on the police bike! It was a beautiful day to show support for the men and women entrusted with keeping Nassau County safe.
During Volunteer Recognition Week we were excited to see Kenneth, Natalie, and Gerard, who receive Pre-vocational Services, celebrated for supporting the Farmingdale Public Library. They and their peers received certificates of appreciation and enjoyed a luncheon at the library.
Freeport Workforce Council officers participate in The Book Fairies and partnered with Wheatley Farms for pop-up sales in the community.
Annual Review of the Mission Statement and Management Plan
AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives.
Together with Family—Friends—Community
Per our annual OPWDD Compass validation review and informal recommendations the following will be adopted into the AHRC Quality Improvement Plan and Management Plan: A statement of deficiencies regarding incident management was received outside of the Compass review. The citation focused on failing to close incidents within the required timeframes. This issue was thoroughly reviewed, and the root causes were identified as late report completions, late documentation uploads, and late corrective action plans, accounting for 32%, 37%, and 70-80% of problems respectively. The agency's plan of correction includes reworking the entire process, implementing a checklist system, retraining staff, and offloading non-investigative tasks to support staff. Corrective action will also include enhanced tracking of dates, adding closure due dates to Incident Review Committee minutes, and developing an incident mitigation policy to address trends. The plan of correction was submitted to OPWDD.
Guiding Principles in Action
One of our guiding principles is fostering a diverse culture that celebrates talents and ideas. This year’s Pride Month provided an opportunity to highlight that truth. A great time was had at the 2025 Long Island Pride Parade on Sunday! With partner, PrideAbility LI/Queens, we marched and celebrated Pride Month, while also advocating for equality for all. During the Sunday event we cheered on the marchers and mingled with community members at the Long Island Pride Festival after the parade.
Personal Mission
From June 3rd to June 8th, Karen Shilman a resident of South Merrick CLS took her much anticipated annual trip to Portland, Oregon, to visit Jeni, her sister. This visit has become a cherished tradition, giving Karen the opportunity to relax, enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and spend quality time with family.
While in Portland, Karen enjoyed several of her favorite activities. One evening, she joined her sister for a fun night of karaoke, where she sang with enthusiasm and joy the photo captured during her performance shows just how much she was in her element.
Karen and Jeni explored Portland’s outdoor flea market, browsing booths and tasting food. Karen loves shopping with her sister and the energy at the market. Another highlight was a peaceful day at the Portland Botanical Garden, where the sisters walked among blooming flowers. The garden offered a perfect setting for conversation and reflection. Spending time with Jeni is something Karen looks forward to every year.
MISSION STATEMENT & GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN ACTION
The ladies and gentlemen at the East Meadow Art Gallery raised the bar this year with a showstopping installation featuring iconic movies and Hollywood stars. Art pieces & craft items are available for purchase. You won't want to miss this year's exhibit, showing for a limited time ⏰! Now to August 16, 2025 10-12 PM & 1-2 PM Monday-Friday At the East Meadow Art Gallery: 196-98 East Meadow Ave East Meadow, NY.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS by
Bridget Cariello,
AD Project Development
Energized by friends, farm and fun. It was incredible to have been part of the development team to introduce, “A Day of Community Engagement,” at the Wheatley Farms and Arts Center (WFA) this week! With over 150 attendees and more than 20 community organizations, this event was all about creating space for people to network, learn about meaningful social roles, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and build lasting relationships across the Long Island community. It was inspiring to watch people come together in such a vibrant, welcoming environment sharing ideas, discovering new passions, and celebrating the power of inclusion. A heartfelt thank you to our partners from The Self-Advocacy Association of NYS, Hempstead Animal Shelter, Book Fairies, Long Island Rocks, We Care, The Long Island Volunteer Center and many more who came out to make the day a success. A shout-out to our teams at AHRC Nassau from Volunteer Services, The POM Department, and The Wheatley Farms Engagement Team, whose love and care brought our event to life. Thank You ❤️Wheatley Farms and Arts Center for hosting us on their beautiful grounds. Your dedication to creativity, growth, and community is what made this day so very special!! Proud to have been part of this collaboration and excited for what’s next! #GratefulOrganizer #InclusionMatters #WheatleyFarms #AHRC Nassau #CommunityEngagement #ArtAndInclusion #SocialRoles #DisabilityInclusion #NonprofitNetworking #CollaborationInAction
CQL Trainer Certification by
Bridget Cariello,
AD Day Services
Samantha Rodonis has completing her CQL Trainer Certification a rigorous journey that began back in 2024 and finalized in 2025. This achievement is all the more inspiring given the dedicated hours, and professional commitment that was poured into this process. This is a significant milestone that reflects Samantha’s dedication to excellence in implementing the Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) principles and commitment to enhancing the quality of support we provide. Congratulations Samantha!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Families and Friends,
Meetings were held monthly, except for December and a summer break, consistent with the Management Plan.
It’s been a busy spring season, full of growth, progress, and much to celebrate. It’s a testament to the importance of our mission and you our engaged community of advocates.
I’m proud to share that AHRC Nassau remains one of four agencies in New York State to hold Compass designation. Alongside sister agency Citizens Options Unlimited, we recently completed a successful three-day Compass validation visit with New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
During this busy week of interviews and program visits, auditors connected with people supported, self-advocates, family members, staff and volunteers at a number of events. This visit was a valuable chance to show how person-centered supports can lead to real choice and more fulfilled lives, while also identifying areas for improvement. My sincere thanks to the auditors and everyone from our community who participated in this important process.
Another success to share is New York State’s investment in disability services. Because of your advocacy, the enacted FY2025-26 state budget includes a 2.6% targeted inflationary increase. When combined with Governor Hochul’s 2024 rate rebasing, this results in a nearly 15% rate increase for our largest programs and services. As we use our one-click campaign to spotlight our needs, I also encourage you to take a moment to thank the governor and our state officials for their commitment to a strong future for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
As we celebrate progress in New York State, we must keep advocating for Medicaid – a lifeline for people with developmental disabilities and their families. With the recent passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” we are closely monitoring how changes to programs like Medicaid and SNAP may affect those we support. Sharing your perspective matters. It’s one of the most important ways to educate lawmakers on who we are and how important Medicaid funding is to us.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support. By working together, we can continue to ensure the very best for the people we support, now and in the future.
