From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

As we embrace the changing seasons, I am reminded of the enduring commitment of our community. I am grateful for the active and ongoing participation of self-advocates, families, staff members, and friends in our community. Your generous contributions of time and talent bring our shared mission to life.

The last few weeks have been busy with the AHRC Foundation Walk, 2024 Annual Statewide Conference of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS), Inc. and the annual Rights Rally.

As we look forward, we must consider the challenges facing the disability community and work to keep these issues top of mind for our elected officials. At the state level, your support is needed. Please help us bring attention to a 7.8% increase in provider rates to support direct care and non-executive wages and address inflation's impact on benefits, maintenance, utilities, food, supplies, transportation, and insurance for provider agencies like ours. Send an email through our one-click campaign.

Only through collective action can we support inclusion and achieve transformative results for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Thank you for your continued commitment.

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Annual Rights Rally Empowers People to Lead 
Self-Directed Lives

At the Oct. 16 Rights Rally in Brookville, over a hundred people supported by AHRC Day Services celebrated self-advocacy and self-discovery through presentations and activities exploring their interests and aspirations.

Organized jointly by the Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) and Quality Assurance (QA) teams, this year’s rights rally focused on understanding one’s role in society.

Self-advocate and QA Trainer Michelle Rudoff, Compass and QA Administrator Colleen Tapia and Personal Outcomes Department Coordinator Susan “Sue” Gil Orange led the presentation.

Presenting a Curated Person-Centered Program

Coleen Mackin, a QA trainer who also helped to organize the event, emphasized how the PCP process improved the trajectory of her life. Coleen is supported through a New York State program called Self-Direction and has access to services meaningful to her. She works three days a week, takes vocal lessons and is working toward her goal of starting a YouTube channel. She is also deeply involved in her community through advocacy and volunteerism.

“It’s important for people to use their right to speak up and find support,” said Coleen. “Have a good support team and know how to get transportation because without it you can’t get anywhere to meet anyone.”

Louisa Diaz and Yonah Piedagnel Walk the Runway at
John’s Crazy Socks Another Face of Beauty Show

Carmen Louisa Diaz and Yonah Piedagnel, roommates from Livingston St., walked the runway on October 26 at John’s Crazy Socks annual fashion show at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station.

Now in its third year, the Another Face of Beauty Show is dedicated to not only showcasing John’s creative sock line but also to empowering models, artists and musicians with disabilities to display their talents to the community. From the musicians to the models, the show is composed entirely of people with disabilities

“It was so much fun,” said Louisa. “It made me feel so happy.”

Notice of Meeting:

Annual Meeting of the Membership to Elect Officers and Directors

Monday, November 18, 2024 @ 6:00 PM

Location: AHRC Nassau/Brookville Mansion
189 Wheatley Road 
Brookville, NY 11545

Or attend the Meeting via Zoom

(Registration is required)

Light refreshments will be served
Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 PM

For more information contact Seon Bailey at ext. 1105 or sebailey@ahrc.org

Self-Advocate Tuvia Naftali Meets POMs Goal on 
SANYS 2024 Annual Statewide Conference

From Thursday, October 24, to Saturday, October 26, twenty-six members of the AHRC community including self-advocates and staff attended the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Annual Statewide Conference in Albany.

The conference provides workshops, activities, and networking for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities to meet, learn, share ideas, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes. People supported by the agency attend every year, looking forward to making their voices heard and becoming leaders in disability self-advocacy. Support staff also attend to assist people who benefit from the additional aid.

Be a Champion for AHRC Nassau This Holiday Season!

Registration is now open for the annual 3-day shopping event! Get your Champion Number today to support AHRC Nassau with 25% of your full-price pre-tax purchases.

Remember, to make your list and shop Americana Manhasset stores during the 3-day event from December 5-7.

What's on your shopping list this year?

Register for a Champion Number today.

AHRC Foundation Walk Raises Over $100,000, 
Welcomes New Community Volunteers

This year, AHRC Nassau community members were among the 1,100 walkers supporting the AHRC Foundation Walk on October 27at Eisenhower Park. It was a gorgeous day filled with activities for all ages. Dozens of teams raised funds to help the foundation reach its $100,000 goal.

The Walk also welcomed a new group of community leaders who proudly joined an AHRC Nassau team, the Freeport High School Interact Club.

Led by Club Advisor, Brianne Underwood, the club participates in local and international community service projects. The Walk was their introduction to volunteerism with AHRC Nassau and they chose to support The Fabulous Freeport Crew team with a $100 donation.

Become An AHRC Foundation Angel Today!

As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to invite you to become an AHRC Foundation Angel and make a real difference for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living on Long Island.

Please consider becoming an AHRC Foundation Angel today. Together, we can continue building a community that truly welcomes and includes everyone. Thank you for being an important part of our continuing mission. Please Donate Today. 

     Coming Up

Get excited for holiday fun at Frost & Farm Fest!

Join us Thursday, December 5, for an evening filled with family-friendly activities, live music, holiday shopping, and a raffle giveaway at the Wheatley Farms and Arts Center.

RSVP TODAY!

Please take part in our winter-themed tractor display contest. We are looking for the most family-friendly, festive, and best-designed displays to award!

Save the date for Frost & Farm Fest: December 5, from 5-8 pm.
Register for the decorating contest by November 20.