| Dear Families and Friends,
June is a time of celebration, when many of the seeds we’ve planted throughout the year start to bloom.
To begin, I would like to thank everyone from Citizens Options Unlimited who attended and/or supported the AHRC Foundation Rose Ball on June 11. The evening raised more than $380,000 to support the Foundation’s work and its ongoing commitment to strengthening the programs and services that benefit people supported by Citizens and our family of organizations.
We were especially grateful to the many families who responded to our recent invitation to support the event. Thank you for helping ensure that the supports people rely on today remain strong for the future.
This month, we are proud to launch our first Month of Belonging. What began as a Day of Belonging in 2024 and grew into a Week of Belonging in 2025 has expanded because of the strength of our community and our shared commitment to uplifting each other. As we observe Juneteenth on June 19 and LGBTQIA+ Pride Month throughout June, we recognize the importance of honoring our unique backgrounds and experiences. Thank you to the Citizens Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for organizing the Month of Belonging events that bring together the people we support, their families, staff, and neighbors across our programs from Shoreham to Hunter, New York.
After months of preparation, we were delighted to welcome Session 1 campers to Camp Loyaltown on June 14. Our dedicated camp team and counselors from around the world have worked diligently to prepare our Catskills campus for a summer of self-expression, friendship, creativity, and fun. We look forward to seeing the memories and milestones that will be created this season.
This season’s advocacy efforts also came to fruition as Governor Kathy Hochul and New York lawmakers included a 2.7 percent Targeted Inflationary Increase in the state budget, along with flexible attestation language, so providers have flexibility in how they use these funds to best meet the needs of people they support. We appreciate our elected officials’ recognition of the value of our services and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead. For more information on our ongoing advocacy efforts, please visit our Advocacy Center at www.citizens-inc.org/advocate.
Together, we have accomplished much and there is so much more to look forward to in the months ahead.
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| | | Preparing for Opening Day
Camp Loyaltown Opens for the Season |
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| In the past few months, Camp Loyaltown has been buzzing with excitement as 170 counselors from around the world arrived in Hunter, New York, through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. |
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| | The days leading up to camp are a special time. While counselors participate in training and help prepare the grounds, they also build friendships and connections before opening day on June 14. These relationships help create a strong team that will work together throughout the summer to ensure every camper has an unforgettable experience. |
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| Some of the early projects around camp include painting cabins, updating signs, doing yardwork, getting the farm animals ready for summer, and setting up new spaces like a lending library and a sensory area.
“Everything is focused on making this an amazing experience for the campers,” said Cory Claus, Program Coordinator. “At this camp, campers are the center of the world, and we want them to know that every minute of every day.” |
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| | | Rose Ball 2026:
A Night of Celebration, Community, and Giving |
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| The AHRC Foundation’s 76th Annual Rose Ball celebrated the dedication of a community creating opportunities and enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Held at Oheka Castle on June 11, the event brought together members of the Citizens Options Unlimited families, board members, and staff in celebration of a shared mission.
“The Rose Ball is a great occasion for us to gather, catch up with one another, and reflect on all the opportunities we can create for the people we support, with the AHRC Foundation as our partner,” said Sallyanne Burgess, Vice President of Citizens Options Unlimited. “We are so grateful for the decades of stewardship from families and supporters, and the Rose Ball is a wonderful evening to celebrate that.” |
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| | The evening raised over $380,000 to support education, employment, healthcare, and community-based opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
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| | | Another Baseball Season for Ross Perlow
Playing Ball and Building Connections in the Challenger League |
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| Members of the Challengers league team, The Pirates, arrived for a game in Dix Hills on a bright spring morning, ready to support one another and play a game they all love: baseball.
“It’s really fun,” said Ross Perlow, who is supported by Citizens Options Unlimited. “I like pitching.” |
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| Ross played a strong game, confidently taking the pitcher’s mound, stepping up to bat, and making his way to home base. Ross has been playing with the Challengers league comprised of teams with players who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since he was a child. Now 35, he is celebrated as one of the league’s original members.
“He’s incredible,” said Rich Donoghue, one of the coaches.
Even outside the spring season, Ross’ social calendar is full of parties with teammates who have become close friends. |
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| | | A Night to Remember
Dinner, dancing & family connections at the Helen Kaplan Center’s Family Gala |
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| | The red carpet was rolled out at the American Legion in Wantagh as men and women who reside at Helen Kaplan Center arrived dressed to the nines for an evening of dinner, dancing, and celebration with family and friends.
Music filled the room as guests were welcomed with cheers and compliments. Many chose to start the evening at the balloon arch and red-carpet photo booth, eager to capture memories of the special occasion. |
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| For John Reardon, 27, the evening got even better when he heard “Diamonds” by Rihanna begin playing. |
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| | | Citizens Residential Council Paint & Sip Celebrates Creativity, Artistic Expression, and Connection |
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| Paintbrushes, canvases, and plenty of imagination filled the ballroom of the Brookville mansion as the Citizens Residential Council hosted a May 21 fundraiser to support future events, including Friendsgiving and a donation to a local nonprofit. |
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| The Residential Council meets monthly to build self-advocacy skills and discuss issues important to residents. It’s open to all the men and women who reside in Citizens Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs). Members also plan fundraisers to support good causes and social events to keep the community engaged.
Approximately 70 people participated in an evening of painting, conversation, and dinner, expressing their creativity while enjoying time with friends and neighbors.
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| | | Citizens Launches Month of Belonging Celebration |
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| From Shoreham to Hunter, June marks Citizens Options Unlimited’s Month of Belonging. It’s a time when people supported, families, and staff gather across programs and services to celebrate the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that strengthen our community. |
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| | “The celebration has grown into a beautiful cultural experience that everyone looks forward to,” said Dr. Tolulope Elizabeth Adenekan, Workforce Equity & DEI Specialist. “It offers activities, games, storytelling sessions, and opportunities that help people reconnect with their roots, heritage, and traditions. Many participants share that the most meaningful part is the chance to speak about their cultural background, what it represents, what it means to them, and how it shapes their identity. It becomes a moment of pride, reflection, and connection.” |
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| This year’s events will be held:
· -Brookville: June 16, Noon–2 p.m.
· -Shoreham ICF: June 17, 1–3 p.m.
· -Helen Kaplan Center: June 18, 10:30 a.m. – noon
· -Camp Loyaltown: June 19
· -Plainview: June 23, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
For more information, email Darlene Diaz, Office Manager. |
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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 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. |
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| | | AHRC Foundation Walk 2026 |
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| 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. |
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