Dear Families and Friends,

This September, it has been an honor to celebrate the talented Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide meaningful services and supports across Citizens Options Unlimited. While DSP Recognition Week has come to a close, I encourage everyone to continue recognizing DSPs every day for their important work.

This month also marked the end of another successful summer at Camp Loyaltown. We are grateful to our international counselors and the entire Camp Loyaltown team for creating joyful and memorable experiences for campers as well as providing families with the chance to rest and recharge through much-needed respite.

As the fall season approaches, many of us are gearing up for the annual AHRC Foundation Walk on Sunday, Nov. 2. The Walk is always a wonderful opportunity for friends and family to come together for a shared cause: empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Together, we can accomplish so much, especially through our shared advocacy. Visit our Advocacy Center to learn more and join us in taking action on the issues that matter most.  

Stanfort J. Perry 

Highlighting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) During DSP Recognition Week 

Citizens Options Unlimited’s team of exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) received extra recognition and accolades as part of DSP Recognition Week, Sept. 7–13.

With festive parties, messages of support, gifts, and visits from executive staff, DSPs were reminded that their skill and commitment to the people they support does not go unnoticed.

“Everything we do starts with our DSPs,” said Sally A. Burgess, Vice President. “They are there when people wake up in the morning. They are there to take care of them, to make sure they get to their programs, to work, to school, to doctors’ appointments. They know the people best. Thank you, Citizens DSPs. We could not do it without you.” 

To read stories of DSPs and messages of support from families and staff members, check out our DSP Recognition Week Book. 

Celebrating the Season at Ontario Avenue Barbeque

Firing up the grill, the housemates and staff at the Ontario Avenue residence in Plainview welcomed loved ones and staff for their annual tradition – the summer barbeque known as the Family Gathering. 

Family members and friends of housemates Patrick Black, Robert Behrendt, Randy Cosby, John Volpe, Frank Billadello, and Richard Krinsky, arrived for the Family Gathering, ready to sit outside, catch up, and enjoy a delicious meal together in the backyard.

Red Spring Lane Honored by Local Nonprofit, i Am My Sister, For Participation in Youth Mental Health Walk

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, people supported at Red Spring Lane were recognized by the Glen Cove nonprofit i Am My Sister, for their active participation in the Hope N’ Motion Walk for Youth Mental Health Awareness on May 17. They were joined in this effort by people from two AHRC Nassau residences, New Woods and Circle Drive. Each home received a special plaque thanking them for raising awareness around mental health in youth. They joined with neighbors, families, and local organizations walking the track at Glen Cove High School for a day of connection and community.

Inspired by her daughter’s mental health journey, Lela M. Watson founded i Am My Sister to provide mentorship, leadership development, community engagement, and wellness initiatives to support young girls.

People supported and staff helped make the day meaningful by walking, showing solidarity, and volunteering in the first of what’s expected to become an annual event.

That’s a Wrap on Camp Loyaltown’s 2025
Summer Season

Camp Loyaltown’s 2025 camp season came to a close on September 7^th, as the last campers waved goodbye and international counselors headed to airports – ending another amazing summer. 

From pool days to talent shows, sidewalk chalk, alpacas (and their friends!), late night campfires, and so much more, this season was full of memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

Returning Camp Loyaltown Staff Celebrated at
Staff Appreciation Night

The energy from the Recreation (Rec) Hall reverberated across Camp Loyaltown, as staff celebrated at Staff Appreciation Night on August 14.

With the Rec Hall decorated in black, gray, and white balloons and streamers, and everyone in attendance, including over 70 counselors, dressed to the nines, Camp Loyaltown leadership awarded returning counselors and staff members of 2-15 years with medals celebrating their dedication to the campers. It’s a tradition where counselors and staff who work tirelessly daily to create meaningful experiences for campers get to take a break and enjoy a fun evening with friends.

For many counselors who travel from all around the world, the relationships they make at camp with each other, and campers, are so meaningful and special, that they want to come back to the mountains to spend time with their favorite people year after year. 

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.

Upcoming Events

Walk: Sunday, Nov. 2

This fall, the Citizens community will be getting their walking shoes ready to walk for a great cause! 

Every year, fundraising teams raise money ahead of the big day at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, and all the funds are donated to the AHRC Foundation.