Dear Families and Friends,

As we recognize National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March, I’d like to take a moment to highlight the strength and dedication of our community of self-advocates, families, and friends, who advance our mission every day.

Every person matters. The services we provide at Citizens Options Unlimited exist because of the advocates who came before us. It is now our responsibility to ensure that progress is maintained and we continue moving forward toward services supporting the health, independence, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

We know what’s at stake – connection, opportunity, and the ability of people to lead meaningful lives. This is why we must continue to urge our state lawmakers to include in the FY27 budget:

· A 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to ensure funding keeps pace with the increased cost of living, with at least 2.7% available for providers to meet the everyday costs of delivering quality supports.

· The Careforce Affordability Initiative to support affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare for direct care staff.

In less than 3 minutes, you can make a difference. Please use our one-click email tool to share these messages with your legislators or our phone toolkit to place a call to their offices and share your support.

Together, we can continue advancing the health, independence, and inclusion of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Leading By Example: Meet Citizens’ Dedicated Self-Advocates 

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, said Colleen Tapia, Quality Improvement Administrator, is a good time to celebrate each person for “who they are and what they bring.”   
 

Among our community of self-advocates are Steven Barsh, a Quality Assurance (QA) Trainer and Secretary of the Citizens Residential Council; Michelle Rudoff, a QA Trainer and Music Director for Virtual Connections; and Matt Hofele, Office Clerk, Personal Outcomes Measure Interviewer, and Citizens Residential Council President.   

As self-advocates, Steven, Michelle, and Matt advance belonging and awareness about the issues important to people supported across agency programs. 

Join our community of self-advocates, families, and staff in advocating for a Targeted Inflationary Increase; Careforce Affordability Initiative; and infrastructure investments in the FY27 Budget by visiting our Advocacy Center.  

From Helen Kaplan Center to Farmingdale: Ruth Henderson Is Following Her Interests

It was important to Ruth Henderson, who resides at the Helen Kaplan Center in Plainview, to meet new people and become more involved in the community. She worked with her team and ultimately chose to attend the AHRC Nassau Farmingdale Day Service site, located on Farmingdale’s bustling Main Street.

Weekend Respite, All Season Long

Winter hasn’t slowed things down at Weekend Respite. While the colder months keep much of the activity indoors, the gym has been busy with basketball, soccer, karaoke sessions, and movies that bring everyone together.

Occasionally, when the weather is warm enough, time is spent outside on the beautiful Brookville campus, enjoying fresh air and nature before experiencing more fun indoors.

Weekend Respite works because of the people who show up: the people attending who bring their energy and interests and staff to make each weekend engaging and welcoming for all.

Interested in Weekend Respite? Contact respite@citizens-inc.org to learn more.

Historic Snowstorm, Strong Community

Snow Days Go Smoothly at Citizens

As record-breaking snowstorms swept across Long Island this winter, the Citizens Options Unlimited community came together to share the experience and support one another.

“Me and my roommate Daniel Spiegel were just hibernating,” said Noah Ackereizen, who resides at Carol Street Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) in West Hempstead. “I like the snow, but not the black ice!” 

Across Citizens residences, people made the most of the snow days: spending time with friends and staff, enjoying movies, arts and crafts, cooking, and other activities. 

Thank you to everyone, including the maintenance department and staff, for your care and dedication this winter season.  

Mark Your Calendars

Camp Loyaltown Information Sessions 

Prepare for summer at Camp Loyaltown by joining us for information sessions supporting new and returning campers! Even if a camper has been coming to Camp Loyaltown for many years, there will be announcements from the administration team and updates on medication and transportation.

Meetings are in-person and virtual. All in-person orientations will be held at the Brookville mansion at 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville NY, 11545.

Our schedule will be:

1. New Campers: April 4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Ballroom, Brookville mansion
2. Returning Campers: April 11 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Ballroom, Brookville mansion
3. Returning and New Campers: April 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. - Zoom meeting

Registration Now Open for Summer 2026 Season at Camp Loyaltown in Hunter, New York

The camp season begins on June 14 and brings together campers of all abilities and counselors from around the world for an unforgettable summer in the Catskill Mountains. At Camp Loyaltown, anything is possible because it’s an environment that’s accessible, inclusive, and empowering.  

To learn more about camp and upcoming sessions, visit our Camp Loyaltown Information page. Registration is open through CampDocs. 

InformMe Educational Workshop Series

Check out AHRC Nasau’s InformMe Educational Workshop Series, which provides families and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with practical guidance and reliable information to navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way.

Offered throughout the year, each workshop focuses on topics that people and families are actively navigating – supporting informed decision-making and helping them feel more confident as they advocate for themselves or their family member. 

AHRC Nassau Continuum of Care – Family of Organizations

Wednesday, April 15: 6 to 7 p.m. (In person-AHRC Plainview)

Aging and People with IDD (including Alzheimer’s, etc.)

Thursday, May 7: 6 to 7 p.m. (Virtual Via Zoom)

Wheatley Farms Catering

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! 

Shop Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts

Spring is here! 

Get the season started with a Spring Starter Kit! Each kit includes cilantro, basil, and micro greens seeds with three recyclable pots and soil.

Pickup your Spring Starter Kit at Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts, located at 189 Wheatley Road in Brookville, NY, and schedule an appointment with our horticulturalist by calling 516-643-4424 to see our wide selection of flowering plants, spring flats and more!

You're Invited!

For more than 75 years, the Rose Ball has been one of Long Island's most anticipated gatherings, honoring distinguished contributors and leaders while uniting our community in celebration.

AHRC Foundation Rose Ball
Thursday, June 11, 2026 
Oheka Castle
Huntington, NY

www.ahrcfoundation.org