2025 Rose Ball Program

AHRC FOUNDATION

TO BENEFIT CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025 7:00 PM-11:00 PM OHEKA CASTLE HUNTINGTON, NY

To Benefit Children And Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

The AHRC Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization established as a public foundation to support and raise funds for the benefit of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and for not-for-profit organizations that support or assist them.

History and Mission Founded in 1994 by key members of Nassau County's I/DD community and the Long Island corporate sector, the AHRC Foundation aimed to provide a fiscal safety net ensuring the availability of high-quality services regardless of budget shortfalls or political climate. The Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with I/DD through strategic support and grant awards, promoting health, education, independence, employment, and community inclusion.

Key Initiatives and Programs The AHRC Foundation supports a variety of services and programs including: Health and Education: Initiatives to improve healthcare access and educational opportunities for people with I/DD. Respite for Caregivers: Providing much-needed breaks for those caring for individuals with I/DD. Community Inclusion/Recreation: Programs that foster inclusion and participation in community activities.

Guardianship Supports: The foundation supports organizations providing guardianship services and those who assist low-income Long Island families in obtaining guardianship supports.

Employment Training and Services: Programs that offer employment training and job placement services for people with I/DD to help them achieve economic independence and meaningful work opportunities..

Special Needs Trusts The AHRC Foundation manages two pooled special needs trusts. These trusts are an affordable option for families, especially when setting up an individual supplemental needs trust is too complex or costly. Board members of the AHRC Foundation and its related entities serve as trustees, bringing expertise in law, finance, and the specific issues facing people with I/DD throughout their lifetime.

Areas of Support and Grantees The Foundation provided support to the following organizations in 2024: Advantage Care Health Centers AHRC Nassau Brookville Center for Children s Services Citizens Options Unlimited HorseAbility The Autism Society of America/Nassau Suffolk Chapter (NSASA) Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Pop.Earth Port Washington Library Foundation Self Advocacy Network of New York State (SANYS) Self Advocacy Network of NYS/Long Island Region (SANYSLI) Surf for All The Robert and Priscilla Livingston Center for Children, Families and the Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University The Viscardi Center

Contact Information To learn more about the AHRC Foundation and how you can support its mission and/or to apply for a grant, please visit www.ahrcfoundation.org.

Nassau County AHRC Foundation, Inc. 189 Wheatley Rd. #3, Brookville, NY 11545 Mary McNamara, Foundation Director 516-626-1075 ext. 1133

ncahrcfoundation

ahrcfoundation

AHRC Foundation

Message from

Thomas Moore Rose Ball Chairman

Welcome to the 75th Annual Rose Ball. It s a privilege to serve as Chairman of this event and to celebrate a milestone that reflects decades of commitment to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Tonight, we come together not only to honor that legacy, but to recognize those who continue to move our mission forward year after year.

In this special year, we are proud to honor Joshua Lamberg, CEO and Founder of Signers National, with our Leadership Award. Josh has been a trusted advisor and partner, using his expertise to strengthen our organizations and protect their ability to focus on their collective mission. More importantly, he understands why this work matters. His support has helped safeguard the services that children and adults with developmental disabilities rely on every day.

We are equally honored to recognize the Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club as the first recipient of our Cornerstone Award. For nearly 80 years, the Club has helped meet real, everyday needs funding communication devices, iPads, smart boards, sensory rooms, playgrounds, and more. Their generosity has filled critical gaps, ensuring that children and adults with developmental disabilities have access to the tools, environments, and experiences that help them learn and grow. In doing so, the Club has supported generations of children and adults while advancing awareness, education, and acceptance throughout the broader community.

Thanks to your generosity, the AHRC Foundation can continue to support the essential services provided across our organization and the greater Long Island community services that help thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities build lives filled with purpose, connection, and opportunity. On their behalf and from the bottom of my heart thank you, and God bless.

AHRC Foundation

Message from

Thomas P. Rosicki, Esq. President Nassau County AHRC Foundation, Inc.

Seventy-five years. That s not just a milestone it s a legacy.

