Blossoming At Home
Port Washington Housemates and Staff Create Sensory Garden
A colorful sensory garden filled with spring flowers is bringing creativity and connection to the people who live and work at the Citizens’ Port Washington residence. This collaboration between housemates and staff reflects all their personalities.
So far, the garden is filled with spring flowers, such as tulips, along with hand-painted kindness rocks decorated with everyone’s names, people they love and appreciate, and uplifting words of hope and unity, including “profound,” “I’m passionate,” “hope,” “peace,” “fun,” “trust,” “parents,” and “home.”
The garden has been in the works for several months. Housemates and staff first dug through the backyard for rocks then cleaned them. During the winter snowstorms, they used the time indoors to paint the rocks bright colors.
Agency maintenance also helped bring the garden to life by clearing shrubs and ordering flowers from Wheatley Farms.
Together, housemates and staff also created a low fence around the garden, painting the panels different colors and writing their names and kind messages on them.
“We all worked as a team to get it together so that we’d have it for spring,” Valerie Clemens, Direct Support Professional (DSP), said. “It gives the people we support self-confidence, and it just makes me happy to make their house happy.”
The process itself was a joyful way to connect and come together. Housemates who often enjoy spending their free time relaxing in their rooms spent time together at the dinner table painting and supporting one another.
Brandon Malone and Emily Carman especially enjoyed sharing their love of painting.
“When you look around the house, you see a lot of art and things that they do,” said Tessa Guillaume-Lewis, Assistant Director of Residential Services. “The ladies and gentlemen have been working really well together and with staff, and they quite enjoy it.”
Very soon, they will be planting even more flowers, including sunflowers selected by Emily Furlong, adding bright personal touches to the garden they created together.
The Council on Quality Leadership recognizes Citizens Options Unlimited with Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction, its highest designation.
Board of Directors
Officers
Hallie Klein, President
Joseph R. Bosnack, Jr., Vice President
Ellen Moore, Secretary
Directors
Tricia E. Belford
Leng Lao
Kathleen C. Maggi
Edward L. Perlow, D.D.S.
Devon Rivera
Robert Utter
Executive Leadership
Stanfort J. Perry, Chief Executive Officer
Christopher J. O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer
Barry Donowitz, PhD, Chief Administrative Officer
Sylvester O. Naraine, Chief Financial Officer
Sallyanne Burgess, Vice President of Operations
Deanna Allen, Director of Residential Services
Marta Garavito, Director of Helen Kaplan Center
Nicole Banovich, RN, Director of Shoreham ICF
Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services
A Message from Our Leadership
Dear Families, Friends, and Supporters,
Citizens Options Unlimited continues to support people with developmental disabilities in leading lives filled with choice, opportunity, and community connection.
Inside this newsletter are stories that reflect the heart of our community. You will read about the accomplishments of people supported, the dedication of staff, and the everyday moments that continue to shape Citizens. We are also looking forward to another summer at Camp Loyaltown and the memories and experiences it creates for so many campers and their families each year.
Strong advocacy also remains critical to protecting and strengthening services for people with developmental disabilities. We encourage you to visit citizens-inc.org/advocate to learn more about the current issues impacting our community and participate in our advocacy efforts.
We would also love to celebrate your successes and experiences in future editions of this magazine, as well as across our eNews and social media channels. Please feel free to email connectwithus@citizens-inc.org.
Supporting one another, sharing stories, and celebrating accomplishments are all important ways we strengthen our community. We are proud of what we continue to build together and grateful for your partnership.
We wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
Sincerely,
Citizens supports people to live the lives they choose.
Supports and Services Offered by Citizens:
• Residential Services:
o Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF): ICFs in Shoreham and Plainview offer long-term care for 143 people with higher levels of medical and behavioral complexities.
Another Baseball Season for Ross Perlow Playing Ball and Building Connections in the Challengers League
Members of the Challengers league team, The Pirates, arrived for a game in Dix Hills on the morning of April 18, ready to support one another and play a game they all love: baseball.
