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From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Friends, Every day across our community, we see what’s possible when people come together with purpose. From the Rights Rally to the creativity at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center, people are finding new ways to connect and contribute. Throughout October, we’ve been proud to highlight the contributions of people in the workforce as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We’re especially pleased to share the stories of Christos and Tracy — two people we support whose talents remind us that when people are empowered, everyone benefits. Looking ahead, we’re preparing for the AHRC Foundation Walk on Sunday, November 2, at Eisenhower Park. I encourage you to get involved: start a team, join a team, or make a donation.
This year, AHRC Nassau is partnering with the Foundation in a special membership drive. For everyone who registers or donates to the Walk, a complimentary annual membership will be offered to help grow our advocacy base and amplify our shared voice. Because advocacy is another way we come together to create change. By raising your voice — with friends, family, or elected officials — you stand with children and adults with developmental disabilities who rely on public funding and informed policy decisions. Please visit our Advocacy Center to learn more and share your voice. Enjoy the fall season, and thank you for being part of the AHRC Nassau community. Best regards, |
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#NDEAM Spotlight: Celebrating Joy and Employment
Success with Tracy Zhang |
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Over the summer, Tracy Zhang picked up her trowel and dug it into the dirt for the first time as a Gardening Assistant for Wheatley Farms & Arts Center’s (WFA) Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts retail shop. She was hired in August and couldn’t be prouder of herself and her new role. Two days a week, she assists Meletios (Mel) Tsarouhtsis, Greenhouse Manager with daily gardening and gift shop management duties.
“I like working in this place,” Tracy said of working at the greenhouse. “My favorite thing to do is caring for the plants and I like to socialize. I like to do my job. Someday, I want to do this kind of job all by myself.” |
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#NDEAM: Christos Xerakias Celebrates Twelve
Years of Employment |
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| Twelve years ago, Christos (Chris) Xerakias and his family learned about AHRC Nassau‘s Supported Employment Program (SEMP). Based out of its Freeport location, SEMP supports people with disabilities to search for, gain, and retain their place in the workforce. Chris and his family considered employment an opportunity for fuller days and greater independence.
“Getting a job was the best thing for him,” said George Xerakias, Chris’s brother who plays an active role in his life. “He loves it. He knows he has a place where he can go to work and be a part of something, and it’s changed his life.” |
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#NDEAM Spotlight: Ronald Burglass Starts Retirement Following Decades of Service |
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After nearly forty years of dedicated work, Ronald “Ron” Burglass is beginning retirement with the same positive attitude he brought to his work.
Ron began his career in 1986 with Waldbaum’s, now Stop & Shop. Over the next 30 years in grocery retail and customer service, he took pride in keeping shelves stocked and helping customers find what they needed.
His more recent position was with BJ’s, a job he advocated for following the pandemic. |
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AHRC Nassau Celebrates NADSP Graduates |
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The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Graduation Ceremony took place on October 1 at the Brookville mansion, celebrating 45 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and 27 Frontline Supervisors (FLS) who achieved NADSP certification. The ceremony was opened by Christine Hostin—Assistant House Manager for CLS Valley Stream-Cottage home—singing the national anthem. |
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These professionals were recognized for demonstrating their expertise by earning stackable electronic badges that lead to credentials and a wage increase. |
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Rights Rally Empowers People to Vote |
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| Cheers and applause erupted through the AHRC ballroom as self-advocates celebrated the power of using their voices — to speak up, advocate for themselves, and vote at the September 24 Rights Rally.
Bright smiles and colorful posters filled the room with powerful statements such as “Our Rights, Our Vote, Our Voice,” and “What is Advocacy?” |
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Election Day is right around the corner! To learn more about accessible voting and find resources, visit here. |
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Notice of Meeting:
Annual Meeting of the Membership to Elect Officers and Directors
Monday, November 24, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
Location: AHRC Nassau / Brookville Mansion
189 Wheatley Road
Brookville, NY 11545
Or attend the Meeting via Zoom
(Registration is required. Please RSVP by 11/17/2025)
Light refreshments will be served
Meeting begins promptly at 6:00pm
For more information contact Seon Bailey at ext. 1105 or sebailey@ahrc.org |
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Community Members Share Their Gifts at Fall Talent Show |
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Fun and excitement came to the Wheatley Farms & Arts Center (WFA) on October 3, as people supported through day services took part in a lively talent show. People from Freeport, Hicksville, Bethpage, Carle Place, and WFA day services attended— many taking to the stage to share their talents with their peers.
The event was set up on the lush lawn behind the Wheatley Farms farmhouse. As people arrived, support staff joined Amy Yeung and Susan Limiti, Activity Specialists, along with Kimberly Nistal, Farm Education Manager, to arrange chairs facing a raised platform on the back patio that served as the stage.
“It was great to see so many people be brave, get on stage and be vulnerable,” Kim said. “They had a great audience that was enthusiastic, dancing, clapping, and cheering for everyone as they came on.” |
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Wenceslao Herrera Wins First Place at
The Arc New York Art Contest |
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Congratulations to Wenceslao Herrera for taking first place in the “Landscape & Realism” category of The Arc New York 2025 Annual Art Competition for his painting, “The Natural Afternoon,” a pristine autumn scene.
In recognition of his achievement, Wenceslao received the special honor of participating in a virtual presentation on September 17, a certificate of placement, a gift card, and recognition in the art competition’s digital booklet.
This year’s competition featured 274 artists across three categories, with more than 1,400 voters helping to select the winners. |
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Join One Stop Gift Shop in Supporting
Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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| In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the One Stop Gift Shop stocked up on cozy gear for you to show your support. Purchase a Breast Cancer Awareness Month item this October and receive a FREE pink bracelet.
🌟With every purchase, you support people with disabilities in developing meaningful, job-ready skills. |
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Shop Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts
Get 25% off Fall Decor! |
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Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts Hours
Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts will be open 4 days per week for you to find fun fall favorites like mums, mugs, and iced coffee cups! Shop holiday plants and décor and enjoy 25% off select Fall items.
Every purchase supports vocational training and employment for people with developmental disabilities.
Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 2pm
Or by appointment - call (516) 423-5329 |
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| Wheatley Farms Catering offers delicious weekly specials! Local to Long Island? Give us a try!
Catering options also available. The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small! |
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At Wheatley Farms, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We take pride in providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We empower people to gain valuable skills in the culinary arts, fostering independence and self-confidence. |
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| AHRC Foundation Walk
Join us and an entire community of people committed to increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Long Island.
Sunday, November 2, 2025 | Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY |
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| Inform Me Series: Health Care Decisions for End of Life & Laws Surrounding It
This presentation will focus on healthcare decisions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) discussing New York State’s Family Health Care Decisions Act (FHCDA). Registration Required.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 | 6 pm – 7 pm | Virtual (Zoom) |
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| Sibling Holiday Dinner
Join us We would like to welcome all siblings to our Siblings' Holiday Dinner! Join us for a heartwarming evening of fun, connection and cheers this holiday season. For details, contact Colleen Tapia, Administrator Compass, QI.
December 18, 2025 | 6 pm – 7:30 pm | Brookville Mansion,
189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY |
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