AHRC Nassau Newsletter - Winter 2020

NEWS Winter 2020 Vol. 69 Issue 1

www.ahrc.org

Wheatley Farms and Arts Center Moves Forward, Welcomes Cariello Bridget Cariello joined AHRC Nassau’s team to lead the program development of Wheatley Farms and Arts Center as its program administrator of Day Habilitation Services. Formerly the Supervising Coordinator of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS), Cariello brings 30 years of experience and a passion for creating new day service models based in a person-centered philosophy.

"At Wheatley Farms, we are seeking to develop an opportunity where people with disabilities and their community members can learn and grow alongside one another,” said Cariello. "Wheatley Farms and Arts will connect people using services with their passions.”

Under Cariello’s leadership, Wheatley Farms and Arts Center submitted the proposal, “Combating Social Isolation and Exclusion: Completing the Community,” to the Northeast Arc | The Arc Tank.

Seeking to “disrupt disability services” to benefit people with IDD and their families, the proposal succeeded in being chosen for The Holding Tank 3.0. Being selected as a member of The Holding Tank 3.0 garnered an invite to the November conference in Boston with opportunities to connect with past winners and funders.

Check out Bridget’s blog post on her unique philosophy at

www.ahrc.org/wfa

Sign up for program updates at www.ahrc.org/contactus

Mission: AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives.

Together with Family – Friends – Community

Vision: Maximizing potential throughout a lifetime

Bridget Cariello (center) with (from right) Coleen Mackin, Michelle Rudoff and Jessica Campbell — self-advocate leaders from AHRC Nassau.

Value Statements: We believe that…

• All people must be treated with dignity and respect • Partnering with people and families creates the best opportunities • A competent and compassionate workforce is integral to providing quality supports • We are committed to diversity and cultural sensitivity • Innovative approaches are essential for advancement and growth • Financial sustainability is necessary for organizational success

Table of Contents Leadership Wheatley Farms and Arts Center Moves Forward, Welcomes Cariello

1

Letter to the Agency

2

AHRC and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office Support Neighbors in Need

3

Amanda Brosnan Organizes Collection Drive for Bethany House

4

AHRC Installs Board of Directors, Welcomes New Board Members

6

Advocacy/Events MLK Day March and Celebration

8

Policy Issues

9

Perspectives From an Adult Sibling 10

Annual Giving and Angel Donors 11 Community Highlights Veteran Stand Down Event

16

One Stop Gift Shop

16

SibShops Training

17

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

17

Meaningful Gifts This Holiday Season

18

Letter to the Agency Heartfelt thanks to the Hicksville Hubsite for suggesting that a plaque be hung, at the hubsite, “In Loving Memory of Brian Garceau.” Brian a t t e n d e d AHRC for 15 wonderful years and Camp Loyaltown for over 20 years.

The encouragement and guidance he received daily from the caring staff was a testament to the many happy days spent with many friends though the years. Brian was diagnosed on June 1, 2017 with Ewing Sarcoma Cancer, a very rare bone and tissue cancer.

For those who were fortunate to have known Brian, know that he was a bright light with a smile and laugh that was contagious to everyone who surrounded him. After a year of intense treatment, Brian returned to his loving Hicksville Hubsite and enjoyed celebrating his 36th Birthday with the many faces he came to know and love. Loving music as much as he did, he remained happy and calm listening to his favorite songs throughout his illness, and getting all the nurses to dance happily!

On September 9, 2018, Brian left the physical world, but his spirit and smile live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Thanks again to everyone at AHRC throughout the years; you will always have a very special place in my heart.

With Love,

Volunteer Spotlight Steve Garcia and Chester 19

Debbie Garceau (Brian’s Mom)

Published with Ms. Garceau’s permission.

Staff Spotlight Caught in the Act Recognition Dinner 19

If you’d like to share a letter, please email inspire@ahrc.org.

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AHRC and Nassau County District Attorney's Office Support Neighbors in Need Thousands of Long Islanders in need will have a warmer winter thanks to a partnership between AHRC Nassau and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Over the past two months, 2,000 fleece jackets have been donated to nearly 20 local nonprofits, including Community Action for Social Justice, Inc., the Hispanic Counseling Center, and Helping End Violence Now (H.E.V.N.).

This important initiative started with a generous donation from the District Attorney’s Office of a confiscated embroidery machine and fleece jackets with counterfeit logos to AHRC Nassau’s Employment Services Division.

“It has been a great honor of my office to not only provide thousands of jackets to the needy, but also employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities,” said Madeline Singas, Nassau County District Attorney. “I thank AHRC Nassau for their partnership on this important project.”

Valuing the opportunity to learn a new skill and support fellow Long Islanders, AHRC’s production team are focused on completing the project.

