AHRC Nassau News – Fall 2023

Celebrating and Advocating as a Community

- AHRC Nassau Named One of “America’s Best-In-State Employers” by Forbes

- Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival Welcomes Hundreds to “Fall for All”

- Calling All Advocates: Continue to Share Your Perspective With Federal & State Legislators on Disability Funding

From the Desk of the CEO Agency Excellence

AHRC

Celebrating

Staff Spotlight

Residential Managers Organize Celebratory Brunch to Honor Direct Support Professionals Staff Appreciation Day: “Fun in the Sun”

Volunteer Spotlight

AHRC

4 Mission

AHRC

Vision:

Editor:

Assistant Editor: Gaelle Gilles Community Resources, AHRC Nassau

From the Desk of the CEO

Dear AHRC Families and Friends,

As always, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. As you’ll see in this edition, our mission-focused community continues to grow as we strive to create new opportunities for authentic inclusion.

AHRC Nassau held the Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival on October 9. It was a “beauti-fall” day welcoming hundreds of visitors to Wheatley Farms and AHRC’s historic campus to foster inclusivity and enjoyment of the fall season. Sensoryfriendly activities incorporated nature, music, and the arts while helping us make many new connections. Such events are critical to welcoming new members but also coming together as an engaged community of self-advocates, families, staff, volunteers , and partners.

This joyful celebration reflects the time, skill and excellence of many. Innovative programs like Wheatley Farms as well as the daily support of men and women with developmental disabilities to lead lives of health, independence, and belonging are possible because of our shared commitment and advocacy.

I sincerely thank you for making 2023’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) stand out.

As we begin our next state advocacy cycle, in the coming weeks, please take the time to familiarize yourself with our primary advocacy issues: the DSP Wage Enhancement and 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on ahrc.org/advocate.

While we may have been named a “Best-In-State Employer” by Forbes alongside exceptional employers across New York State, it is your participation, advocacy and volunteerism that makes our agency and many supports possible.

Thank you for sharing a vision of a world where people of all abilities are valued.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry CEO, AHRC Nassau

AHRC Nassau Named to Forbes 2023

“America's Best-in-State Employers;” Only Disability Agency Listed Among Top NYS Employers

As a CQL with Distinction and Compass agency, AHRC Nassau has been recognized for providing the highest-quality disability supports to Long Islanders with developmental disabilities. Now, AHRC has also been named as one of “America’s Best-In-State Employers” by Forbes alongside exceptional employers across New York State.

As the only disability agency featured, AHRC ranks 41st on a list of 88 top New York employers. Of the four Long Island-based organizations featured, AHRC (#41) was recognized beside Northwell Health (#33), Broadridge Financial (#48) and Adelphi University (#67).

The 2023 “America’s Best-in-State Employers” list was independently developed by Forbes and market research firm Statista Inc. from a survey of 70,000 U.S. workers on topics, including working environment, compensation, diversity, and career advancement. The list comprises nearly 1,400 organizations across multiple sectors with over 500 employees.

“This recognition shows that the mission-centered excellence of nonprofits can create workplaces that are both competitive and inclusive,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau. “This is a meaningful outgrowth of the time, commitment and leadership dedicated to creating centers of excellence across our agency. I look forward to continuing to increase recognition of the agency’s mission and the important work ahead.”

Through its $134-million annual operating budget, AHRC Nassau provides residential, day habilitation, vocational and supported employment services for people with developmental disabilities with its 2,000member workforce. On Long Island, disability employers currently contribute approximately $2 billion in economic impact, according to a 2021 report from the Rockefeller Institute of Government, commissioned by the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) and the NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation.

Recently, AHRC Nassau was also recognized for a second year as a Crain’s New York Business “Diversity Champion” finalist (large organization) for their 2023 “Diversity & Inclusion” Awards.

The Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival: A Fall-Tastic

Day of Inclusive Activities

The Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival, “Fall for All,” welcomed hundreds of visitors to the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center and AHRC's historic campus on October 9.

