Issuu

Celebrating 75Years of Excellence Honoring

Steve Louro E-Journal October 2025

Mission Statement The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island is to Advance the Independence, Productivity, and Full Citizenship of People with Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities.

Did You Know UCP of Long Island… •

Serves children and adults with disabilities.

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Provides valuable services to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

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Spends 92 cents of every dollar on programs and services.

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Serves over 225+ adults and children in 30 beautiful residential homes; 1 of which is a home for children.

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Provides employment-related services, such as career assessment, counseling, job placement, so a person with a disability can become employed and independent.

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Is at the forefront of providing Early Intervention, Pre-school and School Age Education programs. The Children’s Center provides an array of therapeutic services to promote the development of a child with a disability.

2025 E-Journal

Thank you to our 2025 Life Without Limits Honoree!

Steve Louro

2025 E-Journal

United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island Board of Directors Thomas Pfundstein — Board Chair Robert Bernard — Vice Chair, Audit & Compensation Javier Evans —Vice Chair, Membership & Development Thomas Lowenberg— Vice Chair, Budget & Finance/Treasurer Kim M. Smith, Esq. — Recording Secretary & Vice Chair, Policy & Compliance

Board Members Dr. Erica Beauplan Sabrina Bivona Andrew F. Corrado Patrick Egan Edward Levine Lawrence C. Levy Stephen M. Louro Tami Nelson Richard C. Tavarez Patricia Tutiven

A Message from… Thomas Pfundstein Chair of the Board of Directors Thank you for joining us at UCP of Long Island’s 2025 Life Without Limits Gala. This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of UCP-LI — a milestone that signifies decades of care, compassion, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the individuals and families we serve. During this anniversary year, I also reflect on my own family’s journey with UCP-LI. My son, Joseph, has been part of the UCP family for most of his life — beginning at The Children’s Center, where he thrived for almost 20 years, through today, where he happily attends UCP’s Adult Services Program. The continuity of extraordinary care and support he has received has been life-changing, and I am deeply grateful for the remarkable staff who have walked alongside us every step of the way. UCP-LI has not only shaped Joseph’s life, but it has also given our family a community, a sense of hope, and a vision for what is possible. Tonight, we are proud to honor Steve Louro, UCP-LI Board Member, and Founder & Chairman of Professional Group Plans. Steve’s leadership, generosity, and steadfast commitment to our mission exemplify the absolute best of this organization. His dedication has made an extraordinary difference, and it is a privilege to recognize him during this landmark year. As we look back on 75 years of service, I am thankful for the current and past members of our Board of Directors, whose guidance and leadership have strengthened UCP-LI’s foundation. I am equally grateful for the dedication of our staff, whose passion and commitment bring our mission to life each day. As we embark on our next chapter, I urge you to remember that UCP of Long Island is one of the most valuable resources in our community – please reach out if we can ever support you or someone you know. Finally, the entire UCP of Long Island Board of Directors joins me in congratulating our fellow board member, Steve Louro, and extending our thanks to you for supporting our Gala. Your generosity, support, and partnership make it possible for us to continue this journey of hope, advocacy, and promise — ensuring that UCP-LI remains a place where lives are changed and where every individual has the opportunity to live a LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS.

A Message from… Colleen Crispino President & CEO UCP of Long Island is very proud to be a premier disability service provider for Long Islanders with disabilities and their families. We serve nearly 600 children and adults across a broad spectrum of residential services, education, day, employment, and family support services. We continue to lead the field in providing high quality, person-centered support and services that enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We continue our focus on accessibility and access, which has been a cornerstone of our work since the beginning. This year our commitment continues with a recent grant award from Senator Monica Martinez for the installation of automatic door openers in our Hauppauge campus. These door openers will allow greater independence for people who are navigating the building independently during day program, at work or while volunteering. We continue to support families by providing and expanding needed respite services. We offer center-based respite services on Thursday afternoons and Saturdays. This support is critical to our families and provides them time to recharge. While at respite, their family members are enjoying great activities including playing games, art projects and lunches at local restaurants. Engagement with the community, families and donors is a critical part of how we meet the needs of people with disabilities. Whether they are donating needed funds or volunteering their time, we rely on our community partners to help enhance the work that we do every day. From supporting events to participating in projects that improve our physical environments, these special contributions make a difference in the everyday lives of the people we support. The employees of UCP-LI are truly the foundation of our service system. We are grateful for each of them and celebrate the thousands of people who have worked here over the past 75 years. Each has built on the work of those who came before them and have created a dynamic, person-centered service system that embraces best practices and continuous improvement in carrying out our mission.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our 2025 Life Without Limits Gala honoree Steve Louro, Founder & Chairman of Professional Group Plans, for his continued support of our mission. A board member for more than a decade, Steve is a shining example of the positive impact that our partners can have on the lives of the people we support. A special thank you to all our sponsors. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Your generosity at this year’s Gala helps us to continue to lead the field in developing and providing services for people with disabilities and their families. You each help us achieve the very important mission of UCP-LI. To continue to support us, please visit our website at www.ucp-li.org. Please follow us on social media to see the impact of your support on the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Thank you for your support during our 75th anniversary year and for remaining by our side during our next chapter.

