2025 Rose Ball Program

AHRCFOUNDATION

TOBENEFITCHILDRENANDADULTSWITHINTELLECTUAL ANDDEVELOPMENTALDISABILITIES

THURSDAY,JUNE12,2025

7:00PM-11:00PM

OHEKACASTLEHUNTINGTON,NY

TheAHRCFoundationisanonprofit,tax-exemptorganizationestablishedasapublic foundationtosupportandraisefundsforthebenefitofpeoplewithintellectualand developmentaldisabilities(I/DD)andfornot-for-profitorganizationsthatsupportor assistthem.

HistoryandMission

Foundedin1994bykeymembersofNassauCounty'sI/DDcommunityandtheLong Islandcorporatesector,theAHRCFoundationaimedtoprovideafiscalsafetynet ensuringtheavailabilityofhigh-qualityservicesregardlessofbudgetshortfallsor politicalclimate.TheFoundation'smissionistoenhancethequalityoflifeforchildren andadultswithI/DDthroughstrategicsupportandgrantawards,promotinghealth, education,independence,employment,andcommunityinclusion.

KeyInitiativesandPrograms

TheAHRCFoundationsupportsavarietyofservicesandprogramsincluding:

•HealthandEducation:Initiativestoimprovehealthcareaccessandeducational opportunitiesforpeoplewithI/DD.

•RespiteforCaregivers:Providingmuch-neededbreaksforthosecaringforindividuals withI/DD.

•CommunityInclusion/Recreation:Programsthatfosterinclusionandparticipationin communityactivities.

•GuardianshipSupports:Thefoundationsupportsorganizationsprovidingguardianship servicesandthosewhoassistlow-incomeLongIslandfamiliesinobtaining guardianshipsupports.

•EmploymentTrainingandServices:Programsthatofferemploymenttrainingandjob placementservicesforpeoplewithI/DDtohelpthemachieveeconomicindependence andmeaningfulworkopportunities..

SpecialNeedsTrusts

TheAHRCFoundationmanagestwopooledspecialneedstrusts.Thesetrustsarean affordableoptionforfamilies,especiallywhensettingupanindividualsupplemental needstrustistoocomplexorcostly.BoardmembersoftheAHRCFoundationandits relatedentitiesserveastrustees,bringingexpertiseinlaw,finance,andthespecific issuesfacingpeoplewithI/DDthroughouttheirlifetime.

AreasofSupportandGrantees

TheFoundationprovidedsupporttothefollowingorganizationsin2024:

•AdvantageCareHealthCenters

•AHRCNassau

•BrookvilleCenterforChildren’sServices

•CitizensOptionsUnlimited

•HorseAbility

•TheAutismSocietyofAmerica/NassauSuffolkChapter(NSASA)

•Pal-O-MineEquestrian

•Pop.Earth

•PortWashingtonLibraryFoundation

•SelfAdvocacyNetworkofNewYorkState(SANYS)

•SelfAdvocacyNetworkofNYS/LongIslandRegion(SANYSLI)

•SurfforAll

•TheRobertandPriscillaLivingstonCenterforChildren,FamiliesandtheLawatthe MauriceA.DeaneSchoolofLawatHofstraUniversity

•TheViscardiCenter

ContactInformation

TolearnmoreabouttheAHRCFoundation andhowyoucansupportitsmissionand/ortoapplyforagrant, pleasevisitwww.ahrcfoundation.org

NassauCountyAHRCFoundation,Inc. 189WheatleyRd.#3,Brookville,NY11545 MaryMcNamara,FoundationDirector 516-626-1075ext.1133

ncahrcfoundationahrcfoundation

RoseBallChairman

Welcometothe75thAnnualRoseBall.It’saprivilegetoserveasChairmanofthisevent andtocelebrateamilestonethatreflectsdecadesofcommitmenttochildrenand adultswithdevelopmentaldisabilities.Tonight,wecometogethernotonlytohonorthat legacy,buttorecognizethosewhocontinuetomoveourmissionforward—yearafter year.