AHRC’s production team are responsible for embroidering over counterfeit logos and packaging the fleeces for pick-up.

Louis Rosario and Danny Lubrano of AHRC’s Production team enjoy being a part of the process.

Rosario shared, “I like opening the shop in the morning and packing the jackets to be shipped.”

Lubrano said, “I enjoy being part of the embroidery process and securing the patches on the jackets.”

By spring 2020, the AHRC Production team plan to update and package thousands of additional jackets for donation, while there is still a chill in the air.

“We thank District Attorney Singas for the opportunity to support neighbors in need,” said Stanfort Perry, Executive Director, AHRC Nassau. “At AHRC Nassau, we value our community and are not only ready, willing and able, but focused on being of service.”

Images Courtesy of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office

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Amanda Brosnan Organizes Collection Drive for Bethany House Contributed by Samantha Rodonis – Site Manager, Freeport Program Without Walls

Back in September, Amanda Brosnan, a volunteer at Freeport’s Program Without Walls Hubsite #6, wanted to organize a collection drive for the homeless. She approached me with the idea and asked if this could be done. I asked if she knew of a specific place she wanted to donate, she didn’t know of a place, but knew she wanted to make sure women and children were helped, especially people who had been survivors of abuse, a cause that is very important to her.

We did some research online and we found Bethany House, a shelter in Roosevelt, New York. They provide a safe and supportive living environment for women and children in Nassau County who find themselves homeless. They believe that “each person deserves and needs adequate food, clothing, and shelter, provided in a nurturing and sustaining environment.” We reached out to Bethany House and explained to them that we would like to hold a collection to be donated to them and had them identify all of the supplies they needed, such as toilet paper and paper goods, toiletries and sanitary products, as well as diapers and snacks for the children.

From the moment we had decided on donating to Bethany House and knew what they needed, Amanda was up and running to make this happen; she handmade the flyers which were distributed to all of day program and around the Freeport building. Once the donations started coming in (which was within days!) she organized all of the donations by category and kept a running inventory of all we had received.

Every time a donation came to the site, Amanda lit up with excitement. She had chosen to run the collection until November 15 and reminded us often to keep advertising so that we could have a great collection to bring there. By the time that date arrived, we had collected so many items and we could not wait to bring it all there.

On November 20, Amanda, along with me, clinician Pamela Boyle, staff member Aprilyn Ratley and five of her peers (Debra Grupp, Maria Cruz, Lillian Hills, Nefertiti Dolce and Karen Solga), all went to Bethany

Bethany House, a shelter in Roosevelt, New York which provides a safe and supportive living environment for women and children in Nassau County who find themselves homeless.

House to deliver our donations.

Above photo: Amanda Brosnan with donations to Bethany House.

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We were greeted by Residential Director, Donna James. Donna was overwhelmed by all we had brought and shared how all of these items were so needed by them. Donna spoke to all of us about the house and the other residences they have in the area. She shared about the women and children who live there and gave us a tour of their beautiful home.

On the tour, we got to meet one of the residents. She was very open with us, sharing about the situation she was in before she arrived two weeks ago.

She hit hard times and was sleeping in a local train station. When she finally reached out to Social Services she was placed at Bethany House. She now has a bed to sleep in, three meals a day, and a job she can walk to in the area. She shared how in just a short amount of time, her life has changed and she is forever grateful.

We all got to see firsthand how this home changes lives. Our volunteers were able to share with her and the staff of Bethany House about how they are thankful for all of the things they have in their lives that they often take for granted.

Amanda has already begun planning her next collection for the spring and can’t wait to return to Bethany House.

Above photos: AHRC Site Manager Samantha Rodonis, Residential Director Donna James, AHRC Volunteer Amanda Brosnan and Bethany House Staff Member Deborah Moses. Original poster made

by Amanda Brosnan.

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AHRC Installs Board of Directors, Welcomes Two New Board Members

Front row, from left: First Vice President Saundra Gumerove, Secretary Rady Bruell, President Paul Giordano, Patricia Desiderio; Second row, from left: Rita AbiZeid, Josephine Connelly, Lloyd Groveman, Vice President Howard Jurist; Third row, from left: Harrieta Traversa, Martha Medina Carney, Vice President Tom Moore, Vice President Jack Garofalo, Eileen Goggins. Fourth row, from left: Valerie Shepherd, Dennis Novick, Thomas Rosicki

At the annual Dansant event in December, AHRC Nassau Board of Directors re-affirmed their commitment to the organization.

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New board members, Valerie Shepherd and Dennis Novick, were also welcomed.

Meet Our New Board Members Valerie Shepherd, Regional Manager and First Vice President, Region 3, of New York Community Bank (NYCB) supervises 16 branches as well as leads regional business development, training and community outreach. At NYCB, Shepherd has supported Long Island’s banking needs for nearly 25 years. Ms. Shepherd has been an engaged volunteer, leading Financial Literacy workshops at AHRC’s Freeport office for men and women supported by the Employment Services and Day Habilitation departments.

