- Our Diamond Anniversary: Advancing Advocacy & Progress - AHRC’s Exceptional Team Recognized for Excellence - Building the Disability Workforce With Nassau Community College
Dear Families and Friends,
In this edition, you'll see how AHRC Nassau’s success is deeply rooted in the dedication of families and advocates who have made 75 years of service possible. As we celebrate AHRC's diamond anniversary, we honor a meaningful legacy of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—one that guides our work today and will continue to inspire us in the future.
Every day, our exceptional team supports people with I/DD to be who they are, deepen connections, and actively participate in the world. The dedication and teamwork that this requires is a testament to our shared belief that everyone deserves to lead a full and meaningful life.
On this point, I invite you to check out this powerful video of Howard Jurist, Ben’s dad and a longtime community leader, who shared how staff supports Ben to be successful.
From hands-on care to new job opportunities at Nassau Community College, there are many people passionately advancing our mission. It is with profound gratitude that I thank each and every one of you— self-advocates, families, friends, and staff—for your unwavering commitment to this community.
Together, we will continue to fulfill the promise of the dedicated families and community members who came before us.
Best regards, Stanfort
Stanfort J. Perry CEO, AHRC Nassau
This Year’s AHRC Walk Grand Marshal: Michelle Rudoff
Michelle Rudoff, Quality Assurance Trainer at AHRC Nassau, led the charge of walkers at this year’s AHRC Walk on Oct. 27 as the event’s grand marshal.
Michelle is a longtime AHRC Walk supporter and was chosen for her years of dedicated service to empowering self-advocates. This spring, Michelle received the Best Practices in Person-Centered Support by True Link Financial for using her lived experience to empower people and guide agency decision-making.
Reflecting on her journey, Michelle shared, “When I first started receiving services, I didn’t speak up. I want to teach others—especially younger people—that they can do it too. We all have the right to be heard and make decisions about our lives.”
Over the past decade, Michelle has become a guiding force within AHRC Nassau, leading numerous initiatives, including safe driving and voter registration programs, and helping to create life-planning tools that encourage self-discovery and goal setting. She plays an active role in the agency’s strategic decision-making, lending her voice to matters that impact the people supported.
Nassau Community College Awards Catering Contract to AHRC Nassau
Nassau Community College of the State University of New York System (SUNY) recently tapped Wheatley Farms Catering, a social enterprise of AHRC Nassau, to fulfill a catering services contract through August 2025.
Chosen through a competitive RFP process, Wheatley Farms Catering will provide high-quality food, beverages, and serving supplies for events ranging from meetings of the board of trustees to student clubs.
“We are proud of this partnership and the opportunity to provide exemplary food service to Nassau Community College,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau. “By delivering exceptional service, we seek to inspire other employers to consider people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for their workforce.”
For the past year, Wheatley Farms Catering has prepared meals for the Nassau County Department of Social Services (DSS) through a contract with the New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID). Additionally, Wheatley Farms Catering provided training for adults with autism through a partnership with the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA).
If you are interested in ordering Wheatley Farms Catering for your next event or meeting, please visit https://order.ehungry.com/Wheatley-Farms-Catering
Check out the Video About National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Accomplishments of People in Our Community
75 Years of Advocacy & Progress
AHRC Nassau celebrates The Arc New York's 75th anniversary, honoring those who have transformed the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing inclusion, empowerment, and the dignity of those we support together.
We wish we could include all the self-advocates, families, and supporters. For more images, we invite you to visit AHRC’s archive at ahrc.org/ourhistory or accounts on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Help us pave the way for the next 75 years of success: Sign up for AHRC’s Regional Advocacy Groups to connect with neighbors and fellow advocates to educate friends in government about important disability rights issues. Just like the founding families before us.
Send your support for critical disability rights issues: At the federal level: The “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Act” (S.1332/ H.R. 2941), which requires the Office of Management and Budget to consider updating the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) with the DSP role as a distinct profession. This leads to data collection and ideally more robust funding
At the state level: Let state legislators know you support a 7.8% increase in provider rates for DSP/non-executive wages and address inflation impacting benefits, maintenance, utilities, food, supplies, transportation and insurance in the 2025-26 SFY Executive Budget.
