From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

It’s been an “eventful” month with our community coming together to celebrate many milestones, memories, and meaningful opportunities. The 75th Anniversary of AHRC Nassau was recently recognized at the AHRC Foundation Rose Ball where parent advocates and longtime volunteers, Thomas Moore and Ellen Moore were honored with the Margaret L. Riva Lifetime Achievement Award. It was an evening to reconnect and remember the many families, staff, and friends who turned dreams of a better life into a bright future for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
 
It's inspiring to consider how far we’ve come – and see all the activity and progress happening around the agency to create an even more inclusive future. With the continuing commitment of our board members, members and supporters, I am confident that our mission will continue to grow and flourish.  

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Celebrating Milestones and Honoring Champions at the 
Annual Rose Ball

On June 13, 2024, AHRC Nassau was recognized for its 75th anniversary by the AHRC Foundation at its Annual Rose Ball, highlighting decades of advocacy and dedication to supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. A special tribute video was created, highlighting its history and decades of achievements.

The evening also recognized the 50th anniversary of the transformative partnership of between AHRC Nassau and Camp Loyaltown Inc., led by Leadership Award recipient Linda Abramson Raff, President of Camp Loyaltown, Inc. Since 1974, Camp Loyaltown has provided children and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain independence and connect with the natural world while offering caregivers the invaluable chance to recharge.

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the prestigious Margaret L. Riva Lifetime Achievement Award to Tom & Ellen Moore. This award, the highest honor given by the Foundation, recognizes a lifetime of advocacy and service that has significantly advanced the rights and opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. First presented to Margaret Riva herself in 2016, the award was renamed in her honor to continue her legacy of dedication and impact. The award was presented by Margaret Riva’s living children, Lorraine and Frank Riva, who are both supported by AHRC Nassau.

Celebrating the Arc New York’s 75 Anniversary With a 
Week of Service

In the first week of June, chapters of the Arc New York set out to commemorate 75 years of promoting and protecting human rights for members of the intellectual and developmental disabilities community by engaging in a statewide week of service.

Each chapter completed two community service projects that ranged from community cleanups to fence building for Habitat for Humanity.

AHRC Nassau participated in the Arc’s Week of Service by organizing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich contest and concert food drive, both to tackle food insecurity in the community.

Dancing the Night Away, Making Cherished Memories at 
June Jubilee

During two nights of celebration, over 500 people living in AHRC community residences danced the night away with their friends and  family. The June Jubilee at The Sterling in Bethpage on June 11 and 12, came together because of the commitment and dedication of Community Liaison Lynne Brewer, her network of volunteers, and the support of agency leadership. After three years of fundraising and planning, Lynne’s team threw an unforgettable party they will remember for years to come.

The team planned two nights of celebration to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to attend. It was a formal evening complete with dinner, a DJ, photobooth, two caricature artists, and oversized games like Jenga and Connect 4. To enhance the party atmosphere the evening’s guests were gifted brightly colored sequined hats, LED light tubes, beaded necklaces and glow-in-the-dark shutter shades.

One of the most unique aspects of the event was how it reconnected friends. Daniel Concepcion has been a member of the AHRC community for years. He lives with his family and regularly attends agency bowling events. He was able to attend the Jubilee and was grateful to see some familiar faces at his table.  

“I like that all my friends are here, from bowling. I’ve been going to dances since last year,” said Daniel. “Lynne’s a very nice person. She works very hard at her job, putting all the dances together.”

Daniel was dressed formally in a suit and tie his mother helped him pick out. Other residents were assisted by their direct support staff, who made sure they looked their best for the evening. 

Friendship and Self-Expression Grow During 
Weekly Social Groups

Socialization and Sexuality Specialist Pamela “Pam” Boyle and Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) Stephanie DellaCroce started a social group at the Wheatley Farms Program Without Walls (PWW), this winter. The social group was launched from the success of a larger open discussion group at the Massapequa-Clocks Blvd. Day-Habilitation Site.

These discussions were created to support people to socialize more, develop friendships and talk about issues that are not typically addressed like bullying, boundaries, managing emotions, and friendship.

The camaraderie that’s developed because of these meetings is palpable. People feel comfortable. There’s a little joking and always lots of laughter.

Alex Wiegmann, who is part of the Wheatley Farms program was very vocal about what he’s learned and how much this program meant to him.

“I enjoy socializing and sharing how I feel with people in the group and know that other people in the group share the same feelings I do and that I’m not alone.”

AHRC Nassau Volunteer Dinner Honors Exceptional Service

“How did your love story volunteering with AHRC begin?” asked Volunteer and Project Coordinator Jerri Walker at AHRC Nassau’s annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner, held on June 6. Jerri addressed the crowd of nearly 100 people and shared how she began working with the agency over 20 years ago after answering an ad in the local paper. 

Jerri invited guests to share their own story on a card placed on their table. Many of the volunteers who attended the evening have spent years giving back to the AHRC community. The dinner served as a special occasion to honor all their efforts.

Sandia Lu, President of The Giving Tree Family, received the Commitment and Dedication Award for AHRC Nassau while Nyle Mohan was recognized with the Commitment and Dedication Award for Citizens Options Unlimited because of his longstanding support for the campers at partner agency Citizens Options Unlimited. Vice President Shaun Weathers presented the agency’s first ever Lenny Tucker Award to John Klimaszewski due to his outstanding dedication as a one-to-one volunteer.

Along with them, 53 volunteers were given certificates of appreciation for their outstanding dedication to the agency. “If you have not already heard it today, know that you matter,” shared CEO Stanfort Perry. “Your willingness to give selflessly speaks to your character. The fruits of your labor make a tangible impact and makes a difference in the lives of the people you support.”

Three Cheers for 75 Years! 
Become a member Today and Celebrate With Us

This anniversary year, we are honored to offer you a unique opportunity to deepen your involvement with AHRC Nassau. Your lifetime membership is not just a commitment to our cause it’s an investment in a future where our loved ones receive the respect, opportunities, and support they deserve.

Now is the perfect opportunity to join us in celebrating 75 years of fulfilling the promise made to children, adults, and their families.

Why Your Membership is Vital Now

- Direct Impact: Your vote will guide the decisions we make and the direction we take.

- Exclusive Resources: Gain access to Nassau News and join The Arc New York and The Arc of the U.S. for a wider perspective on our collective advocacy.

- Active Participation: Engage in advocacy and volunteer opportunities that directly support our mission and your loved one.

Coming Up

Last Chance to Join us! NYS Community of Practice (CoP) on DEI in Developmental Disabilities.
June 30, 2024 | Apply Here

This is a unique opportunity to join a dedicated network working to advance DEI and ensure equitable treatment across New York’s human services system. We encourage you to apply for this opportunity to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we will support meaningful dialogue in an environment where each voice is valued and provide training on topics essential to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Interested parties should submit applications by June 30, 2024.

East Meadow Arts Presents ‘City of Lights’ 
May 10 - August 06, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Learn More

Come see iconic NYC through the eyes of our East Meadow Art gallery artists. This year’s exhibit features dozens of works all available for purchase but hurry, pieces are selling out fast. Discover your next masterpiece today at 196-98 East Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY. 

Sibling Group Meeting
August 8, 2024 | 6:00 PM

We welcome you to attend our next sibling group meeting. We will follow a light agenda and invite each person to share on how their family member is doing, the challenges and successes! This event benefits siblings of family members supported with services from AHRC Nassau. Learn More