From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Friends and Family,

Summer 2024 will be one to remember. More than halfway through Camp Loyaltown’s summer season, we’ve witnessed countless heartwarming moments where campers explored their talents and created lasting friendships. Here on Long Island, joyful summer activities and daily enrichment continue.

Such inspiring outcomes are made possible by dedicated and talented staff. It was a pleasure to celebrate them on Aug. 15 at Staff Appreciation Day in Brookville followed by a wonderful Staff Appreciation Awards Night at Camp Loyaltown.

You can help bring attention to the staff’s exceptional contributions. Consider signing up to join a regional advocacy committee, this fall – and come together with neighbors across Citizens, AHRC Nassau and Brookville Center for Children’s Services to educate and inform federal/state candidates on both sides of the aisle about critical disability rights issues like the "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act" (S.1332/H.R. 2941).

Thank you for your continued support. I send you best wishes for a safe and energizing end of summer.

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Honors and Awards at the 2024 Camp Loyaltown Staff Appreciation Night

It was a beautiful evening on August 15 as camp counselors, dressed up in formal dresses and outfits, made their way to the Rec Hall to be honored for their dedication to the campers of Camp Loyaltown.

The annual Staff Appreciation Night awards counselors and camp staff who have dedicated years to providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families a summer respite at Camp Loyaltown. It’s also an opportunity for Citizens Options Unlimited leadership on Long Island to travel to Hunter, NY, and reflect on the substantial impact the camp has had on campers. It would not be possible without a team of devoted staff who provide incredible support to each camper from the time they step on and off the camp bus.

“We are here to celebrate YOU, the counselors, and the staff of Camp Loyaltown 2024,” said Sallyanne Burgess, the Vice President of Operations at Citizens Options Unlimited. “What have you done this summer? You changed the lives of the campers. When they came here, they may not have known you, but they got to know you, came back home, and all they do is talk about you.”

Sallyanne thanked each counselor for being brave and taking the risk of traveling from their home country to Hunter, NY, as they changed the lives of the people we support.

Catching Up with Self-Advocate Roz Adler

Everywhere Roz Adler goes, her bubbly personality stands out

“Seeing Roz can brighten anyone's day because she is such a positive person. It inspires positivity in yourself,” said Eileen Stewart-Rooney, Guardianship Manager, who works with Roz on setting the direction of her ongoing care at the Helen Kaplan Intermediate Care Facility.

Though Roz’s life looks a little different than it once did, she continues to live life to the fullest. Roz once lived in an apartment in Wantagh, where she met her best friend, Carol Nash. Carol regularly visits her Roz – visits they both look forward to. Approximately 20 years ago, Roz served on the AHRC Nassau Board of Directors, where she, in her words, “spoke up for people who couldn’t talk for themselves.” 

Tom Moore remembers Roz’s contributions well, especially during his tenure as president of the AHRC Nassau Board of Directors and NYSARC Inc.

“Roz added value just by being there, making us aware of what we were doing, for who we were working for, and why we were all there,” said Tom, who picked up Roz from her apartment for board meetings.

From Medford to the Catskills

A summer vacation at the KartRite Resort & Indoor Waterpark

The men who live at the Citizens’ Medford Residence went on their first vacation, and the trip was a resounding success!

The men, joined by their team of Direct Support Providers (DSPs) and managers, went to the KartRite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. Everyone had an incredible time and truly enjoyed their experience. 

KartRite features 11 water rides and attractions, with something for everyone from the not-so-lazy adventure river, Empire Bay, to the thrilling Nor’Easter tube-ride.  All the men enjoyed moments of fun and relaxation in the waterpark, which also doubles as a conservatory full of rich and lush vegetation. The all-season waterpark is always 84 degrees with the sun shining down through the world’s largest Texlon transparent roof.

The men also ventured outside to the resort’s scenic trails to enjoy time in nature and the many beautiful sights of the Catskills.

After creating lasting memories and strengthening their friendships, the men returned to their residence in Medford.

There is No Raining on Camp Loyaltown’s Parade

It was a rainy and cool day at Camp Loyaltown in Hunter, NY during Session 3 on July 23. Stepping onto the camp grounds, there was almost no one to be found, as the rain drizzled onto the sideway, pond and the adaptive pool. It wasn’t hard to find everyone, though, as singing and laughter echoed across campus. Following the joyful noise, you’ll find the Rec Hall, where costumes, karaoke and crafts awaited all who wanted to joinin.

“What’s going on here?”

“We’re preparing for tonight’s fashion show,” said Unit Head Cesar Mendoza Diazleal from Mexico.

On stage, a group of campers were dressed up in outfits from the camp’s wardrobe, including a wide array of costumes and dresses collected over the years. Campers took turns singing hits like “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys and “OMG” by Usher. Other campers simply relaxed and talked to their friends, while some chose to craft.

The Olympics Comes to Shoreham

Parade, games, and gold medals for everyone!

This summer, during the 2024 Olympics and late one Friday afternoon, the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) Sensory Garden was decorated in Olympic-themed signs and flags. Maura Boden, Respite/Recreation Program Coordinator, wore a referee outfit as she got her speaker and microphone ready for the games to begin.

One by one, the men and women living in Shoreham were entered the garden, some waving pom poms in the air and others holding their Olympic flag. Once everyone arrived, the grand parade began. Maura, holding her speaker that played the “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” led the procession as she announced all the teams named after the houses at Shoreham. 

Everyone felt so proud as the Shoreham athletes circled the parking lot and were cheered on by the “fans” along the sidelines. 

“It’s huge,” Maura said, reflecting on the impact events like these have on the men and women who live here. “Think about how much fun your personal life is and the fun, exciting things you do with your friends. That’s what we’re creating for them here: fun events with friends.”

After the procession, everyone took a brief dinner break as the Olympic arena was prepared.  There were four games to compete in: a bean bag toss through a hula hoop, seeing how long everyone can keep balloons inside a parachute, a game of limbo, and, finally, a baton handoff.

The true victory of the Shoreham Olympics is having a fun evening with friends. This event provided a new and unique experience for everyone involved, as some people overcame challenges and came out victorious, while other people had a smiles on their faces the whole time.

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