Inthisspecialyear,weareproudtohonorJoshuaLamberg,CEOandFounderofSigners National,withourLeadershipAward.Joshhasbeenatrustedadvisorandpartner,using hisexpertisetostrengthenourorganizationsandprotecttheirabilitytofocusontheir collectivemission.Moreimportantly,heunderstandswhythisworkmatters.Hissupport hashelpedsafeguardtheservicesthatchildrenandadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilities relyoneveryday.

WeareequallyhonoredtorecognizetheLongIslandWine&LiquorSalesClubasthe firstrecipientofourCornerstoneAward.Fornearly80years,theClubhashelpedmeet real,everydayneeds—fundingcommunicationdevices,iPads,smartboards,sensory rooms,playgrounds,andmore.Theirgenerosityhasfilledcriticalgaps,ensuringthat childrenandadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilitieshaveaccesstothetools, environments,andexperiencesthathelpthemlearnandgrow.Indoingso,theClub hassupportedgenerationsofchildrenandadultswhileadvancingawareness,education, andacceptancethroughoutthebroadercommunity.

Thankstoyourgenerosity,theAHRCFoundationcancontinuetosupporttheessential servicesprovidedacrossourorganizationandthegreaterLongIslandcommunity— servicesthathelpthousandsofchildrenandadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesbuild livesfilledwithpurpose,connection,andopportunity.Ontheirbehalf—andfromthe bottomofmyheart—thankyou,andGodbless.

Messagefrom

ThomasMoore

Messagefrom ThomasP.Rosicki,Esq. President NassauCountyAHRCFoundation,Inc.

Seventy-fiveyears.That’snotjustamilestone—it’salegacy.

Tonight,wedon’tjustraiseaglass—weraiseexpectations.Becauseweknowthereis alwaysmorewecandotosupportpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities.Weraiseour voicesandcallonourcommunitytohelpcreaterealopportunities:tolearnandwork, toaccessandcontributetocommunitylife,tofeelsafeandwelcomedintheir neighborhoods—andaboveall,tobeseen,respected,andvalued.

That’swhattheAHRCFoundationdoes.Wefuelpossibility.Weinvestintheorganizations thatchangelives—AHRCNassau,BrookvilleCenterforChildren’sServices,Citizens OptionsUnlimited,andmorethanadozencommunity-basedpartnerswhoshareour belief:thatthereisalwaysmoretodo,andthatpeoplealwayscomefirst.

Thiseveningisaboutcelebration,yes—butalsomomentum.Becauseyoursupport tonightpowerstomorrow’sprogress:ajobplacementthatopensthedoor.Arespite programthatgivesafamilyalifeline.Asafehome.Aroleinthecommunity.Avoice finallyheard.

Andtonight,wehonortwounstoppableforces:JoshuaLamberg,CEOandFounderof SignersNational,whoturnsleadershipintoactionandimpact—andtheLongIslandWine &LiquorSalesClub,whosenearlyeightdecadesofserviceremindusthatbeingpartof somethingbiggerthanyourselfnevergoesoutofstyle.

Toeverydonor,advocate,familymember,andfriendintheroom:thankyou.You’re helpingbuildwhatcomesnext.

Cheers—toyou,andtoallthat’sstilltocome.

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

Throughoutthisjournal,youwillfindpagesfeaturingcoversfromRoseBallJournalsover theyears.Thesehistoricmaterialsreflecttheformernameofourorganization—aname thathassincebeenchangedtobetterembodyourvaluesofprogress,respect,andinclusion.

Whiletheimageryandlanguageofthepastmaynotfullyalignwithwhowearetoday, theyremainanimportantpartofourhistoricalrecord.Wesharethemhereasareflection ofourjourney,withtheunderstandingthatourcommitmenttoconfrontingstigma,elevatingvoices,andsecuringequalrightsforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilitiescontinues— strongerthanever.

StanfortJ.Perry CEO AHRCNassau

It’smypleasuretojoinwithourleadershipinwelcomingyoutothisyear’sveryspecial RoseBall.

For75years,theRoseBallhasbeenmorethanacelebration.Ithasbeenapowerful forceforprogress—raisingcriticalfundsthathavestrengthenedtheprogramsand servicessupportingchildrenandadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilities.Today,that impactreachesacrossAHRCNassau,BrookvilleCenterforChildren’sServices,and CitizensOptionsUnlimited.Yourgenerosityhashelpedusgofurther,thinkmoreboldly, andfaceeachnewchallengewiththebeliefthat,byworkingtogether,everythingispossible.