Tonight, we don t just raise a glass we raise expectations. Because we know there is always more we can do to support people with developmental disabilities. We raise our voices and call on our community to help create real opportunities: to learn and work, to access and contribute to community life, to feel safe and welcomed in their neighborhoods and above all, to be seen, respected, and valued.

That s what the AHRC Foundation does. We fuel possibility. We invest in the organizations that change lives AHRC Nassau, Brookville Center for Children s Services, Citizens Options Unlimited, and more than a dozen community-based partners who share our belief: that there is always more to do, and that people always come first.

This evening is about celebration, yes but also momentum. Because your support tonight powers tomorrow s progress: a job placement that opens the door. A respite program that gives a family a lifeline. A safe home. A role in the community. A voice finally heard.

And tonight, we honor two unstoppable forces: Joshua Lamberg, CEO and Founder of Signers National, who turns leadership into action and impact and the Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club, whose nearly eight decades of service remind us that being part of something bigger than yourself never goes out of style.

To every donor, advocate, family member, and friend in the room: thank you. You re helping build what comes next.

Cheers to you, and to all that s still to come.

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS Throughout this journal, you will find pages featuring covers from Rose Ball Journals over the years. These historic materials reflect the former name of our organization a name that has since been changed to better embody our values of progress, respect, and inclusion.

While the imagery and language of the past may not fully align with who we are today, they remain an important part of our historical record. We share them here as a reflection of our journey, with the understanding that our commitment to confronting stigma, elevating voices, and securing equal rights for people with developmental disabilities continues stronger than ever.

AHRC Foundation

Message from

Stanfort J. Perry CEO AHRC Nassau

It s my pleasure to join with our leadership in welcoming you to this year s very special Rose Ball.

For 75 years, the Rose Ball has been more than a celebration. It has been a powerful force for progress raising critical funds that have strengthened the programs and services supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Today, that impact reaches across AHRC Nassau, Brookville Center for Children s Services, and Citizens Options Unlimited. Your generosity has helped us go further, think more boldly, and face each new challenge with the belief that, by working together, everything is possible.

The commitment of our staff and the strength of our partnerships has led to statewide and national recognition. AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited are proud to be designated New York State Compass agencies and to hold Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership.

Tonight, I m proud to join in recognizing those who help make our work stronger. Leadership Award recipient Joshua Lamberg, CEO and Founder of Signers National, and the Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club, recipients of this year s Cornerstone Award, are champions of our mission and valued partners in what we continue to build together.

Thank you for being here and for helping create a stronger, more supportive community for the people we serve. Enjoy the evening.

AHRC Foundation

Joshua Lamberg 2025 AHRC Foundation Leadership Award Recipient Founder and CEO, Signers National

Joshua Lamberg is the Founder and CEO of Signers National, a holding company that includes Lamb Insurance Services the nation s largest insurance broker dedicated exclusively to nonprofit and human service organizations. Josh launched Lamb in 2008 after building his expertise in the field through roles at Philadelphia Insurance Companies and Liberty Mutual.

Today, he leads a growing national network of firms offering insurance solutions tailored to mission-driven clients.

Josh s leadership is rooted in discipline, preparation, and a commitment to long-term partnerships.

After graduating from the University of Richmond with a degree in Rhetoric and Communications, he pursued a professional baseball career as a catcher, including time in the Cincinnati Reds minor league organization. The values forged on the field grit, consistency, and relentless drive now guide the culture and performance of every company under the Signers National umbrella.

Through our family of organizations longstanding relationship with Lamb Insurance Services, Josh has helped us secure comprehensive general and specialty liability coverage, including workers compensation. His team s attention to detail and deep understanding of the nonprofit sector have strengthened our risk management, improved continuity of coverage, and delivered peace of mind across our agencies.

We are proud to honor Joshua Lamberg with the AHRC Foundation s 2025 Leadership Award.

His trusted partnership, strategic guidance, and dedication to service have had a measurable impact not only on our operations and workforce but within the lives of the children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families whom we are honored to support each day.

