AHRC Nassau News - Fall 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

As always, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. As the world continues to open up, I remain thankful for AHRC Nassau’s opportunity to connect more and more as a community. This is due to our exceptional staff, who provide the highest quality care to men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to join together, celebrate and uphold our most cherished values with the celebration of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, Staff Appreciation Day, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. All are vital and worthy initiatives that shine a spotlight on the many making a difference in our community.

These initiatives remain calls to action for ongoing advocacy and I hope you will join me in calling out for important funding changes needed to advance the safety, inclusion and empowerment of people with IDD.

Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for all to share.

Thank you, Stanfort J. Perry Executive Director | AHRC Nassau

empowers people to live ful昀lling lives.

Together with Family - Friends - Community

Work together to achieve excellence by

and supporting dreams.

Demonstrate courtesy, respect and compassion in every interaction.

Foster a diverse culture that celebrates talents, ideas.

It’s Personal for Us and You; Why Your Advocacy Matters

For Michael Costa, helping defenseless animals was a cause near and dear to his heart. With the support of Laura Becker, assistant manager at Freeport Program Without Walls (PWW) 6, Michael was able to make a successful series of donations to local dog shelters. Such a project was an opportunity for Michael to pursue a passion project, while also sharing his interests and building his PWW 6 relationships.

Seeing the full boxes, the donation project may have been Michael’s idea but his community supported him to be successful. Such an initiative is what goes to the heart of strong home- and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

As lawmakers re-set priorities in the wake of Covid-19, your support is needed. Currently, government-funded services struggle to respond to people with IDD’s participation in the community. 14,419 Long Islanders with IDD rely on Medicaid funding of nonprofit services to lead healthy and independent lives in the community. As a result of Covid-19, state funding cuts to nonprofit reimbursements and additional safety expenses have challenged nonprofits to maintain services.

Underlying these challenges is another issue. 20% of people with neuro-typical abilities experience chronic isolation, 50% of people with IDD face this issue. For people with IDD, isolation creates a dangerous cycle of increased vulnerability that has been linked to depression, obesity and doubled the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime.

An

an

“It made me so very happy just to see how much they donated.”

Michael J. Costa

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

AHRC Rose Ball

The 71st Annual Rose Ball honored two distinguished individuals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and thrive on Long Island. Leadership Award recipient, Stuart Herskovitz, Chairman and Founder of Qosina Corp., and Humanitarian Award recipient, Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive, joined guests and supporters at the Mansion at Oyster Bay on October 21. In addition to the honorees, Courtney Lane was presented with AHRC Nassau’s Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award by AHRC Nassau Board President, Paul Giordano. AHRC Nassau’s newest endeavor, Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, was profiled at the event and will be named in honor of former Nassau County Executive and AHRC Foundation Board Member, Tom Gulotta. The Center is expected to open in the Spring of 2022 and will be a fully inclusive program for the arts, movement, equineassisted activities, horticulture and more

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

AHRC Walk

More than 1,000 walkers came together on October 17 to enjoy a beautiful fall, family-friendly day in Eisenhower Park to advance opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Top Fundraisers included Michael Ross, Stacy Duquette, Karen Anci, Lauren Loyal, Chris O'Connor, Bridget Cariello and Jerri Walker. Top Fundraising Teams included Team Amanda 2021, Team Rugby, Happy Campers!, Team 189, "Dynamic Day Admin.", Bethpage Sole Mates and the Floral Park Auxiliary. AHRC Nassau was well represented in the annual Walk Banner contest, with Prospect Residents and their banner taking first place and Evers Street Residents taking the second place title. To see all of our teams and supporters, go to www.ahrcwalk.org

Expressing Our Deepest Thanks: Direct Support Professional Week

Your Voice Is Needed to Recognize the Important Work of Direct Support Professionals

• Let the Governor Know Investment Is Needed. BJ Stasio, SANYS president and disability advo cate, recently launched the RiseUp campaign. BJ seeks to personally hand the governor a 10,000 signature petition to raise awareness toward increased investment in the direct care workforce. Sign the petition