2025 E-Journal

the year in a glance…. The Children’s Center Graduation

A $25,000 grant from the Long Island Real Estate Group Residential (LIREG) made possibleProgram-Annual the installation of Commack a roll-in shower at Department UCP-LI’sFire Indian Head Road BBQ Residence.

the year in a glance….

Deloitte Volunteer Day at The Children’s Center

Jovia Financial Credit Union Volunteer Day at UCP-LI’s Martingale Residence

the year in a glance….

Webster Bank Mock Interview Volunteer Day

Annual Commack Fire Department BBQ at Indian Head Road Residence

Text the Word

Celebrating 75 to 631-857-4299 to donate now!

2025 LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS Gala Committee Committee Chair Kevin Patterson, M&T Bank Asher Allweiss, Dark Horse Capital Group Javier Evans, Webster Bank* Justin Jaycon, CHSLI Good Samaritan Hospital Lawrence Levy, National Center of Suburban Studies, Hofstra University* Dan Liberty, Webster Bank Steve Louro , Professional Group Plans* (Honoree) Tami Nelson, Techstars* Thomas Pfundstein, Dime Community Bank** Richard Tavarez, Jovia Financial Credit Union* Sean Umhafer, Webster Bank *UCP-LI Board Member

**UCP-LI Board Chair

United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island Colleen Crispino, President & CEO Camille Schramm, Director of Development & Public Relations Karen Puritano, Assistant Director of Development Camille Fielder, Special Events Manager Jillian Cavalieri, Community Relations Specialist

Life Without Limits

Gala

CONGRATULATIONS to UCP-LI’s

2025 Life Without Limits Honoree STEVE LOURO

2025 Life Without Limits Honoree Steve Louro UCP of Long Island is delighted to present our 2025 Life Without Limits Honoree, Steve Louro, Founder & Chairman, Professional Group Plans, and longtime member of UCP-LI’s Board of Directors. 2025 also marks UCP of Long Island’s 75th anniversary as a premier provider of extraordinary care and innovative services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and medical frailties. We are thrilled to celebrate our friend Steve Louro at this important moment in our history. Steve Louro graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree and began his insurance career at Dascit, White & Winston in New York City. In 1993, with a vision to transform the insurance industry, he founded Professional Group Plans (PGP) from a small bedroom in his Holbrook home. Through his leadership, dedication, and innovative approach, Steve has grown PGP into the leading distributor of health insurance and ancillary products in the metropolitan area. Today, PGP serves over 65,000 employer groups, working with a network of 5,000 insurance brokers and representing all major health insurance carriers. With its headquarters in Hauppauge, New York, and additional offices in Manhattan and Pleasantville, NY, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois, PGP has built a reputation for its unparalleled broker support, industry expertise, and commitment to providing innovative insurance solutions. Steve’s leadership has been instrumental in developing proprietary insurance products and forming strategic partnerships that offer valuable compliance, legal, and technology resources to their broker partners. A devoted family man, Steve and his wife Carolyn have two children (Steven and Amanda), and especially love spending time with their five grandchildren. As UCP-LI of Long Island commemorates 75 years of creating a LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS, we are proud to honor Steve for his leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. We celebrate and thank Steve for his commitment to excellence, his contributions to the insurance industry, and his unwavering support of the UCP mission.

Very special thanks to our 2025 Life Without Limits Gala Sponsors PIONEER FOR CHANGE SPONSOR Professional Group Plans

DIGNITY SPONSORS The Dolber Family Foundation M&T Bank

75TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR Webster Bank

EMPOWERMENT SPONSORS Community Medical Wellness PC The Egan Family Flagstar Advisors Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Select Healthcare, Inc. New York Therapy Placement Services, Inc. Peackpack Private Preemo Productions We Transport/ Beacon Mobility ADVOCATE SPONSORS Community Care Rx EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants Farrell Fritz Attorneys Morritt Hock & Hamroff LLP

Pioneer For Change Sponsor

Dignity Sponsor

75th Anniversary Sponsor

Empowerment Sponsor

Expressing thanks to Steve Louro, for all you do – And celebrating 75 years of UCP of Long Island. The Egan Family

Empowerment Sponsor

Advocate Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

To my dear friend Steve:

You are a loving, caring, generous man to all who know you. May you and your family enjoy good health, happiness, and good fortune for the next thousand years. Savor your special evening Your friend: Rich Nespola

Silver Sponsor

Supporter Package

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“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives” John F. Kennedy Over the past 75 years, thousands of leaders, Board members, staff, families and donors have remained committed to ensuring people with disabilities have opportunities to live the life they dream of. Thank you for your passion and dedication to the mission of UCP of Long Island. It is truly inspiring. Special thanks to this year’s honoree Steve Louro for your unwavering commitment and support to UCP-LI. We are truly fortunate to have your leadership, spirit and generosity. Colleen Crispino, President & CEO

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Compliments of Margaret Culkin

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Compliments of Gary Duff Designs

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Lawrence Levy, Freda Wagner, and Hofstra University are proud of the employees and volunteers at UCP of Long Island and the people they help live a “LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS”.