Best regards,
Stanfort Perry, CEO
Board of Directors Physical Plant Inspections
Per the Compass Management Plan, physical plant inspections continued and the criterion remains an integral part of the Compass initiative and further strengthens the Board of Directors connection directly with the homes and day sites. Positive Board Inspector comments include: There were 58 physical plant inspections completed for the period of January 1, 2025 through May 27, 2025. Positive Board Inspector comments include:
The house is clean and organized, a wonderful accomplishment considering 10 residents.
Apartments are well maintained, and residents have access to services as needed.
Thank you to staff for all you do!
This HOME is in good condition. It is neat, clean, orderly, and obvious the staff are involved and caring. Well done and thank you to staff.
Citation free site; congratulations to staff.
This HOME is a pleasure to visitalways neat and orderly!
Members of the Board of Directors along with management staff.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SIBLING GROUP - AN AHRC NASSAU EVENT
On June 26th, 2025 over a hundred people came together at Brookville for the annual sibling barbeque. Celebrating the unique and enduring bond between siblings. At AHRC Nassau, we recognize and deeply value the role that siblings play in the lives of the people we support. As parents age or life circumstances evolve, siblings often step into the role of primary caregivers and advocates, providing essential support and continuity. Their dedication not only strengthens their family connections but also enhances the broader AHRC Nassau community.
2025 SIBLING GROUP
Please join us!
September 9, 2025: Meeting 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Zoom
Sibling Holiday Dinner: December 11th. 2025: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Brookville Mansion For more information, contact Colleen Tapia at ctapia@ahrc.org.
Annual Council Presentation to the Board of Directors
Brian Messina, Day Hab council member will present to the AHRC Board in September 2025 and plans to review this year’s council’s accomplishments and plans for 2026. Below is a sneak peak as his presentation.
AHRC Nassau - Councils
Executive Council
Met Monthly (Except summer break and November)
The Executive Council Zoom meeting continues to be held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
January 2025
Colleen reviewed the form residential uses for their money management assessment. Michelle spoke on MLK Day at Robert Finley Middle School in Glen Cove.
Coleen did financial decision-making training.
Coleen spoke about organizational representative payee and how to become your own representative payee and the steps you need to take to become your own representative. Sue Gill came to the council meeting and spoke to the about getting Empowering You back up and running but this time in person.
Council members were encouraged to take part in the one-click campaign to help with the 7.8 increase.
February 2025
Michelle hosted a scholarship event in Brookville where 21 people were awarded $100 to help make their dreams come true. Some of the dreams were: going to a Baseball game, going to a football game, starting a bracelet business, riding a monster truck, taking classes, and buying furniture for an apartment.
People attended the Legislative & Advocacy forum on February 10th in Albany at the Heart Lounge of the Egg Empire State Plaza. The forum was to help get more money in the budget for staffing.
The council held a bake sale to raise money for people who were affected by the California wildfires. We raised 125.00. Kenny Smith did a wonderful presentation to the council about the interviewing process and the questions asked to potential new hires.
Debbie Douso spoke about the human rights process and what they do.
Amanda Spletstoser attended the council meeting. Amanda spoke about what she does for camp and what her role is.
March 2025
We had Deanna Allen come to the council meeting. Deanna is new Residential Director of Citizens who took over for the Jerry Powers who retired. Deanna spoke about her new role and how she is adjusting from AHRC to Citizens. Deanna took council member questions and is looking forward to her new role with Citizens.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Stanfort Perry, CEO to the council. As always, the council enjoyed having Stanfort on as he enjoyed seeing everyone on the council as well. Stanfort took questions from the council.
People attended a Medicaid rally in Hauppauge at the state Building on March 7th Jason Persan came to the council meeting and spoke about safe driving. Steven and Michelle along with Jason are going to be working on getting a safe driving campaign going starting at the Compass validation visit.
Steven and Michelle worked and developed a safe driving pledge preceding the start of their safe driving initiative.
April 2025
We had Sandy Gumerove, AHRC Nassau Board President, come to the council to share the importance of keeping advocacy efforts going by participating in rallies and the one-click campaign. She shared that we had to keep the fight going and the pressure on to prevent cuts.
We had Lisa Shortell come and speak about innocent trends and how her department handles the trends and what they do to prevent them from happening.
Steven and Michelle met with Jason to discuss the safe driving pledge and their event for Compass validation week. Matt Hofele spoke about his advocacy efforts when he went up to Washington D.C. and spoke with local officials and legislators to help with the Medicaid cuts and the 7.8%.
May 2025
Sophia Roberts and Mike Rogers from SANYS came to the council and did a wonderful presentation on Rights to Ride. The council enjoyed the presentation.
Michelle held a high-speed rapid person-centered planning event during Compass validation, about 15 people attended and Colleen did a beach ball activity to explain how to create a person-centered plan.
Steven and Michelle held a safe driving campaign during Compass validation where they got about 20 people to sign the safe driving pledge.
Elise Olsen presented to the council on Mental health.
June 2025
Michelle Won the 2025 SANYS Long Island Regional Self-Advocate of The Year award. We started planning our 2025 Rights Rally which is set for September 25th, 2025, in Brookville.
Coleen, Steven and Michelle have contacted the Board of Elections about a potential voting training and registration event. We are continuing our advocacy to prevent the Medicaid cuts.
We had Mary McNamara come to the council meeting to talk about the upcoming AHRC Walk and all that is coming up with the foundation.
Chris O’Connor and Barry Donowitz came to the council meeting and answered questions from the council and also explained their roles in the agency.
AHRC Nassau - Councils
AHRC Residential Council Leslie TenEyck
The AHRC Residential Council has had an exciting and purpose-driven start to 2025, filled with advocacy, education, and community building.
The Council’s proudest accomplishment this year was hosting an engaging AT&T Digital Learning Night, where people had the opportunity to explore new technology, learn how to stay safe online, and build digital confidence, all in a fun and supportive environment. In addition to promoting digital skills.
The Council also reminded everyone about the importance of voting and encouraging peers to speak up, get involved, and understand their rights.
Throughout 2025, the Council has also been committed to increasing its visibility and improving communication across the agency’s residences. With strong leadership from President Nijah White and the support of dedicated advisors, the council has begun reestablishing reminder systems, exploring ways to manage the council email account, and discussing a potential social media presence that aligns with agency policy.