• Continue to Advocate for DSP Recognition and Funding. Share your support at ahrc.org/advocate

• Raising Awareness About This Career. As a chapter of The Arc New York, AHRC Nassau is a part of statewide “Discover the Rewards” campaign to support the ongoing recruitment of DSP staff. On September 23, AHRC along with other Arc chapters across New York held a recruitment job fair. Help us spread the word about this meaningful career. Visit ahrc.org/careers

• Continue to Share Your Support. Your ongoing recognition and #shoutouts make a difference. Tag the agency on social media and we’ll share with the community. Connect with us on Facebook at @ahrcnassauco or Instagram at @ahrcnassau

“Our staff are some of the most incredible people I have ever met. And, they have shown up each day during this Coronavirus Pandemic. They put their health and lives on the line from day one when we were not sure how this virus was transmitted. The staff work with the people we support who do not have a good grasp of social distancing. They have gone from working at the sites, to going into the group homes, to now being back at sites as more people return. Many of us can work from our offices or even from home at times. Yet, this staff showed up no matter what at the scariest of times and worked directly with the people we support. They did what a lot of healthcare staff did, but at a fraction of the pay and without recognition by the community at large.”

Thanks From Soosan Happel, Behavior Specialist

American Refugee Center

AHRC Nassau contributed 240 fleece jackets to the Central American Refugee Center, a local nonprofit offering legal services and education to immigrant communities. Contributing to the Students Rise Fundraiser, the jacket donation was part of an ongoing collaboration between AHRC Nassau and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Justin Dantzler, Director, Employment Services, said, “The project has been instrumental in providing training opportunities for men and women with disabilities enrolled in our supported employment services.” The project began with 15,000 fleece jackets confiscated by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office from counterfeit embroidery operations in 2018. The DA’s office donated two confiscated SWF embroidery machines to AHRC to place embroidered patches over the counterfeit labels on the jackets. Todd Borom, Director, Business Development, said, “We look forward to further collaborations with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office in providing warm jackets for the charitable organizations with which we partner.”

Distinguished Leadership, Notable Results: Stanfort Perry Receives Executive Excellence Award

Join us in congratulating Stanfort J. Perry, AHRC Nassau’s Executive Director, for being honored with the Executive Excellence Award from the National Conference of Executives (NCE) of The Arc of the United States. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the NCE and given to Executive Directors/CEOs whose career exemplifies, to the highest degree, fulfillment of the mission, core values, and position statement of The Arc. Watch Stanfort’s acceptance speech at ahrc.org/executive_excellence

Self Advocate Spotlight: Noah Probert

Long Island Nonprofits, AHRC Nassau and Minority Millennials, Inc., Partnered to Strengthen Local, Diverse Workforce & Career Pipeline

As Long Island continues to become more diverse, two local nonprofits, AHRC Nassau and Minority Millennials Inc., part nered to strengthen opportunities for future Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

AHRC Nassau, one of the largest disability agencies and employers in New York State, joined Minority Millennials, Inc., a nonprofit focused on local BIPOC workforce development, to increase awareness of career opportunities and growth in the field of disability. The partners responded to Nassau County’s in creasingly diverse population, where approximately one out of every three Long Islanders is a person of color.

Tarica Birthday Celebrated in Remembrance of Amy Gross

It was a celebration of life and love when Michele Tarica held a birthday party for her husband, David. Instead of traditional gifts, Michele and David asked that donations be sent to support AHRC Nassau. This generosity was inspired by Michele’s sister, Amy Gross, who passed away and honors her parents, David and Irma Gross’ enduring philanthropi c legacy of love.

“AHRC’s partnership with Minority Millennials, Inc., is a way to bridge the future leadership gap, and do so while offering meaningful career opportunities,” said Stanfort Perry, Executive Director, AHRC Nassau. “I started my career 30 years ago in the disability field as an entry-level direct support professional. I am proud to now lead operations impacting more than 2,000 people with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. This partnership is a way to welcome the next generation of leaders.”