This first-of-its-kind event at Wheatley Farms created an inclusive space for people of all abilities to spend time with family, make new friends, and enjoy a day of fun fall festivities. Many memories were made as families decorated pumpkins, children danced as part of the goat parade, and visitors spent time exploring the winding path of scarecrows leading from Wheatley Farms to the newly opened Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts in AHRC’s historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse.

“I want to thank the community for being a part of this day,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau. “We have folks who have come from near and far to celebrate the advent of the fall season and what the possibilities an inclusive community can bring.”

While the Turturro family spent time on the history tour getting to know more about the campus where son, Christopher, attends the Brookville Center Education Center, Phyllis and Sophie Hoffman traveled from Connecticut and started the day visiting Wheatley Farms’ resident ponies, Mango and Belle.

“I like it because there’s a lot of stuff for adults and young kids to do,” shared Sophie, who attends Day Services at Wheatley Farms.

Made possible by creativity and care of over 100 volunteers, vendors, and staff, the festival gave guests a taste of what is possible at an inclusive community center, a place where they can participate in recreational projects or volunteer with people of all abilities.

Interested in connecting more with nature, the arts and wellness? Sign up for upcoming programs, events and opportunities to volunteer at www.ahrc.org/wheatleyfarms.

Looking to Stock Up on Mums and Festive Fall Décor?

Explore Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts, our reimagined shop in the historic Lord & Burnham Greenhouse on AHRC Nassau’s grounds. You’ll find carefully curated treasures, including gifts handcrafted by people with disabilities, celebrating artistry and inclusivity.

We’re open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from noon to 6 p.m. or by appointment. Contact us at (516) 423-5329 or ahrcinfo@ahrc.org to set up a time.

Celebrating National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2023

Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) make everything possible. They are part of the fabric that makes each person supported able to dream their own dreams and achieve success in ways big and small. For National DSP Recognition Week you joined us in sharing words of thanks and appreciation celebrating the exceptional work of our agency DSPs. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories!

Check Out Our eBook:

"Your Words of Thanks: Testimonials from our Community” at www.ahrc.org/ahrc-dsp-week-2023

Some of our favorite quotes:

"My brother Tony is well cared for and his needs are met because of all your efforts...My sisters and I are very fortunate that Tony is with such a great staff."

- Louis Monnone, Sibling

"I absolutely love the people that I serve and they all love me back. I can't wait for Saturday and Sunday so I can spend my days with them."

- Donna Miller, Agency Staff

"Sending our deepest, heartfelt appreciation to our heroes at the hub site at Carmans Road. We can never say enough thank yous!"

- Pini and Ron Churgin, Parents

Staff Spotlight

Residential Managers Organize Celebratory Brunch to Honor Direct Support Professionals

Residential Managers Christine Basile, Taiwan Verene, and Sherry Qualls organized a celebratory brunch at The View Grill in Glen Cove to honor the direct support professionals (DSPs) from AHRC Nassau and partner agency Citizens Options Unlimited to recognize their exceptional work.

The Red Spring Lane, Pickwick Drive, Williams Street, and New Woods Road Residences received citations from the office of Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Glen Cove Mayor Pamela D. Panzenbeck and Deputy Mayor Donna M. McNaughton, with the support of Councilmembers Marsha Silverman and DuWayne Gregory.

CEO Stanfort Perry, public officials, and families of people supported shared heartfelt thanks, while residents Dean Davidson, Pauline Wize and Jonathan Drexler highlighted the integral role DSPs play in their lives.

“The staff has taken me to Disney, Lake George, and on a nice cruise. One time, I went canoeing, and I was scared. My staff helped me to get over my fears, and I got to go for hours out of the day. The staff are all nice. They take me shopping and out to dinner, we’re all together for holidays,” shared Pauline.

Pauline has lived in the New Woods residence for eighteen years. During that time, she has made countless memories with the people who support her.

In her role as a house manager, Christine shared how DSPs show up for residents and the impact they have, not only assisting them with care tasks, but also creating opportunities for them to live their dreams.

“DSPs make the impossible happen for the people they support. Empowering the people they care for to lead a life with dignity,” said Christine.

To cap off the event, house managers presented staff with individualized award certificates and shared gift bags thanking them for their excellent work.