Dennis Novick is a healthcare consultant and former executive of more than 20 years. Mr. Novick previously served at New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation as Director of Strategic Planning and Capital Planning for Jacobi Medical Center and Corporate Central Office of Facilities Development. For nearly six years, Mr. Novick has been an engaged volunteer at AHRC Nassau and leads the agency’s photography club. As a result of his mentorship, Elise Olsen (Freeport PWW Day Program) and Jennifer Alford (Glen Cove-Glen Street Day Program) were both chosen as winners in different categories at The Arc New York’s 2019 Imagine Photography Competition in November.

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AHRC Holds Banner High at MLK Day Celebration AHRC Nassau families and hundreds in the Glen Cove community came together for the 36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance March on Jan. 20. We were proud to honor Dr. King’s legacy, his dream and the generations he’s inspired (and will inspire) to create opportunities for greater equality and empathy.

AHRC Nassau families and friends began their tribute at the First Baptist Church and ended at Robert M. Finley Middle School for a celebratory program. In attendance was Congressman Tom Suozzi, Mayor of Glen Cove Tim Tenke, State Senator Jim Gaughran, and AHRC Nassau Executive Director Stanfort Perry.

For the event, AHRC Nassau donated floral displays and cookies, created by people supported by AHRC Nassau’s Employment Services division. AHRC Nassau volunteers were present to share the refreshments with attendees.

AHRC advocates on an ongoing basis to support the inclusion and empowerment of people with developmental disabilities.

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Our Issues

Your voice can make a significant difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AHRC Nassau, The Arc New York and today’s service model originated 70 years ago due to the advocacy efforts of people with disabilities, their family members, friends and supporters. Share your perspectives and let lawmakers know the strong community that stands up for the issues impacting people all abilities, especially:

#3for5 The Issue: For a decade, New York State has under-invested in nonprofits providing comprehensive, individualized services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In that time, these nonprofits have received only one funding increase of 0.2%; sustained $2.6 billion funding cuts; and were denied $5 billion in funding. Nearly half of these providers have less than 40 days of cash on hand and 1 in 3 are a month away from financial insolvency.

The Position: Lawmakers must include a 3% annual increased investment to provider organizations over the next five years. This will ensure continuity of care for New Yorkers with IDD. Over 90% of services are funded by Medicaid and New York State is mandated by law to provide these services. This multi-year commitment from the state is crucial for the continuation of cost-efficient care, as well as investments in the workforce and much needed technology and facility modernization.

Residential Development The Issue: Thousands of New York State citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities are waiting for placement in a community residential setting, and many are in immediate need. The state has not provided an adequate way for families to plan for the future when providing care at home becomes difficult or impossible. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families face an onerous placement process without a clear understanding of that process or the extent of their wait.

The Position: We continue to advocate for increased residential development, and an improved placement process, especially for people living at home with aging caregivers.

Unemployment The Issue: Even though many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities want to work and have the skills to do so, there are limited employment opportunities available. As a result, the majority of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed.

The Position: The Arc New York supports increased employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and will work to enhance employer tax credits for hiring people with disabilities, secure additional funding for job coaches and other supports, and other significant outcomes.

For more information or to make use of our ready-to-go advocacy letters, visit www.ahrc.org/advocate.

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Perspectives From an Adult Sibling By Mary Mendes Mary Mendes is a licensed clinical social worker and sibling of an adult with a disability. She is also a long-time member of AHRC’s Sibling Support Group.

Not a pleasant position at all.

Negotiating between caring too much and doing too little, I’ve found a few principles that have been helpful in defining a sibling role I can live with.

It’s not easy being the adult sibling of a family member with a

1.) One of these principles is to OWN the challenge of being an adult

disability. An adult sibling can struggle by trying too hard or not doing

sibling. Ever notice how friends’ eyes glaze over when you talk about

much at all. So, how do we figure out reasonable expectations to

your sister or brother? To most people, being an adult sibling is an

manage this role?

invisible role. It’s crucial that we value the importance of being part of

Doing too much can cause

our siblings’ lives.

burnout or even resentment. An overboard sense of helping can

2.) Give yourself credit for

enable an already dependent

experimenting with how to

sister or brother to do less than

connect, in a way that works for

they’re capable of. It can foster

you. Sometimes I think that all I

more dependency than actually

can do is bear witness to my sister’s

exists. Sometimes I find myself

difficulties, and that is good

wanting things to happen for my

enough.

sister that she doesn’t even want to do. I also can infuriate myself

3.) Find a way to participate with

wishing relatives would step up

AHRC. The Adult Sibling Group,

differently or more frequently.

