From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families, Friends and Staff Members:

As 2024 gets underway, I look forward to a new year of accomplishment and connection. At Citizens Options Unlimited, we’re continuing to build new opportunities for in-person respite/recreation as well as invite applications to the 2024 summer session at Camp Loyaltown.

The excellence of staff and tremendous support of families continue to advance our mission. Elected officials need to understand the strength of our community – and hear from us. Please use our one-click email campaign to bring attention to the Direct Support Wage Enhancement and 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This advocacy is important and ensures the best possible supports and sustainable services for years to come. 

I’d also encourage you to join our community on Monday, Jan. 15 for the MLK Day of Service at the upcoming 40th Annual Commemorative March and Program. Hosted by the City of Glen Cove and the Glen Cove City School District, 2024 will mark the celebration's 40th year and the event as the oldest, continuous MLK commemorative march and program in the country. Self-advocate Noah Probert will be presenting at the event. For more information or to volunteer, visit here. 

Thank you again for being a part of our community and your continued support as we meet the challenges and opportunities of 2024 together.   

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry
Chief Executive Officer

Virtual Connections Becomes Self-Advocate-Led Social Club

Virtual Connections, a remote respite service initiated during the pandemic, is now transitioning to a new operational model. As of January 2024, Virtual Connections will be entirely led and managed by its members.  This change reflects a significant move towards autonomy, empowering group members, many who identify as self-advocates, to continue to connect.  

This leadership transition underscores the desire, capability and independence of the men and women who want this way to connect to continue. Recently, a New Year’s Eve party was held.

“Everyone had a wonderful time singing and dancing and having a good time together on Zoom,” said Michelle Rudoff, a longtime attendee of Virtual Connections. “We will keep this tradition going for a long time.”

For those interested in joining the group, please contact us at (516) 293-2016 ext. 5142, or via email at FSS@citizens-inc.org.

Advocate & Show Your Support for DSPs like Dapheney Henry 

DSPs like Dapheney Henry, Assistant Manager and Med DSP in the Bay Shore Residence, go above and beyond for the people they support. Transitioning over to a new group home with four of the residents, Dapheney has been an integral rock in these young women’s lives for years.

In less than 5 minutes, you can send an email to elected officials through Citizens one-click campaign and let them know you support a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DWSE) in the NYS FY2024-2025 Budget.

Meet Shoreham’s New Director of Nursing: Nicole Banovich

Please join us in congratulating Nicole Banovich, RN, on her promotion to Director of Nursing at the Citizens Options Unlimited Shoreham ICF. 

“We say we are ’Shoreham Strong,’ but you don’t really understand what it means until you work at Shoreham and witness the amazing things we do on a daily basis,” Nicole said.

Nicole joined the ICF as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in 2011, graduated from nursing school in 2018, then began her career as a nurse at the ICF. Most recently, Nicole served as Assistant Director of Nursing for Citizens Options Unlimited.

Another career milestone came in 2019. Nicole was a critical member of the team that led the ICF’s transition from AHRC Suffolk to Citizens Options Unlimited.

A Final Dash of Holiday Cheer
Here are a few meaningful moments from the holiday season

Local High School Orchestra Performs at Shoreham ICF

Sharing a love of holiday music, the Tri-M Music Honor Society from Shoreham Wading River High School visited the Shoreham ICF on Dec. 21 to perform and celebrate the season.

The musical event was organized by Maura Boden, Program Coordinator of Respite/Recreation, as part of an ongoing initiative to build more relationships with neighbors and organizations with the same interests.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society visited the ICF – now residents plan to attend the Shoreham Wading River’s sports events, too. 

A Winter Wonderland: Annual Respite & Recreation Holiday Dance

Everyone came together on December 15^th for the annual respite and recreation Winter Wonderland dance. Fun was had by all as we danced the night away!

Upcoming Events

January 15 | MLK Day of Service in Glen Cove
Join members of the greater Glen Cove community at the 40th Annual Commemorative Program in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Hosted by The City of Glen Cove and Glen Cove City School District, it’s the oldest, continuously running commemorative celebration in the U.S. dedicated to Dr. King. Citizens Options Unlimited and AHRC Nassau will be leading a “Day of Service” supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good/non-perishable food item (no glass items please) to benefit food pantry, Nosh Delivers! In Glen Cove. 

Drop off for food items is 9 a.m.-Noon in front of the Robert Finley Middle School, Wunsch Arts Center, 1 Forest Ave., Glen Cove.

The schedule starts at:

• 8:45 a.m.: March as a community from First Baptist Church Glen Cove, 7 Continental Pl, Glen Cove, to Robert Finley Middle School - Wunsch Arts Center, 1 Forest Ave., Glen Cove, alongside other community-based organizations and supporters.
• 9:15 a.m.: Attend a program commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King featuring speeches from local leaders and Long Islanders, including self-advocate Noah Probert at Robert Finley Middle School, Wunsch Arts Center, 1 Forest Ave., Glen Cove.

Stay tuned to this week’s edition of the Glen Cove-Oyster Bay Record Pilot and Syosset-Jericho Tribune for advertising/potential coverage of the event.