Recognizing Skill and Accomplishment During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) And Beyond

Each October brings the opportunity to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the contributions people with disabilities make to the American workforce.

According to 2023 statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is nearly twice that of those without a disability. AHRC Nassau’s Employment Services Department seeks to support this talent pool and offers many supports to bridge the gap between discovery and placement for people with disabilities interested in seeking employment.

Meet some of the amazing workforce supported by AHRC Nassau:

• Michael “Mike” Levey was recently onboarded as a dishwasher at Wheatley Farms Catering in Freeport and enjoys connecting with co-workers who share his work ethic.

• Robert Callari found his groove working in lively entertainment venues. Robert recently completed a seasonal position at Jones Beach, working the concession stand, and in the fall, he scored another seasonal job at the UBS Arena in Elmont.

• Ronald Berglass, an employee of BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Frank Trotta, who works at American Shredding, were honored with the STAR Award and $100 gift cards for their exceptional work at the 2023 Talent Connection Job Expo, hosted by local disability agencies.

Check out their stories at www.ahrc.org/blog.

Community Pages

Floral Park Auxiliary Installs New President Johnathan Shivers

On Thursday, September 21, the Floral Park Auxiliary installed Johnathan Shivers as their new president. Jack Garofalo, Vice President of AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors, swore Jonathan in during a monthly meeting attended by twenty members at the Floral Park Recreation Center. He was elected on June 15, 2023, and is taking over for Serge Nerli.

Johnathan joined the auxiliary ten years ago but started helping with different events roughly five years prior when his mother, Joyce Nash Shivers, led the group.

The chapter has been operating in the community for over half a century, raising nearly $10,000 annually for AHRC Nassau. Johnathan is eager to hit the ground running, in particular for their upcoming Halloween Bingo fundraising scheduled for October 20 at the Floral Park Recreation Center.

Johnathan is a retired production artist who dedicates around ten hours weekly to the chapter's mission. He spends his days overseeing the care of his mother and loves to sing and play instruments during his free time. He acknowledges the long history and looks forward to continuing their collective effort.

DDPC Awards

“I feel good about my new role and working with everyone. It’s a good group of people who enjoy doing this work.”

– Jonathan Shivers

AHRC Nassau Five-Year "Community of Practice" Grant

AHRC Nassau was recently awarded a five-year grant of approximately $750,000 by New York State’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) to create an accessible “participatory learning process” advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) trainings throughout New York’s I/DD community.

Beginning in 2024, AHRC’s DEI Department will begin work recruiting and engaging regional, state-wide partners to create a Community of Practice (CoP) advisory team. Together, the CoP will develop and connect DEI trainings with New Yorkers with I/DD, their families, direct care providers, and disability agency executives.

“We are going to draft these trainings specifically for the I/DD community by focusing on lived experiences so we see what type of topics will be of utmost importance to them,“ said Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri, Ph.D., AHRC DEI Officer, who will spearhead the CoP initiative. “We want to bring people together and make sure they are accurately represented by this project.”

Staff Appreciation Day 2023

One day, each year, the agency campus at 189 Wheatley Rd. welcomes thousands of staff members from AHRC Nassau as well as affiliate agencies, Brookville Center for Children’s Services and Citizens Options Unlimited to reconnect with colleagues while spending time enjoying fun in the sun.

This year’s Staff Appreciation Day focused on “Fun in the Sun” and was held on Aug. 2. Featured activities included volleyball games, massages, tug-of-war and relay races, henna virtual games and much more. Whether stopping for Mister Softee or a high five from a co-worker, the event was a heartfelt thank you to staff by staff (i.e., our Staff Appreciation Day Committee).

“Fun in the Sun” was a day to reconnect with colleagues while spending time enjoying fun in the sun.

Community Pages

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. Adam headlined a wonderful evening enjoyed by 150 friends from AHRC Nassau. This experience was made possible through a $17,000 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 2023, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,697,980 to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.

Artists From AHRC’s Levittown Day Hab Show Original Pieces at the Garden City Library

Throughout October, artists from AHRC’s Levittown Hub Site had 48 original, mixed-media pieces on display at the Garden City Library, 60 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530.