“It’s really fun,” said Ross Perlow, who is supported by Citizens Options Unlimited. “I like pitching.”
Ross played a strong game, confidently taking the pitcher’s mound, stepping up to bat, and making his way to home base. Ross has been playing with the Challengers league comprised of teams with players who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since he was a child. Now 35, he is celebrated as one of the league’s original members.
“He’s incredible,” said Rich Donoghue, one of the coaches.
Even outside the spring season, Ross’ social calendar is full of parties with teammates who have become close friends.
“This is so important to him,” said Dr. Perlow, who is a member of the Citizens Options Unlimited Board of Directors.
Ross’ older brother, David, was deeply involved in sports, and his family wanted Ross to have the same opportunity to play, compete, and be a part of a team.
At one game, with his family sitting in the stands, David captured on camera Ross hitting a home run over the fence. But if you ask Ross what his favorite part of the game is, it would have to be pitching.
“He likes pitching because for years he watched his brother as the pitcher,” Dr. Perlow said. “He wants to be that person because his brother is an important part of his life.”
Outside of the Challengers league, Ross served as equipment manager on his brother’s teams during middle and high school.
“If they got angry if they struck out and threw their helmet, Ross would pick up the helmet and pat them on the shoulder because he knew they were upset,” Dr. Perlow said.
Ross’ support for his teammates and love of the game continue to this day. The Challengers league remains an important part of his life.
A world where all people are valued.
Assistant Editor: Jennifer Corr Strategic Communications & Marketing Associate Community Resources
o Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs): In 23 IRAs across Suffolk and Nassau counties, 141 people are offered an independent living environment tailored to each person’s needs.
• Family Support Services:
o Self-Direction and Fiscal Intermediary: Gives people with developmental disabilities more control over their lives through Self-Direction and Fiscal Intermediary services.
o Camp Loyaltown: Located in Hunter, New York, Camp Loyaltown offers a safe, inclusive, and adaptive summer camp for children and adults with IDD.
o Weekend Respite: Located at AHRC Nassau’s Brookville campus, people enjoy structured sessions with meaningful activities during the weekend while families rest from caregiving responsibilities.
“They get a lot of friendship, a lot of camaraderie, and a lot of fun just being in the sport and being a part of the team,” Rich said.
For Ross’ birthday, his father, Dr. Edward Perlow treated Ross and his teammates to a New York Mets game, where Ross’ name was displayed on the scoreboard.
“Instead of being the observer on the side watching,” said Dr. Perlow. “Ross was now in the middle.”
Community Highlights
Living a Self-Directed Life: Angel Vasquez
Angel Vasquez has many interests and hobbies that help him learn, grow, and build independence every day.
“I like to write stories, play video games, exercise, and just go out into the community,” Angel said. “My ultimate goal is becoming fully independent: getting a driver’s license, getting a job, and just being more independent.”
One of Angel’s most important tools for achieving greater independence is Self-Direction, a disability support service he enrolled in after the pandemic.
Through Self-Direction, Citizens provides Fiscal Intermediary support, billing management, staff hiring, and budget monitoring, as well as support for broker services that guide budgeting, establish a circle of support, and create a Community Habilitation (Comm Hab) plan. With this support, Angel and his mom, Ivette George, coordinate services that help Angel build new skills and develop healthy habits.
This June is Month of Belonging at Citizens Options Unlimited
June is Month of Belonging at Citizens Options Unlimited. Together, we will celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make our community so vibrant, inclusive, and strong. Building on the 2024 Day of Belonging and 2025 Week of Belonging, the Citizens Options Unlimited Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee expanded the celebration into a full month to ensure that everyone can share and connect.
Throughout the month, people supported by Residential and Family Support Services, along with staff, will experience activities, cultural displays and performances, and delicious food.