AHRC Foundation

Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club Cornerstone Award Recipient

Founded nearly 80 years ago, the Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club is currently comprised of 15 distinguished professionals from the wine and spirits industry, representing metropolitan New York and Long Island. While each member brings years of experience, what unites the Club is a shared desire to give back building on the early example set by longstanding AHRC champions, the Merinoff and Silver families, whose commitment to this cause helped shape the Club s enduring connection to our mission.

For the past 25 years, AHRC has been the Club s exclusive charitable partner. While the Club has long supported children with special needs, last year it expanded its giving to include adults funding opportunities that help people engage with the broader community and put into practice the skills they ve worked hard to build at home and in school.

The Club s Annual Golf Outing, now raising over $100,000 each year, has become a reliedupon source of support. Their contributions fund tangible items, specific requests, and programmatic ideas requiring pilot support. Their generosity has made possible communication devices, smart boards, iPads, sensory room equipment, inclusive playgrounds, pool and recreation equipment, pilot initiatives, and in-school enrichment enhancing both learning and quality of life for learners of all ages.

The Nassau County AHRC Foundation is proud to present the inaugural Cornerstone Award to the Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club in recognition of the Club s extraordinary commitment to charitable service and its decades-long support of people with developmental disabilities.

Their impact can be seen, touched, and felt in the everyday experiences of those who benefit from all that we make possible together.

AHRC Foundation

AHRC Foundation

Nassau County AHRC Foundation wishes to recognize the following planned gifts received in 2024 / 2025 The Estate of Henry Holbrook Shepard The Estate of Margaret Riva Robert V. Iosue James Mahon Albert Smolski The AHRC Foundation s 21st Century Society honors individuals who have made a planned gift to the Foundation. By naming the Foundation as a beneficiary in their will, life insurance policy, retirement plan, savings account, or charitable trust, these donors ensure that future generations of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will continue to benefit from essential services and programs across Long Island.

Charitable gifts made through your estate plan are powerful. They improve the quality of life for the people we support and provide lasting fulfillment for you as a donor.

Many generous supporters may not realize how deeply their contributions will be missed when they are no longer here. A planned gift is a meaningful way to ensure that your legacy of compassion lives on.

PLANNING MADE SIMPLE Making a planned gift doesn t have to be complicated. Our team is available to guide you through the process to ensure your wishes are preserved and honored.

To learn more, please contact Mary McNamara at 516-626-1075 ext. 1133 or visit ahrcfoundation.planmygift.org.

The AHRC Foundation Community Trust Services The AHRC Foundation Community Trust Services allows people with developmental disabilities to have their own trust funds providing for their supplemental needs without affecting eligibility for government benefits. Trusts may be funded by a parent, relative, another individual, or by the beneficiary themselves.

Community Trust I Designed for parents, relatives, or other loved ones, Community Trust I allows them to use their own funds to establish a trust for a person with a developmental disability. This ensures that a person s supplemental needs are met, even after the sponsor has passed away.

Community Trust II Community Trust II is intended for people with developmental disabilities who have their own resources such as income, inheritance, or legal settlements. This trust protects their assets while maintaining eligibility for government benefits, allowing them to utilize their funds during their lifetime.

Funding Requirements An initial contribution of $10,000 is required upon acceptance of the sponsor agreement, with the total balance of $25,000 to be fulfilled within five years. Trust accounts can be funded during your lifetime, through a bequest in your will, or by designating the trust as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement account, or other assets.

Trustees and Investment Policy The Trustees are board members as well as parents or siblings of men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These trustees have extensive backgrounds in law, banking, insurance, and finance. The funds are invested in a balanced portfolio in accordance with the trust's investment policy, which is established by the trustees. The trustees utilize the services of a professional custodian and investment adviser.

To learn more about the AHRC Foundation s Community Trust Services, please call Mary McNamara, Foundation Director, at 516-626-1075 ext. 1133, or email: trustservices@ahrcfoundation.org.

AHRC Foundation

Thursday, September 13, 2024

A Night to Remember at the Rose Ball Gala The AHRC Foundation s annual Rose Ball Gala was a truly unforgettable evening, held at the breathtaking and historic Oheka Castle. Guests gathered to celebrate the incredible work of the Foundation and to honor those who have made a lasting impact on our community.

