2023 AHRC COMPASS Semi-Annual Report

AHRC Nassau COMPASS

Empowers people to live fulfilling lives. Together with Family-Friends-Community

July 2023 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 Nassau Re-Designated a Compass Agency by New York State

With a mission firmly planted in person-centered supports, AHRC Nassau was re-designated a Compass Agency, a distinction of excellence held by only four agencies in New York State.

Tuesday, May 9, marked the beginning of Compass Validation Week, an eventful three-day visit welcoming auditors from the Bureau of Certification and Continuous Quality Improvement in New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

An engaging and empowering process, the audit team visited sites and met with stakeholders across AHRC’s community–evaluating how people supported, families, staff, and volunteers come together to achieve person-centered outcomes.

Held in person for the first time since the pandemic, Compass Validation Week offered several activities from Personal Outcome Measures (POM) information sessions to educational classes at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. These activities demonstrated both AHRC’s commitment to empowering men and women with developmental disabilities to explore their interests and achieve meaningful goals. Validation Week culminated in a rally with people supported sharing their experiences and what is possible when they voice their choices.

After dozens of interactions with people supported, families, and staff, OPWDD officials once again designated AHRC Nassau a Compass Agency and reaffirmed the strength of self-direction and our ongoing partnerships.

A tremendous partnership! New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Auditors, Bureau of Certification and Continuous Quality Improvement, and AHRC Nassau/Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc. Self-Survey Auditors after an amazing Compass Validation Week.

Mission Statement & Management

Plan

Our Mission is clear and thriving!

AHRC Nassau’s mission statement clearly defines our purpose, core function, and goals. In other words, it tells everyone who we are, what we do, why we do it, All in a just a few words.

AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives.

Empowerment through Culture, Values, and Purpose.

GuidingPrinciples

Worktogethertoachieveexcellencebypromotingopportunitiesand supportingdreams.

Demonstratecourtesy,respectandcompassioninevery interaction. Fosteraunifiedculturethatcelebratesdiversetalents,ideasand potential.

Community Recognition

Meredith Shear was out to lunch with her friends last weekend when she came across a mother whose baby has Downs Syndrome. This mom was so happy to see Meredith enjoying time with her friends and even let her hold her baby boy, Matthew, before snapping a quick pic. It just goes to show, you never know how or when you’ll have an impact, or how important your example can be to others.

MLK Dream Project

Help us congratulate our amazing volunteers. On April 20, AHRC Self Advocates Coleen Mackin teamed up with Troop 3322 to create meal kits as part of the MLK Dream Project, a fully inclusive initiative supporting neighbors facing food insecurity

Together they created 50 meal kits, that volunteers in Day Services delivered to our community partner NOSH. The 50 meal kits can feed up to 200 people. Way to go everyone!

AHRC Nassau’s Inclusive Dream Project Continues to Address Local Food Insecurity

One sunny April afternoon, Girl Scout Troop 3322 volunteered alongside self-advocates Noah Probert, Coleen Mackin and other community members to put together 50 meal kits for the local food bank, NOSH Delivers!, in support of AHRC Nassau’s Dream Project.

“It was so much fun. I helped put the food in the boxes. It made me happy to work with the Girl Scouts,” said Noah.

Inspired by Dr. King’s dedication to community action, the Dream Project is a fully inclusive volunteer project supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. This initiative is ongoing throughout the year and made possible in part by a grant from The Arc of the United States and funds raised by the AHRC Day Habilitation Team and Community Relations Liaison Lynne Brewer.

Last month’s food kits assisted approximately 200 neighbors in need. Once completed, the 50 kits were packed up and driven to community partner NOSH by volunteers supported by people at AHRC Day Services.

For Coleen, the project offered a meaningful opportunity to do what she enjoys. “I love volunteering and doing my part,” said Coleen. “It’s important for me to give back to the community, and this helps me do that.”

The April event was organized Jerri Walker, AHRC Volunteer and Project Coordinator, collaborated with Troop 3322 leader, Katie Sacoulis.

Since January, Troop 3322 has engaged in various volunteer projects to earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award. To achieve this goal, the Troop researched local partners doing good in the community and identified AHRC Nassau.

“I really wanted to find others who are active in the community,” said Katie. “It is amazing for the girls. They love everything about volunteering here, especially when they see that people of all abilities can come together and work towards a common goal. I am looking forward to the girls continuing to earn badges here and inviting other troops to come and contribute to the community with AHRC.”

Mission and Valued Outcomes

Stanfort Perry “Kicks off” Person-Centered Planning Event

People came to share, develop and celebrate their personal life plans on May 9, 2023. People decided what they wanted as well as how to achieve those things.

A step-by-step structure always helps provide a pathway between the two and how to get what you want in life!

People want a Life. Not a Plan. Chief Executive Officer, Stanfort Perry leads the way. Shares his Life Plan.

Now it’s Your Turn!

The Art of Independent Living with Mary Jo

Mary Jo Lowerre loves her room. It’s warm, cozy, and most importantly it’s hers.

Growing up with six siblings sparked her interest in being independent early on. She’s always valued time to pursue her own interests in her own space.

Yet, Mary Jo’s ability to live on her own was impacted about five years ago. While living in the Jericho apartments, she started experiencing seizures.

