Dear Families and Friends,  

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and recognize the ongoing challenges that affect our shared community. 

The heartbeat of our community is our staff, many of whom are Black women. Every day, they make our mission possible, supporting the health, independence, and inclusion of the people we serve. One of the most meaningful ways to recognize their professionalism and continued service is to advocate. 

Right now, the FY27 NYS Budget is being negotiated in Albany. We must urge the state senate and assembly to include our priorities in their one-house budgets, specifically: 

- A 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living and providing services 

- The Careforce Affordability Initiative to support affordable housing, childcare and healthcare for direct care staff 

- Infrastructure Investments to ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living and providing services to maintain facilities, meet state climate goals, and support innovative services. 

Every voice matters. I encourage you to share your support by using our one-click campaign or picking up the phone — introducing yourself to your state senator and assemblymember and asking if you can count on their support. To find your elected officials and their contact information, I recommend using the Long Island Zoning Atlas. 
 
Despite one of the coldest winters in recent years, the past few weeks have been a time of active advocacy: marching at the City of Glen Cove Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Commemoration; hosting trainings for families; and taking part in the many programs that make our community unique.  
 
Your continued support is what makes our community continue to thrive. Thank you for being part of this important work.  
 
Best Regards,  

Stanfort J. Perry 

Citizens Residential Council Hosts First
Meeting of the Year

Men and women who reside in Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) across Nassau and Suffolk gathered at the Plainview office on Jan. 15 for the first Citizens Options Unlimited Residential Council meeting of the year.

Council members discussed issues that affect their daily lives, as well as upcoming events to connect and become a stronger advocate.

“You get to learn about a lot,” said Devon Rivera, the Vice President of the Council. “I learn about my rights, trainings, learning how to listen when people are speaking. People make speeches. You can learn about everything.”  

Love is in the Air

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the heart of our community and the meaningful connections that bring us together. Enjoy this video of the Helen Kaplan Center (The Center), highlighting moments of friendship, support, and shared joy.

Living a Self-Directed Life: Angel Vasquez

Angel Vasquez has many interests and hobbies that help him learn, grow, and build independence every day. 

“I like to write stories, play video games, exercise, and just go out into the community,” Angel said. “My ultimate goal is becoming fully independent: getting a driver’s license, getting a job, and just being more independent.” 

One of Angel’s most important tools for achieving greater independence is Self-Direction, a disability support service he enrolled in after the pandemic. 

“I heard about the services they provided, and I figured it could get me to the next level if I looked into it,” Angel said. 

Vision Boards and Mentorship: A Positive Afternoon for Self-Advocates & Local High School Students

A future in the field of direct care is bright for Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District students, enrolled in the DSP Pathways Program. On January 28, the twelve students left the Brookville mansion feeling inspired and hopeful after meeting with goal-oriented self-advocates and experienced residential staff.  

Employees of the Quarter Help Us All Shine!

Just two days before Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Stanfort J. Perry, CEO, at the Jan. 13 Employee of the Quarter event reflected on the spirit of compassion and service embodied by Dr. King. 

“As Dr. King reminded us, ‘Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve,’” Stanfort said. “Those words are more than a quote. They are the living truth of your work. Service is found in very small, consistent acts that preserve dignity, expand opportunity, and bring hope.”  

Among the Employee of Quarter honorees were Sade Cato, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Helen Kaplan Center (the Center); Kayla Collins, a DSP at the West Islip Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA); and Ashley Sesto, a Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS).  

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With a Day of Service

Members of the Citizens Options Unlimited community made Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a “day on, not off,” marching with community members, collecting non-perishable food items, and listening to powerful words inspired by Dr. King’s life and legacy.  

Mark Your Calendars

Camp Loyaltown Information Sessions 

Prepare for summer at Camp Loyaltown by joining us for information sessions supporting new and returning campers! Even if a camper has been coming to Camp Loyaltown for many years, there will be announcements from the administration team and updates on medication and transportation.

Meetings are in-person and virtual. All in-person orientations will be held at the Brookville mansion at 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville NY, 11545.

Our schedule will be:

1. New Campers: April 4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Ballroom, Brookville mansion
2. Returning Campers: April 11 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Ballroom, Brookville mansion
3. Returning and New Campers: April 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. - Zoom meeting

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.  

To learn more about camp and upcoming sessions, visit our Camp Loyaltown Information page. Registration is open through CampDocs. 

InformMe Educational Workshop Series

Check out AHRC Nasau’s InformMe Educational Workshop Series, which provides families and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with practical guidance and reliable information to navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way.

Offered throughout the year, each workshop focuses on topics that people and families are actively navigating – supporting informed decision-making and helping them feel more confident as they advocate for themselves or their family member. 

Managing Transition/Expectations (High School → CRP → Home; emotional aspects)

Wednesday, February 25: 6 to 7 p.m. (Virtual via zoom)

Looking to the Future: The Most Fundamental Issues Confronting Families with Special Needs

Tuesday, March 10: 6 to 7 p.m. (Virtual via zoom)

AHRC Nassau Continuum of Care – Family of Organizations

o Wednesday, April 15: 6 to 7 p.m. (In person-AHRC Plainview)

Aging and People with IDD (including Alzheimer’s, etc.)

o Thursday, May 7: 6 to 7 p.m. (Virtual Via Zoom)

Wheatley Farms Catering

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.

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