Together, AHRC Nassau and Minority Millennials, Inc., sought to develop BIPOC staff members at all levels by offerin g authentic avenues of engagement for Long Island’s population of color. Along with sharing AHRC's open positions with partner organizations, Minority Millennials, Inc. virtual initiatives included resume assistance , job education events, recruitment events, and community building.

For more information, visit ahrc.org/careers.

“The walk was important to me because it gave me a chance to represent AHRC - Citizens in a positive way. Everyone acts as one when we walk for a cause.”

– Noah Probert

COMMUNITY PAGES

Art in the Park Event Brings Beauty of East Meadow Art Gallery to City Community Park in Wantagh

"Art in the Park" brought the artful objects of the AHRC East Meadow Art Gallery to the City Community Park in Wantagh, this July. Artists shared their work al fresco while neighbors had the opportunity to enjoy original paintings, hand-crafted items and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Another Art in the Park took place on October 29.

Adam Levine Sings “Star- Spangled Banner” at Citi Field

Shout out to Adam Levine, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Citi Field, this summer, before the New York Mets played the Atlanta Braves. Adam headlined a wonderful evening, enjoyed by 150 friends from AHRC Nassau. This experience was made possible through an $18,000 grant from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support new recreational opportunities and enrich the lives of the people the agency serves. For 2021, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $3,080,500 to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.

AHRC came together to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11 and offered special tributes to lost friends and family. Beneath the American flag, Stanfort Perry, Executive Director, shared that “In the aftermath of the attack, we saw New York State as well as the entire nation rally together as one. Let us be inspired by the extraordinary display of kindness and unity that was immediately expressed. Regardless of any differences we may have as people, we unite today with compassion and hope for the welfare of others.” For the full speech, please visit ahrc.org/blog.

Philip Ranieri’s Birthday Celebration Held at AHRC’s Mansion

Philip Ranieri of AHRC’s Elizabeth St. residence recently celebrated his 58th birthday at the AHRC mansion, surrounded by family and friends. A special moment included accordion music from Philip’s sister, Rosa, and a family-led dance with the group. Thanks to the following staff for making the birthday celebration such a success: Rosemarie Wright Harris, Jean Venet Senatus, Louis Dorsainville (Day Hab Staff) and Judith Johnson (Manager – Lee Street).

Olympian Kristine O’Brien Shares Olympic Spirit With Day Services

We always root for Team USA, but especially for the U.S. women’s eight in rowing. U.S. rower and fellow Long Islander, Kristine O’Brien, sent a special video message to AHRC Nassau’s Day Services. Kristine and Team USA made it to the finals, and AHRC Nassau Day Services cheered all the way along with millions around the world.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Bringing Animal and Agricultural Expertise to Wheatley Farms

A warm welcome to Allison Glass, Farm Manager for the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms and Arts Center. Allison has nearly 10 years of experience with animal training and farm management, and we are excited to welcome her aboard. Allison has provided similar services to the nonprofit, the Double D Bar Rescue, Long Island Game Farm, and Delaware University Equine Center. Allison holds a Bachelors in Livestock Science and Management from Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania.

“I'm looking forward to sharing my love of agriculture and arts with those around me. They have had a huge impact on my life that I love sharing with others. Arts and nature have incredible power over people and bringing out the best in them. I can't wait to see what the future holds for all who come to visit.”

Allison Glass

Become an AHRC Angel

Christopher Miles, a direct support professional (DSP) in AHRC’s Day and Residential Services, was one of 13 honorees for software company MITC’s DSP Week Awards. Out of 684 entries, Chris’ excellence was recognized for going above and beyond during Covid-19.

“Chris has really made the pandemic easier for the men of the home, first and foremost, and also for house staff at Old Britton Road. The pandemic really lowered the spirits of many of us within the agency. . . (Then), we got Mr. Miles. Chris came in and threw the house a life raft of sort. He does all the expected things and seeks out more to do. He is the most involved staff I have ever worked with in my 16 years with AHRC.