This is when AHRC suggested she consider a residence. Unlike apartment housing, an AHRC residence typically has more in-home supports which makes it able to be more responsive to the unique needs of the person.

Even though Mary Jo was considering making a move to a shared home, she remained adamant about having her own room during her life plan meeting advocating for what mattered most to her.

“She needs to be encouraged to say what she’s thinking. Sometimes she doesn’t express herself because she doesn’t expect what she wants to happen. With AHRC, if you tell them your number one goal, they will make it happen,” said Tom Lowerre, Mary Jo’s Brother.

This led her to the Woodland Gate Residence and provided the best of both worlds, a place with staff to offer support during seizures and the freedom to set her own schedule. If she wants to take a walk to the local convenience store, she’s free to do so. If Mary Jo wants to skip an outing in favor of a night in by all means.

At 70 years old, Mary Jo has settled into a comfortable routine. She attends day services five days a week, where she enjoys art projects big and small, from collages to meticulous diamond art pieces. She takes daily walks, an activity she’s started as part of a wellness plan adopted after the seizures began. For fun, she likes bowling and listening to country music. Most of all, she loves to settle down with bead stringing, a hobby she learned from her late sister Emilie “Em”.

Em and Mary Jo were remarkably close. She taught Mary Jo how to create beaded bracelets, was an important part of her care management team, and helped her navigate AHRC services.

“Some of this stuff is from my sister and some of this stuff I bought,” mentioned Mary Jo while pointing to her cabinets full of crafting materials. On the left side of her desk are her beading materials; on the right side sit two containers filled with hundreds of finished beaded bracelets. She grabs a handful and places them on the bed.

“It takes a while to make them. I only do about three to four a day,” added Mary Jo. She even made a bracelet for Shanthea “Shan” Buckle, Woodland Gate Assistant Manager. Shan, who encourages Mary Jo to submit her bracelets to the annual AHRC Flea Market.

Mary Jo said she will consider the offer, but for now, she’s content with maintaining her steady routine and perfecting the hobby she’s practiced for roughly two decades.

Create the Life You Want!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meetings were held monthly, except for December and a summer break, consistent with the Management Plan.

Featured Presenters at OPWDD HCBS Waiver Provider Training

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver is the Medicaid program that provides opportunities for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive services in their own home or community.

At the OPWDD provider training on March 6, 2023, AHRC Nassau personnel Stanfort Perry/Chief Executive Office, Chris O’Connor/Chief Operations Officer, Michelle Rudoff/Advocate and Colleen

Tapia/Compass

QI Administrator shared HCBS “best practices”.

In May, we had a wonderful visit with Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York, at AHRC Nassau.

We enjoyed a tour of the East Meadow Art Gallery, Brookville campus, and Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. It was great to have Erik share lunch with us and connect on meaningful topics, while celebrating the accomplishments of our collective advocacy. #thankyou

Board of Directors Physical Plant Inspections

The annual Physical Plant Inspections meeting was held virtually on February 16, 2023.

The total number of completed inspections in 2022 increased slightly from 2021. Inspections were suspended for a substantial amount of time, impacted by the presence of COVID-19 among our staff and people supported. Of the inspections completed, there were no egregious safety and health issues noted.

The committee agreed that a hybrid approach to inspections (virtual and in person) will remain in place going forward as both types of inspections have been highly beneficial and effective. Whether in-person or virtual, the Compass criterion remains an invaluable tool.

Members of the Board of Directors along with management staff at the 2022 annual physical plant inspections meeting.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SIBLING GROUP

On May 25, 2023 the annual Sibling BBQ was held at Brookville. Please join us in 2023 for other sibling meetings and events!

2023 SIBLING GROUP

Please join us!

9/28/23 – Meeting 5pm-6:30pm – Location TBD

12/14/23 – Holiday party – In Person – Brookville 6-8pm

Sibling Group Meetings are held in-person or virtually at 5:00pm. Please contact Colleen Tapia at ctapia@ahrc.org for details on how to connect.

Councils Presentation for AHRC Board of Directors

On June 26, 2023 Geraldine shared AHRC Nassau Councils accomplishments and goals for the year.

Establishing an important link between the Councils and AHRC Board of Directors.

Compass Management Plan: On an annual basis, representatives from the councils make presentations to the Board of Directors to enable them to learn of their endeavors and share in their goals. Once a year the councils invite a board member to a council meeting as a mechanism to strengthen the connection between the councils and Board of Directors.

Executive Council Met Monthly (Except Summer Break and November)

January

Chris Williams came to the council meeting and gave a staffing update and took questions from the council.

A group helped at the MLK day of service in Glen Cove where our own Matt Hofele spoke on service to others.

Wini Schiff, Executive Director of IAC came to the council and spoke about the governor’s budget, advocacy and staffing.

AHRC Social media day advocates have been asked to submit quotes about investing in services for people with disabilities. Michelle, Coleen, Noah, and Matt were asked to submit quotes on what is important.

February

Stanfort Perry joined the council and spoke about staffing and when the site can go back out on jobs that they used to be doing.

Maura Boden, Family Support Services came and spoke to the council about what her role is with Citizens and things that she has planned.

Kate Zimmerman joined the council spoke about the upcoming show us your POM event.

