As the year comes to an end, it is a time to reflect on our best highlights of 2023. It was a tremendously busy year for Citizens Options Unlimited; we welcomed many new people supported across our services as well as expanded services throughout Suffolk and Nassau county, bringing our residential services to a total of 27 group homes and expanded respite services to provide opportunities at now three locations.

We are eager to share the continued successes in 2024 and look forward to a productive year of growth, advocacy, and celebration of inclusion, diversity, and equity for all.

In the Picture: Thomas Rosenthal Makes Family Milestone, Attends Sister’s Wedding

For Thomas Rosenthal, attending his sister’s wedding was an important milestone — and one the Shoreham ICF team partnered with his family to make a reality.

Thomas, who is on the spectrum, has struggled for decades with intense and challenging behaviors, often in response to frustration and confusion.

Finding Gloria’s North Star: The Power of Music and Virtual Connections

Smiling wide and clapping her hands, Gloria Snyder eagerly awaited her turn in Virtual Connections, one of our respite services. The program starts out the same each time: from 4–5 p.m., each attendee takes a turn performing a song as part of their daily concert.

Gloria’s favorite portion of Virtual Connections has always been music. In fact, music has been at the root of Gloria’s happiness for as long as her mother, Mary Campbell, can remember. Mary referred to music as “Gloria’s North Star.

A Mother’s Love: How One Mother’s Love Transformed Care

A mother’s love is unique. Sometimes, it might look like huge, themed birthday parties or tins of blueberry muffins, while other times, it might be as simple as spending time together.

For a mother of a child with an intellectual or developmental disability, it might also mean ongoing advocacy for your child and the disability community as a whole.

Yvon Novy is one of those mothers—a powerful parent advocate and friend to many in Citizens Options Unlimited’s community who are considered medically frail or have an increased need for medical care and an increased chance of health problems.

Five Citizens Teams Make Top Fundraisers at 20th Annual AHRC Foundation Walk

Agency Raises Over $100,000 to Support New York’s I/DD community

The Citizens Options Unlimited community joined with over 1,000 walkers to raise more than $100,000 for the Annual AHRC Foundation Walk benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) on October 29.

“My goal this year was to put Citizens on the map and create a movement,” said Jerry Powers, Director of Residential Services, whose team, the Powers’ Walkers, was Citizens top fundraising team raising nearly $10,000. 

Celebrating 20+ Years at the Home Depot: Meet Jamie Allen

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2023

This year, Jamie Allen, 42, from Citizens’ Pickwick Residence, is celebrating nine consecutive years of employment as a Store Support at The Home Depot. However, Jamie has been connected to The Home Depot for over 20 years and worked in nearly every department, from paint and tools to holiday and lighting.

“I love setting up the holiday decorations in the store, helping customers, and I love my orange apron,” Jamie said. “I want to work here ‘til I retire.”

How Comm Hab DSP Jon and Annie Explore the World Around Them

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week: A Series

Jon Clemens, Community Habilitation Direct Support Professional (DSP) for Self-Direction, has worked with Elaine Razukas, from Farmingdale, for a little over five years. Each week, Tuesday through Friday, morning to early evening, the two embark on many adventures in their community.

Celebrating Alister’s Achievements:

A Q&A on 25 Years and Counting

Congratulations to Alister Guillaume, House Manager at Citizens’ Lake Grove Residence, on his recent 25th work anniversary. In that time, Alister has worn many hats in the agency, including Program Coordinator, Diversity Facilitator, Incident Investigator, and DSP ICF trainer. For Alister, the positions that he’s liked the most have been hands on.