| Dear Families and Friends,
The spring season offers new opportunities to continue the important work of our community — sharing our mission and how to achieve greater health, independence, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
As we recognize Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, we value the progress made through the advocacy of families who came before us. At the same time, we must continue to bring attention to the issues impacting our community today.
That’s why while the New York State budget is still being negotiated, it’s important to continue advocating for:
· A 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to supplement the Governor's 1.7% and ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living, with at least 2.7% for agencies to invest in everyday operating costs.
· The Careforce Affordability Initiative to support affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare for direct care staff.
Your voice makes a difference. Please use our one-click email tool to share these priorities with your New York State legislators and help ensure they understand the impact on our shared community.
Together, we can make the most of this opportunity and continue working toward our vision of a world where all people are valued.
Best Regards,
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| | | An Exciting Start to the Baseball Season
Lizzie Grogan & Jamie Allen attend a New York Mets game |
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| | Lizzie Grogan and Jamie Allen, roommates at the Pickwick Drive residence in Syosset, and Pamela Iliou, Assistant Manager, were excited to mark the beginning of yet another baseball season at Citi Field in Queens.
Lizzie, Jamie, and Pamela saw the New York Mets defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 28.
Both Lizzie and Jamie are huge baseball fans—Lizzie cheers on the New York Yankees, while Jamie roots for the Mets. |
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| Regardless of which team is playing, Lizzie and Jamie enjoy the experience of attending games together. All week, they enjoy talking about their weekend plans.
Lizzie said, “I like it when they get the strikeouts, because then you get to see the umpire saying ‘Out.’” |
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| | | A New Chapter for Barbara Doerler
Barbara settles into the Helen Kaplan Center |
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| Barbara Doerler recently moved into the Helen Kaplan Center (The Center) to receive the clinical and supportive care she needs to thrive after a lifetime of living with family.
“It’s nice,” Barbara said of her new home. |
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| With the support of her family and staff, Barbara continues to build connections, develop new skills, and embrace each day with the same warmth that has always been a part of who she is. |
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| | | Gathering for a Passover Seder Dinner at Shoreham |
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| | Men and women who live at the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) arrived at the Rosewood building, ready to enjoy a Passover Seder dinner on April 3.
The Seder dinner is organized by Esther Shea, a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). |
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| “Traditionally, it’s meat, vegetables, and potatoes, and I try to find something that’s easier for the men and women who live here to have,” Esther said. “I get the rotisserie chicken. I buy the fresh broccoli. I make the roasted potatoes, and then we make it to their consistency.”
Among those attending the Seder dinner were Kevin McHugh, Scott Ardus, and Patty McCarthy, who made a point to shake everyone’s hand. |
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| | | Getting Ready for the Summer With Camp Loyaltown 2026 Informational Sessions |
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| Camp Loyaltown, located in Hunter, New York, will be open for campers before we know it. Session 1 begins June 14.
To prepare for a summer at Camp Loyaltown in the Catskills, families are invited to join staff for an Informational Session to ask questions and learn more about camp: |
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- April 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm for New and Returning Campers on Zoom
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| | | Meet the Incoming Director of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility: Nicole Banovich |
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| | In June, Nicole Banovich, Director of Nursing, will begin her tenure as Director of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), on Mary Gilleran’s retirement.
In this role, Nicole will oversee day-to-day operations of the ICF, ensuring the highest quality of supports for the nearly 100 people who reside at the facility while maintaining compliance with federal and New York State regulations, and agency policy and procedures. She will also advance the agency’s commitment to person-centered services — supporting people to participate in decision-making at every level of service. |
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| | | Highlighting the Employees of the Quarter |
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| Congratulations to our Employees of the Quarter: Danielle Bermudez, HR Generalist; Karina Sarzosa Patino, Direct Support Professional (DSP); Bruce Grady, Maintenance Worker; Karen Heffron, Site Supervisor; Floyd McNeil, Assistant Manager; and Melessa Toussaint, DSP. |
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| On March 26, these outstanding Citizens staff were celebrated at the Brookville Mansion for their exceptional commitment to the people they support and their teams during the fourth quarter.
“We are all uplifted by your presence and by your commitment to our mission,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO. “You are role models. You inspire us to give our very best.” |
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| | | Citizens Options Unlimited to Launch Month of Belonging in June |
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| | June will be recognized as the Month of Belonging at Citizens Options Unlimited. Together, we will celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make our community so vibrant, inclusive, and strong. |
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| Building on the 2024 Day of Belonging and 2025 Week of Belonging, the Citizens Options Unlimited Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee expanded the celebration into a full month to ensure that everyone across our programs had the opportunity to share and connect.
Throughout the month, people supported by Residential and Family Support Services, along with staff, will experience activities, cultural displays and performances, and delicious food.
Stay tuned! |
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| | | InformMe Educational Workshop Series
Check out AHRC Nasau’s InformMe Educational Workshop Series, which provides families and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with practical guidance and reliable information to navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way.
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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 spring flowers and plant baskets from the historic Wheatley Farms Greenhouse located in Brookville.
Wheatley Farms offers beautifully handcrafted selections, including Ageratums, Begonias, Eucalyptus, Marigolds, Lobelias, Petunias, Salvias, Vincas, and hanging basket arrangements. |
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| 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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| | | | For more than 75 years, the Rose Ball has been one of Long Island's most anticipated gatherings, honoring distinguished contributors and leaders while uniting our community in celebration.
AHRC Foundation Rose Ball
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Oheka Castle
Huntington, NY |
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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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