AHRC Nassau News – Summer 2023

Together: Making a Difference, Making Memories

- AHRC Nassau Passes Compass Renewal Process – One of Only Four Agencies in New York State With Designation

- AHRC Nassau Receives Grants From NYSARC Trust Services

- At Wheatley Farms & Arts Center: Connection, Purpose, and Opportunity Bloom

From the Desk of the CEO

AHRC Re-Designated a Compass Agency by New York State Celebrating Successes in the NADSP E-Badge Academy Crain’s New York Names AHRC Nassau “Diversity Champion” Finalist AHRC Nassau Receives Grants From NYSARC Trust Services

From the Desk of the CEO

Dear AHRC Families and Friends,

Address Local Food Insecurity Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival Remembering Nanette Muzante AHRC’s Day Services Picnic Returns

Ron Burglass Celebrates His First Work Anniversary at BJ’s Wholesale Club Pursuing New Connections, Opportunities at Hempstead Works Job Fair Maryann and Jeffrey Witt Celebrate 27 Years of Love, Travel and Movies Building Awareness for Autism Acceptance Month at Home

Rose Ball 2023

Staff Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteers, including Purolator International, Girl Scout Mia Bacani, and The Giving Tree Family President Amber Sun

4 Mission

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

Vision:

A world where people of all abilities are valued.

Value Statements

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

Editor: Nicole Zerillo

Community Resources, AHRC Nassau inspire@ahrc.org

516.626.1000 | 189 Wheatley Rd. Brookville, NY 11545

The spring/summer months have brought many successes. It is a privilege to share that we have once again been recognized as a Compass agency by New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), this past May. Together with our affiliate, Citizens Options Unlimited, we remain two of only four agencies in New York State to hold this prestigious designation. We remain committed to providing exceptional services and supports to people with developmental disabilities.

Such recognition is a result of our community —people supported, families, staff, members and people like you. It is through the collective efforts of this diverse and dedicated community that we work toward a world where people of all abilities are genuinely valued.

This magazine highlights many moments of joyful achievement and advocacy, from AHRC being named a “Diversity Champion” finalist by Crain’s New York Business for their 2023 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awards to the many inclusive activities at the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center.

For the first time since the pandemic, we were able to come together for our much beloved Day Services Picnic at Eisenhower Park and our Volunteer Recognition Dinner held at the Brookville mansion. We look forward to many more opportunities in the coming months. I invite you to mark your calendar for the “Fall for All” Festival on Sept. 30; AHRC Foundation Walk on October 29; and ongoing educational activities at Wheatley Farms. Learn more at ahrc.org/calendar and ahrc.org/communityworkshops.

Together, we can create a more equitable future by continuing to celebrate our successes while sharing the importance of funding for Medicaid, a DSP Wage Enhancement and home- and community-based services. In this magazine, I hope you enjoy the stories and meaningful moments portraying how we bring to life our vision across our community.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry CEO, AHRC Nassau

Gretta N. Abraham-Imperial, Rob Busa, Adetomi Adetoye, Neil Capalongo, Moracia Ridge, Davelle Maurice Coleman, Cheryl A. Alicea, and Theresa Pandullo

Assistant Editor: Gaelle Gilles Community Resources, AHRC Nassau

AHRC Re-Designated a Compass Agency by New York State

With missions firmly planted in person-centered supports, AHRC Nassau and partner agency Citizens Options Unlimited again were re-designated Compass agencies by New York State's Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

This designation is held by only four agencies in New York State and 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.

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 program sites and met with stakeholders across AHRC’s community evaluating how people supported, families, staff and volunteers come together to achieve person-centered outcomes.

