From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends, 

As we enter March, we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It’s a time to celebrate our community’s many accomplishments, but most importantly it’s a time to advocate.

Through April 1, it’s imperative for everyone in our community to call out for sufficient state funding by using our one-click campaign. We must let legislators know the importance of increasing DSP wages (the Direct Support Wage Enhancement) and funding for sustainable operations (the 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment) of disability service providers like Citizens. I also invite you to join our campaign #InclusionStartsWithYou: please share images, video and stories of how people with IDD impact your life by tagging Citizens across social media. 

At the program level, Citizens has been making meaningful strides through the continued development of staff and person-centered programs. Recently, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors were honored by New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). The agency also had a successful meeting with CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership as part of maintaining an accreditation only held by nine agencies around the world.

Only by working together can we make the changes needed to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Thank you for being a part of our community and advancing our shared mission.  

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry
Chief Executive Officer

Milestones of Excellence Brunch Recognizes OPWDD/NADSP E-Badge Academy Members

Congratulations to Citizens Options Unlimited Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLS) enrolled in the E-Badge Academy from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

On February 6, the Milestones of Excellence Brunch was held to recognize the exceptional DSPs enrolled in the program. At the event, Tiajuana Gardener of AHRC Nassau was honored as the 1,000th DSP to receive certification in NY State.

Success of “Virtual Connections” Leads to New Respite Option Through “Connected Pathways”  

Coming together online to build friendships, social skills, and increased communication, “Virtual Connections” continued to go strong long after the pandemic. “Virtual Connections” on Tuesdays and Thursdays has become a well-attended gathering led and programmed by self-advocates. 

All new, and expected to begin in April, Citizens’ "Connected Pathways" will host sessions Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A respite service provided through Med Waiver, “Connected Pathways” will offer structured content, including special guest appearances, health and wellness sessions, and virtual community engagement activities. With a planned programming calendar, members can choose sessions of interest or join simply to be part of the group and fully engaged online.

Shoreham Sparkles: Winter Wonderland Dance Full of Festive Fun 

With laughter and bold dance moves, the residents of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) sparkled at the recent Winter Wonderland Dance. Attendees and staff enjoyed spending time together, catching up, and getting back to the dance floor.

See moments from this festive event here.

Citizens Options Unlimited Hosts CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership as Part of Maintaining International Accreditation

Citizens Options Unlimited has held the sector’s highest international accreditation – Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership – for eight years. However, maintaining this accreditation is an ongoing process throughout the year. 

Early in February, the Citizens team visited with CQL staff to continue to update and refine services ensuring the highest quality of life. Citizens team members presented and discussed how the agency is better dedicating staff time and resources to come even closer to CQL standards. 

CQL promotes excellence in person-centered services and supports that lead to an increased quality of life for people receiving supports and services. There are only 9 organizations in the United States that have achieved this accreditation. 

Camp Loyaltown Celebrates 50 Years

Camp Loyaltown, located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, celebrates 50 years of providing a safe, supportive, and fun environment for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Over these years, it has offered more than summer camp experiences; it has provided essential respite for parents and caregivers. This respite has allowed generations of caregivers to take a much needed break without worry, connect with themselves and other family members in a way that few respite services can do. 

As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we're calling on YOU—our Camp Loyaltown family and friends from every corner of the globe. It's time to bring out those packed- away photos, and to share why this place is important to you and your family. Whether you've been a camper, a parent, a staff member, or a volunteer, your story is a thread in the vibrant fabric of this “very special place.”

Join Us for the Celebration!

We're excited to be planning a 50th Anniversary celebration later this year and welcome members of the community to our committee. If you would like to be added to our event mailing list, please fill out the below form.