which meets quarterly, is a great

Doing too little has its own dire

place to start. Mainly we talk, listen,

consequences. Ignoring a family

and have parties that include our

member’s needs can create a

siblings. By valuing the role of

fountain of guilt spoiling one’s own

Adult Sibling, and by participating

emotional field or fueling a pattern

in the AHRC community, we

of detachment that spreads to

contribute to the informal network

other areas of life. Dismissing a

of relationships that make AHRC

family member’s need for connection, or ignoring conditions

strong and unique. We familiarize Mary Mendes and Jonas Kaplan of the AHRC Nassau Sibling Support Group

that might diminish their

ourselves with the challenges other adult siblings face, and the

contentment and security, reduces the adult sibling role to that of a

various solutions people discover together. Attending and supporting

complainant — making sure you hold other people responsible,

each other is helpful in defining a sibling role that works for you.

where you feel you have to blame and complain to get things done.

For more information on supports and services, visit

www.ahrc.org/familysupport.

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With Thanks To Our Annual Donors Your generosity ensures that supports and programs that empower people to lead fulfilling lives continue now and in the future.

2019 AHRC Nassau Gifts

2019 AHRC Foundation Gifts

(Non-Event Related) From Corporations, Foundations Service Organizations and Individuals (Gifts over $500)

(Non-Event Related) From Corporations, Foundations Service Organizations and Individuals (Gifts over $500)

Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Achatz - In Memory of James Finn, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Aron J. Ain Mr. Charles J. Dakin Mr. Thomas Gilmore Mr. & Mrs. Harold C. Jacobs, Jr. James Norton Council 1828 Knights of Columbus Nassau County AHRC Foundation, Inc Nassau Police Conference NYSARC Trust Services Penny Lane Productions LLC Pilot RB Qosina Corp.

Ms. Joan Rogers The William S. Perper Foundation Thomas & Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation United Way Long Island Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wohl - In Memory of Edythe Teich

Ms. Kathleen Maggi The American Gift Fund

2019 AHRC Nassau Planned Gifts/Bequests Estate of Elizabeth A. Perley Estate of Norma Rothstein Ralph Scatamacchia Trust

2019 AHRC Foundation Planned Gifts/Bequests Estate of Elizabeth Donovan Estate of Geneva Moses Estate of Joan Irwin Estate of Margaret Riva Estate of Thomas Donovan

2019 Brookville Center for Children's Services Gifts (Non-Event Related) From Corporations, Foundations Service Organizations and Individuals (Gifts over $500)

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Capra Communities Foundation of Texas CustomInk, LLC EJ Autism Foundation Lifetouch National School Studios Nassau County AHRC Foundation, Inc Mr. & Mrs. Marcelo Penas Dr. Jeffrey Seaman Soccer Shots United Way Long Island

2019 Citizens and Camp Loyaltown Gifts (Non-Event Related) From Corporations, Foundations Service Organizations and Individuals (Gifts over $500)

Camp Loyaltown Inc. Mr. Kenneth Farrell Glen Cove Parade Committee, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. William Harrison Italian-Americans in Government Inc. Jared Family Fund - In Honor of Myra Gamell JP Morgan CIB Learning & Development Ms. Roberta Lasala MediSked LLC Nassau County AHRC Foundation, Inc Dr. Suzanne Nemshin & Mr. Jeffrey Nemshin New York Elks Lodge No. 1 Panzer Family Foundation - In Honor of Robyn & Ellen Lipschutz Mr. & Mrs. Marcelo Penas Pilot RB Mr. & Mrs. Ron Sanders Mrs. Janice Shear - In Honor of Dr. Martin Shear St. John's University Take a Swing for Autism Inc. - In Honor of Nicholas Jacovelli Mr. & Mrs. Douglas J. Tantillo

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Thank You to Our Angels By donating to the AHRC Foundation, you’ve created more options and innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Tomorrow’s Angel

Platinum Angel

Gold Angel

Rose & Perry Beek The Eric Bruell Family The Craigmyle Foundation Joe & Liz DeSernia Matthew & Suzanne Donohoe for Sharon Breen Felicia's Family Glen Oaks Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Communal Fund The McQuade Family - In Honor of Sheila & Anthony McQuade Stanfort & Daphne Perry The Senders Family Judy & Doug Tantillo

Laurie Ashcraft The Rafael Brenner Ashe Foundation The Bein Family Susan & Patrick Broderick Mrs. Betty Budd Rosalie & Bob Casteran Richard & Regina Cella & Family The Clasen Family Kevin & Diane Collins The Darcy Family Jennifer Dougherty Phyllis, Gordon & Edmund Downe Karen & Don Fagelman IHO the Staff at Elm Drive, Levittown Henner Family Irwin Contracting Inc. Howard Jurist & Candida Cucharo Leason Ellis, LLP Ronald C. Minkoff Karl Pichler George & Elizabeth Wilson Family of Rebecca Worby

In Memory of Robert, Patricia & William Baker John & Diane Bares Ron Barth for Resource Furniture Blefeld / Levine Families Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Bliven Daniel & Lucille Bradley Patrick G. Broderick Howard & Bernice for Michael Busch BK Fire Suppression & Security Systems Martha & Walter Carney Family Of Sarah Cirillo Merry Christmas - Ed, Jo & Michael Connelly Richard & Gloria Corrao Mr. & Mrs. George A. Corroon Joan & Jeffrey Crane Joe & Annette David In Honor of Nicholas David Bette & Will Derr Genevieve DeSernia DiCristina Family In Memory of Salvatore T.J. DiCristina Matthew DiLascio The Donovan Family Michael Donovan Jeanine Fiore Ray & Signe Fitzpatrick The Freedberg Family Brenda, Peter & Nick Furniss Lawrence Garceau Lisa Gasstrom & Michael Mascari Christopher Gentile, O.D., Valerie Giangrande, O.D. Lola Goldring

Guardian Angel Diane & James Blass Denise & Daniel DeVita Barbara & George Medlin

Diamond Angel Aron & Susan Ain & Ain Family Pauline, Gary & Laura Bencivenga Martin B. Boorstein Michael, Linda & Emily Famiglietti Goldmacher Family Doug & Katie Horacek In Memory of Everitt Hermann Kathleen Maggi The Moyer Family Dr. Lynn Pombonyo & Judge Edward W. McCarty III Fred Yutkowitz

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Gold Angel

Silver Angel

Silver Angel

Gubing Family Fred & Arlene Hauser Jim & Carolyn Hughes Irene Kerner Marie, Julie & Haley Lindell Mr. & Mrs. Franz Mann Frank & Nancy McCay The Mendes Family In Memory of Doris & Louis B. Merolla Meszaros Engineering PLLC Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mulqueen Cliff Nouza’s Aunt Bea Eddie Re Fred & Lorri Rieger Jill T. Sandhaas Semilof Family Howard, Barbara & Nancy Shafferman In Memory of Phyllis & Vincent Sheskier Lynn Silverberg Grandparents of Matthew Soares Todisco Family Kathy & Tom Wingenfeld The Worrall Family Theodore & Catherine Zarembo Kathy Zorn, John Caputo For our lovely Karen Zorn - each day is a gift.

Andrew & Catherine Zurl

Abbondola & Ruane Families George & Rita Abi Zeid Brent Ain, M.D. - In Honor of Pearl & Jacob Ain Bill & Barbara Archer Eileen Barrett Catherine & Michael Beatrice The Bergmans Judith Bilello Jessica Boller & Family Barbara & Jim Brigham & Debby Sokolov Donald Bynum Carbone Family Kathleen Card Mr. & Mrs. Oreste Carnevali Ann & Jim Carroll In Memory of Brian Marie, Richard, Stacy & Marc Cavello In Memory of Emma Celeste Ruth & Nancy Chisholm Denise Cirone Michael Cooper - Cove Tire Aristobulus Curtiss Mr. & Mrs. Stephen DaVanzo Lisa & Greg DeCastros DeGrace Family Paula DeVita Robert DiGangi & Family Victoria Dinielli My Parents deceasedThomas & Elizabeth Donovan, My brother deceased- Tommy Donovan Jr. Robert & Patricia Eslinger Fanuzzi Family

Fasano Family Fiorentino Family Anne Foltin Eva Foltin & Family Thomas Foote & Family Demond Ford Family Annette & Bernard Forseter Charles Frenzel Mr. & Mrs. Norman Galanti Jayne & Bob Garrett In Memory of Mildred & Philip Siegel Edith E. Gerber Frances B. Gibson Goess Family Mr. & Mrs. Francis Goodwin Joan Gordon-Somers Rhoda & Billy Greenwald William Greifeld & Pam Shortal Amy Gross David & Irma Gross Heather Melissa & Jason Henderson The Marc Horowitz Family Debbie Horn & Seth JVC Auto Collision Rochelle & Ronald Karp In Memory of Irwin Katz & Terry Katz David Kirschenbaum In Loving Memory of my angel, Samantha Koulias Ms. Madeline Laser Cathleen & Sanford Leff Andrea & Howard Lieb Mr. & Mrs. George W. Littman III Mr. Joseph LoSchiavo

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Silver Angel

Silver Angel

Bronze Angel

The Madison Family Lou, Kathy, Michelle & Steven Magagna Marvin Mandell Dennis & Barbara McNamara Martin-Morgan Family Matthew Masone & Stacie Boomstra The Matozzo Family Maria McCarthy Sean & Lisa McCarthy In Memory of Kevin, James & Florence McCue Bill & Marianne McLaughlin Mary & Terry McNamara Liza, Beth & Marc Merrill Lorraine & Joe Meszaros Linda Rose & Phyllis Minkoff Mr. & Mrs. Frank B. Moles Family of Donna Muller Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Napolitano Marie & Joseph Noto In Memory of Joann Noto Dennis & Judy Novick Pete & Ellain Nowak Joseph & Eileen O'Brien Elizabeth Comer-O'Neill Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Pascucci The Pressman Family Frank Umberto Richardson Kathleen & Eric Robinson Marsha Rochlin In Honor of Cara, Corey & Jack Jeshiva Toni & Jerome Roestenberg Jean M. Roniger Olin Tim & Julie Rooney Dorothy, Dan & Danny Roper Peter, Vicky & Billy Russo Neal & Janine Salvey In Memory of Gladys Sandillo Warren & Nina Schiffer Bert & Diane Schneider Robert E. Seidler Cherie & Dan Serota Dan & Karen Sheehy Bruce Sheskier The Sinett Family Ryan Sklar T. Skubina & M. Bartholomew Gabriel F. Silva The Squire Family Anne Stanley Staudter Family Frederick Sterbenz

John J. Sullivan & Eileen M. Goggins Bob Sultana & Robert Sicker David & Michele Tarica The Telson Family The John H. Treiber Family Arleen & Donald Wachs Susan R. Wallace Diane & Laurie Woolnough Jeffrey & Patricia Zinke To my princess Karen Zorn Lots of Love, Mommy Zorn

Mr. & Mrs. Vito Colletti Margaret Colquhoun In Memory of Jackie Colquhoun Connor Family The Conologue Family Patrick D. Conroy Corinne Thomas & Rita Costello Valerie & Bob Croon Maria Czarniecki In Memory of Jon Peter D'Angelo In Memory of Josie D'Antonio Mr. & Mrs. Charles Dean & Family The DeAngelis Family Stephen Delaney & Family Paul DePietro Joe & Barbara Di Gregorio William Dinkelacker Kim Donaldson & Family Robert & Julie Donohue Tommy Donovan Jr. The Dowling Family Robert & Susan Drescher Ira Dubowy Karen & Steve Dunn Megan Ebel Family Emily C. Eller Eileen & Jane Erb DonDero & Essen Families Mr. & Mrs. John Fealey Kathryn Ferretti for Donna Moles Rosemarie & Ralph Fiero Barbara A. Figiel The Fisher Family Mr. Daniel Flynn Timothy Foley Family Patricia A. Fox In Memory of Adelaide C. Fox David Foxen The Family of David Frerks Moe & Gail Friedman Joan Gabbidon - For my Wonderful Daughter Taisia Jay & Sherry Gaines Patricia Galvin Eileen Game Jack & Eydie Garofalo - In Memory of Jack Garofalo Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Vinny Giovinco Jamie Goldberg Priscilla Goldfarb Marilyn Green Mr. & Mrs. Howard Greenstein (Our Grandson Alex Greenstein) Michele & Anne Greenblatt George & Jo-Ann Grier

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Bronze Angel In Loving Memory of Louis G. Capogrosso - Monica & Bill Andermann In Memory of Robert & Andre Anders Karen Babyak Audrey Barbieri Rhoda Barnard Cathy for Michael Baroletti Diana Beckerle The Berglass Family Gloria & Richard Berlin Doris Bernstein Ann Berris Inez & John Beyrer Block Family Martha C. Bogovich & Matthew P. Bogovich Joseph Bonamo Margaret Braga Ron Bredow In Memory of Patty Brennan The Brickous Family Mr. & Mrs. Hy Brodsky In Loving Memory of Christine Monson - The Burke Family Paul, Laura & Stephen Caglione Colleen Cahill Rosemarie Calamari - In Memory of John Calamari Patrick & Regina Carbonaro Stephen Carlino Joseph Carpenter & Family Paul Carpentieri In Memory of Regina & George Cavallo Kathy Chand Mr. & Mrs. R. Chechilo Arlene & Joe Chirco & Family In Honor of Ruth Chisholm James Cinturati & Family Thomas & Geraldine Clarke - In Memory of our Sister, Marie O'Connell Marion & Bob Closter Barry Cohen

Bronze Angel

Bronze Angel

Robert & Rose Gross In Loving Memory of Nancy Guadagno Romelia Haas on behalf of David Haas Jacqueline Haberer In Memory of Nancy Guadagno - Sue & Peter Hadfield George & Debbie Hanna Thomas Hardardt Mary Jane Hegi Stephen & Miriam Helfgott Stuart Henig Hermann Family Joanne Hess Frieda Hess & Family Lillian Hills Paul & Judy Hollander Milton & Barbara Hostetter Mary A. Hyland Inglese Family In Memory of Kevin Jarvis Love Beth, Robert, Matthew & Gregory Jarvis Anthony Jimenez Janet Joyce In Memory of My Sister Jackie Joyce Troy Marty Kastriner The Keating Family Michael & Joseph Keating & Family Patricia C. Keegan Ms. Rosemary Kelly Tom & Kathy Kilminster Mr. & Mrs. Steven L. Kirk Donna, Steve, Ian & Brian Kirsch Alan Kline Jr. & Mom John & Lu Koch Ronald, Marilyn & Koerner Family Rosemarie & Judy Kohler Bob, Gloria & Lynn Kotter Kuczyk Family M. Kuehnel Chrissy & Joan Kurz Ms. Leng Lao Debby & Sheldon Lapidus Angela & Tania Laterza Wilbur & Eileen Latimer Joan W. Lawson Colleen Leahy's Family Lorraine & Ferdinando Leone Peggy & Richard Levitan Lynn Lewis Rosanne & Karen Linkens Mr. Nicholas R. Longo Dolores Lorenzo Dan Makar & Family Jessica & Edward Marcin Phil & Maureen Marino Paula & Erica Maynard Happy Holidays-

The Mazure Family, Melissa, Mary Jo & Les Mr. & Mrs. John McAvey The McCabe Family William McDonald & Family Family of Jane McGreevy Pearl, John, Susan & Ross McGuire Jeanne, Anne & Kate McHale Barbara McHugh Christine & Pauline McHugh Kevin McMahon Vivian McPhilliamy McShane Family Melling Family Karl & Lucille Messina In Memory of Philip & Erin Frank Miritello Martha & Robert Montello Tina Moore In Memory of Sally Ann Talko In Memory of Kathy Morgan Roy Mullings Daniel Mulvaney & Family Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Murch & Robert Philip Napolitano & Family Lorraine, Edward Jr. & John Nikl William Nouza Mr. & Mrs. Michael Oakes Mrs. Cathleen O'Connor Nan O'Hara & Family The O'Learys Leslie Olsen Diane Olsen Tom & Mary O'Neil In Memory of the Frank Ostafinski Family Bernadette & Alfred Pagano Desmond Parker The Passarella Family The Perfit Family Ron & Susan Perry Marlene Pertose Pat Peter Giovanna & Settimio Petruccelli Margaret Pfeffer In Loving Memory of Ellie Pfeffer Our Angel - Joan Kleinklaus, The Pignataro Family Pinckney Family Michael & Marylouise Pirola Ruth Pleines - In Memory of Janine Pleines Marty & Marcia Pulewitz Brian Quinn In Loving Memory of Carolyn Wright Ron & Barbara Quist Carolyn Raber Stefan Ulrich, Rainforest Travel Shop

Bronze Angel Gigi & Michelle Raphael Rosemary & Kevin Reichart Mr. & Mrs. John P. Reilly Mr. & Mrs. John E. Reilly Gene & Pat Reynolds Rose, Edward Rick & Our Angels in Heaven, Elizabeth & Eddie Margaretta E. Riggs With Love Margaret & John Risso & Family - For Angel Ann Bruder Lee Rizzo & Michele Ms. Marilyn Roll Stephanie Rosselli Maureen Rush Ivy Ruzenski Mary & Edward Ryan Kathleen & James Saville Scally Family Joel Schectman Emmy Schehr Scheideler Electric, Inc. Anthony Lennon, Pres.

Florence Schiavone Reinhold, Kathi & Heidi Schierle Ed, Fran & Eddy Schlesinger Thomas Schuck Mr. & Mrs. William Schutt In Memory of Dillon Shea Irene Smith – Margaret (Rita) McDermott Robert A. Smith Ute & Perry Smith Sharon Soper In Memory of Stephen Soper Sorrento Family Jacqueline Spiegel Anna Stine Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Strada Monica Stuart Margaret Sullivan Carol Terracciano Tortora-Morici Family Betty Tucker Sean Tuohy & Family Arthur, Lorraine & Kathleen Uberti Michael William Ustler The Verderber Family Mr. & Mrs. Barry Vogel Cheryl Walder & Family Mr. & Mrs. William M. Ward Joel Weinberg's Loving Mom Bonnie & Gary In Loving Memory of Richard Werbin Marilyn Weiss & Family In Memory of Gail Wernersbach, by the Wernersbach Family Gloria Westhoff Family of Daniel Winters

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Community Highlights Veteran Stand Down Event Every year, people supported by AHRC Nassau contribute more than 200,000 volunteer hours to make a difference throughout Nassau County. The smiles and support given on a daily basis by AHRC volunteers were exemplified by Reggie Israel, Chris Ledour, Billy Jacob, John Buley-Neumar and Mike McCabe, who in November, volunteered at the Veteran Stand Down event. The volunteers greeted veterans, handed out supplies, as well as placed boots and socks in boxes for veterans to take home.