Celebrating Successes in the NADSP E-Badge Academy

Please join us in congratulating AHRC’s over 60 enrolled learners who are actively engaged in the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy. Made possible by a grant from NY State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), this national certification program offers direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLS) the opportunity to earn stackable electronic badges leading to credentialing and a bonus

Last week, Alison Pingelski, Acting Associate Commissioner, OPWDD; Ryan Cox, Director of Workforce Development & Talent Acquisition, OPWDD; and Kathy Brown, NYS E-Badge Academy Administrator, NADSP, joined agency leadership to celebrate the nearly 90 E-Badge learners across AHRC’s family of organizations, including Citizens Options Unlimited and Brookville Center for Children’s Services. Learners were commended for their commitment to professional development and excellence in supporting people to receive the best possible supports and achieve their personal outcomes.

Crain’s New York Names AHRC Nassau “Diversity Champion” Finalist

AHRC was recently named a “Diversity Champion” finalist by Crain’s New York Business for their 2023 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awards. The agency was recognized alongside exceptional “large” organizations with more than 250 employees, including Union Square Hospitality Group, LiveOnNY, CliftonLarsonAllen, and Greenspoon Marder LLP. Congratulations to Greenspoon Marder LLP for being named the Diversity Champion 2023 – Large Category and to our fellow nominees. Together, we are creating a more equitable future for all to share.

AHRC Nassau Receives Grants From NYSARC Trust Services

AHRC Nassau was awarded $201,050 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support AHRC Nassau’s guardianship and recreation programs.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. 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.

This year, AHRC Nassau is grateful to have received $184,050 from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by Chapter staff and volunteer members of the Guardianship Committee, AHRC Nassau currently provides guardianship supports and services to 30 men and women and is ready to assist 43 more as a Standby or Alternate Standby guardian.

NYSARC Trust Services also awarded AHRC Nassau $17,000 to support new recreational opportunities and enrich the lives of men and women supported through AHRC Nassau’s services.

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.

• An increased 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 cur rent issues impacting our community and opportunities for a more equitable future. Thank you to Representative Anthony D’Esposito; State Senator Kevin Thomas; Assemblymembers Charles Lavine, Jake Blumencranz, Edward Ra, and Gina Sillitti.

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).

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

AHRC Honors Agency Heroes

Gretta N. Abraham-Imperial, Rob Busa, Adetomi Adetoye, Neil Capalongo, Moracia Ridge, Davelle Maurice Coleman, Cheryl A. Alicea, and Theresa Pandullo were recently honored for successfully performing the Heimlich and CPR on people supported and staff who came into harm's way at a Hero Recognition Dinner on March 22. Recognized by AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited leadership, each honoree received an award, a certificate of recognition, a gift bag courtesy of Wheatley Farms, as well as a monetary merit gift in their paychecks.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer Recognition Dinner Celebrates Meaningful Contributions to the AHRC Community

AHRC Nassau held its first volunteer dinner in three years on June 1. The 2023 Volunteer Recognition Dinner welcomed nearly 100 volunteers and staff for an evening of celebration at the Brookville mansion.

Honoring the meaningful contributions made across AHRC and its affiliate agencies, awards were presented to Purolator International, Girl Scout Mia Bacani, and The Giving Tree Family President Amber Sun. Eighty certificates were given to volunteers, including Girl Scout Troop 3322.

“You really get to know the people in the community and the more you volunteer, the better you get to know them. It’s really rewarding to be able to work with others to help improve the community,” said Amber.

“It is important for you to know that the impact you have made on so many people and their families is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful”

Brandon Semilof, Parent Advocate & AHRC Nassau Board Member

MEMBERSHIP CONNECTS YOU

When you sign up for AHRC Nassau membership, you become a member of our chapter, The Arc New York and The Arc of the United States. Sign up at www.ahrc.org/membership. 4 4 4 4 4

Be a champion in your community and join supporters dedicated to fostering positive outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By becoming a member of the AHRC family, you’re contributing your voice to a network advocating for meaningful opportunities for people who benefit from support services.

As a family-led organization, AHRC Nassau has cultivated an environment where parents, volunteers, and caring staff advocate to enrich the lives of people in their community.

Add your voice to the coalition and become a purpose-driven ally providing for Nassau County by staying informed and taking action.

Lifetime memberships are available. Annual memberships start at as little as $15. Make a difference and become a member now.

