AHRC DSP Week 2023

To all our amazing DSPs!

Your hard work and dedication to providing quality care to people with disabilities is truly appreciated. You are making a positive impact on the world.

Leslie Teneyck has been the manager at my son, Jason's, group home for a number of years. She is wonderful - very caring, supportive, and professional. I feel very comfortable that she is overseeing my son's care.

Thank you, Leslie.

Walter McKay Parent

Ro, who works with my son Dan Mulvaney, at the cottage is extremely interested in how and why Dan does things and how he thinks. He considers the possibilities and communicates as best as anyone at the AHRC can with Dan who is nonspeaking.

Barbara Fischkin Parent

I'm a new DSP at AHRC Oceanside, and I truly appreciate how much the staff cares for the Individuals.

The professionalism is unparalleled at any other agency.

Paul Johnson Agency Staff

Just wanted to thank all the folks at AHRC whose efforts help, not only the residents but families as well...

Thank You! Stuart Hochberg

A very special and grateful thank you to the Staff at Circle Drive, Glen Cove: Carol S. Audrey M., Michael K., and Grace. They are all caring and concerned for all the gentlemen. Seeing how happy our son Robert is at his “house” is so important for our family to know. Again there are not enough words to say how much you are all appreciated.

Margaret O'Shea Parent

I would just like to thank all the people who work to make my daughter’s life a good one. They work hard to provide a safe environment and take good care of her needs. It is the hardest job, and words can’t express my appreciation.

Thank you all!

Maryann Dellova Parent

The staff at The Pines is AMAZING. House Manager Lee always has fun things planned for the girls. Asst Manager Miriam is always responsive to their needs.

Sharlene always helps when Pia gives us a hard time going back on Sundays.

Kimberly lightens everyone's day with her dogs. Daisy, Kimmy & Wilmena have also been very kind.

(I may be leaving out some people...)

Karen and Precious do a great job at the Syosset Hubsite great communication with us.

Natasha Ruiz Sibling

A huge shout out to the amazing, loving, caring, terrific DSPs and staff at the Primrose Lane Group Home in North Valley Stream for all their hard work and dedication and for the incredible care they provide to the ladies in the house.

We are forever grateful for all that you do. Sending lots of love and hugs to you!

Marianne Barbera Sibling

I can not say enough about the wonderful ladies I am fortunate enough to help live their best lives and the amazing staff members that support them to be safe and empowered as they live them. The South Cottage Street Home is their happy place.

I’m glad to be a part of all the magic!

Tasha Murray-DaCosta Agency Staff

Many, Many thanks to Sabrina and the crew at the Wantagh hub site for helping and aiding Danny to grow into the fine young man that he has become.

We are so proud of him and know that each one of you is part of his maturation and development into the mature young man that he is!!!

Thank you all!!!!

Danny Probeck Parent

Thank you to the DSPs of the Jericho #3 hub site, you all do a terrific job.

Always attentive, always smiling, and joking with my daughter.

Also thank you to all who work with the respite connections program (zoom and Friday night dances) you all do an exceptional job.

Because of your dedication, my daughter is thankful. You all bring so much happiness, learning, and productivity into her life.

Thank you, thank you, and a million more thank yous!

Jeri Lynn Passarella Parent

Although I have served as CQL interviewer and trainer for many years, I recently assumed an additional position as DSP for the Shoreham ICF. I only help on Saturday mornings for a few hours but I want to share what I have observed there and reveal it as the heart of what this organization has pledged to do, for over 60 years. I work the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. shift. This is a busy time for DSPs, particularly since there are not enough to lighten the workload.

Direct care staff use hoya lifts, and shower beds but do so with such tenderness and care for the people they are supporting, that it becomes one of the main reasons I return each week.

It allows me to be a part of that. DSP work is not the way to riches, nevertheless, I often ask the DSPs at Shoreham what has made them a fixture there for decades and their answers are always the same. They love the people they are there to serve and that is the best reason I have ever heard.

Susan Orange Agency Staff

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

Thank you to Issac and the entire staff of AHRC Jackson Street in Garden City for the wonderful care they provide for my uncle. I am greatly appreciative!

Kerry Koehler Extended Family Member

Patricia is EXCEPTIONAL. She's passionate about her role as a DSP. She continues to bring her best self to work every single day. She takes initiative and is always ready to help.

She's punctual and super dependable.

Her work is consistent and she plays by the rules. She adheres to protocols and she always follows the rules. She is positive and insightful.

She belongs to the Lakeview House and we are fortunate to have her on board.

So we say thank you, Pat! Anonymous Agency staff

Chrissy has lived at Woodland Gate for 20 years. We still have some of the original staff, Ann B, Andra, and Mimi. Most of the team stays at Woodland Gate because they know how happy the ladies in the house are when they come in.

Chrissy and the other ladies know they can depend on their staff, as they know they are more than staff, they are friends. Friends that are glad to see them also and want to give them their best lives possible. Chrissy knows the staff schedules and she and the other ladies wait for them to come in.

Shan and Davaie are the managers and do their best to keep the house running the way it should.

Thank you everyone for what you do every day!

Leigh Fanuzzi Parent

Washington Street, Baldwin Harbor recently hosted a summer BBQ Many other houses were invited as well as family and friends. This is a small example of the caring and dedication that Jude and Rose and their amazing staff display every day.

They go above and beyond to care for our loved ones. We send thanks to all the staff.

Best DSPs ever.

Tom and Ellen Moore Parents

Yesterday marked my 3rd anniversary with AHRC. Time moves quickly, but these past years have shown me how humble I have become and how truly grateful I am to work with these special people. The individuals I support mean the world to me and have shown me the true meaning of what being selfless means.

