Dear Families and Friends,

May has been a month of meaningful achievement for the Citizens Options Unlimited community.

After a successful three-day Compass validation visit, Citizens Options Unlimited remains one of just four agencies in New York State, alongside AHRC Nassau, to hold Compass designation. Auditors from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) connected with self-advocates, family members, staff, and volunteers to assess person-centered supports and share opportunities for continued growth. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important process.

Another milestone for our shared community was the enacted New York State budget, which reflected our calls for increased investment in disability services. The FY2026 budget includes a 2.6% targeted inflationary increase (TII). When considered with last year’s rate rebasing, this creates an almost 15% average rate increase and significant progress. As we use our one-click campaign to spotlight our needs, I also encourage you to take a moment to thank the governor and our state officials for their commitment to a strong future for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families.

Our advocacy work is far from over. Medicaid cuts are being considered at the federal level and could severely limit funding for services, including OPWDD and home- and community-based services. Please take five minutes and share your support for Medicaid here.

Together, we can strengthen the services ensuring the health and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, now and in the future.
 

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry 

The Shoreham Sluggers Take the Field

At the annual Shoreham Sluggers’ baseball game, the main goal is to have fun. If everyone has fun, the Shoreham Sluggers win!

And fun was certainly had on April 23 at Spring Opening Day bringing together people who live and work across Shoreham’s Intermediate Care Facility (ICF).

In baseball caps and their favorite team’s gear, baseball players enjoyed an afternoon of supportive baseball.

Citizens Options Unlimited Receives
Compass Designation

Citizens Options Unlimited is proud to announce the renewal of our Compass designation, a distinction of excellence held by only four agencies in New York State including our affiliate agency AHRC Nassau.

Compass, an initiative of New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, recognizes and promotes provider agencies that have progressed beyond minimal regulatory compliance and have achieved excellence in service delivery.

Promoting Volunteering at Day of
Community Engagement

Wheatley Farms & Art Center in Brookville welcomed over 100 people and 17 community organizations during the Day of Community Engagement Volunteer Fair on May 7. Local nonprofits set up tables for potential volunteers and self-advocates to learn more about opportunities to become more involved in their community.

The Day of Community Engagement was hosted as part of Compass Validation Week and a celebration of how person-centered supports can lead to real choice and more fulfilled lives.

“I’m having fun,” said April Kloepfer, Self-Advocate and Camp Loyaltown camper, who looked forward to petting adoptable dogs from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. “I’ve been volunteering for AHRC Nassau for five years and I love it.”

Wearing Many Hats:

Personal Outcome Measures Rally Highlights the Many Ways We Show Up in the World

As part of Compass Validation Week, 70 self-advocates gathered at the Brookville Mansion ballroom for a Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) Rally exploring and celebrating the many ways a person can show up in the world.

“Today is all about you,” said Christopher O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer. “Your goals, your dreams, your roles that you’d like to play in life. Every single one of us has something valuable to offer, and every single one of us deserves the chance to be known, seen, and included for truly who we are.”

Virtual Connections Celebrates Fifth Anniversary 

Congratulations to the Virtual Connections crew for half-a-decade of friendship, music, and connection!

Twice a week, friends log on to Zoom to connect, talk, and sing, maintaining friendships that bloomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning as a service offered by Family Support Services to keep people connected during a time of social distancing and quarantining, Virtual Connections is now entirely facilitated by its core group of attendees.

On May 6, the group celebrated with a Five-Year Anniversary Concert. Attendees, including families, staff members, and auditors from the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), who enjoyed performances of classic hits like “Bad” by Michael Jackson, “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Segar, and “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper.

Performers also sang “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perry, “No Excuses” by Meghan Trainer and “Candy Man” by Aubrey Woods, just to name a few. 

Congratulations to Virtual Connections! We look forward to many more concerts and moments of meaningful connection.

To learn more about Virtual Connections and how to get involved, email Michelle Rudoff at mrudoff@ahrc.org.

Camp Loyaltown Staff Meet & Greet New Camp Families

Giving a sneak peek at the summer adventures ahead, the Camp Loyaltown team met with new campers and their families on Thursday, May 14, to offer a preview of the summer session in Hunter, NY.

One of the highlights: while campers’ schedules are set according to their interests, now Camp t-shirts will reflect their personal style too. This year’s camp shirts will be white, giving every camper the chance to create their own, one-of-a-kind design.

“The campers are going to tie-dye their own shirts because it’s something they want to do. Everybody can participate,” said Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services and Camp Loyaltown, who shared a story about how this decision was made because a camper loved tie-dying so much, that they wanted to share the experience.

It’s a fitting symbol of what Camp Loyaltown is all about – a place where everyone’s individuality is celebrated, and unforgettable memories are made.

We can’t wait to welcome all our campers and their families this summer at Camp Loyaltown!

For more information, visit www.citizens-inc.org/camployaltown

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.