Stanfort J. Perry

BCCS Steps Towards Tomorrow Walk Makes Strides, Raising Over $136,000

BCCS’ inaugural “Steps Toward Tomorrow” Walk on May 3, brought together over 500 students, families, staff members, and community supporters on May 3, raising over $136,000 to enhance programs and opportunities across BCCS.

The Candyland-themed event far surpassed its original funding goal of $75,000, reflecting the strength of the BCCS community and its commitment to students and families. 

“BCCS is a very special place for my family,” Al Capra, BCCS Board President, said from the podium of the event. “This walk started as a really simple idea, we wanted to bring people together, raise funds, and enhance our children’s learning experiences and with your support…It’s been an amazing, amazing experience.”

Funds raised through the walk will support projects identified by each BCCS school to enrich learning, communication, recreation, and sensory experiences for children and young adults.

We made the news! Read more about us on News 12 and in the Long Island Press.

Brookville Beans Baristas Get to Work

At the April 24 opening of Brookville Beans Coffee and Pastry Shop, student baristas Matthew Lundquist, Matthew Kielsczewski, Miles Semilof, and William Haug, proudly cut the red ribbon and started serving hand-crafted iced coffee, tea, and treats to the first 20 guests. 

The new coffee shop has been in development for about a year with Transition Services students completing training over the last few months. Learning and skills-building at the shop is part of the Transition Services curriculum for students 14 years and older.  

Students take part in every aspect of running the coffee shop including prepping batches of iced coffee and baking cookies, brownies, and rice crispy treats.  

A student barista hands a customer a coffee with a smile “It was awesome,” said Matthew Kielsczewski. “I like putting ice in the cups and then putting the syrups.” 

DJ AJ Brings Energy to Weekly Class

Learning, music, and fun at The Move Music & Education 

For the past year, AJ Capra has looked forward to one thing each week: DJ class with Daniel Nigra, known professionally as DJ Danny D Rock, founder and lead creative director at The Move Music & Education. 

AJ takes part in a hands-on DJ and music education program in a classroom filled with records, a piano, a DJ controller, and other equipment.  

As soon as AJ arrives, he heads straight to the DJ controller, eager to start. 

“I love music,” said AJ. 

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time at BCCS for students, families, and staff to celebrate the talent and dedication of the teaching team.

“Through teachers’ creativity and skill, students are prepared to meet the world with confidence,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO. “While some days aren’t easy, BCCS teachers bring talent and exceptional kindness into the classroom, creating a positive and safe learning environment where students learn and achieve every day.” 

Honoring Our Amazing Nurses During
National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week, from May 6 to May 12, is a special time to recognize the dedicated nurses who help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of students across BCCS. 

“We dedicate our lives to ensuring people’s needs are met,” said Nicole Uterano Ferrar, Vice President of Health Services, at a recent breakfast honoring nurses. “Thank you all for your dedication. I understand what it takes to keep each program running smoothly and appreciate the important role each of you plays. I am grateful for your efforts every day.” 

Celebrating Employee Milestones
of 10 to 40 Years of Service

BCCS recently honored employees marking 10 to 40 years of service with a brunch and evening reception, recognizing decades of service to children with delays and developmental disabilities. 

“Thank you for your unwavering loyalty and your tireless pursuit of our mission,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO. “Your dedication is not just inspiring; your dedication is legendary. We’re grateful for each day, each year, and every contribution you have made.” 

Psychology Day Highlights Skilled Behavioral Health Professionals

During Psychology Day on May 12, behavioral health professionals and clinicians joined colleagues at the Brookville mansion for a celebratory lunch. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on their impact supporting students and families, across BCCS schools and programs. Attendees also received a customized t-shirt and notebook from One Stop Gift Shop.

At BCCS, promoting positive mental health is essential to delivering quality education, supporting achievement, and preparing students for future success.

“We see you; we recognize you; we know the work that you do is extremely valuable, so today on behalf of our entire team, our families, our board members, we’d like to give special thanks to you and tell you that we appreciate your expertise,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO. “We’re grateful for your partnership, and we celebrate the lives of people who are made richer because of the hard work and the commitment that each of you has.”

CEO Stanfort Perry Addresses Employment Barriers at NYS Senate Hearing

Stanfort Perry, CEO, shared testimony at the NYS Senate Joint Public Hearing on barriers to employment for New Yorkers with disabilities.

Read Stanfort’s testimony highlighting the path from Transition Services to competitive employment or watch the hearing and panel discussions to learn more about equitable employment opportunities and ongoing challenges in New York State.

Join OPWDD for Future Planning Forums

This summer, OPWDD will be holding forums across New York State to share updates and hear from the public. This year is especially exciting as it will officially kick off the next five-year OPWDD Strategic Plan. 

The following in-person and virtual forums have been scheduled, including:
•    Manhattan: June 9, 1PM - 3PM
•    Virtual Forum Evening: July 9, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
•    Virtual Forum Day: July 14, 11AM - 1PM 

This year, forums will be more interactive and give people more opportunities to share their thoughts with OPWDD. 

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.

• The Value and Importance of Celebrations and Community Inclusion
  Wed. June 17, 2026 / 12-1pm (Virtual via Zoom)
  
  
• Personal Outcome Measures (POM) – Tool for Goal Achievement, Person-Centered Planning
  Tues. August 11, 2026 / 11am-1pm (In person-AHRC Brookville Mansion) 

Support the 2026 Rose Ball!

We are proud to honor Jack and Eydie Garofalo with the Margaret Riva Lifetime Achievement Award and Jack N. Posner, Esq. with our Cornerstone Award for their decades of advocacy, leadership, and commitment to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

For over 76 years, the Rose Ball has helped strengthen education, healthcare, residential services, employment opportunities, recreation, and community programs that create opportunity in people’s lives every day.

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

Order spring and summer flowers and plant baskets from the historic Wheatley Farms Greenhouse located in Brookville. 

Wheatley Farms offers beautifully handcrafted selections of annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets.
Every purchase also supports pre-vocational learning opportunities and employment for people with developmental disabilities, providing hands-on experience in horticulture, teamwork, and workplace skills.