From The Desk of The CEO

Dear AHRC Families and Friends, 
 
As always, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. As you’ll see in this edition, our mission-focused community continues to grow as we strive to create new opportunities for authentic inclusion.  
 
AHRC Nassau held the Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival on October 9. It was a “beauti-fall” day welcoming hundreds of visitors to Wheatley Farms and AHRC’s historic campus to foster inclusivity and enjoyment of the fall season. Sensory-friendly activities incorporated nature, music, and the arts while helping us make many new connections. Such events are critical to welcoming new members but also coming together as an engaged community of self-advocates, families, staff, volunteers, and partners. 
 
This joyful celebration reflects the time, skill and excellence of many. Innovative programs like Wheatley Farms―as well as the daily support of men and women with developmental disabilities to lead lives of health, independence, and belonging―are possible because of our shared commitment and advocacy. This month is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and it’s a pleasure to see so much professional skill and success highlighted. 
 
As we begin our next state advocacy cycle, in the coming weeks, please take the time to familiarize yourself with our primary advocacy issues: the DSP Wage Enhancement and 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on ahrc.org/advocate. While we may have been named a “Best-In-State Employer” by Forbes alongside exceptional employers across New York State, it is your participation, advocacy and volunteerism that makes our agency and many supports possible.  
 
Thank you for sharing a vision of a world where people of all abilities are valued.  
 
Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

CEO, AHRC Nassau

AHRC Nassau Named to Forbes 2023 “America's Best-in-State Employers;” Only Disability Agency Listed Among Top NYS Employers 

As a CQL with Distinction and Compass agency, AHRC Nassau has been recognized for providing the highest-quality disability supports to Long Islanders with developmental disabilities. Now, AHRC has also been named as one of “America’s Best-In-State Employers” by Forbes alongside exceptional employers across New York State. 

As the only disability agency featured, AHRC ranks 41st on a list of 88 top New York employers. Of the four Long Island-based organizations featured, AHRC (#41) was recognized beside Northwell Health (#33), Broadridge Financial (#48) and Adelphi University (#67). 

The 2023 “America’s Best-in-State Employers” list was independently developed by Forbes and market research firm Statista Inc. from a survey of 70,000 U.S. workers on topics, including working environment, compensation, diversity, and career advancement. The list comprises nearly 1,400 organizations across multiple sectors with over 500 employees. 

The Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival: A Fall-Tastic Day of Inclusive Activities 

The Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival, “Fall for All,” welcomed hundreds of visitors to the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center and AHRC's historic campus on October 9. 

This first-of-its-kind event at Wheatley Farms created an inclusive space for people of all abilities to spend time with family, make new friends, and enjoy a day of fun fall festivities. 

Many memories were made as families decorated pumpkins, children danced as part of the goat parade, and visitors spent time exploring the winding path of scarecrows leading from Wheatley Farms to the newly opened Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts in AHRC’s historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse.

“I want to thank the community for being a part of this day,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau. “We have folks who have come from near and far to celebrate the advent of the fall season and what the possibilities an inclusive community can bring.” 

While the Turturro family spent time on the history tour getting to know more about the campus where son, Christopher, attends the Brookville Center Education Center, Phyllis and Sophie Hoffman traveled from Connecticut and started the day visiting Wheatley Farms’ resident ponies, Mango and Belle. 

“I like it because there’s a lot of stuff for adults and young kids to do,” shared Sophie, who attends Day Services at Wheatley Farms. Next on their schedule for the day was face painting.

Made possible by the creativity and care of over 100 volunteers, vendors, and staff, the festival gave guests a taste of what is possible at an inclusive community center, a place where they can participate in recreational projects or volunteer with people of all abilities.  

Recognizing Skill and Accomplishment During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) And Beyond 

Each October brings the opportunity to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the contributions people with disabilities make to the American workforce. 

According to 2023 statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is nearly twice that of those without a disability. AHRC Nassau’s Employment Services Department seeks to support this talent pool and offers many supports to bridge the gap between discovery and placement for people with disabilities interested in seeking employment. 

Meet some the dedicated workers supported by AHRC Nassau: 

• Robert Callari found his groove working in lively entertainment venues. Robert recently completed a seasonal position at Jones Beach, working the concession stand, and in the fall, he scored another seasonal job at the UBS Arena in Elmont. Read here. 

