| It’s been a busy spring season with many successes to share. Once again, I am proud to announce another successful Compass recertification visit. The exit conference took place, the week before last, with zero significant findings and many, many best practices cited by the review team. It is a privilege for AHRC Nassau and affiliate agency, Citizens Options Unlimited, to be validated once again as Compass agencies. We remain two of four agencies in New York State to hold this honor and prestigious designation.
This is possible because of our mission-focused community—the participation of community members like you—dedicated to advancing a vision of a world where people of all abilities are valued. This newsletter offers additional insight into our recertification visit and many moments of joyful achievement over the past few weeks.
I hope you enjoy reading this month’s eNewsletter and look forward to even greater success as we continue to work toward a more equitable future for all.
Best regards, |
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| Stanfort J. Perry | CEO | AHRC Nassau |
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| AHRC Nassau Re-Designated a Compass Agency by New York State With missions firmly planted in person-centered supports, AHRC Nassau and partner agency Citizens Options Unlimited recently renewed their Compass designation, a distinction of excellence held by only four agencies in New York State.
Tuesday, May 9, marked the beginning of Compass Validation Week, an eventful three-day visit welcoming auditors from the Bureau of Certification and Continuous Quality Improvement in New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
An engaging and empowering process, the audit team visited program sites and met with stakeholders across AHRC’s community–evaluating how people supported, families, staff, and volunteers come together to achieve person-centered outcomes.
Held in person for the first time since the pandemic, Compass Validation Week offered several activities from Personal Outcome Measures (POM) information sessions to educational classes at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. These activities demonstrated both AHRC and Citizens’ shared commitment to empowering men and women with developmental disabilities to explore their interests and achieve meaningful goals.
Validation Week culminated in a rally with people supported sharing their experiences and what is possible when they voice their choices.
After dozens of interactions with people supported, families, and staff, OPWDD officials once again designated AHRC and Citizens Options Unlimited as Compass agencies and reaffirmed the strength of self-direction and our ongoing partnerships. AHRC Nassau’s Inclusive Dream Project Continues to Address Local Food Insecurity One sunny April afternoon, Girl Scout Troop 3322 volunteered alongside self-advocates Noah Probert, Coleen Mackin and other community members to put together 50 meal kits for the local food bank, NOSH Delivers!, in support of AHRC Nassau’s Dream Project.
“It was so much fun. I helped put the food in the boxes. It made me happy to work with the Girl Scouts,” said Noah.
Inspired by Dr. King’s dedication to community action, the Dream Project is a fully inclusive volunteer project supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. This initiative is ongoing throughout the year and made possible in part by a grant from The Arc of the United States and funds raised by the AHRC Day Habilitation Team and Community Relations Liaison Lynne Brewer.
Last month’s food kits assisted approximately 200 neighbors in need. Once completed, the 50 kits were packed up and driven to community partner NOSH by volunteers supported by AHRC Day Services. |
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| | Pursuing New Connections, Opportunities at Hempstead Works Job Fair Professional networking can be daunting but Darin Whitehead, Roxanne Wong, Courtney Nupp, Raymie Morgan, Brittani English, and James Sardiello came prepared to make new connections at the Hempstead Works Job Fair on Thursday April 20. |
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| | Supported by AHRC Nassau Employment Training Specialist Carol Meyerson, the men and women came ready to interact with 80 companies representing multiple sectors.
“We come to job fairs often,” said Carol. "People supported are very respectful and courteous when interacting with representatives. They are excited and curious, asking questions to learn of separate roles within a company and how they might fit in.” |
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| AHRC Nassau also had a presence at the fair. The men and women supported by Pre-Voc stopped by AHRC’s table to say hi and snapped a quick shot with Giovanni Dainotto, AHRC’s Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist. The Art of Independent Living with Mary Jo |
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| Mary Jo Lowerre loves her room. It’s warm, cozy, and most importantly it’s hers.
Growing up with six siblings sparked her interest in being independent early on. She’s always valued time to pursue her own interests in her own space.
Yet, Mary Jo’s ability to live on her own was impacted about five years ago. While living in the Jericho apartments, she started experiencing seizures.
This is when AHRC suggested she consider a residence. Unlike apartment housing, an AHRC residence typically has in-home supports responsive to the unique needs of residents. |
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| Even though she was considering making a move to a shared home, Mary Jo remained adamant about having her own room during her life plan meeting—advocating for what mattered most to her.
“She needs to be encouraged to say what she’s thinking. Sometimes she doesn’t express herself because she doesn’t expect what she wants to happen. With AHRC, if you tell them your number one goal, they will make it happen,” said Tim Lowerre, Mary Jo’s Brother.
