Dear Families and Friends, 

The holiday season is here, and as always, our mission continues to shine bright due to the strength of our community. In this month’s eNews, read how parents, staff, volunteers and partners are actively engaged in creating joyful celebrations that expand our community connections.

Student success is what brings us all together. To meet the promise of a more inclusive future, Brookville Center is actively involved in raising awareness among legislators on the excellence of our 853/4410 schools and CRP as well as our pressing advocacy issues.

I strongly encourage you to join the call to action for the DSP Wage Enhancement and 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Please send a one-click email note to Gov. Hochul and your state legislators at www.brookvillecenter.org/advocate as preparation is underway for the Executive State Budget in January. When the NY State Education Department advocacy timeline begins, we will start a similar campaign.

Your continued partnership is appreciated as we seek to create the best opportunities for all in our community.
 
Wishing you a happy holiday season, filled with joy and the promise of an even better new year. 
 
Best regards, 

Stanfort J. Perry, CEO

CRP Hosts Festive Hanukkah Celebration, Welcomes Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick 

With latkes sizzling and holiday songs filling House 28, young men and dedicated staff from the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) in Lido Beach came together for the celebration of lights. The house was filled with festive holiday spirit as State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined in the CRP’s annual tradition.  

Around the large dining room table, children learned the meaning of Hannukah, sung holiday songs, and enjoyed delicious latkes and gelt. CRP Speech-Language Therapist Deborah Lapidus began the event in 2009 and continues to lead the gathering. This year was particularly meaningful, as it was the first one to include the children and staff from all three Lido Beach houses.  

 “I want our kids to understand the basics of the Hanukkah holiday and enjoy the food and fun that is part of it,” said Deborah.  

Following the ceremony, Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick met with agency CEO Stanfort Perry, parent advocate Brandon Semilof and CRP Program Director Sean Stallings on the successes of the children, the extraordinary work of direct support professionals, and need for 2024 investment in these services.  

Share your support for increased investments here. 

Marcus Avenue Parents Association Hosts Holiday Cookie Decorating Event, Welcomes Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti

Adding white frosting and sprinkles to freshly baked sugar cookies, preschoolers in Miss Amy’s class made delicious sparkling snowflakes.

There was also a special guest – Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti who joined the children in an activity which reinforced following directions, practicing fine motor skills, and learning from one another.

Also visiting were parent advocates, Brandon Semilof and Al Capra, in addition to Marcus Avenue Director Paula DeVita and Assistant Director Lori Aquilino. The BCCS team gave Assemblywoman Sillitti a tour of the school then met to discuss the need for sustainable investment in the nonprofit, 853/4410 schools, as well as the impact on providing a living wage to staff who support people with disabilities of all ages.  

The sparkling snowflake activity was made possible by the Marcus Avenue Parents Association. 

Share your support for increased funding here.

Students From Lynbrook Senior High School & the Children’s Education Center Bond Over Arts and Crafts 

The connections within our community can grow but also change. John Spector is the Guidance Counselor at Lynbrook High School, but began his career as a BCCS Teacher’s Assistant. Brookville Center made a lasting impression on John―so much so―that 10 years ago he started an event connecting High School students with BCCS students.

This December, Sociology students from Lynbrook Senior High School visited the Children’s Education Center in Brookville to connect with the students and complete arts-and-crafts projects. The students were accompanied by John and Lynbrook High School Sociology teacher Koren Spinella. The day was a learning experience for everyone. For some Lynbrook students, it was even their first time meeting students who use devices to communicate.   

"It's an unbelievable experience watching the kids interact," said John. "It also introduces them to careers in special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. It's another way to get high school kids more exposure." 

Barbara C. Wilson Parents Association Brings Holiday Cheer to Teachers 

Special thanks to the Barbara C. Wilson Parents Association who recently organized a cozy hot chocolate bar with cookies, cupcakes and candy canes for teachers and staff. 
 
This thoughtful gesture is just one of the many events the Parents Association plans to express their appreciation. Earlier this year, a breakfast was organized.  

Parent Meghan Kaplan Celebrated Students With Pizza Party 

The Children’s Education Center in Brookville experienced a memorable Friendsgiving feast, with pies provided by BCCS parent Meghan Kaplan of Bleecker Street Pizza at Roosevelt Field. 

Meghan's dedication to supporting the Ed Center was evident, as this was not the first time she provided pizza lunches to the school community. The visit also held personal significance for Meghan, allowing her to spend extra time with her son Bryce. 

Expressing her warm wishes, Meghan shared, "We wish all the BCCS families a happy and healthy holiday season." Her words resonated with the spirit of the occasion, emphasizing the importance of well-being and joy during the holidays. 

Post Avenue Preschool Welcomes Mary Beth Higgins, R.N.

BCCS Post Avenue Preschool recently welcomed Mary Beth Higgins, R.N.

For three decades, Mary Beth served Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Her many roles include working in the pediatric extensive care unit and serving as a nurse educator.

Notably, Mary Beth’s contributions helped Cohen Children’s Medical Center receive the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Prize. She assisted with the development of a program tailored to the specific needs of children with special needs, emphasizing her commitment to creating inclusive and supportive healthcare environments. 

For Mary Beth, the preschool is a "wonderful learning environment with a very engaged and dedicated staff" and looks forward to not only contributing her expertise but also learning from her colleagues. 

Channel Santa's Spirit and Become a Holiday Angel Today!

In this season of gratitude, we have come together to launch the Angel Campaign for BCCS, where every gift will be matched 1:1, up to $25,000!

Your generosity can be instrumental in creating access and opportunities for over 600 children across BCCS including Barbara C. Wilson, Marcus Avenue, Post Avenue, Children's Education Center and the Children's Residential Program.

Managed Care Survey is Now Open!

Open now through January 3, 2024

Brookville Center for Children's Services (BCCS) is inviting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to actively participate in a survey conducted by OPWDD. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of managed care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the State of New York.

We appreciate your contribution to this important initiative.

The survey was created through Guidehouse Inc., and Guidehouse will use these results in preparing its final report, which will be released in the Spring of 2024. This report will help OPWDD to better meet people's needs by understanding what benefits and services people want.
We encourage you to take the online managed care survey CLICK HERE