Council members have embraced new responsibilities, including speaking at meetings, helping plan events, and leading discussions during monthly empowerment sessions focused on topics such as independence, safety, and self-advocacy.
From Concept to Sale: People Supported by Pre-Voc Host Successful Mother’s
Day Pop-Up Sale
Preparing for Mother’s Day, the men and women supported by PreVocational Services (Pre-Voc) got to work in April and May creating heartfelt crafts and keepsakes for pop-up sales across AHRC’s offices in Brookville, Plainview, and Freeport. These pop-ups give everyone at the agency a chance to find the perfect gift, while offering people supported by Pre-Voc the opportunity to build employment skills.
For the Mother’s Day promotion, the men and women supported by PreVoc took on every part of the production process making, packaging and selling items for the holiday. AHRC Nassau Pre-Vocational Services supports people to develop valuable job skills, preparing for competitive employment with community partners such as Walgreens, Panera Bread, and Wheatley Farms in Brookville.
During the Brookville mansion sale, Roxanne Wong, Theresa Clarkin, Robert Callari, James Sardiello, and David Crespo were eager to greet customers and assist them with purchases of handmade cards, mug gift sets, and carefully wrapped hoya heart succulents.
“I helped make the cards,” James said while gesturing to a display. “We have a special machine at Freeport to make the cups.”
At the workstation back at Freeport, people supported by Pre-Voc used a stamping machine to create custom designs like a “plant mom” mug. They also hand-poured the candles and cut out designs for the cards. The entire experience taught them how to take products from development to sales. They were also the cashiers on sale days, working on money, customer service, and problem-solving skills all at once.
Advocacy and Councils
AHRC Day Hab Council Update
January 2025
Council members discussed Martin Luther King Jr. and why he was so important to the civil rights movement. A discussion was held about the newly elected president, Donald Trump, and how he would be sworn into office on Inauguration Day. February 2025
National Red Day was observed on February 7th, where people wore red to draw attention to cardiovascular disease. Program participated in the Quest Library Tour, where they visited local libraries and learned about what each on had to offer. Hub sites participated in the Souper Bowl food drive where they donated food items to help people in need. Black history month was celebrated by each hub site highlighting a black person in history and writing about what they did. Many council members went to the Joint Legislative forum in Hauppauge, where they listened to legislatives advocate for more money for direct care staff. A group went to Albany to rally for more money for the direct care staff.
March 2025
A fundraiser was held to support the victims of the California wildfires. Council members participated in the Help to Spread the Love food drive where people donated loaves of bread and jelly and made sandwiches for a food pantry. World Down Syndrome Day was observed by people wearing mis-matched pairs of socks. Woman’s history month was observed by each hub site highlighting a famous woman in history and writing about their accomplishments.
April 2025
A fundraiser was held for Happy Cats Sanctuary, which was destroyed by a fire. Autism Awareness month was discussed. A discussion was held about guardianship and a person’s right to be their own guardian. People were encouraged to contact Eileen Rooney if they wanted more information about the process and their options. All Abilities Day at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center was attended by many. They had the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun activities.
May 2025
Kindness Week was celebrated by doing different acts of kindness each day of the week. Council members participated in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive by leaving a bag of non-perishable food items by their mailbox. Nurses Week was celebrated by encouraging people to make a thank you card for the nurses that oversee their hub site. The annual day hab picnic was celebrated at Eisenhower Park and it was a fun time for all.
June 2025
30 people had the opportunity to attend the SANYS LI Conference. People celebrated Pride Month by making posters and explaining what the LGBTQ+ stands for and how their allies should come together and make their voices heard. The meaning of Juneteenth was explained to the council members who then shared what they learned with their peers.
Freeport
Workforce Council
The council discussed doing more money and register training, as learning how to use a register is important for many jobs. Every month the council reviews all community sites they go to and discuss the tasks they are completing.
During the discussion of all community sites, they discuss why some businesses are closing and why groups will no longer be going.
Workforce Council officers are now leading some afternoon work-based learning discussions and gaining public speaking experience. The council discussed security measures in the Pre-vocational space, requesting the doors be locked and new badges for groups to come and go from the hub site space.
AHRC Nassau
Closure of Willowbrook State School Following the Decree Changed the Treatment of People With Developmental Disabilities in New York State and Nationwide Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree. Hosted by Governor Hochul’s Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the College of Staten Island and the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, today’s event consisted of a conversation on promising goals for a future of full community inclusion and acceptance. The event, dubbed “The Evolution of Inclusion 1975 – 2025,” celebrated New York’s rich history as the birthplace of deinstitutionalization and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Cathy LoQuercio, AHRC Nassau advocate, SANYS State-Wide Board Vice President and SANYS Suffolk County Representative was present to deliver Benard Carabello with an award for his advocacy at this event. Well done Cathy!
SANYS Long Island Conference
Michelle Rudoff named Self-Advocate of the Year for Long Island at the LI SANYS Conference. Congratulation Michelle, well deserved!
“I attended the SANYS Long Island Regional Conference at the Melville Marriott on Friday June 6th. I was totally shocked and surprised when Coleen Mackin announced my name as the SANYS Regional SelfAdvocate of the Year. This is the second SANYS Self-Advocate of the Year award, as I won it at the state level in 2018. I am honored to have won the Self-Advocate of the Year award for Long Island, and I will continue to keep having a strong voice not only for myself but for others who can’t speak for themselves. I continue to make others feel like they belonged and loved. I will also keep encouraging others to speak up for themselves but also for others who can’t speak up for themselves. Especially when it comes to speaking up at their Life Plan meetings and their rights.” Michelle Rudoff.
It was a fabulous conference! Great information, inspiring presentations and fun!!
EMPOWERMENT & ADVOCACY!