We proudly presented the Leadership Award to Linda Abramson Raff, President of Camp Loyaltown Inc., and the Margaret Riva Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas and Ellen Moore individuals whose dedication and leadership have profoundly enriched the lives of those we serve.

The night was made even more special as we celebrated three major milestones: 75 years of AHRC Nassau, 50 years of Camp Loyaltown, and 30 years of AHRC Foundation. It was a powerful reminder of our history, mission, and the bright future ahead.

With over 240 guests in attendance and thanks to their incredible generosity, we raised more than $350,000 funds that will directly enhance the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities across Long Island.

A heartfelt thank you to our Rose Ball Committee, chaired by Thomas Moore, and to the AHRC Foundation Board for their tireless efforts in making this evening such a resounding success.

AHRC Foundation

AHRC Foundation

Thursday, September 19, 2024

A Great Day on the Course for a Great Cause It was a perfect day on the links as over 120 golfers joined us at The Muttontown Club for the AHRC Foundation s annual Golf Outing. Led by Golf Chair and Foundation Board Member Michael Ross, the event combined friendly competition with a shared commitment to enhancing the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities across Long Island.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of our players and supporters, we proudly raised nearly $132,000 in support of this vital mission. From the first tee to the last putt, it was a day filled with camaraderie, purpose, and a lot of great golf.

We re grateful to everyone who made the day such a success and we can t wait to see you back on the course for our next outing, set for Thursday, September 18, 2025, once again at The Muttontown Club.

AHRC Foundation

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Stepping Up for a Meaningful Cause The energy was high and the smiles endless at this year s AHRC Foundation Walk, held at Eisenhower Park. Over 1,000 walkers, donors, families, and friends came together for a day of fun, connection, and purpose.

From colorful handmade banners to impromptu dance parties and pumpkin-filled festivities, the park came alive with community spirit and heartfelt support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our sponsors, team captains, walkers, and fundraisers, we raised more than $107,000! These vital funds help the AHRC Foundation provide communitybased grants to organizations across Long Island, expanding access to services and supports that make a lasting difference.

We re so grateful to everyone who joined us you helped turn a simple walk into a powerful step forward for inclusion, opportunity, and care.

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

Congratulations to this year s honorees

Josh Lamberg and

The Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club in celebration of the

AHRC FOUNDATION 75TH ANNUAL

ROSE BALL

and all it has made possible in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

With special appreciation to the executive team for their exceptional leadership throughout the year.

Kathleen C. Maggi Board Member AHRC Foundation | Citizens Options Unlimited

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

The Board of Directors of

Proudly Supports

The Nassau County AHRC Foundation

Thomas L. Williams III, President Thomas F. Moore, Vice President Gary Carpenter, Treasurer Jack Garofalo, Secretary

Robert Steinberger, MD Josette Dugue Dr. Samarth Joseph Neomy Mantin Wanda Arroyo Raymond Grasso Theodore L. Hernitche Jr. Nicole Robinson-Helmus Rodger P. Silletti, PhD

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

LAMB INSURANCE SERVICES

PILOT | RB

DRS. MICHAEL & TARINA MENDES

Congratulates

for all their great works for our community!

TLGGR | 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 309 | Jericho, NY 11753 T: (516) 240-8900 | W: www.tlggr.com

With love and best wishes, Pauline & Gary Bencivenga

In Loving Memory of Patrick F. Broderick Devoted husband, father & Supporter of AHRC Love Always, Susan, Karen and Amanda

With deep affection and enduring respect, we honor the memory of

Martin B. Boorstein

Board member, advisor, advocate, and friend.

Marty served our organizations with wisdom, heart, and steady leadership for over three decades.

As a founding member of the AHRC Foundation Board and our longtime Finance Committee Chair, he was a trusted voice and guiding hand.

He believed in building for the long term one defined by a future full of opportunity for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Marty leaves behind more than a legacy he leaves a standard.