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With love and gratitude to my UCP-LI friends; Kevin and the Gala planning committee; Steve Louro (our AMAZING honoree); and my development co-workers…you guys are the greatest! "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" Helen Keller Karen Providenti Puritano Assistant Director of Development

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Full Page Karen, Camille, and Jill, Thank you for your passion, your unwavering dedication to our mission and for all that you do to make every event so very special. Here’s to everything that we’ve accomplished together and to the amazing times ahead! A very special congratulations to our Honoree Steve Louro, THANK YOU for all that you do in support of our mission and our individuals! YOU are AMAZING! Rolf, Congratulations on being selected as our 75th Anniversary artist! You are a shining example of what it means to live a LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS. We are all blessed to have you in our lives!

With Deepest Appreciation, Camille Schramm Director of Development & Public Relations

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Half Page As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, I would like to thank the Finance, Purchasing and Payroll Departments for all you do day in and out. You truly make a difference in the lives of the individuals we support. We couldn’t do it without all of you. Your dedication and commitment to our mission is inspiring. It is a pleasure to work with all of you and be on the same team. Sincerely, Kathleen Frigiola

Half Page The Staff, Participants, and Families of the UCP-LI Adult Services Department offer our heartfelt congratulations to Steve Louro as the UCP of Long Island 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration Honoree. Thank you for supporting the mission of helping individuals live a LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS! Mark Crean Director of Adult Services

Greg Eisman & UCP Together 40 years -The Eisman Family

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In loving memory of Steph Friedman, beloved husband, friend, and dedicated leader. Your vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment as past CEO of UCP of Long Island continue to inspire us all. With love and remembrance, Norma Friedman

UCP-LI’s Life Without Limits Gala & The Arts UCP’s annual Life Without Limits Gala is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the many talents of the individuals in UCP’s Adult Services Program. Artwork by the individuals in our programs is highlighted throughout the year at our special events. Individuals in UCP’s Brushstrokes Program and in all of our Adult Services Programs look forward to the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments and enjoy making a sale! If you are interested in purchasing a painting, please give us a call: 631-232-0015 Thank you to the men and women in UCP’s Adult Services Program for making our world a more beautiful place!

Rolf W. | “Home”

Rolf is one of UCP of Long Island’s most prolific artists. He started coming to UCP for Adult Services more than 30 years ago. Today, he lives in a residential home in Commack. Rolf always painted but in the last 10 years has developed his own style by finding adaptive ways to assist him to overcome his limited range of motion. His favorite medium is acrylics, and he finds relaxation in painting. Rolf is also a gifted photographer and a writer. This painting is especially meaningful, as it depicts the first UCP home Rolf lived in – it represents many positive things, including acceptance, the ability to pursue dreams and interests, and the affection he feels for his UCP-LI family.

John R. | “Walk in the Woods” John has been painting and making various arts and crafts for many years. A popular artist in UCP of Long Island’s “Brushstrokes” Art Program, John’s paintings are frequently inspired by nature and the outdoors, and tend to include vibrant colors. John enjoys different painting techniques, including paint pouring, canvas painting, and creating exceptional designs on vases and similar household items. When John is not painting, he enjoys spending time with friends & family, singing, and nature outings.

Richard W. | “Mountain’s Embrace” Richard enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music (rock and roll), woodworking, spending time in nature, and crafting. Richard has always enjoyed drawing and painting, but has recently begun to hone his painting skills with the help of his friends at the “Brushstrokes” Art Program.

Leroy M. | “Whispers on the Water” Leroy has been using the services of UCP of Long Island since he was an infant. Leroy loves to paint and works effortlessly to achieve the look that he is going for. Inspired by nature, as a painter Leroy likes to experiment with different styles and brush strokes. Leroy enjoys the outdoors very much, and his love of nature is reflected in his work.

Join us for the event everyone is talking about….

Coming in 2026…….

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Thank you for supporting UCP of Long Island in 2025 UCP has always been a family: we’re a community that includes the individuals we support, our staff, board, and you – our donors. Together, we do something extraordinary...we help people with disabilities live a LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS. •

Please attend our events •

Visit our website •

Volunteer

Learn about employing a person with a disability

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Inquire about when you might come for a tour and…

Please continue to donate www.ucp-li.org We’ve always been a family. We need you now and we will need you tomorrow. But most important, we thank you. We wish you good health – and we can’t wait to see you at our 2026 Life Without Limits Gala!