From the Desk of the Executive Director

From the Desk of the Executive Director 2

Leadership

AHRC Nassau Welcomes New York State OPWDD Commissioner Kerri E. Neifeld 3 AHRC Nassau Partners With Nassau County D.A.’S Office 5

Agency Excellence

New York State Renews Compass Designation for AHRC Nassau & Citizens Options Unlimited 3 Crain’s New York Names AHRC Nassau “Diversity Champion” Finalist 5 AHRC Nassau Receives Grants from NYSARC Trust Services 9 Nicole Uterano-Ferrar Recognized for Medical/Nursing Excellence by Executive Directors Association 10

Advocacy

Advocate for Home- and Community-Based Services 9 Why Membership Matters 8

Events

Ribbon-cutting of Wheatley Farms & Arts Center 4 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Conference 5 AHRC Foundation 72nd Rose Ball 6

Community Highlights

AHRC Pre-Voc Meets Hempstead Supervisor Clavin & Councilwoman Goosby 7 One Stop Gift Shop Donates to EPIC Long Island 7 Cornwell House Steals the Show at Dance Recital 7 Long Island Council of Churches Supported by AHRC Pre-Voc 9 NYPD Detectives Rivera & Mora Memorialized 10

Staff Spotlight

Patrick Sherrard 11

Volunteer Spotlight

Convergint 11

www.ahrc.org

4Mission

AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives. Together with Family – Friends – Community Vision: 4

A world where people of all abilities are valued. Value Statements4

At AHRC, we believe that… – All people must be treated with dignity and respect – Partnering with people, families and communities creates the best opportunities – A competent and compassionate workforce is vital – Commitment to diversity and cultural sensitivity is essential – Innovative approaches promote advancement and growth – Financial sustainability is critical for organizational success

Editor: Nicole Zerillo

Community Resources, AHRC Nassau nzerillo@ahrc.org | 516.626.1000 | 189 Wheatley Rd. Brookville, NY 11545

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Dear Families, Friends and Staff,

As always, I hope this note finds you safe and well. Our mission-centered community remains focused on providing the best services and supports for men and women with developmental disabilities. This focus has created a culture of excellence, which I’m proud to share has resulted in meaningful recognition opportunities.

A few weeks ago, AHRC again was re-designated a Compass agency, by New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This re-designation affirms our commitment to engaging all stakeholders in working together in a person-centered environment with the goal of promoting and achieving valued outcomes for the people we support. Of the more than 750 provider agencies in New York State, only four are designated Compass agencies.

The premier business publication, Crain’s New York, also recognized AHRC Nassau as a Crain’s “Diversity Champion” finalist among large firms with more than 250 employees, such as New York-Presbyterian and Horizon Media. We were honored to be considered among metro-area organizations advancing diversity in the workplace. Authentic DEI education and engagement are critical to AHRC’s ongoing success as a disability service provider and employer.

Since our last newsletter, AHRC hosted OPWDD Commissioner Neifeld for a campus tour and town-hall discussion, offered DEI training to 3,400+ registrants, continued development of Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, along with other notable milestones. This magazine demonstrates the importance of ongoing partnerships among people supported, families, staff and friends in the community. Together, we are building a better future for all to share and celebrate.