Membership Includes:

• Voting rights (apply to non-staff members living in Nassau County who are 18 years and older)

• A subscription to AHRC Nassau News, our tri-annual newsletter

• Membership with The Arc New York

• Membership with The Arc of the U.S. & The Arc Today, a publication of the national Arc

• AHRC Nassau publications and invitations to special events (as requested)

*Adapted fromTheArc NewYork.

You also become a part of a rich history of inclusion and advocacy.

At Wheatley Farms & Arts Center: Connection, Purpose, and Opportunity Bloom

Just a short walk from one of Long Island’s oldest sycamore tree, the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts (WFA) Center is buzzing with exciting projects. Since opening in August 2022, the center has hosted neighbors, community partners, and friends on educational projects deepening connections to nature, the arts and each other.

Community Classes: The “Little Soap Lady” Makes a Splash

Elaine Sanderson, a.k.a. “The Little Soap Lady,” created opportunities for suds and smiles at the WFA Center, this spring. During inclusive classes, Elaine shared the therapeutic art of soapmaking with lavender, vanilla, coconut, and sandalwood. Attendees enjoyed learning a new skill while making new connections.

In addition to successful soapmaking classes, this year the center also hosted classes including knitting/crocheting and cake decorating.

To find and register for upcoming classes visit

ahrc.org/communityworkshops

Welcoming Families & Staff from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

In the early spring, AHRC Nassau hosted young adults from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District to learn about the educational programming taking place on the grounds. The occasion welcomed students, parents, and teachers. While teachers and students participated in soapmaking and plantings, parents learned about AHRC Nassau's post-secondary options. The planting activity, led by Kim Nistal, Assistant Farm Manager, provided students with hands-on experience planting daisies in individual pots which they later took home.

AHRC’s Inclusive Dream Project Continues to Address Local Food Insecurity

As the AHRC Dream Project evolves, we’ve increased our contributions to the community with the help of local volunteer organizations. From the Wheatley Farms’ Clubhouse, Girl Scout Troop 3322 worked alongside self-advocates Noah Probert, Coleen Mackin and AHRC community members to put together 50 meal kits supporting approximately 200 neighbors facing food insecurity.

“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.

Once completed, the meal kits were then delivered to local food bank, NOSH Delivers! by volunteers from AHRC Day Services. Inspired by Dr. King’s dedication to community action, the Dream Project is a fully inclusive volunteer project. 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 Services team and Community Relations Liaison Lynne Brewer.

Remembering Nanette Muzante Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival

“Fall for All” is more than just a one-day event. It’s an opportunity to welcome the community to enjoy a carefully curated schedule offering a wide range of activities accessible to all. From sensory-friendly spaces to creative mask-making and face painting, every experience has been designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that every visitor can participate and enjoy the festivities. For more information, please visit ahrc.org/fallforall.

It is with tremendous sadness we share that Horticulturalist Nanette Muzante passed away on June 21.

For 25 years, Nanette managed AHRC’s greenhouse maintaining beautiful greenery year-round while sharing her profound knowledge of plant life with people supported, families and friends throughout the community. Whether

driving her golf cart across campus to check on flowerbeds or selling hanging plants at Deep Roots Farmers Market in Glen Cove, the vibrant flowers and fresh greenery that Nanette planted will continue to thrive along with our memory of her.

COMMUNITY PAGES

AHRC’s Day Services Picnic Returns

With the sun shining and barbecue in the air, AHRC’s Day Services Picnic returned to Eisenhower Park. 750 people supported and staff enjoyed music, dancing, and games. This well-loved tradition was put on pause during the pandemic but returned for its tenth year bigger and better than ever.

Ron Burglass Celebrates His First Work Anniversary at BJ’s Wholesale Club

May 2023 marked Ronald “Ron” Burglass’ first work anniversary at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Valley Stream, through the Supported Employment Program . Ron started at BJ’s in May 2022 after nearly two years without work.

“I feel good about my job. Everything’s fine and a lot of people here are really nice. I’m doing really well here,” said Ron.