Sue Gill came and spoke about Life plan observation and what is supposed to happen at a life plan meetings and how you can make sure that the things you want goes into your plan.

March

Barry Donowitz came to the council and spoke about what his job with the agency is and what he does, Barry also took questions from the council about staffing and community jobs.

Michelle Flood and Marisol from Sanys who spoke about a group that they have on Fridays at 1. Michelle spoke about voting and the right to vote and the importance of a voting plan. Michelle R mentioned to check the little cards that you get into the mail because there was a lot of redistricting last year.

Joseph Damiano came to the council and spoke about what he does as a peer specialist.

April HCBS training was completed.

Voice for choice-POM department- Susan Gill spoke about how she is going to have a council table at the Pom Rally. Anyone who would like to attend the Voice for choice can attend it after the council meeting that week.

We started thinking and planning a fundraiser to raise money to help an advocate attend the Sanys statewide conference.

May

Nikki Katz came and did meditation and yoga with the council.

Anthony Gionfriddo from the beautiful lives project came and spoke about what the project is and what his role is and that they are looking for more members.

June

This past Friday groups from AHRC Nassau was at LIU post for the beautiful lives’ projects field of dreams. John and Elise were featured in a story on the news Coleen is making and selling pride buttons for PrideAbility.

We are hosting a bingo fundraiser on June 30th to help raise money for an advocate to attend the Sanys conference.

The DEI council underwent a transition this past quarter from an agency led committee to an Ambassador led committee. Elections were held for a committee chair and co-chair. Coleen Mackin and Noah Probert were appointed Chair and Co-Chair respectively. Both are responsible for sitting on the organizational DEI Committee and sharing in the strategic goals. Additionally they are responsible for filtering this information back to the DEI Ambassador’s in an effort to align with the agency’s mission in this regard, The council meet monthly via a virtual platform. In June, the council raised funds selling Pride buttons and contributed to PrideAbility. The mission of PrideAbility is. “PrideAbility is a movement that promotes ongoing education, understanding, and respect through a network of connections and advocacy that provides support and friendship for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA.”

Day Hab Council

New Year’s resolutions were discussed and exercising more, and volunteering were the most popular.

Money received from a bake sale was used to purchase socks for homeless veterans. In February, representatives from SANYS talked with the council about getting more involved with the events they have to offer.

The council sponsored a singing telegram event for Valentine’s Day. Proceeds were donated to the American Heart Association.

Black history month was observed by each hub site highlighting a famous person in history and sharing the information they found out with all of day hab.

In March, council members worked on getting donations for the victims of the earthquake that hurt Syria and Turkey. The items were brought to a local church that was able to deliver the items.

Women’s history month was celebrated by hub sites researching information about famous women in history and shared the information with the other hub sites.

April was autism acceptance month and people had the opportunity to discuss what makes a person unique.

Chief administrator officer Barry Donowitz spoke with the council about Wheatley Farms and Arts Center. He shared information about the upcoming plans for the farm.

Council member wrote a letter to the president of the LI Railroad voicing their concerns over safety issues that were published in the newspaper. Broken elevators, overcrowding, and gaps between the platform and the train present serious concerns for people with ambulatory challenges.

May was mental health month and people were encouraged to let someone know if they are experiencing anxiety, insecurity, or any other mental health issues.

Day Hab had their annual picnic at Eisenhower Park. The weather was perfect, and all the hub sites enjoyed a day of games, music, and good food.

People supported the postal food drive by leaving a non-perishable food item by their mailbox the day before Mother’s Day.

In June, the council had a talent show where people were able to display their many talents to others.

Pride month was celebrated by people wearing pride attire on all the Fridays in June. Additionally, there was a virtual pride event that gave people the opportunity to hear how pride month evolved and how people all over the country celebrate it.

DEI Council SANYS Presentation

The DEI council has been busy presenting it’s DEI manual developed in 2021 over the past three months with two presentations to SANYS at their statewide meeting and locally at the Long Island meeting. A presentation was also completed for staff members at PHP Cares. Committee members hosted a vendor table at the SANYS Long Island Regional conference and shared free physical copies of the manual which is also available to digital format.

Executive Council Bingo Fundraiser

On Thursday June 30th the Executive Council hosted a bingo night as a fundraiser to raise money to help send a self-advocate or two to attend the SANYS statewide conference in Albany. We charged $10 a person which included a bingo card and marker and a snack. It was a bigger turnout than expected. We had about 50-60 people come, and we raised between 500-600 dollars. Here is some of the feedback we got from those that attended the bingo night: Bingo night was all the ladies from Evers St could talk about on their way home. The ladies of Livingston St. loved it so much they requested for us to do bingo every week. YIKES!!

Pam Boyle who helped at the fundraiser loved it and loved the turnout and can’t wait to do another one. Michelle Rudoff, who worked at the fundraiser said seeing everyone with smiles on their faces and having fun

Advocacy and Councils

Freeport Workforce Council

SANYS held a contest to create a new logo for their upcoming regional conference, with the theme “Unite for Change” and it was awarded to Brittani English, a participant in PreVoc! Her logo will be displayed at the conference and on all on-line registration materials. Brittani was thrilled and will be attending the conference in July.