The Boards of Directors of the AHRC Foundation and AHRC Nassau

v

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

Grateful appreciation

for all that is being done for our son Brendan

Theodore and Catherine Zarembo

With thanks and gratitude to the dedicated staff of AHRC Foundation, Citizens Options and Camp Loyaltown, and to this year s honorees

Joshua Lamberg and

The Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club for supporting them in this important and impactful work you change lives for the better every day!

With deep appreciation,

Mark & Doreen Gamell

Jack Garofalo, Jr.

Love You, Miss You

Mom, Dad, Judi & Brian

v

v

I STILL MISS ALL OF YOU AND THINK OF ALL THE WONDERFUL WORK YOU DO.

BEST WISHES

JAN ABELSETH

RICHARD E. GREENBERG, MD.

A DISTINCTIVE NAME IN WINDOW COVERINGS SINCE 1902

Thank you from the family of

Joseph Carpenter

In Loving Memory of

Frank, Rose and Frankie Ostafinski and Patricia Endrich

269 Nassau Blvd South Garden City South, NY 11530

516-292-9453 Garden City Dance Studio @gardencitydancestudio gardencitydancestudio@aol.ocm

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

For more than 75 years, AHRC Nassau has been a trusted leader in supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families and a vital part of building stronger, more inclusive communities across Long Island.

Today, AHRC Nassau supports over 2,000 people through a wide range of services tailored to individual needs including day services, supported employment, residential supports, recreation, family supports, and guardianship. All supports are grounded in choice, connection, and the opportunity to live a meaningful life in the community.

AHRC Nassau is proud to be recognized as a Compass agency by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), one of just four agencies in the state with this distinction. The organization also holds a rare, four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership an honor shared by fewer than 20 organizations worldwide.

Across Nassau County, AHRC Nassau operates 87 community-based homes and 48 supported apartments. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in the lives of the people they support helping each person make choices, build relationships, and engage in the community in ways that are meaningful.

Day habilitation programs offer adults with developmental disabilities the chance to learn, connect, and give back. Across nearly 30 community hubs, people volunteer with local nonprofits, faith groups, and service projects building relationships and making a meaningful difference in the communities they call home.

Employment is also a key focus. AHRC Nassau offers job training, coaching, and placement through its vocational and supported employment services. Social enterprises like Wheatley Farms provide additional job opportunities aligned with personal strengths and interests.

AHRC Nassau also supports families through respite, in-home services, educational resources, and a home-based reimbursement grant that eases financial strain. When no other support is available, the agency provides corporate guardianship to ensure continued advocacy and care.

The Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center is a developing education and enrichment initiative of AHRC Nassau, designed to serve children and adults with developmental disabilities, the people who support them, and interested members of the community. Located adjacent to AHRC Nassau s Brookville campus, the Center aims to offer inclusive programming in culinary arts, horticulture, wellness, and the creative arts.

Volunteers are warmly welcomed to help care for the animals, maintain the greenhouse and gardens, and support the children and adults who learn and grow at the farm every day.

As AHRC Nassau looks to the future, the commitment remains the same: to stand alongside people with developmental disabilities and their families amplifying voices, expanding opportunities, and strengthening communities across Long Island. Together, we are building what s next.

Nature, Creativity, and Community at Wheatley Farms The Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, located adjacent to AHRC Nassau s Brookville campus, reflects the organization s commitment to a person-centered, community-inclusive philosophy. Wheatley Farms is a place where nature, creativity, and connection come together to support meaningful experiences for children and adults with developmental disabilities and for the broader community.

From hands-on learning to shared experiences in gardening, animal care, and the arts, Wheatley Farms offers opportunities to grow, give back, and build lasting relationships.

Whether you're interested in volunteering, lending a hand at seasonal events, or attending a class in wellness or creative expression, Wheately Farms invites people to participate in a way that feels personal and rewarding. Renovation of the on-site farmhouse will continue through 2025, with the Farmhouse expected to be completed in 2027.