Thecommitmentofourstaff—andthestrengthofourpartnerships—hasledtostatewide andnationalrecognition.AHRCNassauandCitizensOptionsUnlimitedareproudtobe designatedNewYorkStateCompassagenciesandtoholdPerson-CenteredExcellence AccreditationWithDistinctionfromCQL|TheCouncilonQualityandLeadership.

Tonight,I’mproudtojoininrecognizingthosewhohelpmakeourworkstronger.Leadership AwardrecipientJoshuaLamberg,CEOandFounderofSignersNational,andtheLong IslandWine&LiquorSalesClub,recipientsofthisyear’sCornerstoneAward,arechampions ofourmissionandvaluedpartnersinwhatwecontinuetobuildtogether.

Thankyouforbeinghere—andforhelpingcreateastronger,moresupportivecommunity forthepeopleweserve.Enjoytheevening.

Messagefrom

AHRCFoundation

2025AHRCFoundationLeadership AwardRecipient FounderandCEO,SignersNational AHRCFoundation

JoshuaLamberg

JoshuaLambergistheFounderandCEOofSignersNational,aholdingcompanythatincludes LambInsuranceServices—thenation’slargestinsurancebrokerdedicatedexclusivelyto nonprofitandhumanserviceorganizations.JoshlaunchedLambin2008afterbuildinghis expertiseinthefieldthroughrolesatPhiladelphiaInsuranceCompaniesandLibertyMutual. Today,heleadsagrowingnationalnetworkoffirmsofferinginsurancesolutionstailoredto mission-drivenclients.

Josh’sleadershipisrootedindiscipline,preparation,andacommitmenttolong-termpartnerships. AftergraduatingfromtheUniversityofRichmondwithadegreeinRhetoricandCommunications, hepursuedaprofessionalbaseballcareerasacatcher,includingtimeintheCincinnatiReds minorleagueorganization.Thevaluesforgedonthefield—grit,consistency,andrelentless drive—nowguidethecultureandperformanceofeverycompanyundertheSignersNational umbrella.

Throughourfamilyoforganizations’longstandingrelationshipwithLambInsuranceServices, Joshhashelpedussecurecomprehensivegeneralandspecialtyliabilitycoverage,including workers’compensation.Histeam’sattentiontodetailanddeepunderstandingofthenonprofit sectorhavestrengthenedourriskmanagement,improvedcontinuityofcoverage,and deliveredpeaceofmindacrossouragencies.

WeareproudtohonorJoshuaLambergwiththeAHRCFoundation’s2025LeadershipAward. Histrustedpartnership,strategicguidance,anddedicationtoservicehavehadameasurable impact—notonlyonouroperationsandworkforce—butwithinthelivesofthechildrenand adultswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandtheirfamilieswhomwearehonoredtosupporteachday.

LongIslandWine &LiquorSalesClub

CornerstoneAwardRecipient

Foundednearly80yearsago,theLongIslandWine&LiquorSalesClubiscurrentlycomprised of15distinguishedprofessionalsfromthewineandspiritsindustry,representingmetropolitan NewYorkandLongIsland.Whileeachmemberbringsyearsofexperience,whatunitesthe Clubisashareddesiretogiveback—buildingontheearlyexamplesetbylongstandingAHRC champions,theMerinoffandSilverfamilies,whosecommitmenttothiscausehelpedshape theClub’senduringconnectiontoourmission.

Forthepast25years,AHRChasbeentheClub’sexclusivecharitablepartner.WhiletheClub haslongsupportedchildrenwithspecialneeds,lastyearitexpandeditsgivingtoinclude adults—fundingopportunitiesthathelppeopleengagewiththebroadercommunityandput intopracticetheskillsthey’veworkedhardtobuildathomeandinschool. TheClub’sAnnualGolfOuting,nowraisingover$100,000eachyear,hasbecomearelieduponsourceofsupport.Theircontributionsfundtangibleitems,specificrequests,andprogrammaticideasrequiringpilotsupport.Theirgenerosityhasmadepossiblecommunication devices,smartboards,iPads,sensoryroomequipment,inclusiveplaygrounds,poolandrecreationequipment,pilotinitiatives,andin-schoolenrichment—enhancingbothlearningand qualityoflifeforlearnersofallages.