The Workforce Council met the first Wednesday each month and discussed a variety of rights and empowerment training topics including: Financial decision making, selfadvocacy issues, rights to choose where we work and live, rights to personal property, rights to decision making, and knowing your money rights. Members enjoy the council meetings and look forward to them each month!

The Workforce Council began collecting plastic water bottles and soda cans to be recycled. They went to a local redemption center to recycle the bottles and cans. This will be an on-going project.

The Workforce Council held its first bake sale! Council members helped to advertise the event handing out flyers, learned how to prepare the various items, set up the display, figure out pricing, answer the customers questions, helped sell the baked goods, took the money, and gave change. The Council decided to donate the funds to 2 charities, “Soup to Nuts” Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen and “Kids and Art”, providing art kits for children with cancer, during their hospital stays. They used the donation to buy a huge tray of assorted large cookies to be included in a Monday hot lunch.

The Workforce Council participated in the “Voice for Choice” event. The Vice-President, Hanna Pollack, was selected to be interviewed during the meeting, about her thoughts on Pre-Voc and what the program means to her.

AHRC Residential Council Update

Members in May, benefited from a hygiene in-service and demonstration, provided by AHRC’s nursing dept.

Funds of council money raised have been distributed on behalf of the CLS residential council to the following charities:

$250 Long Island Cares.

$250 Red Cross.

$250 Guide Dog Foundation.

Council members have registered and are looking forward to attending the SANY’s Long Island reginal conference on July 14th .

Council member registration is also underway for the SANY’s state conference held in October.

The residential council continued to struggle at the beginning of the year with a lack of members attending meetings. However, through a CLS outreach campaign and a return to in person meetings, membership attendance & participation has increased.

In full swing, the Spring Fling Dance hosted by Farmingdale High School’s Smile Club brought an evening of laughter, dancing and camaraderie to people who enjoyed a night out with friends. Music, refreshments, and colorful Hawaiian leis made this year’s Spring Fling stand out and helped get everyone in the party mood.

Work, Volunteer

Long Island Regional Conference Logo Winner

Exciting news! Brittani English won the SANYS Long Island Regional Conference logo contest! The theme this year was "Unite for Change."

Job Fair

The men and women supported by AHRC PreVocational Ser-

Talent, Artist

EMPOWERMENT & ADVOCACY!

Voice For Choice Lets Talk About Day Options!

The room was jam packed with energy and enthusiasm for the POM Department “Voice for Choice. Exploring Your Day Options” educational forum and rally on May 10, 2023.

What an excellent way to learn about and consider different day opportunities and choices.

Now just may be the time to try something new! The possibilities are endless.

If you would like help, contact the POM Department

Destination: My Life Discovered! was successful.

Welcome to POM - My first months in the POM Department By

Samantha Rodonis

This past April, I made a huge leap from my position in Day Hab as a site manager to the POM Department. This leap was not just into a new position, but into that position at one of the department’s busiest times of the year. I came in as we were preparing for our COMPASS validation visit and had the opportunity to see firsthand just how much work goes into recertification related events. We were leading three major person-centered initiatives, Person Centered Planning, Voice 4 Choice, and The POM Rally. The first event, Person Centered Planning, was designed to give everyone the opportunity to learn how to self-direct their own lives. I had the pleasure of watching the people work to create and present their plans in their own unique ways, such as power points and posters. I supported John Buley-Neumar to use a PowerPoint to share with the group about his Norse religion and his experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I also had the opportunity to meet with our Chief Executive Officer, Stanfort Perry and create with him his own person-centered plan that was presented as a power point that shared his likes and dislikes as well as his goals for himself and his future. The second event, “Voice 4 Choice” gave us the opportunity to highlight all the different service options that are available. These options were presented by the people who utilize these services who can speak firsthand of their experiences, such as April Kloepfer who shared about how rewarding being a volunteer is and spoke of the different places she had the opportunity to volunteer. The POM Rally was a huge celebration of the discovery of our goals and our dreams where we encouraged everyone to share their visions for their future. This event was a way to inspire people to use their voices and share their visions for their own person-centered lives. Cathy Loquercio presented a moving speech about self-advocacy that had the whole room cheering for her. Following the presentation, the attendees were invited to tour the different stations of the room to create vision boards, meet delegates from different counsels at the agencies and play a game of POM Jeopardy.

After these events, I got to spend time learning what it means to be a POM interviewer. I loved my time as a site manager in the agency’s Day Program. I learned so much in the nearly 7 years I spent there, but leaving has taught me to look at things through a different lens. The POM is a tool we all use, but I am learning there is so much more to this piece of paper that is received following the interviews. One of the biggest things I have learned is to change my language. Language is a powerful thing, and the words we use daily have greater impact than we can even imagine. We spend so much time referring to the people we work with as “our guys” or “our individuals” and we take away the most important part, they are people, people we support. They are adults who are seeking support to create the lives of their choosing just like anyone else. The POM tool, gives us the opportunity to offer the support that people really want. All this is learned during the interview. With each conversation I have had the opportunity to learn more and find ways to offer the best recommendations I can. I am only at the beginning of this exciting journey. As these next few months progress, I will get the opportunity to not only learn from the amazing team I am now a part of, but from CQL, the agency that has given us the highest accreditation honors. Once I receive my certification, I will have the opportunity to meet with more people and use the tools I have learned to help them create their own futures. I can offer my knowledge to the supporting staff to assist them in using the recommendations given to create opportunities that may not have been there before. I am so excited for my future with the POM department. There are so many incredible things happening in the upcoming months. Our department with be hosting other organizations for a day of leadership and planning at our annual POM retreat. We hope to add people supported to our team who will complete CQL certification and do POM interviews. We have recently introduced “Discovering You” which is a program for transitioning youth to learn about advocacy and the programs available beyond graduation such as Wheatley Farms and Arts. All these events and initiatives are designed to expand person-centered culture within our organizations. I truly am excited for my future here in the POM Department and cannot wait to see what happens next!