All the pieces were available for sale with proceeds being donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Helen Keller Foundation, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, all three notable nonprofit organizations supported by the artists.

One of the largest contributions came from artist Mary Jo Lewerre, a diamond art enthusiast who created the show’s statement piece.

Her 30’ x 13’ “Safari Sunset” diamond art creation shows a dynamic line up of animals against a warm orange sunset.

“I am excited for many people to view my artwork as I worked very hard on it. I want to show my housemates my accomplishment, so it can inspire them to do the same. I hope it brings a smile on their faces as it did for me,” shared Mary Jo.

Members of the AHRC Residential Services team wore green to show their support of Farmingdale High School, following a tragic September bus crash. Deanna Allen, Director of Residential, shared, "Farmingdale High School has been an integral part of the AHRC Nassau residential family, throughout the years, supporting our homes with holiday parties and participation in the AHRC Walk. We are thinking of them with love at this difficult time and are here to support and help in any way we can."

#DalerStrong: AHRC Stands With Farmingdale High School

Advocate Today

Show Your Support for Issues That Matter at ahrc.org/advocate!

At the Federal Level

We need immediate action from Congress now, including:

• Funding for programs that allow people with disabilities to live at home in their communities, without having to wait years to get the supports they need.

• Passing the “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act,” which requires the Office of Management and Budget to establish a separate category within the Standard Occupational Classification system for DSPs.

In New York State

Continue to advocate for investment in sustainable disability services specifically:

• A proposed Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) to ensure agencies can raise the hourly rate of pay for direct care staff.

• A 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for disability providers to reduce financial pressures, from utilities to mandated fringe benefits. Doing so ensures that necessary data is collected to justify reimbursement rates and compensation for DSPs.

Thank You to Our Friends in Government

We appreciate the opportunity to connect with local legislators and their staffs to discuss current issues impacting our community and opportunities for a more equitable future. Thank you to State Senator Jack Martins; Assemblymember Edward Ra; Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan; and Anissa D. Moore, Deputy County Executive, Health & Human Services, Office of the Nassau County Executive.

Three Ways to Get Involved in Less Than 10 Minutes

1.) Visit ahrc.org/advocate.

2.) Send one-click email messages letting your representatives know you support these issues.

3.) Repost/like our advocacy posts on AHRC social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram).

Volunteer Spotlight

AHRC Nassau Commemorates Patriot Day With Emergency Preparedness Events

Over 170 people from the local community joined our family of organizations for a three-day, Day of Remembrance celebration to honor 9/11 first responders.

The event was organized by Jerri Walker, Project Coordinato r and Volunteer at AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited, with assistance from several volunteers: Coleen Mackin, Compass and Quality Enhancement Advocate and Trainer at AHRC Nassau; Michelle Rudoff, Compass and Quality Enhancement Advocate and Trainer at AHRC Nassau; April Kloepfer, a volunteer; Noah Probert, a volunteer; the residents of AHRC Nassau’s Circle Drive group home; and the AHRC Nassau Saturday Freeport Day Hab.

“This was a time for the community to come together and understand how to better be prepared in the case of an emergency,” Jerri said.

The event was open to community members throughout Nassau. The three-day event kicked off with a First Responder Thank You Brunch for local first responders and their families, followed by an Emergency Preparedness Fair and Emergency Kit-Making Event, where attendees received bags with first-aid kits, masks, and other emergency items.

Our family of organizations partnered with several key local businesses and nonprofits for this event: The New York State Office for Emergency Management, Lifesaving Enterprises, Long Island Volunteer Center, Nassau County SPCA, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, and The Swoondle Society.

A special thank you to the Brookville Police Department and Jericho Fire Department for attending and for all that you do to keep our local community safe!

This was the first event of its kind for our family of organizations and was created with the help of a grant provided by The Arc of the United States and AmeriCorps. We hope to continue with this instrumental project in the future to both educate our community and honor first responders.

“This was a time for the community to come together and understand how to better be prepared in the case of an emergency.”

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.

To make a gift, please visit ahrcfoundation.org/angel