Your generosity will help transform the lives of over 4,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Long Island, including people like Daniel. His mother, Susan, shares what it means to be part of this supportive community:
"Becoming part of this community was a lifeline for our family. It’s not just about ensuring that Daniel is safe—it’s knowing that he is seen, valued, and celebrated. Being surrounded by people who care about his happiness and his place in the world has brought us peace and hope. We’re not alone in this journey; we’re part of a community that truly understands and uplifts us every day."
By making your first gift as an AHRC Angel, you will be joining a community dedicated to supporting children and adults with IDD and their families. Together, we can ensure that those who benefit from your generosity thrive in a world that celebrates their value and happiness for generations to come.
Your gift, no matter the amount, makes truly beautiful things happen.
ahrcfoundation.org/angel
Celebrating Connection and Community at 13th Annual Guardianship Luncheon
Jerseys from all of New York’s sports teams were on display at Leonard’s Palazzo on Sunday, September 15, where nearly 100 guests enjoyed a sports-themed guardianship luncheon.
The annual event was first organized thirteen years ago, by Guardianship Manager Eileen Stewart-Rooney and Guardianship Coordinator Stephanie Hodelin to create an environment where people supported with guardianship services, families and support staff could enjoy a fun time together.
“It’s a good opportunity for guardianship committee members to see everyone in person and get to know them better,” said Eileen. “As guardians we ensure people’s health care needs are met and that they are living the best life possible.”
During the party, guests played arcade games including an axe toss, basketball toss, and air hockey.
There was also a DJ to keep the crowd dancing, along with fun props like streamers, party hats and inflatable sports balls.
Voter Demonstration and Registration Drive Empowers People Supported to Exercise Their Right to Vote
On August 20, over 100 self-advocates and staff participated in a voter demonstration and registration drive at the Brookville mansion to bring attention to the full and equal opportunity to vote.
The two-hour event was led by self-advocates representing the Executive Council comprising leaders from across AHRC’s programs, the Day Hab Council, Work Force Council & Employment Services, and Residential Councils and AHRC’s Compass team.
Supported by the Nassau County Board of Elections (BOE) and The League of Women Voters of East Nassau, the event offered a presentation on voting, registering to vote and a practical demonstration of how to use available ballot boxes. This event was developed to address the significant disadvantages people with disabilities face when it comes to exercising their right to vote. Among the many issues are accessibility, transportation and access to credible information.
“We have two machines, one for helping you read if you’re blind, and the other one to slip inside, when you filled out the ballot,” said Compass QA Advisor and Trainer Steven Barsh.
Recognizing Agency Heroes During Direct Support
Professional (DSP) Recognition Week
DSPs are such an integral part of our framework. They help ensure the health, safety, and happiness of the people we support, and that is no small feat. With care, dedication, and integrity, DSPs provide supports and services that empower people to lead meaningful lives, embrace opportunities and pursue their interests.
During DSP Recognition Week, Sept. 8-14, we highlighted some of our outstanding staff members in an online book and across social media.
Our son, Darius ("Dari") is 36 and has never spoken a word. Sometimes, it is hard to understand what he likes or what he doesn't like. However, he overcame that difficulty and his face tells us the immense joy he feels when he steps into his Carmans Road, Massapequa hub site and lays eyes on the extraordinary staff there.
Anyone can see that he loves that place. In his eyes, it is a Disney World of a place! On the weekends, when there is no hub site, he is very disappointed and sits on the stairs waiting for us to put on his shoes so he can go to the hub site. He gets angry when we tell him, "No hub site today."
We would like to thank the beautiful people who make up that staff, who turn a plain building into a Disney World for a guy like Dari. We are forever grateful to you!
– Pini and Ron Churgin
My brother has lived at the Hook Lane residence since it opened 16 and a half years ago. Thanks to the endless understanding, patience, and gentle guidance of the staff there, he has grown by leaps and bounds.
