NEWS Fall 2019 Vol. 68 Issue 2
www.ahrc.org
AHRC Nassau’s Roll Call
AHRC Nassau Thanks Members and Government Officials at Annual Membership Luncheon
For 70 years, AHRC Nassau members have come together and welcomed elected friends in government to join them in their support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year at the Membership Luncheon and Fashion Show in Brookville, members once again celebrated the power of their voice and what can be achieved through their advocacy. Paul Giordano, President of the AHRC Nassau Board of Directors, thanked those in attendance for their efforts in the continuous transformation of AHRC programs. “The membership luncheon is an expression of our mission,” said Giordano. “Our mission is to empower people to live fulfilling lives — together with family, friends and community.” People supported by AHRC contribute more than 200,000 hours a year to local community organizations, including churches and food banks. Supporting people to participate in the community and pursue their goals is at the core of all AHRC Nassau’s programs. This ethos is why AHRC was recognized as a COMPASS agency, a distinction of excellence held by only four agencies in New York, as well as received the Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction by CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership.
Pictured from left: AHRC Nassau Board Vice President Howard Jurist, AHRC Nassau Board Secretary Rady Bruell, AHRC Nassau Executive Director Stanfort Perry, AHRC Nassau Board Vice President Jack Garofalo, Assemblymember Edward Ra (19 AD), Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, AHRC Nassau President Paul Giordano, Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (10 LD), New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Long Island Region 5 Director Margaret Stadnicky, Assemblymember Melissa "Missy" Miller (20 AD), AHRC Nassau Board Vice President Thomas Moore and The Arc New York President Saundra Gumerove. Not pictured but present: Legislator Thomas McKevitt (13 LD) and Legislator Vincent Muscarella (8 LD).
(cont. on page 3)
Mission: AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives. Together with Family – Friends – Community
Vision: Maximizing potential throughout a lifetime
Value Statements: We believe that… • All people must be treated with dignity and respect • Partnering with people and families creates the best opportunities • A competent and compassionate workforce is integral to providing quality supports • We are committed to diversity and cultural sensitivity • Innovative approaches are essential for advancement and growth • Financial sustainability is necessary for organizational success
BIG TREE FARMS ARRIVES ON THE GOLD COAST OF LONG ISLAND
AHRC NASSAU HISTORY
In the late 1940’s there was no place outside of a state institution for people with developmental disabilities. Following the end of WWII, parents began coming together to create opportunities for their children with developmental disabilities beyond the walls of the institution.
Table of Contents Advocacy/Leadership Roll Call
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Issues
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Events AHRC Walk
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Guardianship Gathering
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Ice Cream Social
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Community Highlights Moody Named SANYS Self-Advocate of the Year
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Strategic Planning Kick
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One Stop Gift Shop
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NDEAM Month
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1918-Construction is completed, and Big Tree Farms arrives on the Gold Coast of Long Island. James N. Hill and his wife, Marguerite, were prominent horticulturists. On their 230-acre estate called Big Tree Farm, they bred Holstein and Ayrshire cattle, grew 769 species of trees and had three large duck ponds. The Hills interests included arboriculture, gardening, horses, tennis, shooting and golf. The Hills home was considered one of the East Coast’s showplaces and was the site of lavish events.
Marguerite Sawyer Hill’s large jewelry collection, which included diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and heirloom pieces, was robbed. Her jewerly was valued at over$359,000 (equivalent to over $5.2 million in 2018).
The name of the estate, ‘Big Tree Farm,’ derives from a massive sycamore tree that sits on the estate.
1918
1920
The Hill’s were on the Social Register, a semi-annual publication in the United States that indexes the members of high society. Inclusion in the Social Register was once so important for members of Society
The AHRC Nassau chapter was founded by such parents – parents who believed that their children “could be helped” if given the opportunity and support. They established an active board of directors to guide the fledgling organization, a network of local volunteer auxiliaries, and a staff of caring professionals to meet the individual needs of each child and adult served in AHRC’s programs. The strength of the board, volunteers and staff has been the enduring hallmark of AHRC’s growth and development.
1942- Big Tree Farm is robbed!
