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September Citizens E News

Dear Families and Friends,

This past month has been a time of reflection, as we look back on all that our agency has accomplished and how it continues to open new doors for the future.

This summer, Camp Loyaltown campers made a lifetime of memories. Although the last bus of happy campers left on September 8, the spirit of Camp Loyaltown lives on in our community of dedicated staff, supporters, and families.

On August 29, camp families came together for an evening dedicated to honoring the donors and supporters of Camp Loyaltown’s Brick Campaign while also launching a $50,000 match campaign to install a new well at camp. With your support and the leadership of the Gamell family, we’re confident we can reach our goal, ensuring future generations can enjoy summers filled with fun at Camp Loyaltown.

From September 8–14, we had the pleasure of celebrating the many contributions of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) as part of DSP Recognition Week. It’s important that we recognize the critical role DSPs play, not only during this special week but year-round. I encourage you to join me in advocating for federal recognition of the DSP role and to explore our online book celebrating their essential work.

Thanks to DSPs and committed support staff, we are able to ensure the health, safety, independence, and inclusion of people with disabilities. These dedicated teams also create unforgettable experiences, like the beach-themed party at the Helen Kaplan Center and the pirate-themed celebration in the Sensory Garden of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility.

Thank you to our incredible community of families, friends, staff, and supporters. Your dedication and generosity continue to bring our mission to life.


Best regards,

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Stanfort J. Perry

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Camp Loyaltown Reception Launches Fundraiser for Needed Improvements

On a beautiful evening in late August, families, supporters, and devoted staff members of the Camp Loyaltown community came together on the patio of Brookville Mansion to support the camp that has changed countless lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

For 50 years, Camp Loyaltown, located in Hunter, NY, has been a place of escape and peace for many who have returned year after year to engage in hobbies like arts and crafts or animal therapy in a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment. While campers are away making incredible summer memories, caregivers have an opportunity to rest and recharge, knowing that their loved one is in good hands in the scenic Catskill Mountains. This year, 475 campers had an unforgettable summer at Camp Loyaltown.

Camp Loyaltown is so much more than a respite for campers and their families. It’s a place where talents are discovered, friendships are formed, and lifelong memories are made. For counselors traveling from all over the world to work with people with I/DD, it’s also a source of education, growth, and inspiration.

During the evening's program, Camp Loyaltown Committee Chairman Mark Gamell announced the "Celebrating 50 Years of Camp Loyaltown" match campaign. 

Ignited by the leadership and generosity of Mark and Doreen Gamell, the entire camp community was invited to donate with every donation being matched dollar for dollar (1:1), up to $25,000. The funds will support the drilling of a second well to provide an additional source and expand winter respite opportunities at Camp.

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Beach Party at the Helen Kaplan Center Celebrates End of Summer and DSP Week

The Helen Kaplan Center transformed into a beach paradise, this September, to say goodbye to summer as a community and come together to celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition (DSP) Week.

On September 10, the men and women residing at the Helen Kaplan Center were joined by their families and caring team of staff for a day for games, food, and fun. The party was a joint effort by the entire Helen Kaplan Center community.

“We wanted to celebrate diversity,” said Marta Garavito, the Director of the Helen Kaplan Center. “We don’t get to do that all the time. So when we can, we celebrate culture. We celebrate the people who live here and we say goodbye to the summer.”

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Pirate Movie Night at Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility

Men and women residing at the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility enjoyed a pirate-themed movie night under the stars in the Sensory Garden!

Program Coordinator Maura Boden and HR Generalist Danielle Bermudez were readying the projector as “pirates” showed up one by one, donning pirate hats and eye patches to get ready for a screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Everyone enjoyed taking pictures and calling out pirate sayings like “Argh!” while waiting for the movie to start.

However, the night encountered troubled waters as the sun refused to go down and there would be difficulty clearly seeing the screen. However, there was no reason for the evening to “walk the plank.” Maura and Danielle, joined by the caring Shoreham ICF team, quickly relocated the movie night indoors so that everyone could begin following Captain Jack Sparrow’s adventures.

It was a fun and creative evening for all! Thank you to Maura and Danielle, as well as the entire Shoreham staff, for their creativity and flexibility ensuring an evening like no other. It’s experiences like these that help us to enrich the lives of people we support.

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Another Summer of Friends and Fun at Camp Loyaltown

This summer, Camp Loyaltown transformed the tranquil Catskill Mountains into a vibrant hub of laughter and new friendships. From engaging activities to evening performances, the camp celebrated numerous milestones that fostered a sense of community and acceptance for all.

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Highlighting Good People & Good Work During DSP Recognition Week

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, Sept. 8 to 14, was an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional DSP workforce and their many accomplishments. Thanks from self-advocates, families, friends and fellow staff were shared at events across Suffolk and Nassau counties as well as through an online book and social media.

DSP Recognition Week offered an opportunity to get to know more about Citizens’ DSPs, how they found the role, and the insight they've gained.

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Upcoming

Don’t Forget to Register for the AHRC Foundation Walk!

The AHRC Foundation will be hosting its annual walk on Sunday, October 27 at Eisenhower Park Field 6A at 10 a.m.

Enjoy music, family-friendly fun, games, activities, and so much more, all for a great cause!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to reflect on our commitment to ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have access to meaningful and competitive employment.

When we foster an inclusive workforce, we all benefit! People with I/DD experience opportunities for growth, connection, empowerment, and a better quality of life. Employers benefit from higher revenue and motivated employees.

 

Within our own family of organizations, we employ people with I/DD within many different sectors. Providing these opportunities, as well as accommodations and training to help employees thrive, benefit all of us every single day, and we are so grateful for our incredible team.

Would you like to be featured in next month’s feature on NDEAM? Visit https://www.ahrc.org/mediadesk/.

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