TheNassauCountyAHRCFoundationisproudtopresenttheinauguralCornerstoneAwardto theLongIslandWine&LiquorSalesClubinrecognitionoftheClub’sextraordinarycommitment tocharitableserviceanditsdecades-longsupportofpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities. Theirimpactcanbeseen,touched,andfeltintheeverydayexperiencesofthosewhobenefit fromallthatwemakepossibletogether.

AHRCFoundation

NassauCountyAHRCFoundationwishestorecognize thefollowingplannedgiftsreceivedin2024/2025

TheEstateofHenryHolbrookShepard

TheEstateofMargaretRiva

RobertV.Iosue

JamesMahon

AlbertSmolski

TheAHRCFoundation’s21stCenturySocietyhonorsindividualswhohavemadea plannedgifttotheFoundation.BynamingtheFoundationasabeneficiaryintheirwill, lifeinsurancepolicy,retirementplan,savingsaccount,orcharitabletrust,these donorsensurethatfuturegenerationsofchildrenandadultswithintellectualand developmentaldisabilitieswillcontinuetobenefitfromessentialservicesand programsacrossLongIsland.

Charitablegiftsmadethroughyourestateplanarepowerful.Theyimprovethequality oflifeforthepeoplewesupport—andprovidelastingfulfillmentforyouasadonor. Manygeneroussupportersmaynotrealizehowdeeplytheircontributionswillbemissed whentheyarenolongerhere.Aplannedgiftisameaningfulwaytoensurethatyour legacyofcompassionliveson.

PLANNINGMADESIMPLE

Makingaplannedgiftdoesn’thavetobecomplicated.Ourteamisavailabletoguide youthroughtheprocesstoensureyourwishesarepreservedandhonored.

Tolearnmore,pleasecontact MaryMcNamaraat516-626-1075ext.1133 orvisitahrcfoundation.planmygift.org.

TheAHRCFoundationCommunityTrustServices

TheAHRCFoundationCommunityTrustServicesallowspeoplewithdevelopmental disabilitiestohavetheirowntrustfunds—providingfortheirsupplementalneedswithout affectingeligibilityforgovernmentbenefits.Trustsmaybefundedbyaparent,relative, anotherindividual,orbythebeneficiarythemselves.

CommunityTrustI

Designedforparents,relatives,orotherlovedones,CommunityTrustIallowsthemtouse theirownfundstoestablishatrustforapersonwithadevelopmentaldisability.Thisensures thataperson’ssupplementalneedsaremet,evenafterthesponsorhaspassedaway.

CommunityTrustII

CommunityTrustIIisintendedforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilitieswhohavetheir ownresources—suchasincome,inheritance,orlegalsettlements.Thistrustprotectstheir assetswhilemaintainingeligibilityforgovernmentbenefits,allowingthemtoutilizetheir fundsduringtheirlifetime.

FundingRequirements

Aninitialcontributionof$10,000isrequireduponacceptanceofthesponsoragreement, withthetotalbalanceof$25,000tobefulfilledwithinfiveyears.Trustaccountscanbe fundedduringyourlifetime,throughabequestinyourwill,orbydesignatingthetrustas abeneficiaryofalifeinsurancepolicy,retirementaccount,orotherassets.

TrusteesandInvestmentPolicy

TheTrusteesareboardmembersaswellasparentsorsiblingsofmenandwomen withintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities.Thesetrusteeshaveextensive backgroundsinlaw,banking,insurance,andfinance.Thefundsareinvestedina balancedportfolioinaccordancewiththetrust'sinvestmentpolicy,whichisestablished bythetrustees.Thetrusteesutilizetheservicesofaprofessionalcustodianand investmentadviser.

TolearnmoreabouttheAHRCFoundation’sCommunityTrustServices, pleasecallMaryMcNamara,FoundationDirector,at516-626-1075ext.1133, oremail:trustservices@ahrcfoundation.org.

