From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

It’s been a busy – but energizing – few weeks. From the successful turnout of the AHRC Foundation Walk to the return of beloved traditions such as the Residential Thanksgiving Dinner, AHRC Nassau’s community of dedicated self-advocates, families, staff, and partners continue to advance our agency’s mission and shared values.

Our advocacy is embedded in all we do and inspires new opportunities for connection and inclusion. This year’s rights rally came ahead of the November election to empower self-advocates and underscore the profound importance of their voices and choices. As the next advocacy cycle begins, I invite you to show your support and stay informed, especially at the state level. The DSP Wage Enhancement and 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) are critical. 

By raising our voices together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future—a world where people of all abilities are valued.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

CEO, AHRC Nassau

AHRC's Residential Thanksgiving Dinner Returns

After a three-year hiatus, AHRC Nassau residents, staff and leadership enjoyed a wonderful Friendsgiving at The Heritage Club at Bethpage.

Two separate dinners on October 24 and 26 were hosted by AHRC Residential Services to accommodate nearly 800 attendees.

The decades-long residential tradition returned with residents and staff dressed to the nines ready to enjoy an evening with friends, food and dancing. Music was provided by Chloe Best, one half of twin DJ duo, The Best Twins NYC, and daughter of Assistant House Manager Leslie TenEyck.

During the October 26 dinner, Markiah Addison, a Grand Avenue Apartments resident, kicked off the evening with a speech welcoming the attendees and thanking the agency, administrators, and direct support professionals (DSPs) – who she credits as always being there to help her achieve her goals. 

"I love having the dinner back,” shared Markiah, who has been part of the AHRC Nassau community for over a decade and attended the dance with her apartment roommates and long-time boyfriend Dan Zinke.

“I got to see my friends and dance. It’s been a while since we’ve been together.”

AHRC Foundation Walk Raises Over $100,000 to Benefit People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Over 1,000 walkers braved the weather and made their way to Eisenhower Park on Sunday, October 29, to take part in the AHRC Foundation Walk. People and families supported by AHRC Nassau joined in raising over $100,000 to benefit more than 4,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Long Island.

With great enthusiasm, Tom Moore, AHRC Board Member, emceed the morning event, announcing the year’s top teams and individual fundraisers.

Team Amanda, led by sibling advocate Karen Anci, stood out as the top team securing an impressive $11,500—inspired by Karen’s sister, Amanda, who receives services from AHRC Nassau.

During the award ceremony, Karen and her daughter, Annabeth, delivered heartfelt remarks, surrounded by their supportive family.

Karen expressed her thanks, “This is one of my family’s most ‘looked-forward-to’ days of the year.”

Other leading teams were Team 189 and Team Plainview Powerhouse, each raising nearly $7,000. 

Notable individual fundraisers included AHRC Nassau COO Christopher O’Connor. The event, a 5K walk, embodies community advocacy and celebration.

AHRC Nassau Holds Annual Rights Rally, Empowers Self-Advocates

The Brookville Mansion was brimming with cheers and activity on Thursday, November 2. Hundreds of self-advocates from Day Services and Citizens Options Unlimited came to the annual Rights Rally held in Brookville. Hanna Pollack, who attended the rally for the first time, felt excited and empowered by the event.

“I learned that people have the right to speak their minds, have religion, vote and spend their own money,” shared Hanna. “We can’t be forced to do things. We have that privilege.”

The annual rally, organized by Compass Director Karen Hirshfield, and Compass and Quality Enhancement Administrator Colleen Tapia, is an opportunity for members of the AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited community to be aware of and feel comfortable exercising their rights in daily interactions. 

AHRC Nassau Pre-Voc Volunteers Tackle Food Insecurity Through a Volunteering Initiative With The Garden at Temple B’nai Torah (TBT)

Volunteers supported by AHRC Pre-Vocational (Pre-Voc) Services have found a project they love.

It began over the summer when Pre-Voc volunteers got their hands dirty at a local community garden. They practiced skills such as raking, weeding, planting, and tending various crops.