To learn more about getting involved, please contact Jerri Walker, Volunteer and Project Coordinator, at (516) 293-2016, ext. 5110 or visit ahrc.org/volunteer. Opportunities are open to individuals, school groups, families, corporate teams, and community groups eager to be part of something meaningful.

Children, Families and Educators Dedicated to Creating Exceptional Outcomes Brookville Center for Children s Services (BCCS) provides comprehensive services to children, with a strong emphasis on helping families understand their child s strengths and areas of need. With four schools in Nassau County, BCCS delivers education and therapeutic supports for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, speech-language disorders, and traumatic brain injury. All programs are approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS).

BCCS programs include: Early Intervention (EI): Evaluations for children ages 0 3 to assess suspected delays or disabilities.

Preschool Special Education: Evaluations, educational, and therapeutic services for preschool students ages 3 5 with developmental delays or disabilities.

School Age Special Education: Educational services for students ages 5 22 with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism.

Evidence-based curricula are aligned with NYSED standards and individualized through each student s IEP. Home & Community-Based Services: Delivered by certified teachers and licensed professionals in homes, preschools, and other natural settings. Services may include speech, occupational and physical therapy, psychological counseling, and parent training.

Respite & Recreation: Weekend respite programs and seasonal vacation respite offerings in December, April, and August.

Residential Services for Children with Autism: Twenty-five students who attend the Children s Education Center receive 24/7 therapeutic residential supports until age 22.

From preschool through age 22, students benefit from a comprehensive educational experience targeting their academic, social, language, and behavioral goals.

School programs are based at four licensed and approved sites throughout Nassau County. All locations are staffed with certified professionals and include on-site nursing support.

How to Get Started: Parents apply through their local school districts. BCCS contracts with Nassau and Suffolk County school districts. Students are referred through the Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or Committees on Special Education (CSE), which help guide the development of each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Continuing Education: BCCS is accredited to offer continuing education units through ASHA, BACB, and CTLE. Webinars, workshops, and conferences are offered regularly to share evidence-based best practices across disciplines.

For more information, please call (516) 686-4496 or visit www.brookvillecenter.org Program Leadership at Brookville Center for Children s Services Debra Doyle Senior Director, Brookville Center for Children s Services Diane Condy Director, Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Paula DeVita Director, Marcus Avenue Preschool Denise Gaughan Director, Children s Education Center Sean Stallings Director, Children s Residential Program

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

Citizens Options Unlimited supports over 1,500 children and adults with developmental disabilities across Long Island, helping each person live the life they choose through personalized, person-centered services. From self-direction and family supports to recreation, respite, and residential services, Citizens offers a comprehensive network of care that promotes inclusion, independence, and meaningful community connection.

Recognized as a Compass agency by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Citizens is one of only four agencies in the state to hold this distinction. The organization also holds a four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership.

Citizens provides robust self-direction services, including both broker and fiscal intermediary support, giving people the freedom to design their own supports whether choosing where and how to live, participating in community activities, or hiring staff for employment, respite, or habilitation services.

Family Support Services (FSS) help families stay strong through social and recreation programs, peer connections, and a family reimbursement grant that eases financial burdens. Respite opportunities include Camp Loyaltown in the Catskills, which offers year-round programming in a nurturing environment.

Citizens Options Unlimited provides residential supports through 23 homes across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) offer community-based living with staff support that promotes independence, choice, and connection. Citizens

also operates two Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) the Helen Kaplan Center in Plainview and a second in Shoreham which offer 24-hour nursing and clinical care for those with more complex needs. Across all settings, people supported benefit from specialized supports including psychology, nutrition, physical therapy, and other therapeutic services. In every home, people are supported to be active members of their communities while pursuing the goals that matter most to them.

Program Leadership at Citizens Options Unlimited Sallyanne Burgess Vice President of Operations Deanna Allen Director of Residential Services Marta Garavito Director, Helen Kaplan Center (ICF), Nassau County Mary Gilleran Director, ICF Services, Suffolk County Savita Sharma Director of Family Support Services & Camp Loyaltown

citizens-inc.org

AHRC Foundation

ROSE BALL JOURNALS

Thursday, September 18, 2025