Thursday,September13,2024

ANighttoRememberattheRoseBallGala

TheAHRCFoundation’sannualRoseBallGalawasatrulyunforgettableevening,heldatthe breathtakingandhistoricOhekaCastle.Guestsgatheredtocelebratetheincredibleworkof theFoundationandtohonorthosewhohavemadealastingimpactonourcommunity.

WeproudlypresentedtheLeadershipAwardtoLindaAbramsonRaff,PresidentofCamp LoyaltownInc.,andtheMargaretRivaLifetimeAchievementAwardtoThomasandEllenMoore— individualswhosededicationandleadershiphaveprofoundlyenrichedthelivesofthoseweserve. Thenightwasmadeevenmorespecialaswecelebratedthreemajormilestones:75yearsof AHRCNassau,50yearsofCampLoyaltown,and30yearsofAHRCFoundation.Itwasapowerful reminderofourhistory,mission,andthebrightfutureahead.

Withover240guestsinattendanceandthankstotheirincrediblegenerosity,weraisedmore than$350,000—fundsthatwilldirectlyenhancethelivesofchildrenandadultswith developmentaldisabilitiesacrossLongIsland.

AheartfeltthankyoutoourRoseBallCommittee,chairedbyThomasMoore,andtotheAHRC FoundationBoardfortheirtirelesseffortsinmakingthiseveningsucharesoundingsuccess.

AHRCFoundation

Thursday,September19,2024

AGreatDayontheCourseforaGreatCause

Itwasaperfectdayonthelinksasover120golfersjoinedusatTheMuttontownClubforthe AHRCFoundation’sannualGolfOuting.LedbyGolfChairandFoundationBoardMember MichaelRoss,theeventcombinedfriendlycompetitionwithasharedcommitmentto enhancingthelivesofchildrenandadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesacrossLongIsland.

Thankstotheenthusiasmandgenerosityofourplayersandsupporters,weproudlyraised nearly$132,000insupportofthisvitalmission.Fromthefirstteetothelastputt,itwasaday filledwithcamaraderie,purpose,andalotofgreatgolf.

We’regratefultoeveryonewhomadethedaysuchasuccess—andwecan’twaittoseeyou backonthecourseforournextouting,setforThursday,September18,2025,onceagainat TheMuttontownClub.

Sunday,October27,2024

SteppingUpforaMeaningfulCause

Theenergywashighandthesmilesendlessatthisyear’sAHRCFoundationWalk,heldat EisenhowerPark.Over1,000walkers,donors,families,andfriendscametogetherforaday offun,connection,andpurpose.

Fromcolorfulhandmadebannerstoimpromptudancepartiesandpumpkin-filledfestivities, theparkcamealivewithcommunityspiritandheartfeltsupportforindividualswithintellectual anddevelopmentaldisabilities.

Thankstotheincredibleeffortsofoursponsors,teamcaptains,walkers,andfundraisers,we raisedmorethan$107,000!ThesevitalfundshelptheAHRCFoundationprovidecommunitybasedgrantstoorganizationsacrossLongIsland,expandingaccesstoservicesandsupports thatmakealastingdifference.

We’resogratefultoeveryonewhojoinedus—youhelpedturnasimplewalkintoapowerful stepforwardforinclusion,opportunity,andcare.

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

Congratulations

tothisyear’shonorees

JoshLamberg and TheLongIslandWine &LiquorSalesClub

incelebrationofthe

AHRCFOUNDATION75THANNUAL

ROSEBALL

andallithasmadepossibleinthelivesofchildrenandadults withdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandtheirfamilies.

Withspecialappreciationtotheexecutiveteam fortheirexceptionalleadershipthroughouttheyear.

KathleenC.Maggi

BoardMember

AHRCFoundation|CitizensOptionsUnlimited

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

TheBoardofDirectorsof

ProudlySupports

TheNassauCountyAHRC Foundation

ThomasL.WilliamsIII,President

ThomasF.Moore,VicePresident

GaryCarpenter,Treasurer

JackGarofalo,Secretary

RobertSteinberger,MD

JosetteDugue

Dr.SamarthJoseph

NeomyMantin

WandaArroyo

RaymondGrasso

TheodoreL.HernitcheJr.