Up to six people supported by Pre-Voc embarked on the volunteering project with The Garden at Temple B’nai Torah (TBT) in Wantagh, making a trip there once a week on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Pre-Voc’s regular garden volunteers are James Sardiello, Gerry Accarino, Darin Whitehead, Louis Rosario, Raymie Morgan, and Linda Mays. Since starting, the volunteers have actively worked with a vocational coach showing them the ropes.

“I like mowing the grass and painting the benches,” said Gerry Accarino.

Staff Spotlights

Program Coordinator Robin Erhart Awarded Leadership Award at 2023 New York State Association of Day Service Providers Symposium

Robin Erhart, Program Coordinator, was recognized with the Leadership Award at the three-day New York State Association of Day Providers (NYSADSP) 2023 Symposium in Saratoga Springs.

She was chosen as one of six recipients from disability services agencies across the state.

Robin has dedicated 28 years to the agency and currently oversees three Day Services programs: Massapequa Carmans, Seaford, and the East Meadow Art Gallery.

Leadership Honored at NCE Awards Luncheon

The National Conference of Executives of The Arc recognized the professional excellence and achievement of Stanfort Perry, CEO, and Hassan M. Abdulhaqq, DBA, Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Development and Engagement at The Arc National Convention on November 6.

Stanfort was presented with the Diversity and Cultural Competency Award by AHRC Board President Saundra Gumerove, Esq., while Hassan received the Rising Star Award from Chief Administrative Officer Barry Donowitz, Ph.D.  

Do You Have Your Champion Number?

The holiday shopping season is starting soon, so don’t miss your chance to contribute 25% of your full-price, pre-tax purchases to nonprofits like AHRC Nassau when shopping at Americana Manhasset and select Wheatley Plaza stores. 

Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Register for your Champion Number at www.championsforcharity.org.  

Step 2: Starting Thursday, Nov. 30 - Saturday, Dec. 2, present your Champion Number when shopping at Americana Manhasset and select Wheatley Plaza stores.

Step 3: Feel good, knowing that 25% of your full-price pre-tax purchases will be donated to support charitable organizations like AHRC Nassau.

Mark Your Calendar

Annual Membership Meeting| Nov. 20

AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors welcomes its Membership for the Annual Election of Officers and Directors. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a Special Meeting of the Membership will be held for the purpose of amending the Bylaws. A buffet dinner catered by Wheatley Farms will be available for all members in attendance. Active membership and event registration are required for entry and voting.

Session 1. Multiple Dimensions of Culture 
Nov. 21 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Register Here
To respond effectively to cultural and linguistic differences among persons with lived experience of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, it is important to understand what culture is and what culture is not. Culture influences every aspect of life  ̶   our identities as human beings. Culture also influences our perceptions, beliefs, and practices related to a child, adolescent, or adult with IDD. This session will explore the multiple dimensions of culture at the individual, family, community, and system levels and their meaning for supporting persons who experience IDD across the life course and their families.  

Session 2. Concepts, Definitions, and Terms used in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and their Implications for the IDD Space 
Dec. 5 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Register Here
It is important that The Arc New York has a shared vocabulary and understanding of the many concepts and terms commonly used in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. This session will present ten terms and examine what they mean and how they apply to the organizational roles and responsibilities within The Arc New York  ̶   ableism, anti-racism, cultural diversity, equity, historical trauma, inclusion, intersectionality, multiple cultural identities, race, and racism. 

Become An Angel Today

A gift to the AHRC Foundation creates access and opportunities for over 4,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities across Long Island. Healthcare, education, employment, community inclusion, and respite are among our key focus areas.

Sibling Holiday Party| DEC 14 | 6:00 PM

Celebrate the season at the Sibling Holiday Party. Connect, have fun, and spend time with your loved ones, while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Wheatley Farms Community Classes | Ongoing

From mindfulness meditation to learning photography basics, there’s always something fun to do at Wheatley Farms and Arts Center. Join an upcoming workshop today.