Meet the New Director of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility: Nicole Banovich, RN
During the week, Angel’s Comm Hab staff supports him in personal training, money management, and taking driving lessons.
“I think all of the programs he’s been offered have helped him gain more independence,” Ivette said. Learn more about Self-Direction at www.citizens-inc.org/self-direction.
From Helen Kaplan Center to Farmingdale: Ruth Henderson Is Following Her Interests
It was important to Ruth Henderson, who resides at the Helen Kaplan Center in Plainview, to meet new people and become more involved in the community. She worked with her team and ultimately chose to attend the AHRC Nassau Farmingdale Day Service site, located on Farmingdale’s bustling Main Street.
“We looked at a couple of programs,” said Austin Reinstein, a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) at the Helen Kaplan Center. “When she saw Farmingdale 1, she said she knew that’s where she wanted to go, and we did everything we could to expedite the process because she was so excited.”
Since joining Farmingdale, Ruth has made many friends, while also becoming close with the staff.
In addition to making new connections, what Ruth likes most about day services is time spent in the community, visiting and volunteering at the library, animal shelter, and other local spots.
“I like it here,” Ruth said. “I help people here.”
Nicole Banovich, RN, Director of Nursing, was named Director of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) upon Mary Gilleran’s retirement.
In this role, Nicole will oversee day-to-day operations of the ICF, ensuring the highest quality of supports for the nearly 100 people who reside at the facility while maintaining compliance with federal and New York State regulations, and agency policy and procedures. She will also advance the agency’s commitment to person-centered services — supporting people to participate in decision-making at every level of service. “I appreciate the opportunity to step into this role and will build on the strong foundation that Mary’s put in place,” Nicole said. “I look forward to continuing the focus on people’s needs and empowering a team dedicated to person-centered excellence.
Spring Has Sprung at Weekend Respite
At Weekend Respite, weekends are filled with fresh air, connection, and the freedom to choose how to spend the day. Based on the Brookville campus, the program gives people supported access to wide open outdoor spaces, recreational activities, and opportunities to explore, while giving caregivers the ability to step away and focus on other parts of their lives.
Each weekend begins in the gymnasium, where people come together for activities like arts & crafts, karaoke, volleyball, and soccer. From there, many choose to head outside and enjoy the campus grounds. Along the way, many often stop at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center to visit familiar favorites like ponies Mango and Belle. Time with the animals is always a highlight. Others may choose to explore the greenhouse, walk the nature trail, or simply enjoy being outdoors with friends.
As summer approaches, there is even more to look forward to, including picnics, expanded outdoor recreation, and nature activities across campus. For more information on Weekend Respite please visit: citizens-inc.org/ respiteservices.
Camp Loyaltown Opens June 14 for Another Summer of Creativity and Connection
Why Siblings Eddie and Justine Bortell Return Year After Year
Camp Loyaltown is buzzing with creativity and joy as campers arrive for another memorable in Hunter, New York.
Camp Loyaltown is a sleepaway camp for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Sessions range from one to two weeks. Each day is filled with activities campers can choose, from arts & crafts and swimming to talent shows and campfires.
“Camp Loyaltown is where your child can be who they are,” said Savita Sharma, the Director of Family Support Services and Camp Loyaltown.
Ninety percent of campers are returnees. Among them are siblings Eddie and Justine Bortell. Eddie has attended camp for over 15 years, while Justine is entering her third summer.
“It’s a good experience,” Eddie said. “It’s very interesting. I like the international counselors. They’re fun.”
Many counselors travel from around the world to spend the summer at camp. Eddie has learned about many countries, including England, Pakistan, Mexico, and Poland. Dances, new languages, and soccer are just some skills he’s learned.
“I do have a lot of nice counselors,” Justine agreed. “They always braid my hair.”
Like the campers, many counselors also return year after year, inspired to reconnect and continue building relationships.
