From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

Spring is here, bringing with it the opportunity to see so much of what we’ve planted begin to bloom. As BCCS students continue to learn and grow, it’s important to take time to celebrate the strides we’ve made while also looking ahead to new milestones. I am especially looking forward to coming together as a community at BCCS’ first-ever fundraising walk, Steps Toward Tomorrow, on Sunday, May 3.

Moments like these remind me of the extraordinary talent and dedication of our teaching team, administrators, therapists, and residential team, who create joyful and supportive learning experiences every day.

At a time of staffing shortages and narrow budgets, the outcomes our teams achieve at 853 and 4410 schools continue to be exceptional. However, we must continue to advocate to New York State to strengthen our systems of support by investing in the schools and services provided by nonprofits, like Brookville Center for Children’s Services.

Our community is possible because of the generation of parents who believed that children with developmental disabilities and delays could learn and grow. Now, it is our turn. In less than three minutes, you can create a meaningful impact. Please share your support that Gov. Hochul and the NYS legislature:

• Invest in Early Intervention (DOH).
• Prioritize NY 4410 Preschools and 853 School-Age Special Education Schools (SED).
• Advance a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living, with at least 2.7% to invest in everyday operating costs.
• Fund The Careforce Affordability Initiative to support affordable housing, childcare and healthcare for direct care staff.
• And other pressing matters.
Your continued support and partnership ensure that our students, families, and staff have every opportunity to thrive.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Read Across America at BCCS Schools

Across BCCS, students, families, and teachers came together to celebrate Read Across America, March 2–6, 2026, sharing their favorite books and sparking a lifelong love of reading. Take a look at two highlights:

Ed Center Students Shop & Learn New Skills During Their Annual Book Fair. 
Learn more.

Where a Love of Reading Begins: Read Across America Spirit Week at Post Avenue.
Learn more.

A Week of Fun and Reading: Round Hill Road Celebrates Read Across America Week.
Learn more.

Jumping for Joy
Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Parent Association Hosts Meetup at Bounce

After school, Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) Preschool students got to see their friends again at the Bounce! Family Entertainment Center in Syosset as part of a Parent Association (PA) Meetup.

Throughout the year, the PA hosts events and fundraisers at BCW and outside of school when classes are not in session. These meetings provide students with new and unique experiences, show appreciation to staff members, and build community among parents.

PA President Bri Stark said the meetups are some of her favorite events that the group puts together.

“I love seeing the kids explore new spaces,” Bri said. “I love chatting with all the parents as we interact and play with our kids. I also thought it was so cool to watch so many of the kids on the zipline. I had lots of parents come up to me and say that because their kid was watching a friend do it they also wanted to try it. That's what this is all about, making sure the kids have fun and feel confident in an environment that we created for them!"

 Thank you to the BCW PA for hosting another great event.

Bowling Together
Noah Blumberg Joins the East Williston Unified Bowling Team
With His Brother

Noah Blumberg, 21, loves to bowl and he’s become a standout member of the East Williston School District Unified Bowling team. 

For the past three years, Noah has bowled alongside his brother Ethan on a team where students of all abilities play and learn together. Noah lives at the Children’s Residential Program in Lido Beach, and during the bowling season he enjoys sharing his favorite hobby as part of a team. “It’s been great to do something with him,” Ethan said. “I don’t always get to spend time with Noah, so it’s been great.”

In addition to playing on the team, Noah goes bowling with his roommates every Friday. When it’s his turn, he always impresses all those around him with his incredible aim and ability to knock down several pins at a time. While others play, he enjoys listening to the sounds of the bowling alley.

Noah’s mom, Kerrie, appreciates the opportunity to see her two sons play on the same team.

From Heart-Shaped Pretzels to Stronger Connections: Round Hill Road PA Welcomes New Members

Round Hill Road Preschool’s Parents’ Association (PA) is welcoming new members and showing just how meaningful that involvement can be. Through activities like holiday luncheons, seasonal fairs, and entertaining shows, the PA supports students and teachers year-round. This February, the PA launched a Valentine’s-themed pretzel fundraiser featuring heart-shaped pretzels.

Spearheaded by parent volunteers, with support from Margarite Tagliaferro, School Psychologist at Round Hill Round, the pretzel sale was the first fundraiser organized this year.

Meet New Children’s Residential Program Director: Cassie Bradshaw

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Cassie Bradshaw to Director of the Children’s Residential Program (CRP).

Cassie previously served as a manager at the Johnson Place residence and has been with the program since it began in 2009, starting her tenure there as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).

“Cassie really gets what we strive to do here at Brookville Center for Children’s Services,” said Sally Burgess, Senior Director of the CRP. “She loves the program and wants to see it grow. I’m extremely proud of her, and I think she’s going to do great things.”

Cassie began her journey at BCCS working part-time, and over the years, has held “every position possible,” at both Johnson Place and the Seaspray Drive residences, including per-diem, overnight, medical DSP, assistant manager, and manager roles.

Join Us Sunday, May 3, 2026!

Steps Toward Tomorrow is BCCS’ first-ever fundraising walk, taking place on the BCCS Brookville campus, this special day will celebrate our incredible children, schools, teachers, and staff—while raising critical funds to make even more possible.

We’re excited to share that we are already halfway to our $75,000 fundraising goal—and we need your help to get us the rest of the way!

Here’s how you can get involved:

- Form a team with friends, family, or colleagues
- Register today and join us on walk day
- Make a donation to support our mission

Check out our leaderboard to see our top fundraisers and teams—and get inspired to climb the ranks!

JOIN US on April 15th, In-Person!

AHRC Nassau Continuum of Care – Family of Organizations

Presented by: Christopher J. O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer, AHRC Nassau & Citizens Options Unlimited
Sally Burgess, Vice President of Operations, Citizens Options Unlimited

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
In-Person @ AHRC Plainview
115 E. Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY

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.

Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts Spring Sale

Spring is in! Now's the time to stock up on seed-starting kits and blooming plants to brighten your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Every purchase supports vocational training and employment for people with developmental disabilities.