Kindness Rocks at Wheatley Farms by Samantha Rodonis
Tracy Zhang loves working with people. As a person supported with Day Services at Wheatley Farms and Arts Center (WFA), she loves to be a part of all the activities at the farm and has actively been growing her skills as a tour guide there. Tracy had her opportunity this past March, when Charles Lavine, a Nassau County Assemblyman, visited for the dedication of the Meditation Garden built with funds he helped secure for the project with a grant from Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program. One of the highlights of the dedication was the introduction of “kindness rocks” placed around the garden’s magnificent pond. The idea for the kindness rocks came from a young woman, Linda, a self-advocate, who created a kindness rock garden at Molloy University where she attends the MOST program. The garden was inspired by the LI Rocks Program where people can place painted rocks in various parks across the county for people to admire, contribute to or to take. With Linda’s guidance, many rocks were painted by people supported through AHRC’s Freeport PWW and shared that day for placement in the new Meditation Garden. Tracy took a leadership role the day of the dedication, assisting Linda with sharing the painted rocks so that the self-advocates, families, policymakers, and all stakeholders attending could place them in the garden. Assemblyman Lavine had the honor of placing the first rock of many that have since been placed. Each rock represents messages of kindness and love for everyone who visits to be inspired to one day add their own. Since that day, Tracy has helped contribute to the garden through assisting with rock painting events such as the Day of Community Engagement and visits from local schools where students painted rocks and placed them in the garden. Tracy loves having the opportunity to help spread the message of kindness as she supports tours of the farm as well as various community engagement events that help highlight the Wheatley Farms and Arts Center.
Wheatley Farms Meditation Garden
The Wheatley Farms and Arts Center Meditation Garden was unveiled during a Spring Reception on Friday, March 21. The outdoor space features a cascading fountain surrounded by rocks and inviting benches that entice passersby to rest a while or enjoy a moment of peace and reflection.
The construction of this dedicated relaxation and meditation space for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community was made possible due to a $250,000 grant from the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program. The event was attended by funds requestor, Assemblyman Charles Lavine, AHRC Nassau board members and leadership, along with dozens of AHRC Nassau community members.
“Rain or shine, Wheatley Farms is a welcoming place for Nassau County neighbors to connect, reflect, and enjoy nature and the arts,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO. “As spring unfolds, we look forward to hosting meditation and arts activities here for all to enjoy.” Education is a critical component of the center. The center first opened in 2022 as an inclusive space that is the first-of-its-kind in Nassau County. Between the property’s two buildings and the adjacent farm, hundreds of people have taken group classes on various subjects, volunteered, and benefited from experiences with animals and nature.
“More than 1,800 visitors have participated in over 2,100 hours of animal-assisted activities and horticultural experiences,” said Saundra Gumerove, AHRC Nassau Board President . “Through mindfulness activities, creative expression, and quiet reflection, we hope this space empowers visitors to find balance, renewal and each other.”
Since its opening, the center has blossomed into a vibrant garden of connection and creativity an enriching hub where people come together to grow, learn, and thrive. Like the plants tended just outside its doors, people in Day Services have cultivated artistic talents, vocational skills, and lasting friendships.
“We are all one community and that’s what makes our part of the world such a great part of the world to live in. Anytime I have a chance to help everyone in our community, I’m going to jump on that opportunity,” Assemblyman Lavine said. Following Assemblyman Lavine’s remarks, guests were invited to place a meditation rock, decorated by people in Day Services, in the rock garden by the fountain and set a positive intention for the new season, to sow seeds of gratitude during a hands-on farming activity before gathering to enjoy refreshments and a photo exhibit in the farm’s clubhouse.
EMPOWERMENT
AHRC Nassau has the unique opportunity to benefit people lives through supports and services while also tackling additional challenges they face in daily life. This was the case on January 31, when Susan Gill Orange, Personal Outcome Measures (POM) Department Coordinator, along with Kate Zimmerman and Samantha Rodonis, CQL (Council on Quality and Leadership) Certified POM Interviewers, facilitated the first in a series of digital literacy workshops for people supported.
Thirty five people receiving Day Services, along with their support staff, travelled from Freeport sites six, seven, and one, as well as Mott Street, Seaford, and Jericho North Broadway to Brookville to take part in the training.
“We learned that there’s two types of phones,” said Sue Limiti, Activity Specialist. “There’s Android and iPhone. Not only did the people we support learn how to use their phones, but I learned something too.” Sue, who regularly uses an Android phone, learned to add a passcode to her device for security and remove unwanted apps as she assisted people throughout the workshop.
The presentation, led by Kate, was orchestrated to be all-encompassing. It touched on the basics from how to turn the phone on and off to adjusting the accessibility settings that are useful to people in need of vision and auditory supports.
“Digital activity has become essential for most people in society to engage in their daily lives,” MJ Zayas, Grant and Enrollment Coordinator, said. “This unique opportunity will assist in paving the way for people supported to achieve independence and advance onto new experiences such as getting a job, housing, and pursuing education.”
This initiative is part of a $20,000 Digital Literacy Grant from The Arc of the United States, The Arc of San Francisco, and telecom giant AT&T. The grant supports AT&T’s decade-long commitment to bridge the digital divide by providing access and resources to people who at risk of being left behind in today’s hyper-connected world.
The grant was announced in July 2024 and launched for AHRC community members in January. This provided the team with the opportunity to develop a robust training series featuring in-person workshops and online presentations to educate and advance digital literacy and accessibility. Offering both in-person and virtual options guarantees the highest engagement and supports the grant goal of training 250 people in 2025.
EMPOWERMENT
2025 POM Rally
During Compass Validation Week, the Brookville mansion ballroom was filled with excitement and purpose as over 70 people supported by Day Services gathered for a Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) Rally. This spirited event centered on themes of independence, empowerment, values, and community impact core elements that define a meaningful quality of life. The Rally was led by Personal Outcome Measures Interviewers Kate Zimmerman, Samantha Rodonis, Susan Gill-Orange, and Bridget Cariello, Assistant Director of Project Development, who guided rally attendees through an engaging presentation centered on social roles. Kicking off the event was Dr. Lucy Klym, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist, who introduced the concept and highlighted how social roles are different from other relationships. She explained how these roles as a friend, volunteer, employee, or advocate contribute to one’s identity and overall wellbeing.
“Social roles are a reflection of how we connect to the world and make an impact,” Dr. Klym shared. “They are not just what we do, but who we are within our communities.” When Lucy concluded, Susan addressed the crowd asking them questions, “What does having a role mean?” Dean Davidson, who sat with his peers responded, “A role is the way you act in being independent and taking control of your life.” Another person shared, “It’s like acting in movies,” drawing laughter from the crowd. Susan replied, “Correct! In that a social role is a part that you play in life, and how you show up for others.”
Throughout the Rally, self-advocates explored how identifying and nurturing their own social roles can lead to a stronger sense of purpose and inclusion. To illustrate the different types of roles, Michelle Rudoff, Coleen Mackin, and Steven Barsh agency self-advocates and Quality Enhancement Trainers, along with James Parks, and Desiree Mitchem, agency selfadvocate volunteers, wore hats labeled “Leader,” “Employee,” “Friend,” and “Volunteer.”