My staff is the best! We have had some changes, but we always rise above and come out on top as the #1 hub site in AHRC. Farmingdale 1 is more than just a job. It's become my second home. Special thanks to Lynne Brewer who told me about the position as DSP 3 years ago.

To my former site manager Socrate who believed in me enough to hire me. To Leo, Carrie, Auriol, Rita, Paul, Sherry, and Martin for being the best co-workers anyone could ask for! Happy DSP week to all my colleagues.

Laurette Holst 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

It takes a special group of people to care for the residents at the Old Westbury Group “Home”. My brother, Frank, has been a resident there for almost 10 years.

As his guardian, I wanted to make sure that Frank would be safe and cared for should he outlive my sister and brothers.

You can stop by for a visit at any time and can see his staff has created a home, not just a “placement”.

There always seems to be something going on. The residents are not small children. These are all large, heavy adults that need to be cleaned, dressed, and medically and emotionally cared for. To do all that and create a “home-like” environment is not an easy task.

Yet, the Old Westbury Staff does this every day with kindness, patience, and a wonderful sense of humor. My brother has flourished under their care. When you stop by, my brother will be sitting in his rocker, with a smile and a greeting.

We are grateful for this amazing staff - every day!

Joanne Garber Sibling

How does one put into words, what Woodpecker Lane, means to my family?

Family Support, Counselor, Advocate, Mental Health, Family, and cherished Friend...and that describes who they are and all they provide for me and my siblings, let alone my brother John, who they love and care for like no other.

I truly don't have words, and we could never thank them enough or show how deeply appreciated they each are, individually and collectively.

Inna, Aneta, Kevin, Josephine, Sondra, Kim, Nick, and Beverly are a MOST treasured gift that we never take for granted. It took two seconds to list all their names because they have been with us, with our John, for years, which is always an example of the leadership that Inna provides combined with a fun-loving culture and climate at that house we call home.

Inna, Aneta, Nick, Josephine, Beverly, Sondra, Kim, and Kevin, we thank you for making it such a loving, inviting home.

Thank you for always doing above and beyond. We are deeply grateful, always.

Tricia (Patti) McCauley Desiderio Sibling

Tia Juana Gardner one of my daughter's DSPs at AHRC Anchor Avenue Oceanside Day Hab is an exceptional human.

She has consistently gone above and beyond to make my daughter's day a meaningful experience.

We want to let everyone know that she is truly special, kind, and giving.

Andrea Spatarella Parent

Hello to Adrianne, Lisa, and all the staff, Thank you for your continued support and care for the residents at Morris Road. My brother Tony is well cared for and his needs are met because of all your efforts! It's been a busy and at times difficult year for him as he recovered from his fall and subsequent hip surgery.

From the staff that came by while he was in the hospital and rehab facility, to the home staff, it made things a little easier for my sisters and me, as we couldn't always come by. I was made aware that the home attendants helped him with his walking even before the scheduled physical therapy sessions started, and I believe it made a positive difference in getting him back on his feet.

This allowed him to return to his activities at the Farmingdale Center, where he could interact with others instead of just sitting at home. My sisters and I are very fortunate that Tony is with such a great staff. Thank you again for all you do.

Louis Monnone Sibling

Lynn Brewer does a great job with her bowling and dancing. Her bowling is not just bowling but a bowling party.

They all have a great time. She does different themes and the people supported dress up and have a fabulous time.

It is the same for the dances.

She has wonderful volunteers who keep everyone up and dancing.

Lynn is a great asset to our organization.

Leigh Fanuzzi Agency Staff

Ms Alisha, a DSP in the Red Spring IRA was recently assigned to spend her 8hour shift at Phillip’s bedside keeping his hands busy and away from his IV line while in Glen Cove Hospital. This is no easy task and is very much appreciated by Phil’s family.

The Staats Family

Oceanside House: Thank you for loving and caring for Allison, and making sure she is well-fed with protein so that she can be her best self.

We appreciate everything you do.

Kristen La Mont Sibling

We have always felt blessed that our son Brendan Zarembo is with AHRC in the Amos Ave group home. Since the very beginning, the staff at Amos Ave has been outstanding.

Their kind, thoughtful attention to Brendan's needs has been consistently excellent. Robert Jones along with Korey Porterfield show genuine concern for the needs of residents and staff alike.

This pervasive attitude makes Amos Ave a wonderful place to live and work. Many staff have been with the house for many years creating a stable, nurturing environment.

The newer staff follow suit in maintaining this caring environment. Brendan often talks fondly of staff which pleases my husband and me. Thank You for all the good you do!

Theodore & Catherine Zarembo Parents

I cannot begin to express what an important role DSPs play in the lives of those they support. They make such an impact on a daily basis by not only offering necessary supports, but also by being a safe person who provides kindness, compassion, encouragement, and advice when needed.

These acts can be small or big, and they can make such a positive change in one's life. For some, this may be the only perception. We may take for granted the circle of support we have in our lives. For some of the people they support, those circles are very small, and a DSP may be one of only a handful of people in their lives who truly provide the emotional support needed to conquer daily challenges.

I truly hope all of the DSPs who work in this field will take a moment to stop and reflect on someone they support and realize what a truly awesome impact they are making. They truly are making a difference in someone's life on a daily basis.

Christopher Williams Agency Staff

A huge shout out to the amazing, loving, caring, terrific DSPs and staff at the Primrose Lane Group Home in North Valley Stream for all their hard work and dedication and for the incredible care they provide to the ladies in the house. We are forever grateful for all that you do. Sending lots of love and hugs to you!

Marianne Barbera Sibling

Greg is one of my son’s favorite DSPs. He was instrumental in helping him stay calm during a recent hospitalization.

The Staats Family