Dear AHRC Families and Friends,

Who we are matters. It is the heart of Disability Pride Month in July and our continued mission to empower people to live fulfilling lives together with family, friends, and community.

Shared moments of disability pride, success, and community are highlighted throughout this month's eNewsletter. From barbecues with friends to classes at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, how AHRC Nassau as a community of people supported, families, staff and volunteers come together to make this happen, every day, is deeply meaningful.  

As we look ahead in the coming weeks, I encourage you to mark your calendars for the Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival, 'Fall for All,' on Sept. 30. From sensory-friendly spaces to creative mask making and face painting, every experience has been designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that every visitor can participate and enjoy the festivities.

Also, please consider responding to OPWDD's request for feedback on their 2023-2026 strategic planning activities. Your response will serve to transform our current system in important ways. These forums are open to the public. You can register for the in-person event taking place on Long Island on August 10, or register for a virtual meeting. 
 
Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we create new opportunities and a more equitable future for all.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry | CEO

Since summer began, people supported by AHRC Nassau Residential Services have been making the most of the season: throwing barbeques, visiting waterparks, and attending events throughout Long Island.

To celebrate Independence Day, the Britton Road Residence hosted a festive BBQ. 

There, a group of 50 friends from four other residences, staff, and families enjoyed delicious homemade dishes of lasagna, burgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob in addition to a selfie and a dance contest where resident Francis Watson of AHRC's Old Britton Road Residence was crowned best dancer.

Catch the event highlights from residential services here.

That same day, residents of the Ruby Lane Residence headed to the Jones Beach Independence Day July 4th Fireworks.

Raising Awareness for the Bellerose Village Fire Department

AHRC Pre-Vocational Services lent a helping hand to Long Island's bravest - the firefighters at the Bellerose Village Fire Department. Vocational Coach Beverly Campbell accompanied Roxanne Wong, Natalie Segers, Gerry Accarino, Darin Whitehead, and Ericka Morales to the station where they helped prepare the annual fundraising letters that firefighters send to the neighborhood to raise money for the firehouse. As a way to say thanks, a special tour of the firehouse was given to the advocates.

AHRC's Stars and Stripes Bowling Bonanza

There were no lanes to spare at AMF Syosset Lanes on Saturday, June 17. Bowlers from the AHRC community showed up for the last bowling session of a five-month tournament season.

This last tournament was Patty Fran's first. Patty attends the Massapequa Clocks Day program and loves to be part of the action. "My DSP (Direct Support Professional) Darlene picks me up every Saturday. We get breakfast and do all sorts of stuff, but I always go bowling. I like to spend time with my friends."

Lynne Brewer, AHRC Community Relations Liaison, has been organizing the tournaments for nearly two years. Each tournament is ten sessions long, starting in January and August. Once there, bowlers not only play sets, but they also sing, dance, catch up with friends and watch their names come up on the leaderboard. There are also refreshments, snacks, and mini-contests for prizes. 

View more pictures here.

George Pitts, AHRC Life Safety Officer, has worked at AHRC Nassau for over 35 years. At the recent "Milestones of Achievement" event, honoring longstanding employees, George shared the significance of his time with the agency and the memories he's created here.

"I came to work for a couple of weeks and that was 35 years ago. I started after 9/11 and now I'm a Life Safety Officer," shared George. "I really enjoy being here. Some of the best parts of my job are working for the people we support. It's one of those things that you can't quantify. It's great to be able to work with people who want to help other people. That's the bottom line with everybody here."

Prior to joining AHRC, George worked as a firefighter and contributed to 9/11 rescue efforts.

Joyce Goodwin, Residential Manager with Geoge Pitts, Life Safety Officer, at the recent staff appreciation gathering.

Outside of work, he enjoys fishing - a hobby he's had since childhood - and has a fishing excursion planned in Pennsylvania for his summer vacation.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kelly Grieshaber

Farmingdale resident, Kelly Grieshaber, has regularly volunteered with AHRC Nassau for a decade. Kelly participates in as many events as she can and is a regular at community bowling and dances. After ten years, she has participated in over 200 events, some of which she has enlisted her mom and fiancé to help.  

"I like to see people enjoying themselves and how much this means for them," said Kelly. "A lot of planning goes into these events and the participants get so much out of it. Also, it's fun, that's probably why I've been doing it so long."

Kelly got her start with AHRC Community Relations Liaison, Lynne Brewer ranging from dances and bowling to holiday events. Initially, Kelly sought to build up her volunteer experience for her resume, but found so much more.

For those interested in volunteering with members of the intellectual and developmental community, her advice is to "Keep an open mind, and focus on making sure the person you're supporting is safe and having a great time."

If you're interested in volunteering opportunities with AHRC, be sure to complete our volunteer submission form here.  

Your Membership Matters! Join Today!

As a family-led organization, AHRC has cultivated an environment where parents, volunteers, and caring staff advocate to increase the options available to children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability community.

By becoming a member today, you are joining a coalition of supporters, on a mission to continue the great work of empowering people to lead fulfilling lives with family, friends, and community. 

Enjoy the benefits of membership by joining us today. Annual membership starts at $15. 

...

Make a difference and become a member now.

Fresh Off the Presses

Check out the summer edition of the AHRC Nassau News. Visit here

Coming Soon

Soap Making, Origami, Nutrition & More! Follow Your Passion at Wheatley Farms | Ongoing

Join in the fun and learn something new with like-minded people at workshops hosted by the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. There's always something fun and exciting waiting for you at the farm. Sign up for a workshop today.

Gear up for "Fall for All" | September 30 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Get excited for Wheatley Farms' first harvest festival. "Fall for All" is more than just a one-day event. It's an opportunity to welcome the community to enjoy a carefully curated schedule offering a wide range of activities accessible to all. From sensory-friendly spaces to creative mask-making and face painting, every experience has been designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that every visitor can participate and enjoy the festivities. Mark your calendars. 

AHRC Foundation Walk 2023 | October 29 | All Day

Be a part of Nassau County's largest event supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The annual AHRC Foundation Walk offers a three-mile course and engaging post-walk activities to raise funds to secure education, health, community inclusion and guardianship supports for people across Long Island. Register today.