Pursuing New Connections, Opportunities at Hempstead Works Job Fair

Professional networking can be daunting but Darin Whitehead, Roxanne Wong, Courtney Nupp, Raymie Morgan, Brittani English, and James Sardiello came prepared to make new connections at the Hempstead Works Job Fair on April 20. Supported by AHRC Nassau Employment Training Specialist Carol Meyerson, the men and women spent time connecting with representatives from 80 companies across multiple sectors.

27 Years of Marriage: Maryann and Jeffrey Witt Celebrate 27 Years of Love, Travel, and Movies

To celebrate their 27th anniversary, Maryann and Jeffrey Witt headed to a local Italian restaurant, Piccolo. Direct Support Professional Kamielle Harrison helped plan the romantic dinner and celebration of their marriage. It was 1992 when Maryann met Jeffrey on a trip to Nashville, organized by AHRC services. After four years of dating, the couple tied the knot on March 31, 1996, and have been sharing their love of food, movies, and travel together ever since.

Building Awareness for Autism Acceptance Month at Home

For Autism Acceptance Month, the women of the Hillcrest Residence decorated their home with crafts symbolic of the cause. Together with the help of Sybil Grant, AHRC Assistant House Manager, and Donna Thompson, Direct Support Professional, the ladies wore matching awareness month gear; constructed the iconic autism infinity symbol; and built a chain to wrap around the demonstrating their support for increased inclusivity and connectedness.

COMMUNITY PAGES

AHRC Foundation Rose Ball – A Success

In a remarkable display of support, the AHRC Foundation hosted its 73rd Rose Ball at the historic Oheka Castle on Long Island, bringing together nearly 300 attendees for a celebration of mission and purpose. The evening raised over $360,000 to support the Long Island intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community, including key initiatives of AHRC Nassau.

Thomas Rosicki, President of the AHRC Foundation, served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies sharing, “Over the past three years, the Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $1,000,000…This means access to essential services such as health, education, recreation, and guardianship for children and adults with developmental disabilities on Long Island. Rose Ball Chairman, Tom Moore, acknowledged the evening’s sponsors, with special recognition given to Champion Sponsor Pilot|RB.

Before the honoree presentation, Elizabeth Cerillo was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award. The award, presented by Andrea Fierstein, Blanche’s daughter, and Saundra M. Gumerove, President of AHRC Nassau, supports outstanding candidates pursuing advanced degrees in special education.

This year’s Rose Ball proudly recognized two exceptional individuals who have made lasting contributions to the IDD community. Jean-Pierre Lardoux, AIA, NCARB, Principal Architect of Fusion Architecture PLLC, was honored with the Foundation’s Leadership Award. Lardoux has dedicated his career to enhancing safety and accessibility for people with developmental disabilities. He has completed numerous successful renovation projects for AHRC Nassau, Citizens Options Unlimited, and other agencies. His expertise and ongoing support serve as invaluable resources for provider agencies.

During his acceptance remarks, Jean-Pierre expressed his gratitude to his team at Fusion Architecture PLLC and acknowledged the pivotal role they played in receiving this award. He also took a moment to recognize former Executive Director and Rose Ball attendee Mike Mascari. He expressed his gratitude to Mike for giving him, as a young man starting out in business, “a chance” and thanked him for the invaluable opportunity.

Dr. Julie Bates, Medical Director of Advantage Care Health Centers, accepted the Foundation’s Humanitarian Award. With over 30 years of service to the AHRC family, Dr. Bates exemplifies care, compassion, and dedication that transcends her professional duties. Her impact on countless families and commitment to overall well-being have been truly inspiring.

Similarly, Dr. Bates recognized Helen Kaplan, the former Executive Director of AHRC Nassau and a founding chapter member. Dr. Bates recounted a fortunate experience of being invited to Helen’s home and her parting words, “Be bold. Don’t quit. Our children need you.” She echoed these words to the evening’s guests, challenging them to contribute to creating better and more inclusive lives for those with developmental disabilities. Visit ahrcfoundation.org to view the photo gallery.

WHEATLEY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL