NEWS Fall 2018 Vol. 67 Issue 2
www.ahrc.org
Recognition for Excellence, Commitment to a Better Future
Gumerove Elected President of The Arc New York
AHRC Nassau has been awarded the four-year PersonCentered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction, from CQL I The Council on Quality and Leadership. This award recognizes that the organization embraces person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). When AHRC Nassau partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, it undertook a rigorous process to review and improve supports and services. The efforts of AHRC Nassau were focused on empowering the people who receive supports to pursue what really matters in their lives, and achieve their personally-defined outcomes. AHRC Nassau has been awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the following areas: • Basic Assurances® Ensuring fundamental safeguards related to health, safety and human security • Personal Outcome Measures® Supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams • Person-Centered Excellence Demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems “CQL commends AHRC Nassau for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey of ongoing organizational transformation,” states Mary Kay Rizzolo, president and CEO of CQL.
AHRC Nassau First Vice President Saundra M. Gumerove, Esq., was elected President of The Arc New York, the largest nonprofit in New York State supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Leading the 51 regional chapters, Gumerove is poised to address these issues, after serving as a member of The Arc of the United States Policy Committee for the past 10 years and Chair of The Arc New York Government Affairs Committee for seven years. “We are inspired by her service and all that will be achieved through her leadership,” said Stanfort Perry, executive director, AHRC Nassau. “As a chapter of The Arc New York, we will remain focused on advancing the issues impacting the people we support, independently and as part of a greater community.”
Mission: AHRC Nassau empowers people to live fulfilling lives. Together with Family – Friends – Community
Vision: Maximizing potential throughout a lifetime
Saundra Gumerove (right) joined by The Arc New York’s Immediate Past President, Laura Kennedy, and Executive Director, Mark van Voorst. 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
BIG TREE FARMS ARRIVES ON THE GOLD COAST OF LONG ISLAND
AHRC NASSAU HISTORY
In the late 1940’s there was no place outside of a state institution for people with developmental disabilities. Following the end of WWII, parents began coming together to create opportunities for their children with developmental disabilities beyond the walls of the institution.
1918-Construction is completed, and Big Tree Farms arrives on the Gold Coast of Long Island.
Table of Contents
James N. Hill and his wife, Marguerite, were prominent horticulturists. On their 230-acre estate called Big Tree Farm, they bred Holstein and Ayrshire cattle, grew 769 species of trees and had three large duck ponds. The Hills interests included arboriculture, gardening, horses, tennis, shooting and golf. The Hills home was considered one of the East Coast’s showplaces and was the site of lavish events.
Marguerite Sawyer Hill’s large jewelry collection, which included diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and heirloom pieces, was robbed. Her jewerly was valued at over$359,000 (equivalent to over $5.2 million in 2018).
The name of the estate, ‘Big Tree Farm,’ derives from a massive sycamore tree that sits on the estate.
Events
1918
1920
The Hill’s were on the Social Register, a semi-annual publication in the United States that indexes the members of high society. Inclusion in the Social Register was once so important for members of Society
Membership Luncheon
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Rose Ball
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AHRC Walk
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Margiotta Memorial Golf Outing
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Opening of the One Stop Gift Shop
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BSE Employee Giveback Day
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Debut of East Meadow Art Gallery Exhibit
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The AHRC Nassau chapter was founded by such parents – parents who believed that their children “could be helped” if given the opportunity and support. They established an active board of directors to guide the fledgling organization, a network of local volunteer auxiliaries, and a staff of caring professionals to meet the individual needs of each child and adult served in AHRC’s programs. The strength of the board, volunteers and staff has been the enduring hallmark of AHRC’s growth and development.
1942- Big Tree Farm is robbed!
1932
1935
1942
1948
1932James Norman Hill passes away
1949
1950- New Hyde Park School opens 1950- First summer program begins in New Castle
1950
1949- First organizational meeting for Long Island takes place at the Carle Place Fire House on October 25th 1949. The Long Island Chapter of was voted into existence. Subsequently, the Long Island Chapter split into the Nassau County Chapter and the Suffolk Chapter..
1920-The 19th amendment to the US Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage, and was ratified on August 18, 1920.
1935- The Social Security Act of 1935 became US Law; it provided federally funded old-age benefits and funds to states for assistance to people who are blind and children with disabilities.
1948Marguerite Sawyer Hill Davis passes awayway
The Act also extended existing vocational rehabilitation programs.
In 2019, we’re celebrating AHRC Nassau’s 70th anniversary.
Advocacy/ Leadership
Learn more about our community’s history and continued
State and Local Representatives Show Support
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Thank You to Our Board of Directors
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Auxiliaries Recognized for Excellence
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The Issues
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commitment to empowering people of all abilities: www.ahrc.org/70years
Celebrating Our Community DSP Recognition Week 10 Congratulations 12 Meet Our Team Profile 14
We continue to advocate for a better future. Learn more about the issues impacting our community on page 8.
September was Direct Support
Professional Recognition Week. See profiles of our exceptional team on page 10 and 14.
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Events Continue Our Tradition of Excellence Membership Luncheon
AHRC Nassau celebrated 69 years of fulfilling the promise to children and adults with developmental disabilities at its Annual Membership Luncheon. This year was particularly special, as the organization celebrated the 100th anniversary of its grounds and 60 years of being headquartered in Brookville. Over 600 AHRC members and guests in government shared their support and commitment for people with developmental disabilities.
Rose Ball
At the 68th Annual Rose Ball, the AHRC Foundation honored Edward Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, Inc. and author of “Predicting the Markets: A Professional Autobiography,” with the Leadership Award, while Marin B. Boorstein, founding director of the AHRC Foundation and founder of Life Care Data Exchange, LLC, received the Humanitarian Award.
AHRC Walk
More than 1,200 Long Islanders walked in support of children and adults with developmental disabilities and raised over $100,000 at this year’s AHRC Walk. By coming together with family, friends and supporters, AHRC Foundation joyfully demonstrated and rallied behind the banner, “Moving ahead. Leaving no one behind.”
Margiotta Memorial Golf Outing
AHRC Foundation’s golf outing held on Oct. 4 at the Muttontown Club in East Norwich was a success.
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Events Continue Our Tradition of Excellence
Opening of the One Stop Gift Shop The One Stop Gift Shop opened for business, this summer, at 113 Levittown Parkway in Hicksville; the shop’s hours are Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The new boutique focuses on heartfelt gifts, as well as job training and closer community connections for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Present for the opening of our boutique were Hicksville Chamber of Commerce's Xiomara Leto of TD Bank and Beth Dalton of Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, Inc. and NYCB LIVE Emily Panasowich. Assemblyman Michael Montesano also stopped by before the opening to show his support.
Save 10% next time you shop with promo code: Winter www.ahrc.org/giftshop
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BSE Employee Giveback Day
For its Employee Giveback Day, BSE Global employees partnered with volunteers from AHRC Nassau’s Day Hab program to put together care packages for local veterans. Visiting AHRC’s Brookville campus, the BSE team included staffers from NYCB LIVE, Long Island Nets, AEG and Levy Restaurants, the company that manages its concession stands. 280 care packages were completed and delivered to local nonprofit, General Needs.
Debut of East Meadow Art Gallery Exhibit Artists from the AHRC East Meadow Art Gallery shared recent work, stories and smiles during a summer exhibit at the East Meadow Public Library. From a life-size, paper mache elephant to paintings of still life, artists celebrated their work at a grand opening with a live pianist and hors d’oeuvres, graciously hosted by Jude Schanzer of the East Meadow Public Library.
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Advocating for a Better Future
State and Local Representatives Show Support
More than 600 AHRC members and guests in government showed their support and commitment to people with disabilities at the Membership Luncheon
Pictured: First Row: The Arc New York President and AHRC Nassau First Vice President Saundra Gumerove, AHRC Nassau Vice President Jack Garofalo, Assemblywoman Melissa "Missy" Miller, Senator Carl Marcellino, Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and AHRC Nassau Executive Director Stanfort Perry. Second Row: AHRC Nassau President Paul Giordano and New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities – Long Island Region Deputy Director Margaret Stadnicky, on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Third Row: Legislator Vincent Muscarella, Legislator Debra MulÊ, Assemblyman Michael Montesano and Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum. Fourth Row: Assemblyman Dave McDonough, Mayor of Brookville Daniel Serota and Assemblyman Ed Ra. Present but not pictured: Legislator Laura Schaefer and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. AHRC Nassau News
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Thank you to our
Board of Directors for your
dedication and contributions to realizing AHRC’s mission.
Officers
Auxiliaries Recognized for Membership Achievements
President
Paul A. Giordano First Vice President
Saundra M. Gumerove, Esq.
The annual Membership Luncheon is a great tradition at AHRC, paying tribute to the members and what their voices, together, are able to achieve. As members and supporters come together, it’s important
Vice President
Jack Garofalo Vice President
Howard Jurist, Esq.
to recognize the contributions of AHRC Auxiliaries. We are pleased to recognize: • The Floral Park Auxiliary for the greatest number of new members. • The Garden City Auxiliary for the greatest number of membership
Vice President
Thomas F. Moore
renewals. • The Massapequa/Seaford/Farmingdale Auxiliary for the greatest
Vice President
overall membership.
Martin B. Boorstein Secretary
Rady Bruell
Congratulations and thank you to all the auxiliaries for your long-standing support.
Assistant Secretary
Rose-Angela Marazita Treasurer
Perry Beek
Officers Susan Broderick Jessica Campbell Martha Medina Carney Josephine Connelly Patricia Desiderio Eileen Goggins Lloyd Groveman Kevin Miller Thomas P. Rosicki Eric Segal Harrietta Traversa Jeffrey Witt
Floral Park Auxiliary President Francine Anders and Floral Park Auxiliary Vice President of Membership Teresa A. Valila accept the Membership Award. AHRC Nassau News
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AHRC Nassau’s rich history of advocacy continues, as the community actively
responds to the political threats directed
at crucial programs ensuring the health and safety of more than 100,000 New Yorkers
with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
AHRC activated its community on the following issues (found on the next page) through
organized advocacy events, telephone calls, petitions, emails, letter-writing campaigns and social media.
We invite you to join us as we continue to
share our experiences and perspectives by
signing up to receive advocacy email updates at www.ahrc.org/optin.
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inspire@ahrc.org
Advocating for a Better Future
The Issues
Share your perspectives and let lawmakers know that we stand up for the issues impacting people with developmental disabilities, especially: Medicaid/Managed Care: Medicaid is the backbone of services to people with developmental disabilities across the nation and in New York State. AHRC Nassau, along with thousands of other developmental disabilities providers and advocates across the nation, vigilantly defend the Medicaid program from further action in Washington which would devastate the families we serve and the services we provide. Also, as the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) continues its transition into managed care, we advocate for increased standardization, new models of care coordination and investments in both state agency and provider agency levels.
#bFair2DirectCare: Increase funding of direct support professionals (DSPs), the people who assist people with disabilities with self-care, medication, recreation and all necessary supports. Funding limitations have resulted in staffing shortages and vacancies for these positions crucial to daily living. $191 million was approved in the final state budget to fund two consecutive 3.25% wage increases for DSPs in 2018. However, that is not enough to fund a living wage. We request additional yearly wage increases of 3.25% for direct care and clinical staff in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 to ensure that these employees are paid a living wage. We support Assembly Bill A10712 (Gunther) – which will be reintroduced in 2019 – and the recent Senate Bill S8184A (Ortt).
Residential Development: Thousands of New York State residents with developmental disabilities are waiting for homes. Many are in immediate need, facing an onerous and unclear process. We advocate for increased residential development, especially with regard to aging caregivers living at home with their
adult children. We support the Fair Access to Individualized Residences (FAIR) Housing Act, which would give family caregivers the right to request a “caregiver assessment” from OPWDD, and depending on the outcome, an immediate out-of-home residential placement. We also propose sufficient residential development to: 1) transparently assess the number of people who have requested or need residential services and keep a wait list with a publically available summary; 2) streamline the eligibility process so that people on the wait list can have their eligibility rapidly assessed and established; 3) make other administrative enhancements necessary to more efficiently match people in need with existing vacancies; and 4) provide capital and operating funding to establish as many new residential opportunities as necessary to meet the needs of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
Employment/Transition Services: The majority of adults with developmental disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed. To promote employment for people with developmental disabilities, we propose new supports to: 1) enhance employer tax credits; 2) secure additional funding for job coaches and other supports; 3) create state jobs; 4) pay subminimum wages, when appropriate; 5) create a pilot program that subdivides state jobs into simpler component parts to provide minimum wages, and integrated employment for people who otherwise could not perform the entire job; 6) transform workshops into integrated businesses; and 7) give people in sheltered workshops the right to choose to remain in that setting with the Employment First Choice Act.
Preschool/Early Intervention Services Preschools that serve children with developmental disabilities are paid significantly less than it costs to operate them; the state reimburses these programs at 94% of allowable cost and even less than actual costs. Due to teacher compensation gaps between special education and public schools, we also continue to have teacher recruitment and retention challenges. We propose new supports to 1) a 4% tuition increase for special education schools; 2) the inclusion of a statutory index for annual tuition increases for 4410 preschools and 853 special education schools, and the establishment of a reserve fund to maintain fiscal viability; 3) providing $18 million for special education schools to narrow the teacher compensation gap; 4) setting aside Universal Pre-Kindergarten seats to ensure classroom integration with 4410 special education preschools; and 5) providing a 4% Early Intervention rate increase to address 20+ years of flat/decreasing rates.
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Coming Together to Celebrate Our Community
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week AHRC Nassau recognized the work of our exceptional DSP team during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. DSPs support people to dream their own dreams and achieve success in ways big and small.
Our DSP team is exceptional and truly are superheroes Oral Jeffers and Steven Daniels saved lives in July with their fast thinking and calm in the face of danger. On the way to making Meals on Wheels deliveries, the wheelchair van started stalling. Oral pulled over and noticed smoke from the hood of the van. With the wheelchair lift not working and smoke billowing more and more, immediate action was needed. Two good Samaritans pulled over to help and together lifted people in their chairs out of the van through the back door. Shortly afterwards, the van was engulfed in flames.
Vanessa Wright once worked in music videos and supported artists like Lil’ Kim, Nas and Mel B. Now, she’s choreographing dance routines for people of all abilities in the agency’s flash mob and empowering the people she supports. “Who we are is celebrated (at the agency) and we’re encouraged to bring more of ourselves,” shares Vanessa. In turn, Vanessa actively looks for opportunities for people to shine. “I celebrate strengths and look for environments where (people) can thrive.”
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Best friends, AHRC Nassau community habilitation workers and seasoned Pets4Luv Foundation volunteer leaders, Tracy Mazzaro and Jeanette Badger, share their love of working with wounded, ill or special needs animals side by side the people they support with developmental disabilities. “It’s wonderful when a (typical) volunteer comes in, is a bit lost and one of our guys shows them the right way (to do things),” said Tracy. “Our guys are visible at the front desk, welcoming people who walk in and help with everything.”
Akeem Hill is an assistant house manager but still spends many hours on direct care. Here's Akeem with Tracy. It may take some extra time to bring a smile to Tracy’s face when a picture is being taken, but Akeem knows it’s well worth the effort. “Tracy is one of the most cheerful people and is very easy to get along with,” shared Akeem, who enjoys building relationships with the people he supports.
Community Highlights
Sibling Barbeque For adults with special needs, siblings are often their longest and most profound relationship. Like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, our annual Sibling Barbeque is an intimate celebration of this special relationship as well as the community of peer support for brothers and sisters. These families were some of the very first supported at the Brookville mansion. Limongelli Retirement Party For 45 years, Peggy Limongelli brought all of her talents to AHRC Nassau, from management of hundreds of employees to soap-making. In October, Peggy retired with more than a hundred staff, friends and family in attendance. Starting as a special education teacher and retiring as an assistant director of day program, Peggy’s focus has been not on “leading a horse to water” but “salting the oats to make the horse want to drink the water” — creating opportunities that inspire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to experience the world more fully.
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Congratulations Michelle Rudoff and Janice Shear The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) honored Michelle Rudoff as Self-Advocate of the Year and Janice Shear as Advisor of the Year at its September meeting in Albany.
Abrar Butt Abrar was recognized as a Joslin Outstanding Performer from the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.’s (NYSID) 15th Annual William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Awards Program. Abrar has been employed with AHRC for the past 5 years, and supports the Department Of Labor - Hicksville and New York Department of Motor Vehicles - Massapequa.
Donna Nowakoski Donna placed second in the art competition at The Arc New York Fall Board of Governors meeting. Donna created an image using over 1,000 tiny beads to capture her vision.
Gloria Waller Gloria was just promoted to working at the Nathan’s Famous concession stand and received her first tip for a job well done. Her first night running food and drinks to hundreds of attendees at the Elton John concert comes after more than a year of keeping Levy Restaurants’ concession carts of condiments and utensils well organized for fans of acts, ranging from UFC fighters to Billy Joel.
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Diversity Committee The Diversity Committee hosted its first Staff Appreciation Day, this summer, at the mansion for all in our family of organizations, including with Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc., Brookville Center for Children's Services and Advantage Care Health Centers. Staff spent the day together enjoying good conversations, as well as music, food and wellness activities reflecting our vibrant multicultural community.
Capital Grille – Garden City Employment Partners Our partners from The Capital Grille Garden City were recognized by the Long Island Working Partnership, an ACCES-VR Consortium, as an outstanding employer during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We were proud to nominate The Capital Grille for this award. Their demonstrated excellence in offering competitive work opportunities for people of all abilities continues to inspire. Joining us at the awards breakfast honoring The Capital Grille were team members from another outstanding partner, Seasons 52, also of Darden Restaurants.
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Meet Our Team
Lynne Brewer, Community Relations Liaison When Billy Meyer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given four
months to live, AHRC Nassau Community Habilitation Worker, Lynne Brewer, knew what to do. Project “Make Memories for Billy” was started to make sure Billy would have a lifetime of memories.
“What Billy wanted more than anything else was more time,” said Billy’s stepfather, Michael O’Connor. “When Lynne got involved, there was no stopping her.” As one of his chief “memory makers,” Lynne earned the nicknames “Tornado” and “Mom #2,” working closely with Billy on daily self-care and medical routines as well as his most heartfelt wishes. Lynne planned weekly adventures and celebrations to motivate Billy to continue to pursue his life goals and connect with others through activities. “Each memory gave (Billy) a reason to fight and he did, lasting a year and an half,” said Lynne. Most of Billy’s goals were modest. He enjoyed cooking for his friend, Lindsey, who was also battling cancer, and baking and delivering a birthday cake to his friend, Emily. Some of Billy’s goals were more adventurous – go-carting, visiting water parks, attending his first polo match, and fun nights out with friends at Mulcahy’s Pub. However, as Billy was supported and encouraged by Lynne to pursue his interests, his ideas became more creative; his network of community connections broadened; and people he had never met stepped in to offer their time and ask how they could help. Billy loved anything by Billy Joel and always wanted to see the Piano Man live. In his last months, Billy sang regularly with Michael Delguidice, rhythm guitarist and vocalist for Billy Joel’s band, and lead vocalist and pianist for the Long Island band, Big Shot. Standing beside Lynne, Billy enjoyed many evenings out singing with Big Shot, including at Mulcahy’s Pub, Concert Hall and The Paramount in Huntington. Michael also graciously shared two backstage passes and floor seats to Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden.
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Another passion point was wrestling. Lynne connected with Garden of Dreams to attend a WWE wrestling match at Madison Square Garden as well as local wrestler, John Rage Lesser, who met Billy at different matches and attended his 51st birthday bash. Another live-action event Billy enjoyed was “Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes” with tickets donated by NYCB LIVE – Nassau Coliseum. In his last months, Billy also accomplished his goal of jumping in horseback riding, thanks to bi-weekly lessons donated by the North Shore Equestrian Center, while North Shore Saddlery provided riding pants, a shirt and horse treats. As his dreams were coming true, Billy remained focused on his family and friends. Important moments were shared at 50th and 51st birthday bashes, where space was donated by B.K. Sweeney’s Parkside Tavern in Bethpage. More than 80 families and friends came together to enjoy a meal and good times. “It was the simple things in life Billy reminded me to treasure,” said Lynne. “A song on the radio being sung as we danced in the car, a smile he shared and brought to the face of everyone he met, his genuine caring for all those in his life. He always asked how others were doing.” Lynne is quick to thank “all friends and family members that made monetary donations that assisted with making memories happen,” and Billy, himself, for “helping (her) remember to see the good in people.”
Guardianship: Standing Together Programs in Action AHRC Nassau was awarded a $210,000 grant from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support guardianship and a $15,000 grant to support recreation programs. NYSARC Trust administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) that make dramatic improvements in the lives of people with disabilities while enabling people to maintain eligibility for public benefits programs.
Guardianship Program Celebrates The eighth annual Guardianship Luncheon was held at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck. The Mardi Gras-themed celebration offered dancing, singing, casino and carnival games, magic acts and a photo booth to more than 100 attendees, including the people receiving primary and standby guardianship support, staff, family and Guardianship Committee members.
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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
Become an AHRC Angel Your gift to the Angel Campaign will create
more options and innovative supports for children and adults with developmental
disabilities and turn today's aspirations
into tomorrow's reality.
Upcoming Events April 2 ǀ 6–8 p.m. Pearl & Jack Ain AHRC Freedom Seder at Cissy Birnbaum Gym on the Brookville Campus
June 14 ǀ 7 p.m.–Midnight Rose Ball at the Crest Hollow Country Club Oct. 3 ǀ 10 a.m. –3 p.m. Membership Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Brookville Mansion
To make a gift, please visit www.ahrcfoundation.org/angel
For more event information, visit www.ahrc.org/calendar