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.

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.”