NicoleRobinson-Helmus

RodgerP.Silletti,PhD

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

LAMBINSURANCE SERVICES

PILOT|RB

DRS.MICHAEL& TARINAMENDES

Withloveandbestwishes, Pauline&GaryBencivenga

InLovingMemoryof PatrickF.Broderick

Devotedhusband,father& SupporterofAHRC

LoveAlways, Susan,KarenandAmanda

Withdeepaffectionandenduringrespect, wehonorthememoryof

MartinB.Boorstein

Boardmember,advisor,advocate,andfriend.

Martyservedourorganizationswithwisdom, heart,andsteadyleadershipforoverthreedecades. AsafoundingmemberoftheAHRCFoundationBoard andourlongtimeFinanceCommitteeChair, hewasatrustedvoiceandguidinghand. Hebelievedinbuildingforthelongterm— onedefinedbyafuturefullofopportunityforchildren andadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilities.

Martyleavesbehindmorethanalegacy— heleavesastandard.

TheBoardsofDirectorsoftheAHRCFoundationandAHRCNassau

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

foroursonBrendan

TheodoreandCatherineZarembo

Withthanksandgratitude tothededicatedstaffof AHRCFoundation, CitizensOptions andCampLoyaltown, andtothisyear’shonorees–

JoshuaLamberg and TheLongIslandWine &LiquorSalesClub forsupportingtheminthisimportant andimpactfulwork–youchangelives forthebettereveryday!

Withdeepappreciation, Mark&DoreenGamell

JackGarofalo,Jr.

ISTILLMISSALLOFYOU ANDTHINKOFALLTHEWONDERFUL WORKYOUDO. BESTWISHES

JANABELSETH

RICHARDE.GREENBERG,MD.

ADISTINCTIVENAMEINWINDOWCOVERINGSSINCE1902

Thankyou fromthefamilyof JosephCarpenter

InLovingMemoryof

Frank,RoseandFrankieOstafinski andPatriciaEndrich

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

Formorethan75years,AHRCNassauhasbeenatrustedleaderinsupportingpeoplewith developmentaldisabilitiesandtheirfamilies—andavitalpartofbuildingstronger,more inclusivecommunitiesacrossLongIsland.

Today,AHRCNassausupportsover2,000peoplethroughawiderangeofservicestailored toindividualneeds—includingdayservices,supportedemployment,residentialsupports, recreation,familysupports,andguardianship.Allsupportsaregroundedinchoice, connection,andtheopportunitytoliveameaningfullifeinthecommunity.

AHRCNassauisproudtoberecognizedasaCompassagencybytheNewYorkStateOffice forPeopleWithDevelopmentalDisabilities(OPWDD),oneofjustfouragenciesinthestate withthisdistinction.Theorganizationalsoholdsarare,four-yearPerson-Centered ExcellenceAccreditationWithDistinctionfromCQL|TheCouncilonQualityand Leadership—anhonorsharedbyfewerthan20organizationsworldwide.

AcrossNassauCounty,AHRCNassauoperates87community-basedhomesand48 supportedapartments.DirectSupportProfessionals(DSPs)playavitalroleinthelivesof thepeopletheysupport—helpingeachpersonmakechoices,buildrelationships,and engageinthecommunityinwaysthataremeaningful.

Dayhabilitationprogramsofferadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesthechancetolearn, connect,andgiveback.Acrossnearly30communityhubs,peoplevolunteerwithlocal nonprofits,faithgroups,andserviceprojects—buildingrelationshipsandmakinga meaningfuldifferenceinthecommunitiestheycallhome.

Employmentisalsoakeyfocus.AHRCNassauoffersjobtraining,coaching,and placementthroughitsvocationalandsupportedemploymentservices.Socialenterprises likeWheatleyFarmsprovideadditionaljobopportunitiesalignedwithpersonalstrengths andinterests.

AHRCNassaualsosupportsfamiliesthroughrespite,in-homeservices,educational resources,andahome-basedreimbursementgrantthateasesfinancialstrain.Whenno othersupportisavailable,theagencyprovidescorporateguardianshiptoensure continuedadvocacyandcare.