You made banners, chanted, and advocated for your right to choose!

We are proud to do our part, so you live the life YOU choose!

Happy Pride Month, Everybody!

Join us in celebrating love, acceptance, and self -expression.

SANYS LONG ISLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE July 14, 2023

Back in person for the first time in four years for the SANYS regional conference!

Everyone was so excited to be together to advocate and celebrate. And a special thanks to Brittani for her amazing conference logo!

The theme Unite for Change was so evident and charged the room!

Innovation Reducing Barriers

AHRC Nassau partner New York Institute of Technology won a $10,000 prize in the NYSID, Purchasing That Powers Employment CREATE Symposium. The NYIT team built assistive technology in the form of an intelligent glue gun which helps adhere rubber pieces to floor mats.

Products like this reduce barriers to entry for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking to enter the workforce. These products are used to complete work tasks safely and efficiently.

Great job everyone!

NYDA CAPITOL RALLY

Advocates from across New York State. called out for investments in the workforce and disability services infrastructure on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the New York State Capitol, War Room in Albany

The 2023 session of the New York State Legislature will end on Thursday, June 8. Help us advance bills, A.6813 and S.5329-A, ensuring fairness and procedural clarity for providers subject to the NYS Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG). Show your support: https://nyalliance.org

NY_Alliance_Government_Action_Center#/

DSP Wage Enhancement was not included in the NYS Budget, but Senator Mannion and Assemblymember Seawright have brought it to the table as a stand-alone piece of legislation before the end of session. Let lawmakers know you support a historic investment in DSPs: https://p2a.co/h0k1t2b

Supported Decision Making Update

The NYS Supported Decision Making pilot is coming toward the end of the first year of the 3-year OPWDD grant and are excited at how well it is going. They are designing and will soon begin testing a model by which the State could provide facilitation services to everyone who wants them. SDM improves the lives of Decision-Makers through increased self-determination, confidence, dignity and inclusion, as well as relieving the concerns of parents and families about what will happen when they are no longer around.

It’s all About the Smiles, says Beautiful Lives Co Founder

Coleen Mackin, Compass/QI Trainer at AHRC Nassau, caught a throw then later blocked and made a touchdown on camera during the "Football Field of Dreams" event hosted by The Beautiful Lives Project and LIU Post Football. Newsday TV caught the proud moments and interviewed Coleen about the importance of inclusion. Way to go, Coleen!

Journey Back to Work

May 2023 will mark Ronald “Ron” Burglass’ first work anniversary at BJ’s WholeSale Club in Valley Stream.

AHRC Nassau’s Supported Employment Program (SEMP) has been instrumental in assisting Ron to secure this role.

Ron is an outgoing man, who enjoys being active and staying busy. He works in asset recovery. In this role, Ron is tasked with restocking eligible merchandise for customers. Asset recovery associates take the items customers don’t purchase at checkout and circle them back to their proper place perishable items to the trash and nonperishable items back on shelves.

Ron began his career as a store associate in 1986, starting as a cart attendant at Waldbaum’s, now known as Stop & Shop. There, he garnered 30+ years of experience, working his way up from a cart attendant to taking roles indoors handling logistics making sure items are in stock and available for shoppers.

Ron worked regularly right up until 2020 when the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

His family became concerned with Ron working in what was deemed a high-risk environment and recommended he stay home. However, Ron wanted to continue working, saying he didn’t feel at risk. Due to his family’s concerns, he stopped work in February 2020 using his vacation time to continue receiving paychecks until his time ended in May.

This routine continued for the better part of two years. Ron was sustained financially by economic impact payments he received as part of the (CARES Act) and the American Rescue Plan. That, along with the housing and support he received from AHRC, helped keep him afloat until early 2022 when his funds bottomed out. Conditions turned sour when his mother had to pitch in and started sending personal checks to support him. Ron felt uncomfortable losing the independence he’d cultivated for decades.

At the time, Ron was attended day services in Freeport and would stop by the SEMP office seeking employment opportunities. Through persistence and self-advocacy, the SEMP office assisted Ron apply for the job with BJ’s. Ron showed his eagerness to work by letting his potential employer know that he was flexible and able to work every day if needed.

Ron landed the job and started at BJ’s in May 2022. As a person supported by AHRC SEMP, Ron had the assistance of a job coach when he started work. His coach stayed with him for a couple of weeks, helping with training and liaising with store leadership to make sure Ron was able to complete his tasks and was assigned an appropriate amount of work.

After the initial training period, Ron began working independently, with his job coach checking in periodically to make sure his days were going smoothly.