The volunteers gave back while proudly wearing their United Way of Long Island Mission United t-shirts. AHRC Nassau is a community partner of the United Way.

AHRC’s One Stop Gift Shop Why is the One Stop Gift Shop different, compared to other gift stores? We are different because our philosophy is building a stronger community through giving. People with IDD who volunteer in the store select a local organization or charity that will be the quarterly recipients of the proceeds earned at the store.

This quarter’s donation went to MOMMA’s House, a shelter for mothers and children. The AHRC Nassau day program has worked closely with Momma’s House for many years; creating personal care baskets for the mothers, donating clothing and baby items.

The One Stop Gift Shop was proud to make a donation for $500.00 to this worthy organization.

For more information, visit www.ahrc.org/giftshop

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Community Highlights SibShops Training Siblings can be the first friends and systems of support for children with developmental disabilities. Understanding this important, lifelong relationship, Brookville Center hosted the award-winning program, Sibshops - The Sibling Support Project, this November.

Led by Emily Holl, this conference provided clinicians, educators, social workers and system partners with kid-friendly programs focused on building greater compassion, advocacy, insight and tolerance among siblings. The conference also featured a panel from the AHRC Adult Sibling Group, including AHRC Nassau President Paul Giordano, Jonas Kaplan, Mary Mendes, Ali Carbone and Ariam Alula, as well as an overview of how to operate a Sibshop program in attendees’ local communities.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Thank you Nassau County Police Department for all you do to keep our community safe. This January for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, people supported by AHRC Nassau Day Habilitation sites delivered goodie bags to local police precincts to show their appreciation. The bags were accompanied by a note that said: Life Savers: Because you are one! Caramel: Because you help others out of sticky situations! 100 Grand: Because you don’t do it for the money! Lollipop: For that “POP” of energy you need! Mint Patty: To help keep your cool in every situation! Gum: To help your unit stick together! Hershey’s Kisses: To show our love for all you do!

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Community Highlights

Meaningful Gifts This Holiday Season AHRC's community came together to celebrate and create a brighter holiday season: The Giving Tree. Employees across AHRC's family of organizations took an ornament off Giving Trees in Brookville, Plainview and Freeport. More than 150 gifts were donated to families in need.

Knights of Columbus Holiday Party. Every year for the past 31 years, the Knights of Columbus - James Norton Council have made an annual donation and hosted a holiday party on the first Tuesday in December for residents of AHRC group homes near Glen Cove.

The Nassau County Police Conference and Giving Tree Family Party. On December 7th, 80 children and staff celebrated the holidays with a party hosted by the Nassau Police Conference. The Giving Tree Family partnered with the Nassau Police Conference in planning and organizing all of the fun activities for the students. Through the Nassau Police Conference’s generosity, the students enjoyed games, craft activities, pizza and special gifts from Santa.

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Community Highlights Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Garcia Thank you to Steve Garcia and his therapy dog Chester, who recently participated in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Steve and Chester, a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International, have been volunteering at our AHRC Nassau North Bellmore site since 2018, providing comfort and lifting the spirits of those we support. If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out at www.ahrc.org/volunteer.

Staff Spotlight AHRC Nassau’s Residential Council held the annual Caught in the Act Recognition Dinner on January 15 at the Brookville mansion.

Staff were honored by the people they support for exceptional service, that shows dedication above and beyond the call of duty.

Honorees include Taiwane Verene, Fatima Tobin, Kristen Angiuli, Crystal Brabham, Clara Epemolu, Noel Quiles, Josephine Smiley, Corinne Kennedy, Roberte Metellus, Sybil Grant, Nicola Williams, Shwanna Kales, Indardaye Chan, Donna Thompson, Sherlyn Wade, Pam Boyle, Marybeth Campfield, Rhomie Malebranch and Donna Thompson.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 31 Glen Head, NY

189 Wheatley Road, Brookville (Glen Head), NY 11545 inspire@ahrc.org

Upcoming Events: March 22

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AHRC Sibling Meeting in Brookville

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ANNUAL ROSE BALL Honoring

Leadership Award Recipient Stuart Herskovitz Chairman Emeritus | Qosina Corporation

Humanitarian Award Recipient Laura Curran Nassau County Executive

NEW VENUE

THE MANSION AT OYSTER BAY FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 7 P.M.–MIDNIGHT

For more information, visit www.ahrc.org/roseball

April 1

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AHRC Sibling Meeting in Brookville June 2

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Annual Sibling BBQ in Brookville For more information, visit www.ahrc.org/calendar