He has gotten our least sociable residents to initiate coming out to look on their garden on their own. They will come outside to sit with him to talk when they need to decompress. They have gotten significantly more during Day Hab hours than they did with others who came during the day. He subs for us as a DSP all the time now and the men love to see him coming. He has created a routine of involvement. He has made the transition from quarantining to avoid COVID to gradually getting back out into the community appealing even for our agoraphobic house member. They’re all more engaged because of him.”

your donation to www.ahrcfoundation.org/angel

donating to AHRC Foundation, you create more options and innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

gift turns today's aspirations into tomorrow's reality.

Congratulations to DSP Christopher Miles

“Chris has really made the pandemic easier for the men of the home. They’re all more engaged because of him.”

Kimyatta Caldwell, House Manager

CELEBRATION

AHRC Bowling Event Raises Awareness and Spirits; Contributes to MLK Dream Project

One hundred and fifty bowlers came together to enjoy an afternoon of games, pizza, and community at a recent bowling event at AMF Lanes in Syosset. The event was held to raise awareness and donations for AHRC’s MLK Dream Project and was supported by community partners including Farmingdale State College.

Funded in part by a grant from The Arc of the United States, the Dream Project sought to raise 2,000 pounds of food for food insecure neighbors.

AHRC exceeded this goal. 200 pounds of food were collected from the bowling event, as well as 1,150 pounds by Day Services and 1,300 through online donations. With joy and true community spirit, AHRC is proud to have advanced Dr. King’s legacy of inclusion and compassionate response to need.

AHRC also looks forward to continuing this important campaign throughout 2022.

Guardianship Gathering Offers Opportunity to Celebrate

A long-awaited guardianship party was held in September bringing together people receiving guardianship supports, volunteer guardianship committee members and staff to continue building and fostering positive relationships. Guardianship services at AHRC Nassau are made possible in large part through a grant from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services. This year, AHRC Nassau received $199,500 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. AHRC Nassau’s Guardianship committee, supported by staff members, currently provide guardianship supports and services to 72 men and women living in Nassau County. For more information about guardianship supports, please contact Eileen Stewart Rooney at erooney2@ahrc.org or 516.546.7700, ext. 4205.

Floral Park Auxiliary Hosts Bingo Night

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness (NDEAM) Month

This October’s theme was “America’s Recovery:

to the U.S. Department of Labor, this theme “reflects the importance of ensuring that men and women with

have full access to employment and community involvement during the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Many men and women in our community

financial independence. We celebrate their contributions and continue to advocate for increased

more inclusive future. Interested in learning more? Visit ahrc.org/advocate

Congratulations to Margaret Baylis for being recognized as a William B. Joslin Outstanding Performer representing the employment impact of contracts from the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID).

Margaret first began work at the Department of Labor in Hicksville during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about the prospective job, she didn’t hesitate. Margaret was eager to have more hours and proud of being chosen to work “solo.”

Margaret serves as a porter assistant at the Department of Labor in Hicksville and says, “I don’t just like my job. I love my job.”

Margaret understood the importance of staying focused while cleaning high-touch surfaces during the pandemic and continues to do so. Now, with more people in the building, Margaret is always friendly and polite, and has learned to knock before entering a room. Skills learned on the job also include maneuvering a commercial Rubbermaid cart in and out of the small elevator and many doors at the department, as well as the supplies needed for the cart and whom to ask to restock.

When asked about her dream job, Margaret says, “Exactly what I’m doing.”

Non-Profit

Annual Meeting of Membership I Special Meeting to Amend Bylaws

Holiday Shopping

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

To make a gift,

visit

support our organization by doing your holiday shopping at participating

stores during these three days,

be

register for your complimentary CHAMPION NUMBER or for more information,

it’s time to make a purchase, simply present

payment. Donations will be made on full-price merchandise

individual store policy.

purchases

required to allocate

not automatically

donation and must be