Ron is more optimistic about the future now and keeps a busy schedule. Ron is loving it. As an asset recovery associate, empties boxes, and restocks eligible items left after checkout.

On his days off, Ron likes shopping and attending events with friends. With his paycheck, Ron has money in the bank to buy his favorite things, like books, candy, and DVDs.

“I feel good about my job, everything’s fine and a lot of people here are really nice. I’m doing really well here,” mentioned Ron. “It’s better for me here at BJ’s, much better.”

Personal Outcome Measures (POM) interviews continue to provide people with the tools to improve their quality of life by identifying what outcomes are most important to each person. To date in 2023, approximately 50 interviews have been conducted by two AHRC-Citizen’s CQL Certified POMs Trainer/Interviewers. In April, a third interviewer was added to the department.

In 2023, the POM Department built upon the existing University of Personal Growth by the creation of the “Discovering You,” series of workshops which focus on the concerns of students transitioning from the high school to the adult world. This year the POM Department has concentrated its efforts in ensuring that each person supported understands that they have the right to choose services. A presentation entitled “A Voice for Choice” was developed to help people understand that they are able to choose their day option, as well as a process for making a change as desired. In this way, the goal for our CQL objective, Approximately 150 people attended this presentation and 81 surveys were completed which detailed the interest service related interests on specific day options expressed by each person. In addition to this, about 800 people were trained in choosing their services through a series of Voice for Choice workshops that encouraged people supported and their staff to access the education necessary to make personal choices. Through this educational piece, people will be able to experience a variety of options and gain invaluable exposure.

In review of the POM interview data, it is noted that for the most part, outcomes and supports revealed a broad downward movement from the 1st to the 2nd quarters. Within the first 2 quarters of 2023, the POM Department had two full time interviewers. Towards the beginning of quarter two, a newly hired third interviewer began her training to assist the department in their critically important work. Although it should be noted that the indicator for “intimacy” moved from 52% in the first quarter to 54% in the second which is encouraging. Those downward trends mentioned generally were not excessive but there are a few indicator to be noted:

Natural Supports- there was a decline in outcomes met from 80% in the first quarter to 65% in the second. This was true of supports shown in this area as well. From 80% in the 1st quarter to 70% in the 2nd. This trend could be attributed to the amount of interviews that were conducted as the numbers were low due to staffing issues with priority given to those with rights restrictions. It may also be indicative of the people interviewed within the 1,2nd quarter, the time and frequency of interacting with family and other natural supports was limited. Therefore, the outcome is considered unmet creating a downward trend.

Abuse and Neglect Here outcomes met in the 1st quarter were at 72% and supports at 88% but showed a decline in the 2nd quarter to 60% outcomes met and 73% supports shown. Upon review of this trend the POM Department determined that more specific and more frequent training may be required to support further understanding of the terms (Neglect, exploitation and mistreatment).

Friends: People have friends went from 48% outcomes met to 39% during Covid many people experienced a loss of connection and relationships were severed. While efforts to reconnect are being made, people are still contenting with social, emotional, and relationship based challenges in reestablishing these relationships.

The POM Departments looks forward to continuing to support people to live their own best lives, their own way!

Discovering You Workshop—How to Create Life You Want By, Susan Gill Orange

On June 6th and 7th, members of the POM Department CQL presented “The Discovering You,” workshop for transition aged students from Brookville Children’s Services program. The presentation was given at the Wheatley Farm and Arts Community Center’s Clubhouse, a newly renovated and beautiful conference area shared by people receiving services as well as community members. As advocates, and educators, we believe that it is essential for students who are ready to graduate to do so with a set of tools and resources for a smooth transition. Entry to the real world is challenging for all young people, and at times even more so, for people with disabilities.

During classes, students had the opportunity to develop self-advocacy skills and learn how to ask for what they want and need to create the life of their own choosing. The key to effective support is for the student to be Educated, Exposed and Experienced, the CQL Three Es, on the choices that exist and to focus on what matters the most to them for the future. People make choices all the time, every single day. When an organization, like ours, provides Education, Experience and Exposure in relation to a personal outcome, that outcome is more likely to be present. It is our mission to meet these objectives in order to improve the quality of life for people and help them to meet their personal goals, dreams and plans for their lives.

The presentation focused on developing a person-centered vision or life plan with the emphasis on person centeredness and future expectations. The POM department provided workable templates where the students could place photographs and pictures of the dreams and desires, they have for their lives. The activity engaged both teachers, parents, and students. The purpose was to provide resources and tools for BCCS students to utilize as they prepare to transition from the school room to community living. On day two the transition aged students had the opportunity to present their vision to their families. Many students shared how they felt that this type of experience helped them to speak up and develop personal self-confidence.

Supporting people to make their own choices and express them at their self-directed student Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. Encouraging comments at the close of the two-day event stated the content was empowering, engaging and enjoyable! The day ended with students, teachers and families touring our unique one of a kind property at Wheatley Farm and Arts Center

The Discovering You series of workshops will continue to be presented beginning this fall at the Wheatley Farm and Arts Community Center where the theme will continue to be that of developing opportunities for students to speak up for themselves to address specific aspects of the transition to adulthood.

