| Dear Families and Friends,
I truly believe that celebration is a form of advocacy. It brings our community together and reminds us of the strength of our shared connections.
Across Citizens Options Unlimited, from Shoreham to Hunter, our dedicated team supports people with developmental disabilities to build healthy, independent, and meaningful lives. It was a pleasure to celebrate staff on July 30 at our annual Staff Appreciation Day in Brookville, and I look forward to recognizing the counselors and team members who make Camp Loyaltown so special on Aug. 13 in Hunter, NY.
I encourage you to show your appreciation by sharing a testimonial or photo for this September’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. It means so much to our staff to have parents, siblings and family members share their kind words. We’re accepting staff “shout outs” through Sept. 9. These testimonials are included in our DSP Recognition Book and on social media, celebrating our Direct Support Professionals and the essential work they do.
You can also make your voice heard by sending a one-click email to your elected representatives, reminding them that Medicaid matters and that home- and community-based services change lives every day.
Together, we can celebrate, advocate, and ensure people with developmental disabilities have the opportunities and support to live the life they choose.
Thank you, |
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| | | | A night at the theatre. A day at Adventureland. A seat at a Mets game. A circus under the big top. Thanksgiving dinner with more than 200 friends. For the people we support in Citizens Options Unlimited (COU) homes across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, this past year was full of ordinary, wonderful outings — the same kind of nights and weekends anyone looks forward to. |
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| None of this happens without support. A $35,000 grant from the AHRC Foundation helped make this year of outings possible across more than 30 COU homes, with residents contributing toward their own tickets to the best of their ability and funds making it possible for staff to be supportive alongside. |
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| | Finding Vocation On Vacation at Camp Loyaltown |
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| At Camp Loyaltown, many campers take on new responsibilities — and find a sense of purpose in doing so.
“At Camp Loyaltown, every day brings new opportunity,” said Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services at Camp Loyaltown. “Whether working in the camp store, assisting in the cafeteria, helping with arts and crafts, or supporting the camp office, campers build confidence and independence, gaining pride in making meaningful contributions to camp life.” |
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| | “I am proud of the fact that I get to do this,” said Emily Brown, a camper speaking about the Crafty Corner. “I clean. I help organize things. I help unclog glue bottles.”
Emily’s service in Crafty Corner helps staff and campers who need a clean space and fresh supplies to create. It also gives her a great chance to learn new things.
“I do like to learn, because I’m always happy to learn about new things,” Emily said. |
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| | | | | | Farm to Table at Helen Kaplan Center
Rosa Green Brings Fresh Flavor to the Table |
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| With a last name like Green, it’s no surprise that Rosa Green has a green thumb. A lifelong gardener and cook at Helen Kaplan Center, Rosa has transformed an unused patch of land into a thriving vegetable garden that provides fresh ingredients for meals enjoyed by the people who live there.
Rosa dug the soil herself and planted herbs and vegetables such as onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
“I like to garden,” Rosa said.
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| | | Making a Difference Around the Clock
How Friendship, Fatherhood, and Service Inspire Tim Flynn to Advocate for Families With IDD
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| Tim Flynn, Assistant Director of Residential Services and local disability advocate, goes way back with his coworker Peter Hadfield, an employee maintenance professional and Camp Loyaltown camper. In high school, Peter and his friend gave Tim the nickname “Tim Flynn Bin!”
Tim still smiles every time he thinks of it. |
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| | Years earlier, while earning his degree in health and physical education, Tim was completing observation hours at an adapted physical education program. There, he saw Peter and his friend across the gym playing basketball. He didn’t expect them to remember him. Just like in high school, they came up behind him and called out, “Tim Flynn Bin!”
Today, Tim credits his career supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to friendships like theirs.
Tim brings together his personal and professional experiences to help young families navigate the disability services system.
“Being in the world of special needs and nonprofits for over 20 years, I’ve just had this experience and knowledge that I’ve gained,” Tim said. “When my son was born, accessing all these services from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and going through the front door, and getting the Physical Therapy and the Occupational Therapy, all just kind of seemed natural.”
Tim soon realized many families didn’t have the same roadmap. |
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| | | Staff Appreciation Day: Our Staff Is Out of This World! |
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| Our amazing team was the star of the show at Staff Appreciation Day 2026! On July 30, team members from across Citizens Options Unlimited (COU) gathered at the Brookville mansion for a day of fellowship, great food, music, games, and fun. Thank you to everyone who volunteered by helping with check-in, handing out t-shirts and ponchos, serving food, and assisting with set-up and cleanup. Your support made the day a success!
Take a look at our event photos, and we look forward to celebrating again at Staff Appreciation Day 2027! |
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| | | Share a Shoutout for DSP Week, Sept. 13 to 19 |
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| Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is approaching. Please submit a shout-out, inspiring story, or message of support recognizing the impact of Citizens Options Unlimited DSPs by September 9.
From September 13 to 19, we will share your stories on our social media channels and in the annual DSP Recognition Book. |
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| | | | The Inform Me Educational Workshop Series provides families and people with disabilities with practical guidance and reliable information to help them 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.
Upcoming Workshops:
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| | | | | 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! |
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| | | | Order summer flowers, plant baskets, and fresh produce from the historic Wheatley Farms Greenhouse located in Brookville.
Wheatley Farms offers beautifully handcrafted selections of annuals, perennials hanging baskets, and more!
Every purchase also supports pre-vocational learning opportunities and employment for people with developmental disabilities, providing hands-on experience in horticulture, teamwork, and workplace skills.
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| | AHRC Foundation Walk 2026 |
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| | Sunday, October 25, 2026
Eisenhower Park, Field 6A
- On-site registration begins at 10:00 am
- 🚶Walk begins at 11:00 am
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| The AHRC Foundation Walk brings together children and adults with developmental disabilities, along with families, friends, staff, and community partners, for a family-friendly celebration of unity and support.
In partnership with AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited, we welcome the entire Long Island I/DD community to walk side by side and raise funds for vital programs and services, including health, education, employment, and respite and recreation. |
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