• Michael “Mike” Levey recently onboarded as a dishwasher at Wheatley Farms Catering in Freeport and enjoys connecting with co-workers who share his work ethic. Read here.    

• Ronald Berglass, an employee of BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Frank Trotta, who works at American Shredding, were honored with the STAR Award and $100 gift cards for their exceptional work at the 2023 Talent Connection Job Expo, hosted by local disability agencies. Read here.  

Artists From AHRC’s Levittown Day Hab Show Original Pieces at the Garden City Library 

Throughout October, artists from AHRC’s Levittown Hub Site will have 48 original, mixed-media pieces on display at the Garden City Library, 60 7th St, Garden City, NY 11530. The exhibit is open to the public during library hours:  

Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

All the pieces are available for sale with proceeds being donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Helen Keller Foundation, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, all three notable nonprofit organizations supported by the artists.  

One of the largest contributions came from artist Mary Jo Lewerre, a diamond art enthusiast who created the show’s statement piece.  

Her 30’ x 13’ “Safari Sunset” diamond art creation shows a dynamic line up of animals against a warm orange sunset.  

“I am excited for many people to view my artwork as I worked very hard on it.  I want to show my housemates my accomplishment, so it can inspire them to do the same.  I hope it brings a smile on their faces as it did for me,” shared Mary Jo.  
 
The idea for the show came together about a year ago.  Direct Support Professional (DSP) Sophia Blackett, was visiting the library with a couple of the people supported at the hub site and noticed artwork on display.

AHRC Nassau Commemorates Patriot Day With Emergency Preparedness Events 

Over 170 people from the local community joined our family of organizations for a three-day remembrance celebration to honor 9/11 first responders.  

The event was organized by Jerri Walker, Project Coordinator and Volunteer at AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited, with assistance from several volunteers: Coleen Mackin, Compass and Quality Enhancement Advocate and Trainer at AHRC Nassau; Michelle Rudoff, Compass and Quality Enhancement Advocate and Trainer at AHRC Nassau; April Kloepfer, a volunteer; Noah Probert, a volunteer; the residents of AHRC Nassau’s Circle Drive group home; and the AHRC Nassau Saturday Freeport Day Hab.  

“This was a time for the community to come together and understand how to better be prepared in the case of an emergency,” Jerri said.  

The event was open to community members throughout Nassau.

The three-day event kicked off with a First Responder Thank You Brunch for local first responders and their families, followed by an Emergency Preparedness Fair and Emergency Kit-Making Event, where attendees received bags with first-aid kits, masks, and other emergency items. 

Our family of organizations partnered with several key local businesses and nonprofits for this event: The New York State Office for Emergency Management, Lifesaving Enterprises, Long Island Volunteer Center, Nassau County SPCA, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, and The Swoondle Society.  

A special thank you to the Brookville Police Department and Jericho Fire Department for attending and for all that you do to keep our local community safe! 

Your Voice Matters! Advocate for Staff and Sustainable Services

Advocacy for the next New York State budget cycle is underway and our agency continues to call for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Wage Enhancement and now a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). See why your advocacy matters in our video. Show your support at www.ahrc.org/advocate!

Mark Your Calendar

InformMe Learning Series | OCT 26 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

During this virtual learning series, stay up to date with the policies and procedures affecting access to care and services for people and families in the I/DD community.  

AHRC Foundation Walk| OCT 29 | 10:00 AM

It’s that time of year again. Time to register to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with I/DD at the AHRC Foundation Walk! Meet us at Eisenhower Park for another wonderful Walk. 

Annual Membership Meeting | NOV 20 | 6:00 PM

AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors welcomes its Membership for the Annual Election of Officers and Directors. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a Special Meeting of the Membership will be held for the purpose of amending the Bylaws. A buffet dinner catered by Wheatley Farms will be available for all members in attendance. Active membership and event registration are required for entry and voting.

Sibling Holiday Party| DEC 14 | 6:00 PM

Let’s re-connect and recharge by celebrating the holiday season together. The sibling holiday party is an occasion to have fun and spend time with your loved ones, while enjoying the festive atmosphere. 

Wheatley Farms Community Classes | Ongoing

From mindfulness meditation to learning the basics of photography there’s always something fun to do at Wheatley Farms and Arts Center. Join an upcoming workshop today.