The POM department is devoted to supporting people receiving services with the tools to live quality lives of their choosing. Our commitment to emphasizing support for personal outcomes and for decision making is the hallmark of our presentations and training opportunities. For more information, please contact CQL Trainer, Susan Gill-Orange, sgill@ahrc.org,

VALUED OUTCOMES

Individual Questionnaire Results 2022

AHRC Nassau provided people who receive services with a questionnaire to obtain their individual feedback regarding program services. This year, the Questionnaire was completed by Scantron. An agency wide trend is noted if more than ten percent of those surveyed answered no to a particular question. Currently, the questionnaire aligns with the Compass Management Plan, CQL standards and HCBS Waiver requirements. The results across programs noted the agency wide score to be 93.3% satisfaction. This is a 5.8% decrease compared to the previous year and likely due to the inclusion of new questions related to HCBS Waiver requirements. This was also the first year Scantron was contracted for the completion of the Individual Questionnaire. Additionally, questions such as, “Do you manage your own finances” or “Are you satisfied with your Rep Payee”, was asked for the first time this year. Historically, most people have an organizational Rep Payee and thus we did not expect to score high in this area. AHRC Nassau Individual Questionnaire results per program are shown graphically below. The Individual Questionnaire results are shared with the Board of Directors, Councils and COMPASS Committee for analysis, input, and future planning.

Staff Recruitment and Retention Efforts

Please join us in congratulating AHRC’s over 60 enrolled learners who are actively engaged in the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy. Made possible by a grant from NY State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), this national certification program offers direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLS) the opportunity to earn stackable electronic badges leading to credentialing and a bonus.

Last week, Alison Pingelski, Acting Associate Commissioner, OPWDD; Ryan Cox, Director of Workforce Development & Talent Acquisition, OPWDD; and Kathy Brown, NYS E-Badge Academy Administrator, NADSP, joined agency leadership to celebrate the nearly 90 E-Badge learners across AHRC’s family of organizations, including Citizens Options Unlimited and Brookville Center for Children’s Services. Learners were commended for their commitment to professional development and excellence in supporting people to receive the best possible supports and achieve their personal outcomes.

A special shout out to Paula Reinertsen, DSP, and Lisa

el, Level III. Also, thank you to Vanessa

Moosmueller, Frontline Supervisor, who completed the highest badge lev-

Wright, Learning & Professional Specialist, and Tiajuana Gardner, DSP, for sharing their E -Badge experiences.

Inspirational!

By Matt Hofele

There was a June dance with great music and people were dancing up a storm!!. One of those people was Charlie. A great advocate, dancer and possibly a role model for others to enjoy life in as many ways as possible, no matter what your age.

VALUED OUTCOMES

House and Family Meetings

by Deanna Allen

House and family meetings continued to be a mainstay at people’s homes. The people who reside at 1180 Hicksville Road were very excited to kick off their summer with a beautiful new patio set. They held their first Compass house meeting of the season enjoying the beautiful weather in their backyard.

Let’s give a hand to Gerry Accarino for being recognized as Pre-Voc’s April Artist of the Month for his wonderful military-inspired illustrations. Some of his favorite things to draw are fighter jets. Congratulations Gerry!

People who live in Bellmore baked cookies for their local fire department to say Thank you for always being there to support them and their community!

Empowering YOU!

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Learn to advocate and focus on creating the life you choose! Discussions and presentations center around learning the tools and resources to access the community and world around us. Self-Advocates are encouraged to be the presenter, where they share their story of advocacy to inspire and expose the group to different life paths.

Join on your computer or mobile app Register At :thebeat.ahrc.org/calendar

Share Your Life Plan!

Please contact Susan Gill Orange sgill@ahrc.org if you would like to share and present this Fall how you direct your Life Plan Meeting.

The Beat!

Connecting Our Community Online

AHRC Nassau’s Online Learning and Resource Center featuring a variety of unique learning opportunities and resources for the people we support, their families and the greater community.

Explore and discover free classes, tools, videos, resources and more to connect with your peers, grow your skills and find support when you need it. To register or for more information go to thebeat.ahrc.org

2023 EMPOWERMENT & FAMILY SEMINARS VALUED OUTCOMES

Empowerment Series

Empowering You airs virtually at 11:30am every Friday except for a summer hiatus. Join in the Fall 2023 to learn how to direct your life plan meeting.

For information or registration:

Other Topics for 2023

DEI Training Series Ongoing

Rep Payee - Informed Consent and Due Process Please contact Colleen Tapia at Ctapia@ahrc.org for additional information.

Join The Beat For

Art with Alex

Fridays, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Drawing, painting, creating, and crafting are good for the brain and good for the soul! Artist, Alex Sorto leads a dynamic weekly class where a unique project is created. Join us to enhance motor skills, raise your self-esteem, improve communication skills but most of all join us for the fun!

Drawing with Brian

Mondays, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Drawing with Brian invites each person to create their own masterpiece! Students propose pictures and Brian leads the class with stepby-step directions. Basic drawing enhances creativity, strengthens focus, strategic thinking, improves holistic health, develops communication skills and helps coordination.

Music and Movement with Ms. B

Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Ms. B is a teaching artist. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, she creates authentic interactive and individually tailored sessions featuring movement and music.

