Dear Families and Friends,

From upstate at Camp Loyaltown to here on Long Island, it’s wonderful to see the Citizens Options Unlimited community enjoying all the best summer has to offer. It’s truly a season to enjoy and build new interests.

As we make the most of this time, let’s also consider the importance of America250 and Disability Pride Month. Rights to community living and independence were achieved through collective advocacy for these rights – and protecting them requires all of us.
As federal policy continues to change, I encourage you to stay positive and proactive, and consider adding the following items below into your summer activities:

• Shout Out the Direct Support Professionals Making a Difference.  Share a testimonial of a DSP who has made a difference. We’ll be sharing these stories to advocate and bring attention to the important work of DSPs. Share your story.
• Let Congress Know that Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are NON-NEGOTIABLE. In less than 2 minutes, you can tell your NY senators and congressional representative to continue to stand up for Medicaid and HCBS. Take action.
•  Sign Up to Educate Candidates on Disability Issues. Interested in getting more involved in disability advocacy? Join a group of bipartisan advocates dedicated to educating candidates on the disability experience. Sign up here. 

Thank you for your support across all we do. 

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Mountain Top Library Showcases Artwork by Camp Loyaltown Campers

At Camp Loyaltown, art is another way for campers to express themselves and share what inspires them. This summer, their artwork is featured in an exhibit called “The Camp Loyaltown Art Project” at the Mountain Top Library, just a 10-minute drive from camp.

The exhibit includes paintings, paper sculptures and other artwork, inspired by many of the experiences that make Camp Loyaltown special, from beach parties to carnival celebrations, as well as campers’ interests and perspectives. Each session will add to the display.

Living a Self-Directed Life: Mel Cacenski 

Mel Cacenski is building a life filled with friendships, new experiences, and the freedom to pursue what matters most to her.  

With flexible support and opportunities to explore her community, Mel continues to build a life that’s uniquely her own. She’s an amazing aunt, a caring pet parent to Prince and Theo, an artist, and a skilled PC gamer. 

Through Citizens’ Self-Direction Services, Mel receives support that helps her explore her interests, build connections in her community, and develop greater independence. Citizens also provides broker services to help coordinate budgets, build a support network, and develop a Community Habilitation (Comm Hab) plan. 

Pickwick Roommates Make Summer Memories Together During Upstate Vacation 

For the women who live at the Pickwick Drive house, vacation is about sharing new experiences, strengthening friendships, and making memories together. 
 
From June 21–24, Sarah Chardavoyne, Amanda Badke, Jenny Stillwell, Jamie Allen, and Lizzy Grogan traveled upstate to the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Monticello, for four days of relaxation, laughter, and adventure. 

“The ladies did enjoy spending a lot of time together,” said Pamela Iliou, Assistant House Manager at Pickwick, who remembered how the ladies enjoyed knocking on each other’s doors and laughing when they saw their housemates on the other side. 

Kartrite offered plenty of things to do during their vacation. Jamie especially enjoyed relaxing in the warm waters of Affinity Springs, the resort’s jacuzzi pool. 

“That was nice,” Jamie said. 

Katarina Scholz Shares Lived Experience at Staff Orientation 

When new employees at the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) begin orientation, they hear from someone who knows firsthand what person-centered support means: Katarina Scholz.  

As a resident of the Shoreham ICF for over a year, Katarina plays an active role in welcoming new staff and sharing practical advice about supporting the people who live there. 

Katarina said she began participating in staff orientation because she “just wanted to help new employees.” 

To prepare for her first staff orientation, Katarina worked with Behavior Intervention Specialist Antoinette Sgroi to develop a presentation that reflects what is most important to her and her neighbors. She keeps the script in her room and practices before each session so she feels confident speaking with new employees. During orientation, Katarina encourages staff to stay attentive during meals and while driving residents in agency vehicles. 

Stars, Stripes and Summer Celebrations 

Red, white, and blue were front and center as residents, families, and staff celebrated America250 and Independence Day with friendship, food, and fireworks. 

Honoring Employees of the Quarter 

Exceptional service and dedication were recognized on June 30 as Citizens Options Unlimited staff were recognized at the Employees of the Quarter celebration. 

“Each day, you go above and beyond, not just meeting expectations, but raising the bar, and somehow you all make it look easy,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO. 

The event’s honorees included Samantha Letts and Roselene Sylvestre, Direct Support Professionals from the Helen Kaplan Center, and Jennifer Bonarrigo, Assistant Director of Operational Support. 

“Recognition like this is no small feat. After all, being selected as Employee of the Quarter means you managed to impress your colleagues, in addition to that, your supervisors and, most importantly, the people we support—and they are the reason we are all here,” Stanfort said. 

A Successful Month of Belonging at Citizens

From Shoreham to Hunter, June marked Citizens Options Unlimited’s inaugural Month of Belonging. 

People supported, families, and staff gathered across programs and services to celebrate the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that strengthen our community.  

This month-long series of events, planned by the Citizens’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, created a wonderful opportunity to celebrate culture, foster connection, and strengthen a sense of belonging across the Citizens community.   

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Month of Belonging a success!  

For DSP Recognition Week: Share a Message of Support!

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week will soon be here! Share a shout out, inspiring story, or message of support recognizing the impact of Citizens Options Unlimited DSPs.

Stay tuned from September 13-19 when we’ll be sharing your stories on our social media channels and annual DSP Recognition Book.

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:

· Personal Outcome Measures (POM) – Tool for Goal Achievement, Person-Centered Planning
Tues. August 11, 2026 / 11am-1pm (In person-AHRC Brookville Mansion)

· Effective Communication Between Families & Providers /  Dignity & Rights of Staff – “We’re All in This Together”
Wed. September 23, 2026 / 11am-12pm (Virtual via Zoom) 

Wheatley Farms Catering

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! 

Shop Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts

Order summer flowers and plant baskets from the historic Wheatley Farms Greenhouse located in Brookville. 

Wheatley Farms offers beautifully handcrafted selections of annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets.
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.

AHRC Foundation Walk 2026

Sunday, October 25, 2026

• 10:00am - Registration opens
• 10:30am - Opening Ceremonies
• 11:00am - Ribbon cutting, Walk begins

Eisenhower Park, East Meadow,
NY Field 6A

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, Brookville Center for Children’s Services, 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.

Together, we move forward — leaving no one behind.