“The staff is highly motivated,” Savita said. “They want to know more about the campers, too.”
Eddie enjoys many activities while at camp, including performing arts and working in the dining hall.
“I serve my friends coffee,” Eddie said. “I serve my sister.”
While they value their time together, Eddie and Justine also spend time with their own friends.
“They’re just fun to talk to, and we have a lot of things in common,” Justine said of her camp friends. “We like to swim together. We play games, do stuff like that.”
Justine also enjoys the theater and going to the farm to pet the animals and feed the cows.
“It’s wonderful,” said their mom, Donna. “When they come back, they’re so happy, and they have all these stories that they’re sharing.”
Their dad, Ed, has seen their confidence grow each year. While Eddie and Justine are at camp, Ed and Donna enjoy day trips and keeping up with their children’s camp adventures through daily photos shared through the online photo management tool, Waldo.
Community Raises Over $19,000 in Remembrance of Jackie Joyce-Troy
Ten years after Jackie Joyce-Troy’s passing, her legacy of love and lifelong passion to help those with special needs continues to do great things.
When Jackie Joyce-Troy passed away on March 8, 2016, after a three-year battle with breast cancer, she left behind more than memories. She left a legacy of fierce love for her three sons, including Brian and Aidan, who have autism.
Her sister, Janet Joyce, made sure that love would continue in a very real way.
Committed to honoring Jackie’s life and supporting her nephews, Janet mobilized “Jackie’s people,” a community that just loved Jackie. This anniversary year, they raised over $19,000 for residential services that support Brian and Aidan and others like them.
For Janet, this effort is about ensuring her sister’s children and others continue to have the stability, care, and opportunities her sister worked so hard to ensure.
“It’s amazing what people can make happen when they are inspired and really want to,” Janet shared.
For Janet, the partnership with Citizens Options Unlimited and its residential staff brings a deep peace of mind, knowing her nephews will be cared for not just today, but long into the future. She encourages other families to be part of supporting this work in ways that feel meaningful to them.
To learn more about the AHRC Foundation, visit ahrcfoundation.org
To learn more about Camp Loyaltown, please visit https://www.citizens-inc.org/camployaltown/.
Join Us for
the AHRC Foundation Walk on October 25th
Citizens families, people supported, staff members, peer-advocates, and supporters are invited to join the AHRC Foundation Walk on Saturday, October 25 at Eisenhower Park.
Each year, our community comes together for an incredible day supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Long Island. Last year, more than 1,100 walkers and 100 teams raised over $95,000 through the event.
For Citizens Options Unlimited families, the Walk is especially meaningful because support from the AHRC Foundation directly strengthens programs and services that impact the lives of the people we support every day.
In recent years, the Foundation has provided significant financial support to help address staffing challenges, operational needs, aging facilities, and recreational opportunities across Citizens programs and homes.
The Walk is also a wonderful opportunity for families, staff members, friends, and supporters to come together as one community in support of a shared mission.
Whether you register a team, donate, or simply come out and walk with us, your participation makes a difference.
To learn more or register, please visit: ahrcfoundation.org/walk-2026/
Program Office
115 E. Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803
Administrative Office 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY 11545
The Inform Me Educational Workshop Series provides families and people with disabilities with practical guidance and reliable information to help them navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way. Offered throughout the year, each workshop focuses on topics that people and families are actively navigating — supporting informed decision-making and helping them feel more confident as they advocate for themselves or their family member.
Upcoming Workshops:
• Positive Behavioral Supports and the Complex Needs of Adults with Dual Diagnoses Thursday, July 9, 2026 / 6-7pm (Virtual Via Zoom)
• Personal Outcome Measures (POM) – Tool for Goal Achievement, Person-Centered Planning Tuesday, August 11, 2026 / 11am-1pm (In Person at the AHRC Brookville Mansion) For more information, registration, and additional workshops, visit www.ahrc.org/informme
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