See the World with Sam

Fridays, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

No need to grab your passport as you join adventurer, Samantha Rodonis on virtual journeys around the world. Through video and conversations, you will experience the food, culture, history, and sights and sounds of places near and far. Engaging conversation and the opportunity to ask questions will ensure that you are engaged in this journey!

The COMPASS Committee & The Quality Improvement Process VALUED OUTCOMES

AHRC Nassau was certified by OPWDD as a Compass organization in 2003. Wow, twenty years as a Compass organization! It’s been a great, great journey and partnership. The requirements for acceptance into Compass are very stringent. It signifies that an agency has developed good internal quality systems that effectively monitor regulatory compliance and provide services that exceed regulatory standards and excel at promoting and supporting people to achieve the outcomes they desire.

A 20 year commitment to plan and deliver quality, person centered supports and services is truly outstanding. Congratulations on this year’s recertification as a Compass organization. Outstanding!

OPWDD 2023 Validation Visit: “Thank you for the incredible impact on people’s lives and the community.”

Lose and Love

In December 2022, Donna from AHRC’s West Seaman IRA suffered the unimaginable loss of her mother. Donna’s life was instantly changed, and incredibly, that change also included reconnecting with her brother, who lived in Florida. Through her grief and heartache, she began to develop a bond with her brother, who she hadn’t seen for years. This was a slow process, made possible by Donna’s House Manager Princess Thomas. Princess ensured Donna could receive daily Facetime calls with her brother. Princess made sure Donna had positive interactions with her brother, and that she could spend quality time with her brother. He would fly up at least once a month to visit with Donna.

Dennis, Donna’s brother, expressed that his heartache was comforted by knowing how well Donna was taken care of. Dennis learned why his late mother loved Princess so much. She, indeed, was part of Donna’s family. Dennis spoke about wanting to bring Donna to Florida for her birthday. Although that would take a lot of coordination and planning, as Donna had not been on a plane since childhood and did not do well in crowds or unfamiliar places, Princess immediately began brainstorming. Princess reached out to Donna’s team to find a way to make this happen, and she did.

In March, Donna boarded a plane bound for Florida with AHRC support staff Princess and Sarah. The crew and passengers sang happy birthday when she boarded, gave her hugs and well wishes, and helped her ease any fears she had about flying. This could not have been possible or successful without Princess by her side. When she arrived, her brother and sister-in-law surprised her with a trip to the most wonderful place on earth… Disneyworld. She enjoyed so many wonderful activities and interactions that did not seem possible considering her struggles and enormous life-altering loss.

Princess and Sarah made sure that Donna enjoyed all the amazing activities that her brother had planned for her. They witnessed Donna express emotions of pure joy and happiness. Donna enjoyed time with her family, the blood-related ones and the AHRC-adopted ones. She celebrated her birthday in the most amazing way anyone could have imagined, and it was all because of a Princess, not the Disney kind, the AHRC kind.

Greatfriendsanda greatnightfor dancing!Fun!

A Day at the Beach

Instead of driving 20 minutes to the beach, locals can take a short trip to the AHRC Nassau East Meadow Art Gallery on East Meadow Avenue to see its new art exhibit, “A Day at the Beach.”

The exhibit, open to the public through the month of May, featured art from AHRC members. One highlight of the exhibit is a 5-foot-tall papier-maché lighthouse sculpture. The gallery previously has displayed artwork inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and by safari life. Last year it hosted an exhibit full of art pieces with a garden theme.

Nearly 30 people contributed to the exhibit. The lighthouse sculpture is joined by paintings, drawings, diamond art, jewelry, shell art and more for people to peruse and buy. All of the money earned goes back to the East Meadow gallery either for party supplies or any activities the group does.

Richard Infante, 30, who sells numerous of his paintings every year, painted some beach scenes. One in particular, he painted just from looking at a photo.

The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All of the artwork is for sale.

Exceptional Survey Awards Go To…. Levittown Hub Site !

Congratulations to the Levittown Hub Site for achieving the designation of “exceptional survey.”

Regulatory Affairs

By Eric Rosen

The Regulatory Affairs Department completed seventy-six (76) surveys during the first half of calendar year of ’23 (through 6/30/23). Completed surveys include small IRAs, large IRAs, and Day Habilitation sites. A modified version of the OPWDD Site-Based Protocol continued to be used during these surveys.

Positive findings noted during these surveys included observed supportive / positive interactions, bedrooms decorated to each person’s preferences, the promotion & encouragement of independence, and a continued high level of satisfaction.

Congratulations to the Levittown Hub Site for achieving the designation of “exceptional survey.”

AHRC Nassau

189 Wheatley Road

Brookville (Glen Head) New York, 11545

Sunday, October 29th

Eisenhower Park | Field 6/6A

www.ahrcwalk.org

Registration/On-Site Check In: 10:00am

Opening Ceremonies: 10:40am

Ribbon Cutting/Walk Begins: 11:00 am

AHRC's Day Services Picnic returned to Eisenhower Park on May 16, bringing together 750 people for a day filled with music, dancing, and games. The picnic, which was paused during the pandemic, made a triumphant comeback for its tenth year. The return of the Day Services Picnic highlighted our collective resilience and unity, creating excitement and memories to kick off 2023!

Thirty-three years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a defining moment in Civil Rights law that made communities more inclusive for everyone. We encourage you to celebrate and learn more from this historic achievement.