TheThomasS.GulottaWheatleyFarms&ArtsCenterisadevelopingeducationand enrichmentinitiativeofAHRCNassau,designedtoservechildrenandadultswith developmentaldisabilities,thepeoplewhosupportthem,andinterestedmembersof thecommunity.LocatedadjacenttoAHRCNassau’sBrookvillecampus,theCenteraims toofferinclusiveprogramminginculinaryarts,horticulture,wellness,andthecreativearts. Volunteersarewarmlywelcomedtohelpcarefortheanimals,maintainthegreenhouse andgardens,andsupportthechildrenandadultswholearnandgrowatthefarmevery day.

AsAHRCNassaulookstothefuture,thecommitmentremainsthesame:tostandalongside peoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandtheirfamilies—amplifyingvoices,expanding opportunities,andstrengtheningcommunitiesacrossLongIsland.Together,weare buildingwhat’snext.

Nature,Creativity,andCommunityatWheatleyFarms

TheThomasS.GulottaWheatleyFarms&ArtsCenter,locatedadjacenttoAHRCNassau’s Brookvillecampus,reflectstheorganization’scommitmenttoaperson-centered, community-inclusivephilosophy.WheatleyFarmsisaplacewherenature,creativity,and connectioncometogethertosupportmeaningfulexperiencesforchildrenandadultswith developmentaldisabilities—andforthebroadercommunity.

Fromhands-onlearningtosharedexperiencesingardening,animalcare,andthearts, WheatleyFarmsoffersopportunitiestogrow,giveback,andbuildlastingrelationships. Whetheryou'reinterestedinvolunteering,lendingahandatseasonalevents,orattending aclassinwellnessorcreativeexpression,WheatelyFarmsinvitespeopletoparticipateina waythatfeelspersonalandrewarding.Renovationoftheon-sitefarmhousewillcontinue through2025,withtheFarmhouseexpectedtobecompletedin2027.

Tolearnmoreaboutgettinginvolved,pleasecontactJerriWalker,VolunteerandProject Coordinator,at(516)293-2016,ext.5110orvisitahrc.org/volunteer.Opportunitiesareopen toindividuals,schoolgroups,families,corporateteams,andcommunitygroupseagerto bepartofsomethingmeaningful.

Children,FamiliesandEducatorsDedicated toCreatingExceptionalOutcomes

BrookvilleCenterforChildren’sServices(BCCS)providescomprehensiveservicesto children,withastrongemphasisonhelpingfamiliesunderstandtheirchild’sstrengthsand areasofneed.WithfourschoolsinNassauCounty,BCCSdeliverseducationand therapeuticsupportsforchildrenwithintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities, includingautism,speech-languagedisorders,andtraumaticbraininjury.Allprograms areapprovedbytheNewYorkStateEducationDepartment(NYSED),theDepartmentof Health(DOH),andtheOfficeofChildren&FamilyServices(OCFS).

BCCSprogramsinclude:

•EarlyIntervention(EI):Evaluationsforchildrenages0–3toassesssuspecteddelays ordisabilities.

•PreschoolSpecialEducation:Evaluations,educational,andtherapeuticservicesfor preschoolstudentsages3–5withdevelopmentaldelaysordisabilities.

•SchoolAgeSpecialEducation:Educationalservicesforstudentsages5–22with intellectualdisabilities,multipledisabilities,traumaticbraininjury,andautism. Evidence-basedcurriculaarealignedwithNYSEDstandardsandindividualized througheachstudent’sIEP.

•Home&Community-BasedServices:Deliveredbycertifiedteachersandlicensed professionalsinhomes,preschools,andothernaturalsettings.Servicesmayinclude speech,occupationalandphysicaltherapy,psychologicalcounseling,andparent training.

•Respite&Recreation:Weekendrespiteprogramsandseasonalvacationrespite offeringsinDecember,April,andAugust.

•ResidentialServicesforChildrenwithAutism:Twenty-fivestudentswhoattendthe Children’sEducationCenterreceive24/7therapeuticresidentialsupportsuntilage22.

