From the Desk of the CEO,

Dear Families and Friends,

Our community’s history is deeply intertwined with the civil rights movement. As we observe Black History Month, we reflect on the courage and collective action that led to increased equity, belonging, and opportunity.
Honoring this shared legacy strengthens our resolve and AHRC Nassau’s mission: empowering people to live fulfilling lives, together with Family – Friends – Community.

The stories below highlight people achieving new milestones, coming together in community, and creating a more inclusive world through their actions and shared advocacy. Their journeys remind us that progress is not confined to history - it is the work we carry forward together every day.

Right now, your voice is needed to ensure disability services are fully funded in the New York State budget, especially the 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII). Such investments help disability service providers keep pace with the rising cost of living and service costs. As part of a coordinated statewide effort with The Arc New York, we are asking families to join this campaign by reaching out to their legislators.

This month, send an email or place a phone call to your legislators using the tools available at AHRC’s Advocacy Center. Your voice can make a lasting impact in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and add needed momentum to our shared cause.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Building Bridges: Self-Advocates Create Vision Boards with DSP Pathways High School Students

A great way to kick off a successful year is by visualizing your goals and how to achieve them. Cathy Loquercio, Coleen Mackin, Steven Barsh, Noah Probert, Quality Assurance Trainers, and Michelle Rudoff, AHRC Nassau Board Member and Quality Assurance Trainer, did just that, creating vision boards with Direct Support Professional (DSP) Pathways students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

Together, self-advocates and students picked out pictures and affirmations identified through the Personal Outcome Measures process to create a visual map for achieving goals.

Cathy’s goal for 2026 is to increase her organization skills.

“They helped me pick out a lot of pictures,” Cathy said. “They got to know me more. They know I want to organize more, and I do want to travel.”

Farmingdale 1 Celebrates 28 Years of Service and Connection

For nearly three decades, the ladies and gentlemen receiving Day Services at the Farmingdale 1 have built lasting friendships, celebrated milestones and strengthened their community together. On January 30, they celebrated 28 years with an anniversary party that included 1998 trivia game, creating a memory poster, sweet treats, and an award ceremony.

Day Habilitation services provides people with developmental disabilities with a dedicated space to work on socialization, personal development, and community exploration alongside supportive staff. People supported with Day Services are often called “volunteers” due to the significant community service work they do.  

Coleen Mackin Joins National SABE Board of Directors

Coleen Mackin, self-advocate and Quality Assurance Trainer, recently became one of the twenty board members of Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), a national self-advocacy organization. Her leadership reflects years of advocacy and a deep commitment to empowering people to share their experiences. 

“I joined to help other people and gain more knowledge,” Coleen said. “I’d like to do more advocacy work with them and get out there more.”  

As a person receiving disability services, Coleen brings her lived experience to her advocacy and speaks openly about critical issues. “There’s a staffing crisis all over the country, and we need to get people better access to quality and accessible housing,” Coleen said.

Crafting Confidence With Farmingdale High School

The sound of hammers and laughter echoed through the woodshop at Farmingdale High School on Jan. 28, as people supported by Day Services joined students for a woodworking project designed to build skills, confidence, and connection.

From the moment they entered the woodshop, people expressed excitement and curiosity about the project ahead.

Paired with advanced woodworking students, they learned how to safely use hammers and nail guns to assemble birdhouses—one to keep and another for Wheatley Farms and Arts Center.  

“I’m going to give it to my brother-in-law,” Richard Spizziri said of his first birdhouse.

Become a Member Today!

Your membership matters. 

Become an AHRC Nassau Member today and add your voice to those who share in your concerns and commitment to people with developmental disabilities.

Freeport Sites Educate and Inspire With Black History Month Projects

The Freeport Program Without Walls (PWW) is one of the busiest day services hubs in the agency.

This month, each of its eight sites let their individuality shine through Black History Month murals while also taking part in a friendly research competition. 

Each site was tasked with learning about notable Black figures and creating a presentation to share what they learned. To prepare for the presentations, sites took trips to the library and other community centers to learn more about their subjects.

The walls of Freeport are always decorated to highlight current themes, and February was no exception! Everywhere you turned, artwork celebrated both Valentine’s Day and Black History Month.

Wheatly Farms & Arts Center hosted Eta Theta Lambda (ETL), Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members for an inclusive volunteer event alongside people supported in Day Services. Together they created meal kits for community partner NOSH Delivers! supporting increased food access for Long Island families.

On Monday, January 16, ETL chapter members, including Stanfort Perry, CEO, and William Mills, AHRC Nassau Board Vice President, arrived at the Brookville mansion ballroom with boxes of cookies, pretzels, and popcorn snacks to help complete lunch bags and meal kits alongside people supported.

“It’s a great day of service and a great day of giving back,” said Stanfort. “We have such a long partnership between the Eta Theta Lambda chapter and AHRC Nassau. I’m glad to see that partnership continue in the special way and that we’ll be able to benefit over 200 Long Island families in need. This work is critically important in continuing the vision and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

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!

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.

Coming Up

Managing Transition/Expectations
Presented by: Carmela Melendez, Patrick Sherrard,
Bridget Cariello, Nicky Faranda, Jerri Walker, Dian Burkett

- Virtual workshop providing guidance and support to people with I/DD and their families on navigating transitional stages following high school. Registration required.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 | 6 – 7 pm | Virtual (Zoom)

Looking to the Future:
The Most Fundamental Issues Confronting Families with Special Needs
Presented by: Saundra Gumerove and Mary McNamara

- Virtual seminar addressing basic issues:
Who will care for my loved one when I die, and how to maintain my loved one’s quality of life when I am gone. Registration required.

Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026 |6 – 7 pm | Virtual (Zoom)

SAVE THE DATE - Rose Ball 2026

The annual Rose Ball event supports access to life enriching programs and services for children and adults across Long Island. Join us in celebration of opportunities that shape futures! Learn More.

Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026 | 6 – 11 pm | Oheka Castle, Huntington, NY