1932
1935
1942
1948
1932James Norman Hill passes away
1949
1950- New Hyde Park School opens 1950- First summer program begins in New Castle
1950
1949- First organizational meeting for Long Island takes place at the Carle Place Fire House on October 25th 1949. The Long Island Chapter of was voted into existence. Subsequently, the Long Island Chapter split into the Nassau County Chapter and the Suffolk Chapter..
1920-The 19th amendment to the US Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920.
1935- The Social Security Act of 1935 became US Law; it provided federally funded old-age benefits and funds to states for assistance to people who are blind and children with disabilities.
1948Marguerite Sawyer Hill Davis passes awayway
The Act also extended existing vocational rehabilitation programs.
In 2019, we’re celebrating AHRC Nassau’s 70th anniversary. Learn more about our community’s history and continued commitment to empowering people of all abilities: www.ahrc.org/ourhistory
S AV E T H E D AT E
Volunteer Spotlight Bhawna Singh 9 PSEG Community Partner Volunteers 9
Staff Spotlight Direct Support Professional Week 10
70th ANNUAL ROSE BALL Honoring
Leadership Award Recipient Stuart Herskovitz Chairman Emeritus | Qosina Corporation
Humanitarian Award Recipient Laura Curran Nassau County Executive
NEW VENUE
THE MANSION AT OYSTER BAY FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 7 P.M.–MIDNIGHT
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AHRC Nassau’s Roll Call (cont. from page 1, front cover) AHRC’s person-oriented programs, Giordano, noted rely on the vital support of direct support professionals (DSPs). “We will continue to advocate for a living wage for DSPs and all people who perform this life-changing – and yes – life-saving work, every day. We will once again ask for your voice on this issue in the coming months,” said Giordano. Stanfort Perry took the podium to recognize the state and county elected officials in attendance, thanking them for their friendship over the years and highlighting their various supports. Honored guests present at the AHRC Nassau Membership Luncheon included Nassau County Executive Laura Curran; Assemblymembers Edward Ra (19 AD) and Melissa “Missy” Miller (20 AD); and County Legislators Ellen Birnbaum (10 LD), Vincent Muscarella (8 LD) and Thomas McKevitt (13 LD). We proudly acknowledge the attendance of Margaret Stadnicky, Director, Long Island – Region 5, OPWDD, on behalf of Gov. Cuomo. We also would like to thank representatives from the offices of Assemblymembers Charles Lavine (13 AD), Michael LiPetri (9 AD) and Anthony D’Urso (16 AD) for joining us. AHRC Nassau is appreciative of the dedication and friendship of these esteemed guests, as well as their colleagues who were unable to attend. Their advocacy efforts and support on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families transform lives. Special thanks also goes to Darlene Camille, fashion coordinator, who shared Birch Boutique’s seasonal fashions. The tradition of the Luncheon and Fashion Show serves as a thank you to AHRC’s membership. Each year, the day celebrates the efforts of our members, whose continued and active support of the mission serve as the foundation upon which we can continue to grow and flourish. AHRC’s membership base is crucial to continued success and legislative influence. We invite you to encourage your family members, friends, and colleagues to join in our efforts. If you would like to give the gift of membership and help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, please join us at www.ahrc.org/membership. Pictured from left: AHRC Nassau Executive Director Stanfort Perry, AHRC Nassau Board Vice President Howard Jurist, Legislator Thomas McKevitt (13 LD), Legislator Vincent Muscarella (8 LD), Assemblymember Melissa "Missy" Miller (20 AD), Assemblymember Edward Ra (19 AD), The Arc New York President Saundra Gumerove, AHRC Nassau Board Secretary Rady Bruell, AHRC Nassau Board Vice President Jack Garofalo, and New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Long Island Region 5 Director Margaret Stadnicky.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (left) and Assemblymember Edward Ra (19 AD) address the membership with messages of support.
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AHRC Nassau’s Roll Call (cont. from page 3)
Auxiliaries Recognized for Membership Achievements Congratulations and thank you to all the Auxiliaries for your continued dedication and commitment to AHRC. We would especially like to recognize: • The Floral Park Auxiliary for the greatest number of new members and the greatest percentage of membership retention. • The North Woodmere/Valley Stream Auxiliary for the greatest overall membership.