Whether advocating for themselves, volunteering in their neighborhoods, or simply taking on responsibilities in their day-today lives, each role reinforces a person’s ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities. "Our goal is to increase social roles,” Kate said, “For people to be responsible and valued in the community so they are not only going to church but volunteering at church.” At their table, people had a folder with POMs documents diving deeper into social roles, a blank white hat, and markers. After the presentation, the POMs team encouraged people to think about their present lives and identify their current social roles. They wrote these social roles on the hat provided. Several people were surprised to discover they held more than one such as brother, friend, and volunteer. The presentation was a celebration of voice, identity, and the importance of being seen as valued and contributing members in one’s community.
Long Island Rally
Hundreds of self-advocates gathered in Hauppauge on March 7 to rally in support of essential services, community inclusion, and disability rights. The rally took place inside the New York State Office Building and featured speeches from Assembly Member Jodi Giglio and Senator Monica Martinez. The engaging crowd included people who depend on essential disability services from agencies across the state, their support staff, and community advocates, all banding together in support of sustainable funding.
EMPOWERMENT
Advancing Person-Centered Goals/Dreams with
True Link
Grant By Colleen Tapia
Over the summer Michelle was awarded a 2,500-dollar grant from the True Link Financial because of her hard work with personcentered excellence. It was voted on by the Executive Council to use the grant money to make 25 people supported by AHRC’s dreams come true. On Tuesday February 4th the following people:
Chris Ledour, Pamela Crane, Tamara Morales, Lynn Darling, Bricely Altidor, Mikey Sue, Michael Arata, Marion Haven, Robyn Palumbo, Ann Berris, Nijah White, Diane Wright, Gabby Wildman, Clarence Wills, Noah Probert, Daniel Conception, Coleen Mackin, Devon Rivera, John Carmen, Neil Brooks, and Stjepan Zimic, were invited to Brookville for an awards celebration as recipients of $100 to help make their dreams come true. Some of the dreams were: going to a baseball game, going to a football game, going on Vacation, camping gear, art classes, dance classes, bowling, cooking classes, going on a plane to see a family member, starting a business, furnacing a house, and becoming a model with headshots. All attendees enjoyed a nice continental breakfast. A video of what person centered plan is and the HBCS wavier. All were presented with their awards and everyone was excited to be getting this scholarship.
Voting By Colleen Tapia
During our Compass Validation visit, self-advocate Brian Johnson sat with Lisa Petrocci-Clay, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Standards Compliance Analyst, for an interview.
As Day Hab Council President, Brian spoke about his advocacy and leadership during our recent voting initiative which empowered hundreds of people to use their voice through the power of the ballot box.
Lisa’s role is to assess how agencies meet Compass’ criteria. She spoke with Brian to better understand how the agency supports him to achieve his goals. With support from Activity Specialist Sue Limiti, Brian shared what drives his advocacy work.
“I want people to be active voters,” Brian said. “If you have a voice and don’t use it, what do you have a voice for? Because voting gives you a voice.” Brian’s commitment to civic participation extends beyond the voting booth. He shared how he developed relationships with local assembly members and has continued to speak up for people with disabilities. He proudly recounted his experience voting in the 2016 election, and how he’s maintained his status as an active voter ever since.
For Brian, staff pay and increased funding for disability services are core issues, and he knows that voting is key to securing more support.
The OPWDD analyst acknowledged his commitment, noting, “Knowledge is power, and he understands that voting is their right and power. He’s advocating for people to use their voice, leading his peers, and people who, for many years, didn’t have a voice.” Brian’s efforts during the voter registration initiative led to successful outcomes. Colleen Tapia, Compass and QI Administrator, emphasized the campaign’s impact. “We registered 271 voters, up from 56 the year prior,” said Colleen. “The whole initiative is about people having a voice in issues that directly affect their lives. By voting, they are taking action for their lives, and it further connects people to their greater community.”
PERSONAL OUTCOMES — VALUED OUTCOMES
POM in Action at Farmingdale 1
By Kate Zimmerman, POM Trainer/Interviewer and
the
team at Farmingdale 1
Michelle Bontempo
Michelle Bontempo sat for her POM conversation in December of 2024 and took the opportunity to advocate for herself. Michelle shared that she would like to work on becoming a better public speaker. With support from Carrie and Laurette at Farmingdale 1 and Kate from the POM Department, Michelle successfully hosted a full session of Empowering You, where she shared her self-advocacy journey, shared advice, and answered questions from the audience. Michelle wanted to do more. The team went to work creating opportunities for Michelle to practice her public speaking that also included her other interests. Michelle stands up in front of everyone at Farmingdale 1 during morning overview each day and shares which celebrities, and anyone at the site, is celebrating their birthday that day! Michelle prepares each day by independently looking up the birthdays in her Newsday each morning and writing them into her "birthday notebook" which she then reads each morning. Staff assist her with pronunciation of the celebrity if needed and what the person is famous for. When she is done, everyone applauds Michelle’s work as she goes back to her seat.
James Parks
James Parks sat for his POM interview in January 2024. When asked about what he does to stay safe, James spoke long and passionately about fire safety and the many conversations he has had learning about it with George Pitts. James talked about different types of fires, what the main causes were and the different ways to extinguish each of them. James spoke passionately about fire prevention and wanting to get his CPR certification so that he could become a fire fighter and teach others how to remain safe. The team at Farmingdale 1 jumped into action again and contacted the training department to explore opportunities for James to get his CPR certification. James shares his knowledge during the morning overview at the site. Each day James is given the opportunity to teach coworkers how to prevent fires and what to do in an emergency. James also assists with the site’s physical plant inspections to help keep his work site safe.
Laurette Holst & Carrie Ramacca (Assistant Site Manager & Site Manager)
Carrie and Laurette are the ultimate person-centered team. Everyone who enters the site, whether it’s every day, every month, or once a year is greeted warmly and immediately made to feel at home. They ensure that everyone is safe, engaged, and included. How do they do it? It’s simple, they listen to the people they support. Through POM interviews and ongoing conversations with the people they support, Carrie and Laurette learn what people want and then get to work supporting them to do what needs to be done to plan the trip, complete the project, or learn the new skill.
