Dear Citizens Community,

I hope you are safe and well. As we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19, we are doing so together as a community. Again and again, I’ve been inspired by the number of people who have reached out to see if we could use a helping hand. I wanted to say thank you; important work is underway at the agency and your support is absolutely crucial.

Across Long Island, our programs continue to serve men and women developmental disabilities. The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in a number of recoveries but also the loss of men and women we had the honor to support. We are currently working with families and staff to develop meaningful memorials to recognize and remember those who passed. We also remain committed to the health and well-being of everyone who is grieving, while offering the best supports and services.

These extraordinary times are being met with extraordinary work. Citizens’ dedicated staff members have continued to go above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of the people in our care. We would like to show them our thanks – and could use your help.  Since last Monday, donations have made it possible for 9 houses to take a night off from cooking and enjoy a meal knowing that their essential work was being thought of and recognized.  If you’re able, please join our COVID-19 Fund. We would like to show our thanks to all our exceptional residential staff for everything they are doing and sacrificing during this health crisis.

Sharing your support on Citizens’ Facebook and Instagram is another way to say thanks to our team. Please show your virtual applause with the hashtags #NewYorkTough #ApplaudDirectSupport and #WeAreEssential. Doing so also educates lawmakers on our community. Congress may not be back in session until May 4, but we must continue educating lawmakers on pressing COVID-19 disability issues so that disability funding is included in the next stimulus package. You can also assist our team by signing this advocacy letter.

Thank you for your support and trust in us as we move forward and through this health crisis.  I send you all my best wishes for good health. 

Sincerely,

Stanfort J. Perry
Executive Director