Frompreschoolthroughage22,studentsbenefitfromacomprehensiveeducational experiencetargetingtheiracademic,social,language,andbehavioralgoals.

SchoolprogramsarebasedatfourlicensedandapprovedsitesthroughoutNassau County.Alllocationsarestaffedwithcertifiedprofessionalsandincludeon-sitenursingsupport.

HowtoGetStarted:

Parentsapplythroughtheirlocalschooldistricts.BCCScontractswithNassauandSuffolk Countyschooldistricts.StudentsarereferredthroughtheCommitteesonPreschool SpecialEducation(CPSE)orCommitteesonSpecialEducation(CSE),whichhelpguide thedevelopmentofeachstudent'sIndividualizedEducationPlan(IEP).

ContinuingEducation:

BCCSisaccreditedtooffercontinuingeducationunitsthroughASHA,BACB,andCTLE. Webinars,workshops,andconferencesareofferedregularlytoshareevidence-based bestpracticesacrossdisciplines.

Formoreinformation,pleasecall(516)686-4496orvisitwww.brookvillecenter.org

ProgramLeadershipatBrookvilleCenterforChildren’sServices

•DebraDoyle–SeniorDirector,BrookvilleCenterforChildren’sServices

•DianeCondy–Director,BarbaraC.WilsonPreschool

•PaulaDeVita–Director,MarcusAvenuePreschool

•DeniseGaughan–Director,Children’sEducationCenter

•SeanStallings–Director,Children’sResidentialProgram

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

CitizensOptionsUnlimitedsupportsover1,500childrenandadultswithdevelopmental disabilitiesacrossLongIsland,helpingeachpersonlivethelifetheychoosethrough personalized,person-centeredservices.Fromself-directionandfamilysupportsto recreation,respite,andresidentialservices,Citizensoffersacomprehensivenetworkof carethatpromotesinclusion,independence,andmeaningfulcommunityconnection.

RecognizedasaCompassagencybytheNewYorkStateOfficeforPeopleWith DevelopmentalDisabilities(OPWDD),Citizensisoneofonlyfouragenciesinthestateto holdthisdistinction.Theorganizationalsoholdsafour-yearPerson-CenteredExcellence AccreditationWithDistinctionfromCQL|TheCouncilonQualityandLeadership.

Citizensprovidesrobustself-directionservices,includingbothbrokerandfiscalintermediary support,givingpeoplethefreedomtodesigntheirownsupports—whetherchoosing whereandhowtolive,participatingincommunityactivities,orhiringstaffforemployment, respite,orhabilitationservices.

FamilySupportServices(FSS)helpfamiliesstaystrongthroughsocialandrecreation programs,peerconnections,andafamilyreimbursementgrantthateasesfinancial burdens.RespiteopportunitiesincludeCampLoyaltownintheCatskills,whichoffers year-roundprogramminginanurturingenvironment.

CitizensOptionsUnlimitedprovidesresidentialsupportsthrough23homesacrossNassau andSuffolkcounties.IndividualizedResidentialAlternatives(IRAs)offercommunity-based livingwithstaffsupportthatpromotesindependence,choice,andconnection.Citizens

alsooperatestwoIntermediateCareFacilities(ICFs)—theHelenKaplanCenterin PlainviewandasecondinShoreham—whichoffer24-hournursingandclinicalcarefor thosewithmorecomplexneeds.Acrossallsettings,peoplesupportedbenefitfrom specializedsupportsincludingpsychology,nutrition,physicaltherapy,andother therapeuticservices.Ineveryhome,peoplearesupportedtobeactivemembersof theircommunitieswhilepursuingthegoalsthatmattermosttothem.

ProgramLeadershipatCitizensOptionsUnlimited

•SallyanneBurgess–VicePresidentofOperations

•DeannaAllen–DirectorofResidentialServices

•MartaGaravito–Director,HelenKaplanCenter(ICF),NassauCounty

•MaryGilleran–Director,ICFServices,SuffolkCounty

•SavitaSharma–DirectorofFamilySupportServices&CampLoyaltown citizens-inc.org

ROSEBALLJOURNALS

Thursday,September18,2025