So, What’s Going On At Farmingdale 1? Top Banana
During their POM interviews, several people shared that they would like to make more friends but struggled with “breaking the ice” and how to have conversations that would lead to discovering similar interests and the formation of deep, meaningful friendships. They wanted to create a way to help everyone spark conversation in a fun, no pressure way. The result: Top Banana. Anyone who chose to participate could fill out a worksheet with some basic information about themselves, including their likes and dislikes. The worksheets were then turned into a display for people to read when they felt like striking up a conversation and wanted an idea of who to talk to and what to talk about. Top Banana helps people to find common interests to help create new friendships as independently as possible.
Just like wanting to make more friends, another common theme during POM interviews was wanting to learn to bake. Together the people supported at Farmingdale 1 learn about the different appliances and kitchen tools they would need to use in order to prepare food safely. They choose recipes and put the new skills they learned into action by baking tasty treats for everyone to enjoy!
POM On Display: The POM board originally started off as just an arts and craft project. The old board needed to be updated, and we thought this would be a fun way for everyone to pick out and create their own "avatar". Some people drew on their faces were everyone was supported to write down something they wanted to do or achieve in the future. Our second board was inspired by the POM banner contest we won. Unfortunately, it was damaged, and this is now our updated replacement "banner". All of the POM board entries were drawn and written as independently as possible by the people receiving services.
VALUED OUTCOMES
True Link Financial Award Ceremony
On February 4th, 2025 twenty-five people were the recipients of $100 to make their dreams come true from the True Link Financial grant which promotes person centered planning excellence. Michelle Rudoff, PCE Goal Leader, was awarded this grant as a result of her leadership role in person-centered planning. People applied for this scholarship to use toward things such as cooking lessons, dance lessons, Monster Truck rides and the like. We are very pleased to assist with getting people one step closer to fulfilling their dreams.
The Annual POM Rally and Social Roles By Susan Gill-Orange
The POM theme in 2025 focuses on, “People Perform Different Social Roles”, so this became the motivation for the POM department’s POM Rally 2025 this past May. For many of the people we support, there is a distinct desire to share their interests and talents in the community. They would like to do this on a consistent basis which becomes a valued social role. In order to provide education to people receiving services regarding the definition of social roles and a fuller understanding of the responsibilities inherent in the role, the rally explored the many options available for people to acquire social roles in their community. The rally incorporated into its Power Point presentation, “Social Roles and You,” not only the basics of a social role but also examples given by those with lived experience. A highlight of the rally was the “hat exercise,” where audience interaction showed the many different roles we play each day.
Michelle Bontempo is a person who shared during her POM conversation that she would like to work on becoming a better public speaker. Since then, Michelle has hosted a full session of Empowering You, where she shared her self-advocate journey, advice, and answered questions from the audience. Michelle wanted to do more.
During morning overview every day at Farmingdale 1, Michelle announces the birthdays of celebrities and the people at the site. Michelle prepares for each presentation the day before by looking up the birthdays online with help from her team. When Michelle is done, everyone applauds as she goes back to her seat. If Michelle is absent, celebrity birthdays are not announced, and birthdays in the site are announced by another person.
Matt Hofele is another person whose POM goals have opened doors for him as he assumes the social role of advocate. Matt became inspired by stories from other self-advocates achieving their dreams by doing things for themselves by themselves. Matt’s advocacy has led to meetings with Chuck Schumer’s Chief of Staff, as well as Tom Suozzi’s Chief of Staff. After advocating with the agency for several years, Matt shared during his POM interview that he would like to become a POM interviewer to help others find their voice.
Matt went through 6 weeks of training with the POM department. In August of 2023, Matt and his colleague demonstrated their skills for CQL and Matt became a Co-Certified POM Interviewer!
The emphasis at this Rally was to ensure that everyone understands that they have the choice to pursue various social roles in the community and that a person, all persons, will wear many “hats” in their lifetimes.
VALUED OUTCOMES
2024 Family Questionnaire Results
The family questionnaire is a vital component of AHRC Nassau’s Compass Management Plan. The questionnaire is sent to all families to obtain feedback, assess the level of satisfaction, and improve services. The response rate for this year is 23.5% compared with 26.9% last year. A trend is defined as a score of 89% or lower. There are no agency or program trends for 2024. These are outstanding results which reflect the excellent services AHRC Nassau provides. For Community Habilitation the following is noted: “Is your family member able to connect virtually to services and activities they like (i.e., council meetings and support groups)?” Since only 2% of surveys for this program were returned this will not be classified as is a trend. Individual follow-up will be completed.
A site-by-site analysis of the residential program reveals potential trends at two IRAs. A site by site analysis of the Day Hab Services also revealed potential trends at two sites. Board and administrative team member were notified and administrative assessment is underway. It is noted that in many of these homes only 2-3 family members completed the questionnaire, thus the trend may be considered inflated.
Each program addresses family questions, concerns, and/or requests shared on individual “comment sheets” provided with the questionnaires. Follow-up action taken is documented on corrective action tracking sheets. As per the Compass Management Plan, these results are provided for the Board of Directors’ review for agency planning purposes.
House, Family Meetings and Summer Fun by
Richard Gladstone
Wolf Avenue IRA Family
Margaret Levine, affectionately known as Peggy, is the sister Nancy Blefeld who calls Wolf Ave her home. Peggy is a steadfast family advocate, deeply involved in her sister's life, and her generosity extends to all people living at Wolf Ave and the staff that support them. Every Sunday, Peggy ensures that everyone enjoys a delicious Italian feast, and once a month, she treats them to Chinese cuisine. Additionally, she never fails to bring a delightful assortment of bagels whenever she visits. Peggy's thoughtfulness and dedication are greatly appreciated by everyone, as she always ensures there is plenty for all to savor and enjoy. Her consistent acts of kindness have made her a cherished part of the community, contributing to the warmth and camaraderie shared among all!
Above is a photo of Nancy alongside her brother and sister, who collaboratively support her with unwavering dedication. This picture captures the essence of their teamwork and the strong family bond they share as they work together to ensure Nancy's well-being.