Floral Park Auxiliary Immediate Past President Francine Anders (center), Auxiliary Vice President of Membership Teresa A. Valila (left), and Auxiliary Vice President of Ways and Means Chair Morella Nerli (right) accept an award for the greatest number of new members and the greatest percentage of membership retention from AHRC Membership Chair Thomas Moore.
“Many of us remember a time when children and adults with developmental disabilities were neither seen nor heard. Their lives began and ended in hospitals and institutions. There was no access to education. There was no community. There was no future. Today, we honor those families who refused to accept the status quo – who knew that to build something new, they had to try new things and think in new ways. They had to overcome profound social stigmas, self-identify, organize and advocate with unwavering faith, that what they’d never seen, could and would be accomplished.” Paul Giordano, President, AHRC Nassau Board of Directors
North Woodmere-Valley Stream Auxiliary President and Treasurer Ellen Moore (right) and Auxiliary Members Martha Carney (left) and Delorie Cohan accept an award for the greatest overall membership from AHRC Membership Chair Thomas Moore.
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Make A Difference Your voice matters. Join us in calling out for change on these key issues we support as a chapter of The Arc New York:
Medicaid The Issue: Medicaid is the backbone of services to people with developmental disabilities across the nation, and particularly in New York state. Medicaid comprises approximately 90 percent of the funding to the Arc New York and other developmental disabilities providers in our state. Cuts to Medicaid funding would prove devastating to the families we serve and services we provide. Medicaid is still at risk. Key members of Congress continue to target Medicaid as a solution to contain the nation’s growing federal deficit. Proposed actions include cuts to the Nation’s Medicaid program, and attempts to eliminate it as an entitlement program by converting it to a block grant or per capita cap system of reimbursement to states.
• Transparently assess the number of people who have requested or need residential services and keep a wait list with a publicly available summary; • Streamline the eligibility process so that people on the wait list can have their eligibility rapidly assessed and established; • Make administrative enhancements necessary to more efficiently match people seeking placement with existing vacancies; • Match and place individuals in already existing residential settings which can meet their individualized needs; and • Provide capital and operating funds to establish as many new residential opportunities as necessary to meet the needs of New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly for those individuals with behavioral and psychological needs. Excerpted from The Arc New York.
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The Position: The Arc New York, along with thousands of other developmental disabilities providers and advocates across the nation, will vigilantly defend the Medicaid program from any actions in Washington that reduce federal Medicaid funding.
The Position: We continue to advocate for increased residential development, and an improved placement process, especially for people living at home with aging caregivers. We propose the following actions be taken to ensure there is sufficient residential development to meet the growing need:
#bFair2DirectCare The Issue: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide daily care, services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Caring for people with complex needs is a rewarding yet challenging job, which requires ongoing training and a high-level of responsibility and skill. These are not minimum wage jobs.
For more advocacy issues, please visit www.ahrc.org/advocate.
The Position: We will continue to advocate with our #bFair2DirectCare coalition to secure living wages for DSPs.
Residential Development The Issue: Thousands of New York state citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities are waiting for placement in a community residential setting. Many are in immediate need. The state has not provided an adequate way for families to plan for the future when providing care at home becomes difficult or impossible. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families face an onerous placement process without a clear understanding of that process or the extent of their wait. However, while thousands await suitable placements, many residential vacancies go unfilled.
AHRC members of all ages enjoy the Membership Luncheon.
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Events Continue Our Tradition of Excellence
AHRC Walk Thank you to all who came out to the AHRC Walk at Eisenhower Park on Sept. 29 to join us in walking, fundraising and celebrating! With your support, we raised over $102,000! Together, we’ve made a difference in the lives of children and adults and developmental disabilities!
Guardianship Gathering
A guardianship luncheon was held on Sept. 21 at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, bringing together people receiving primary and standby guardianship support, staff, family and Guardianship Committee members. It was an engaging event fostering and strengthening these important relationships. Guardianship services at AHRC Nassau are supported through a grant. AHRC Nassau was awarded $212,500 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support AHRC guardianship and recreation programs. NYSARC Trust administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities while enabling people to maintain eligibility for public benefits programs. For more information, please visit www.ahrc.org/guardianship.