His confidence and maturity are matched only by his independence. The DSPs who work with him treat him and his housemates with the same respect and compassion they would treat their own family. We are endlessly grateful for their hard work and devotion.
– Mollie Traversa
To the team at Cedar Street, thank you for all you do to care for our son, Harry, and his housemates! You make an incredible difference every day and you are very much appreciated!
– Mary and Joe Bosnack
You are rock stars in this 75th year of AHRC Nassau! – Noah Probert
Volunteer Spotlight
Marianne's Musical Mondays Brings Joy Through Movement
Every Monday, volunteer Marianne Barbera brings her passion for movement and music to day services at Wheatley Farms and now Freeport. Due to the popularity of the program in Brookville, Marianne’s class expanded to two classes a week and added Freeport as a new location. Marianne’s process is adaptable and well suited for people with varying accessibilit y needs.
“Not only does it provide people with enjoyment, but it gets them engaged,” said Marianne. “It gets the cognition involved recalling the lyrics, interacting with one another, connecting through physical movement, and the booklet lets them continue the conversation after they leave.”
Marianne previously held dance classes with her sister, Susan Marie Auletta, who received services throughout her childhood and eventually went on to live in an agency residence. Later in life, Susan’s health issues made going out challenging. During visits, Marianne brainstormed activities Susan could enjoy at home. This led Marianne to host dance lessons for Susan and her housemates. She continued these lessons every week until her sister passed in 2021.
“When I retired as a teacher, I wanted to be able to give back to the organization in appreciation for all that they did for her, and I developed a weekly music and movement class,” said Marianne.
Marianne’s movement and music classes bring joy, connection, and energy to everyone who attends. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication, passion, and talent!
Markiah Addison Pursues Her Passion for Fashion
Markiah Addison is currently a Fashion Coordinator at Estelle’s Dressy Dresses. She was always interested in fashion, makeup and hair. To her, it was important to find a job that matched her interests.
“This is a huge accomplishment because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Markiah said.
Explore stories of determination and success at ahrc.org/blog
Community Pages
Scott Besso’s Summer Surf
Scott Besso of Dalex Court lives an active lifestyle. For the past ten years, he has been enjoying surfing lessons at Skudin Surf on Long Beach. He loves all kinds of sports from horseback riding to skiing.
With dad Victor Besso cheering him on and his surf instructor Jairo Zuniga, he has made great progress from surfing close to the shoreline to now being able to paddle out over twenty feet to enjoy waves.
This experience was made possible through a generous grant from NYSARC Trust Services supporting recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of men and women supported by AHRC Nassau.
Three Cheers for 75 Years! Become a Member Today and Celebrate With Us
Lessons
This anniversary year, we are honored to offer you a unique opportunity to deepen your involvement with AHRC Nassau Your lifetime membership is not just a commitment to our cause it’s an investment in a future where our loved ones receive the respect, opportunities, and support they deserve.
Now is the perfect opportunity to join us in celebrating 75 years of fulfilling the promise made to children, adults, and their families.
Why Your Membership is Vital Now
Direct Impact: Your vote will guide the decisions we make and the direction we take.
Exclusive Resources: Gain access to Nassau News and join The Arc New York and The Arc of the U.S. for a wider perspective on our collective advocacy.
Active Participation: Engage in advocacy and volunteer opportunities that directly support our mission and your loved one.
189 Wheatley Road, Brookville (Glen Head), NY 11545
inspire@ahrc.org
AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors welcomes its Membership for the Annual Election of Officers and Directors.
Active membership and registration are required for entry and voting. Monday, November 18, 2024
Doors & Light Refreshments open at 5:00 p.m. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. (Join In Person or Virtually)
RSVP by Nov. 11 at https://www.ahrc.org/members2024
A Social Enterprise of AHRC Nassau
At Wheatley Farms, we’re about more than the fresh flowers, produce and plants that come out of our greenhouse. We’re about more than the high-quality meals that come out of our kitchen.
We’re about making lives better.
From the people who buy our products to the people who prepare them, everyone at Wheatley Farms is part of something truly special. We can’t wait for you to be part of it too.