VALUED OUTCOMES
Staff Recruitment and Retention Efforts By James Stock, AD
Staff Recruitment and Retention Update
Recruitment in a Challenging Labor Market
Hiring remains a significant challenge in the current labor market, particularly for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). We continue to navigate candidate drop-off, competitive wages in other industries, background check hurdles, the specific need for female staff to assist with ADLs, and a shortage of qualified drivers. Despite these obstacles, our Talent Acquisition Team is committed to prioritizing highquality hires over rapid placement.
Recent Recruitment Initiatives (Last 6 Months):
Weekly Zoom recruitment events for residential programs
Weekly Zoom and in-person events at high-priority Day Hab sites
Participation in a NYS Department of Labor veteran-focused career fair
Five open house events hosted at the Freeport Vocational Center
Internal mobility event to encourage current staff to apply for leadership roles
Attendance at the Hicksville High School Industry Advisory Board Meeting to build student connections
Participation in local college spring job fairs
Engagement at the Huntington LGBTQAI+ Festival in celebration of Pride Month Learning & Professional Development
Advancing Education & Training:
Six staff members graduated with their Master’s in Human Resources Management from SUNY Stony Brook
New hire orientation expanded to two weeks as of March 3rd, now covering all required OPWDD topics including AMAP, SCIP, and CPR
Launched a one-week evening orientation for new hires unable to attend the full two-week daytime training
Onboarded four per diem nurses to expand evening and weekend AMAP class offerings
Partnered with IT to provide program sites access to L&PD certification folders (e.g., Defensive Driving, CPR, SCIP) for audit-readiness
Employee Recognition & Retention
Supporting and Celebrating Our Team: Retention starts with engagement, and we’re proud to highlight the following efforts:
Record-breaking interest in education:115 employees have expressed interest in pursuing a Master’s degree through our partnership with Stony Brook University:
57 in HR Management
58 in Human Services
Heroes Event – June 25: We're celebrating 19 remarkable staff members for their life-saving actions.
Employee of the Quarter Events:
January 22: Combined celebration for EOQ 2, 3 & 4 with 59 attendees
May 15: EOQ 1 of 2025 event with 43 attendees
Health & Wellness Engagement Workshops
Held across four locations, these workshops supported overall staff wellness through engaging and informative sessions: Workshop Highlights:
Attendance: 18 participants
Nutrition Session: Led by a licensed nutritionist, focusing on sugar consumption
Interactive Elements:
20-minute health & wellness presentation
Chair yoga demonstrations
Healthy snacks provided NADSP Certification Program
In partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), we are excited to offer a limited number of our Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and Frontline Supervisors (FLS) the opportunity to achieve NADSP Certification. Currently, 58 staff members are participating in this program. Upon successful completion of all three certification levels, staff will receive national credentialing as Direct Support Professionals and be eligible for promotion to the position of Certified Direct Support Professional (CSDP).
VALUED OUTCOMES
Day of Community Engagement
by Bridget Cariello
The first Day of Community Engagement at the Wheatley Farms and Arts Center (WFA) such a tremendous success! Throughout the day, over 150 people experienced the magic of WFA a true testament to the vision, dedication, and teamwork of everyone involved in bringing this event to life.
Today marked a meaningful milestone for our “famous little farm.” It not only highlighted the power of collaboration but also strengthened integration across our community including Life’s WORC and the Carle Place School District. Today deepened our focus on entrepreneurship, education, and the empowerment of people and their staff to “Ask, Act, and Advocate” for inclusive social roles and greater access.
More than 100 people from our Day Services options, along with their staff, had the opportunity to meet and connect with over 17 community organizations including animal shelters, food banks, Long Island Rocks, SANYS, The Red Cross, We Care Blankets, Wraps of Love, and more. We even helped four kittens find their forever homes and get them adopted!
At its heart, this day was about expanding meaningful social roles and building bridges of connection helping people with and without disabilities engage more fully in community life through shared experiences, valued contributions, and authentic inclusion.
A follow-up note from Diana O’Neil, Executive Director of the Long Island Volunteer Center, perfectly captured the spirit of the day:
“What a glorious day to have hosted us on your beautiful campus! I'm so glad I was the lucky one to come and experience it. I so enjoyed meeting your leadership and the other tables plus that lunch hit the proverbial spot! Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with you and your community members. I had a high level of interest in our core work and gave away all our goodies to boot!”
Volunteer Services: Our Dynamic Duo – Jerri Walker and Lynne Brewer
A special thank you to Jerri, whose commitment to meaningful inclusion and joyful community engagement was felt in every interaction from vendor coordination to the warm welcome extended to each guest. For Lynne, whose can do attitude and determined spirit got things done. Whatever was needed, whatever was asked Lynne was ready, willing and able!! Thank you Lynne we couldn’t have done it without you.
POM Department: Samantha Rodonis, Kate Zimmerman, and Susan Gil-Orange, and Matt Hofele and Leigh Fanuzzi. Our in house CQL experts brought extraordinary heart and insight into the trajectory of the day by designing creative materials, interactive games, and educational pieces that helped deepen everyone’s understanding of valued social roles and how to obtain them. Their thoughtful contribution and leadership in designing these efforts helped bring our mission and 2025 POM GOAL to life in a way that was both fun and impactful.
WFA The Farm & Social Enterprise Team: Pam, Mel, Kim, Allison, and Sarah and Rita, A heartfelt thank you to our WFA team for their warm and welcoming animal tours, which brought so much joy to attendees. The stunning natural beautification of our grounds with vibrant flowers created the perfect backdrop for the day, and the delicious lunch lovingly prepared for our vendors were a true highlight. Your hospitality and care were deeply felt and made a lasting impression on everyone that day. Thank you for the extra touches you added in making today special, flower arrangements, music and the newly developed volunteer tasks for people to try out on the farm.
VALUED OUTCOMES
2025 EMPOWERMENT & INFORM ME SEMINARS
Empowerment Series
Join for information and ideas to assist you to live the life you want!
July 25, 2025 10:00-12:00/Noon Brookville Mansion ONLINE SAFETY
_______
*Financial Decision Making
August 5th, 2025
Zoom:
Time: Aug 5, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 860 0499 5905
October: 24, 2025 10-12:00/Noon
November 21, 2025 10-12/Noon
Plainview Conference Room D
EXPANDING YOUR WORLD, SOCIAL ROLES & YOU
_________
December 12, 2025
Celebrating Your Life, Your Way
10am Plainview Conference Room D
Register early! Space is limited. Email your attendance to kzimmerman@ahrc.org or sgill@ahrc.org
*Contact Colleen Tapia for Financial Decision Making at ctapia@ahrc.org
Inform Me Series
Join us for future webinars via Zoom right from home!