Ice Cream Social
The AHRC Diversity Committee hosted a sweet celebration on Aug. 6, scooping up ice cream and interesting facts about the team. At the event, staff members shared facts about their personal flavors; one team member shared that she spoke fluent French while another was trained to play the glockenspiel.
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Become an
AHRC Angel By donating to the AHRC Foundation, you create more options and innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Your gift turns today's aspirations into tomorrow's reality. In 2018, AHRC Foundation
awarded over $250,000 in grants impacting over 5,000 children and adults across Long Island and their families. It also provided funding for Aordable Trust Services, protecting entitlements while promoting quality of life. The Foundation also secured the development of Wheatley Farm and Arts Center (opening in 2020).
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To donate, please feel free to use the envelope attached in our newsletter or visit www.ahrcfoundation.org/angel. AHRC Nassau News
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Coming Together to Celebrate Our Community Charles Moody Receives Statewide Self-Advocacy Award Congratulations to Charles Moody, a longtime member of the Long Island Regional Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Group, who was recently named SANYS Self-Advocate of the Year. I feel real good about getting the award. I couldn't feel any better,” said Charles. “I worked so hard to get rid or the ‘R’ word and closing down the institutions. I pray that never happens again." Charles accepted the award at the Self-Advocacy Statewide Conference in Albany, New York on October 10. Charles was among the first graduates of the Children’s Education Center/Silver School and has been a member of the Long Island Regional SANYS Group for three decades.
Strategic Planning Kick Off As AHRC and our family of organizations prepare to kick off another three-year strategic planning process, our community of leaders came together to prepare with a kick-off presentation on Oct. 8 from Alonzo Kelly, CEO of the Kelly Leadership Group, who inspired us to evolve our critical thinking and leadership skills.
‘Tis the Season for the One Stop Gift Shop
There’s a chill in the air, and that means the holidays will soon be here! When you’re putting together your shopping lists, don’t forget the AHRC One Stop Gift Shop, 113 Levittown Parkway in Hicksville, offering a wide range of gifts for every occasion. The shop now sells AHRC WEAR (sizes small to 3XL). Get your own AHRC hoodie sweatshirt or brand new AHRC zip sweatshirt. A warm welcome to new volunteers, Shawn D’Attoma, Donald Best and Bonnie Lerhinan, who will learn retail skills while raising money for local community organizations.
For more information, visit www.ahrc.org/giftshop.
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NDEAM Month October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). • Congratulations to Abel A. Hernandez, a winner of the William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award from the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID). For 19 years, Abel has been an active member of the AHRC Landscaping team, supporting government contracts including four state police barracks and the Department of Labor. When told he was nominated for the Joslin Award, Abel humbly responded it is "nice to be recognized for doing a good job." • The seat of government in Nassau County lit up in honor of NDEAM Month on October 17. This symbolic gesture was coordinated by AHRC’s Supported Employment Division.
Volunteers Making a Difference in Our Community Thank you to our inspiring volunteers! Mrs. B – Bethpage Hubsite Volunteer Since December 2018, Bhawna Singh, a.k.a. Mrs. B, has brought movement and dance to AHRC’s Bethpage hubsite. Mrs. B is a movement, dance and expressive arts teacher and the founder and director of Dancing Bells, LLC. She has multiple certifications in autism movement therapy, North Indian Classical Art and Art of Expression in Indian Aesthetics. Her classes empower the people we support to learn how to create, connect and communicate.
PSEG Community Partners – Membership Luncheon PSEG Community Partner Volunteers Katelyn Caramico, Ashley Mehner, Rosalie Buff, Mary Levanti and Hilary Siegler were a welcome addition to the AHRC 70th Annual Membership Luncheon. Situated in the heart of the event, the five-member team warmly greeted luncheon attendees with smiles and smoothly handled their tasks of event raffle sales, coins from heaven and food distribution with ease – not an easy task with the steady flow of the AHRC membership.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up at www.ahrc.org/volunteer.
