| Dear Families and Friends,
The beginning of a new year is a time to set goals and create momentum toward our vision of a more progressive future.
We’re starting the year with a powerful event — the Commemorative Program in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19, in Glen Cove. During this inspiring morning of service and celebration, Lorelei Thee, DEI Liaison, will speak about the importance of inclusion and continued advocacy. We also encourage community members to bring canned goods and contribute to our yearlong initiative addressing local food insecurity.
Three more ways to get involved!
-Sign up for a Regional Advocacy Group as part of our Interagency Gov. Affairs Committee. Meet families, staff, and fellow supporters to discuss advocacy issues and connect with elected officials.
-Send a letter to Gov. Hochul, urging her to prioritize and support disability services in the Executive Budget anticipated Jan. 20.
-Register for The Arc US Federal Advocacy Kickoff Webinar on Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.
Through our advocacy, we can strengthen services that bring people together and ensure a stronger future for all.
Best Regards, |
|
|---|
| | | Ringing in the New Year with Virtual Connections |
|
|---|
| No matter where they are on Long Island, members of Virtual Connections, a self-advocate-led, virtual music and social club, will log on and ring in the new year together.
Since 2021, the members of Virtual Connections have made it a tradition to spend the night of New Year’s Eve together on Zoom. They welcomed 2026 together and plan to continue singing, hosting virtual concerts, and supporting one another in the new year. |
|
|---|
| “During our New Year’s celebrations, we just laugh, listen to music, and party,” said Michelle Rudoff, a co-host of the group and a Quality Assurance Trainer for Citizens Options Unlimited.
Virtual Connections meets in the evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays to practice for concerts held throughout the year. For the members of the group, Virtual Connections represents a community of people who are there for one another, including Gloria Snyder.
Gloria has been attending Virtual Connections since 2020. It was a chance to see people she’s met through services like Camp Loyaltown. Now, Gloria spends New Year’s Eve with her friends from Virtual Connections.
|
| |
|---|
| | | Community Connection
Helen Kaplan Center supports MOMMAS House |
|
|---|
| | The holidays are a season of giving, and the community of self-advocates, families, and staff at Citizens Options Unlimited’s Helen Kaplan Center wanted to give back to their neighbors at MOMMAS House.
MOMMAS House, located in Levittown, provides housing and support for young mothers aged 18 to 24 and their children. To support them, the center’s community organized bake sales and an Angel Tree to collect supplies and toys. |
|
|---|
| “We’ve had some smaller drives, and this is really our big holiday drive because we wanted to do something for the community, and we’ve donated to MOMMAS House before,” said Inez McDannell, a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) at the center. |
|
|---|
| | | Every Wednesday Night, Carol Street Housemates
Bond at Art Therapy |
|
|---|
| Under the glow of the disco ball, Art Therapy Night has created lasting, meaningful moments for the housemates of the Carol Street Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) in West Hempstead. For Heather Moore, Art Therapy has increased confidence in her communication skills. “She’s talking more now than ever before,” said Rochelle Howell, House Manager of Carol Street, and notes staff have also learned more about Heather in the process. Listening to the way Heather sings well-known song lyrics has led to a better understanding of how she pronounces words outside of Art Therapy. |
| |
|---|
| | | Celebrating the Holidays at Citizens |
|
|---|
| | Throughout December, the Citizens community enjoyed parties, daytrips, and traditions that brought everyone together. |
|
|---|
| | | Registration Now Open for Summer 2026 Season at Camp Loyaltown in Hunter, New York. |
|
|---|
| The camp season begins on June 14 and brings together campers of all abilities and counselors from around the world for an unforgettable summer in the Catskill Mountains. At Camp Loyaltown, anything is possible because it’s an environment that’s accessible, inclusive, and empowering. |
| |
|---|
| | Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a
“day on, not a day off.” |
|
|---|
| Join volunteers and self-advocates on January 19th for a day of “reflection, unity, and service.” For the 42nd year, the City of Glen Cove, Glen Cove City School District, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemorative Commission will host a Symbolic March and Program, where Lorelei Thee, DEI Liaison, will deliver a message of inclusion and hope. |
| |
|---|
| | | | Wheatley Farms Catering offers delicious weekly specials! Local to Long Island? Give us a try!
Catering options also available. The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small!
At Wheatley Farms, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We take pride in providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We empower people to gain valuable skills in the culinary arts, fostering independence and self-confidence. |
|
|---|
| | |
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate love this season?
Wheatley Farms offers a thoughtful selection of handcrafted items personally made by the people we serve.
Each purchase goes beyond a gift—it helps support our mission and provides ongoing opportunities for our team to grow, create, and serve the community.
From cozy sweatshirts to iced coffee cups, coasters, and more, there’s something special for everyone. Visit our website to explore what we’ve been working on and find a gift that truly comes from the heart. This Valentine’s Day, show your love through Wheatley Farms.
|
| |
|---|
| |
|
|