This led her to the Woodland Gate Residence which provided the best of both worlds, a place with staff to offer support during seizures and the freedom to set her own schedule. If she wants to take a walk to the local convenience store, she’s free to do so. If Mary Jo wants to skip an outing in favor of a night in—by all means. |
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| | Purchase With Purpose at the One Stop Gift Shop During May, AHRC’s One Stop Gift Shop, 113 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, has been on the move, with several new pop-up shops scheduled for AHRC’s offices:
- May 25, 115 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, 10-1 p.m.
- May 26, 230 Hanse Avenue, Freeport, 10-1 p.m.
- May 31, 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, 10-1 p.m.
New merchandise dedicated to mental health awareness will be available for purchase at these engaging events, led by men and women with developmental disabilities. |
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| | Powered by volunteers, the One Stop Gift Shop offers an outlet for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain retail experience while strengthening connections in the community from its brick-and-mortar space in a bustling shopping center.
Since its inception in 2018, the shop has been a popular program where people supported by AHRC Day Services find new ways to opt-in to six-month volunteer rotations, learning new skills and making new connections. |
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| In addition to Moesha, the current roster of volunteers includes Emily Storz, Jeanne Ingles, Vladimir Noel, Christian Verdonik and Emily Horn.
“I work with all our volunteers daily. We encourage professional working and social skills that will hopefully help them on their life journey,” said Anne Giaramita, Direct Support Professional and Shop Clerk, who has worked at AHRC Nassau since 2019 and with the gift shop for the last few years.
All sales proceeds are donated to community organizations so customers can feel good knowing they are giving back with every purchase. Staff Highlight: Julie Giordano |
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| | For National Nurses Week, the men and women supported by AHRC’s Levittown Day Services worked on a special project to celebrate nurse Julie Giordano. They all made signs with the words “Happy Nurses Week! We love you Julie! Thank you!” and created a picture collage to show their appreciation for her professionalism.
Twenty-two years ago, Julie started as a part-time nurse in Residential Services then transitioned to full-time after three years with the agency. |
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| Julie now supports three day service sites and takes considerable pride in her work.
For Julie, “A smile goes a long way, remember that kindness and support are important. To be successful, you have to love what you do.”
Thank you, Julie! |
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| Important Changes to Medicaid
On April 26, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a debt ceiling bill that included tough tradeoffs affecting people who rely on Medicaid. As well as being a primary source of healthcare, Medicaid makes it possible for people with disabilities to receive home and community services (HCBS). Services that make it possible for people to: |
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- Access jobs
- Contribute to the community
- Participate in activities
- Receive everyday support
The federal government has different requirements for how Medicaid pays for services in institutions and home and community-based services. Causing a backlog that leaves people seeking HCBS on waiting lists for years.
Nearly 700,000 are on waiting lists for HCBS. Half of whom may not even be eligible to receive those services. This bill makes it even harder for people who rely on Medicaid to access and keep invaluable HCBS. People of all abilities are entitled to live fulfilling lives together with family, friends, and community. Medicaid makes this possible.
Act now and tell Congress to leave Medicaid OUT of debt negotiations. |
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| | Sibling BBQ | May 25 | 6–8 p.m.
We’re firing up the grill! Please join us for our annual Sibling BBQ! This is an informal gathering for siblings whose adult brothers/sisters receive services from AHRC and Citizens. This event will take place at the Brookville Mansion, 189 Wheatley Rd., Brookville, NY. |
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| | Annual Rose Ball | June 8 | 7–11 p.m.
Each year, Nassau County AHRC Foundation renews and celebrates its commitment to children and adults with developmental disabilities at its Rose Ball. The Rose Ball seeks to ensure that regardless of budget cuts and changes in the economic and political climate, services for people with developmental disabilities will continue now and into the future. Tickets and sponsorships are available now |
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| | Pride Hiring Event | June 11 | 12–5 p.m.
We’re Hiring! AHRC Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist Giovanni Dainotto will be attending Long Island Pride 2023 in Huntington. We’re open to meeting caring and dedicated. Stop by and get to know us, we will show you why there’s pride in working with AHRC. |
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| We need your help. Join us. |
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| | By becoming a member of the AHRC family you’re contributing your voice to a community advocating for meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As a family-led organization, AHRC Nassau has cultivated an environment where parents, volunteers, and caring staff advocate to enrich the lives of people in their community.
Add your voice to a coalition of purpose driven advocates providing for Nassau County by staying informed and taking action. |
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