Dear Families and Friends,

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to recognize the experiences and goals of the people we support at Citizens Options Unlimited.

Sharing your stories and connection to our community are powerful acts of advocacy. You help combat misinformation and build greater understanding by showing what it truly means to live a self-directed life—with the support of staff, family and friends. Please share your story and tag Citizens Options Unlimited on Facebook and Instagram to help us advance a greater understanding of the people we support and our work.

As lawmakers consider potential budget cuts to services like Medicaid, please contact your representatives and let them know that any cuts to Medicaid would be devastating for people with developmental disabilities who depend on this funding for their health, housing, community inclusion, and vocational supports.

Being the change we want to see isn’t always easy—but it is so needed. I’m continually inspired by community members like Ruth Henderson, who crafts beautiful, beaded bracelets in her home at the Helen Kaplan Center, as well as Lauren Tantillo and Aidan Osorio, who create a warm and welcoming environment for people supported by weekend respite services.  

This season let’s stay focused and stand together to protect and strengthen supports that make full lives possible.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry 

Making the Weekend Their Own: Citizens Relaunches Weekend Respite

Citizens Options Unlimited is once again offering a Weekend Respite on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cissy Birnbaum Building at the AHRC Nassau Brookville campus. Respite offers families time to recharge, while people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) spend time pursuing their interests.

Options include playing sports and board games, going for walks, working on crafts, and singing karaoke – and whatever else can be dreamed up. 

“I like to watch movies and go for walks,” said Aidan Osorio, who typically attends the Weekend Respite on Sundays.

Spreading Joy and Style One Bracelet at a Time

Ruth Henderson Creates Bracelets to Sell and Gift 

In the House C residence at Helen Kaplan Center Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), it is becoming a trend to wear colorful beaded bracelets customized with an array of bead designs and letters spelling out names and positive words like “joy.”

The bracelets are designed by Ruth (Ruthie) Henderson, who receives residential support at Helen Kaplan Center.

Twice a week, Ruth sits in the common area and brings out her large collection of beads and elastic strings organized neatly in containers.

While making her bracelets, Ruth listens to the television play and enjoys the company of her housemates.

Coming Together to Celebrate Passover

On a bright and breezy April afternoon, six men and women who reside at houses across the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) came together at the Rosewood residence to share a special Seder in honor of Passover.

The house was filled with lively music as the guests caught up with one another and even cracked a few light-hearted jokes readying for the celebration. 

Dinner featured favorites including chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli. To honor the traditions of Passover, Esther Shea, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP), lovingly prepared matzah, crispy potato pancakes and noodle kugel.

Esther also set the table with the Seder plate, with symbolic foods including an egg, bitter herbs, and homemade haroset, a sweet mixture of finely chopped fruits and nuts. Together, the Haggadah and the Sedar plate helped guide the evening traditions. 

“It’s fun,” Esther said. “Everyone is having a great time, and that’s most important to me.”

A Day of Giving at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Hicksville

This year, the Hicksville Jersey Mike’s became the scene of a reunion among friends and staff during their Day of Giving on March 26.

Housemates from the Ontario Avenue Residence—Patrick Black, Robert Behrendt, Randy Cosby, John Volpe, Frank Billadello, and Richard Krinsky—were joined by Valley Stream’s Saddle Rock Road Residence, as well as staff and Vice President of Operations Sallyanne Burgess for delicious sandwiches supporting a great cause.

Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving donates 100% of sales to charities, including Make-a-Wish New York, which grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The idea to participate in the event came from Ontario Avenue Manager Tammy Vallancourt.

Countdown to Camp Loyaltown: New and Returning Campers Prepare for Summer

As June 15, the first day of Camp Loyaltown, quickly nears, the summer season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with over 400 campers and ninety-one staff members returning from 37 different countries.

To help everyone — campers and parents alike — Camp’s full-time staff hosted Informational Sessions throughout April in the Brookville Mansion and over Zoom for new and returning campers.

During these sessions, Camp leadership including Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services; Tevin Gilfillian, Assistant Director of Camp Loyaltown; Cesar Mendoza Diazleal, Training Coordinator; Steven Switzer, Behavior Intervention Specialist; and Julia Bosia, Nurse Manager, among other team members, provided campers and family members with updates to look forward to this summer, as well as answers to pressing questions. 

Campers and families were also reminded of the goals set at Camp: making independent choices, participating in leadership roles, and, of course, having a safe and fun summer to remember!

These sessions were a wonderful opportunity for the Camp Loyaltown community to connect, reconnect and build excitement for the busy Camp days ahead.

We can’t wait to see everyone soon!

For more information about Camp Loyaltown, visit our website.

Celebrating Community Service During Volunteer Recognition Week

This Volunteer Recognition Week (April 20–26), we celebrate the dedicated volunteers who help advance our mission every day — from supporting our offices to driving our food insecurity campaign. Join us in thanking these incredible changemakers for the impact they make across our community and beyond. 

LIWLSC’s Support Fuels Learning and Possibilities

The Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club (LIWLSC) continues to make a powerful difference across AHRC Nassau’s family of organizations—including Citizens Options Unlimited.

Their fundraising efforts benefit both children and adults with developmental disabilities, helping to expand community access, build skills, and enhance quality of life.

During a recent visit to AHRC Nassau’s campus, LIWLSC members saw firsthand how their support fuels a variety of programs—including those that directly benefit adults supported by Citizens. These include more than 1,000 community-based experiences such as trips to museums, restaurants, and sporting events, all designed to promote confidence, connection, and meaningful engagement.

Upcoming AHRC Foundation Events

Rose Ball: Thursday, June 12

For 75 years, the Rose Ball has been at the heart of the Nassau County AHRC Foundation’s mission—bringing together families, businesses, and communities to ensure that children and adults with developmental disabilities have the opportunities and support they need to live fulfilling lives.

To learn more and purchase tickets or journal ads, visit the 2025 Rose Ball event page.

Walk: Sunday, Nov. 2

This fall, the Citizens community will be getting their walking shoes ready to walk for a great cause! 

Every year, fundraising teams raise money ahead of the big day at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, and all the funds are donated to the AHRC Foundation.

In addition to fundraising, the Walk is a great opportunity to reconnect and enjoy a day outdoors. 

To learn more, visit the Walk event page.