Open to members of the advocates, family members, and the AHRC community.
October 9, 2025, 6:00pm- 7:00pm “The Culture of Language”
Presented by: Pam Boyle
November 13, 2025 6:00-7:00pm HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR THE END OF LIFE & THE LAWS SURROUNGING IT.
Presented by: Nicole Ferrar
For information or registration, please visit our website at AHRC.org or email lfanuzzi@ahrc.org or
Regulatory Affairs by Eric Rosen
The Regulatory Affairs Department completed seventy-three (73) surveys during the first half of calendar year of ’25 (through 6/30/25). Completed surveys include small IRAs, large IRAs and Day Habilitation sites/programs. A modified version of the OPWDD Site-Based Protocol continued to be used during these surveys.
Positive findings noted during these surveys included homes/bedrooms nicely decorated to the residents’ likes and preferences, staff that encouraged residents to participate in the routine of their home, respectful/supportive interactions were observed, and an overall high level of satisfaction with supports and services was recorded.
VALUED OUTCOMES
The Compass Committee & The Quality Improvement Process
AHRC Nassau has a grievance procedure which people are encouraged to follow. The grievance procedure fosters a supportive and pleasant environment for people receiving services with AHRC Nassau. AHRC Nassau also encourages parents, guardians and correspondents to communicate their complaints and concerns as they arise with their loved ones to the house manager. Should resolution of the complaint escalate beyond the house manager or applicable supervisor and require further intervention from agency leadership, the agency will take steps to review and resolve the complaint with the correspondent. The formal complaints and resolutions captured are tracked and reviewed quarterly by the Compass Committee for resolution and trends. Trends are assessed as is corrective action that is systemic in nature (if applicable). Please reach out to agency leadership with any questions you may have.
Stuart Ave
IRA by Roshni John, Assistant Director
2025 started out with some struggles, as Stewart Ave didn’t have a management team in place. During that time, Christine Basile and Sherry Qualls stepped in as covering house managers and did an amazing job supporting the home. As covering house managers, they brought structure, guidance, and compassion during a time of transition. Their leadership helped keep things running smoothly and made sure the men continued to feel safe, supported, and engaged. To the entire Stewart Ave team You show up to work every day for our young men, with patience, kindness, and a genuine commitment to their growth and happiness. Every outing, every smile, every moment of connection has been possible because of you. Your hard work, consistency, and heart have made all the difference.
Over the past few months, there has been so much to celebrate at Stewart Ave. The men who live here have been exploring new places, trying new things, and building strong friendships both with each other and with individuals from other AHRC homes. It’s been a beautiful time of growth, joy, and connection. The team has worked hard to create enriching, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences, helping the men connect with others and build lasting memories.
Here are just a few of the activities they recently enjoyed: Dave & Buster’s, bowling, rock climbing, horseback riding, Mets games and shopping trips. In addition to these trips, the men of Stewart Ave have also been building connections with individuals from other AHRC residences. They had the opportunity to swim at other houses’ pools, attend barbecues, and form meaningful new friendships. These social gatherings have not only encouraged community bonding but also promoted physical activity and a sense of belonging. Looking ahead, we're excited about the possibility of visits to Legoland and Splish Splash this summer. In the meantime, the relationships being nurtured across residences continue to provide a strong foundation for social growth, joy, and shared experiences.
We are very excited to welcome team members, Jonah Larosillere, House Manager, and Annmarie Smith, Assistant Manager. With them on board, we’re looking forward to more great things ahead. We’re proud of the progress and enthusiasm shown by everyone at Stewart Ave and even more excited for what’s to come.
VALUED OUTCOMES
POM Data Summary Report
by Bridget Cariello, Day Services
As of June 16 2025, about 100 interviews were completed. These include the information for people attending Day and Residential Services options. There are several additional interviews pending close out by the second quarter of 2025. During Q1, and Q2 all CQL certified trainers completed recertification and one certified interviewer completed their trainer certification with 100 percent efficacy by CQL standards. The co-certified team is preparing for their recertification in September of 2025.
Which indicator areas have the most outcomes met? The total highest number of outcomes met is found in the indicator people are treated fairly with 88.39% outcomes met. Other indicators showing the most outcomes met are in the areas of natural supports and intimate relations, with 88.6% and 86.6% of people meeting these outcomes, respectively. Upon reviewing these outcome areas, data shows that consistent rights training, which includes fair treatment, helps to standardize how a person can recognize and report unfair treatment.
Natural supports and intimate relations remain with a majority of outcomes met because organizational best practices include a robust history of collaboration, communication, and engagement with families and the important people in the Circle of Support of the person supported. A system of continuous engagement, open door policies, and life plan meetings all include the natural supports a person receiving services invites. These practices create an opportunity to build and strengthen natural supports.
Which indicator areas have the most supports met? Supports are met at 97% within the area of people are safe and treated fairly at 91%. In addition, natural supports are met at 94% and best health at 94%. This is a clear indication that strong support enables personal outcomes to be met more readily as these support areas are attached to the higher outcomes met indicators. The support follows consistent guidelines for the above areas. Safety precautions, and health objectives are found daily in the protective oversight. Connection with natural supports is a standard agency practice as is promoting fair treatment for all.
Which indicator areas have the least outcomes met? Choosing personal goals (19.59%) realize goals (20.62%), integrated environments (12.37%) social roles (24.74%). These indicator areas remain the least met and contain the least amount of supports met. This reveals clearly that where supports are not strong, outcomes are not met successfully.
Personal goal outcomes need to be actively worked on with support to be met. Our family of organizations actively promotes choice and self-selection with our Day Services options, integration is continuously promoted and community efforts increase with opportunities like those at Wheatley Farms and Arts Center. At WFA, the community joins with people supported and their staff to participate in various activities to promote education, experience, and exposure. WFA provides an opportune setting to promote social roles, which has been incorporated into our 2025 strategic planning and is part of our 2025 POM Goal.
POM Goal:
Increase people’s knowledge of social roles and how to attain them. Increase people’s knowledge of social roles by 5% in 2025, by educating people and their staff on the nature, and the responsibility of social roles and how to attain them. Increase people’s autonomy and independence in selecting opportunities for varied social roles in the community.