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Direct Support Professional Week
AHRC’s family of organizations rolled out the red carpet to celebrate Direct Support Professional Week, Sept. 8–14.
Nearly 1,800 DSPs were recognized with celebrations and thank you’s, including notes from families, t-shirts, site- and program-based celebrations and gifts. DSP Week kicked off with the DSP of the Year luncheon in AHRC’s ballroom. Twenty-three DSP honorees accepted certificates of thanks and gift bags, while managers presented stories of each DSP’s professional excellence. Deeply personal outcomes were discussed, and met with warm laughter, nods of shared experience, even some tears. One special moment arose during the presentation of DSP of the Year honoree Lorraine Anderson’s 15 years of service at the Grand Ave. house. Assistant Director of Residential Services Roshni John highlighted her steady and positive presence after a longtime resident suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. “Every night, Lorraine comes on the shift prepared for the unexpected,” said Roshni. “Every single night, she makes sure the needs of the house and the individuals are met.” Recognizing the interconnection of DSPs and Community
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Habilitation Professionals, fellow honoree Ellen Cheng also took a moment to “thank the group that works together – the DSPs” and share how the people she assists in Family Support Services have a seamless culture of support due to the excellence of the Day Habilitation and Residential Services team. While each DSP honoree’s stories were unique, their connection to the people supported and the importance of recognizing their service was emphasized. At the ceremony, Executive Director Stanfort Perry shared his personal experience. “When I was a DSP, many, many years ago, there was no such thing as a Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week. It did not exist ... We’ve come a long way in understanding that you are the most valuable connection we have to families and to the people that we support in this program.” AHRC Nassau stands firm on creating greater awareness for crucial DSP positions across our family of organizations. Over the past year, AHRC’s government relations committee of board members, community
leaders and staff have met to bridge the gap between local officials and our community’s constituents. From national organizations like the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) to The Arc New York, AHRC is part of a broader network focused on increasing base compensation through a federal designation in the Standard Occupational Classifications and greater funding through the state. Your voice is needed. Please sign up for updates on how we can come together to advocate for increased awareness of DSPs and their crucial contributions at www.ahrc.org/advocate.
We were proud to celebrate the caring commitment of our exceptional team members. With deep appreciation, we recognize from AHRC Nassau: Valerie Blount, Novlette Gayle, Marybeth Campfield, Juvonda Jones, Eileen McGuire, Sadie Sawyer, Anndrea Barlow, Vivienne Richards Williams, Donna Green, Zdravka Dobra, Lorraine Anderson, Nicole Wilson, Rigoberto Espada, Jonathan Plummer, Margaret Makepeace and Ellen Cheng; from Citizens Options Unlimited: Laureen Jean Louis, Carlene Lynch, Roselene Sylvestre, Francoise Nerette, Christine Heinlein and George Vichiarelli; and from BCCS: Prince Porter.
“It’s important we give you the tools that you need and while giving you those tools that we celebrate you, and we commend you, and thank you for everything that you do, not just in this organization but in the individual lives of the people that you touch, the people that you impact on a day-to-day basis.” Executive Director Stanfort Perry
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 31 Glen Head, NY
189 Wheatley Road, Brookville (Glen Head), NY 11545 inspire@ahrc.org
Calling All AHRC Angels Your gift to the Angel campaign creates
more options and innovative supports for children and adults with developmental
disabilities and turns today’s aspirations into tomorrow’s reality.
Upcoming Events: Nov. 5
I 7–9 p.m.
Family Seminar Series:
Life Decisions Big and Small at AHRC’s Plainview Office
For more information, visit www.ahrc.org
Dec. 5–7 Champions for Charity
Over 70 participating Americana Manhasset and select Wheatley Plaza
stores will donate 25% of designated full-price, pre-tax purchases to the participating organization(s) of the customer’s choice — including AHRC Nassau.
Registration Now Open
Purchases are not automatically eligible; you must register for a
To make a gift or see a listing of 2018 angels, please visit
www.ahrcfoundation.org/angel
complimentary Champion Number, mark AHRC Nassau as your charity
of choice, and present your Champion Number when making purchases during the event.
For more information, visit championsforcharity.org