From Shoreham to Hunter: Citizens’ Week of Belonging
The Citizens Options Unlimited community came together to celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make our community so vibrant, inclusive, and strong at the Week of Belonging, June 11–20, across our campuses. Building on last year’s Day of Belonging at the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), the Citizens Options Unlimited Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee expanded the celebration into a full week to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to share and connect.
Throughout the week, people supported by Residential and Family Support Services, along with staff, enjoyed activities, cultural displays and performances, and delicious food. “Everyone is having fun, especially the people we support,” said Marta Garavito, the Director of the Helen Kaplan Center Intermediate Care Facility. The Helen Kaplan campus was transformed into a buzzing party celebrating India, Colombia, and the United States. To add to the celebration, everyone got on the dance floor as DJ Jumpin’ Johnny G played popular party tunes. Christine Blake enjoyed the event with her brother, Nicholas Greco, who had a great time dancing with the staff.
“Today is amazing,” Christine said. “It’s fun. I love everyone’s interaction, and I love seeing all the people supported out here. I think it’s important for everyone to get together, and it’s great that people can see each other outside their regular roles.”
At the Shoreham ICF, men and women residing there, along with staff, embarked on a voyage, taking pictures at stations representing countries and adding them to a passport booklet. At each station, people had the opportunity to try food and enjoy music and dancing.
In Plainview, Tolulope Elizabeth Adenekan, Ph.D., Workforce Equity & DEI Specialist, and other team members transformed the Plainview office into a lively celebration of global cultures, filled with opportunities to learn, engage, and connect. Departments collaborated to plan and decorate educational and fun activities, including Hip-Hop Trivia, Bollywood-style dance, and even a gondola trip down the Venice Canal.
Fifty people supported by AHRC Nassau Day Services visited the Plainview office to sample delicious foods, fill their customized drawstring bag with goodies, and learn about cultures and ways to advocate for themselves and others.
Later in the day, students from Brookville Center for Children’s Services Children’s Residential Program and men and women supported by the Shoreham ICF visited the parking lot of the Plainview Office for a similar experience. Car trunks were decorated to create an international journey without needing to board a plane.
Up at Hunter, Camp Loyaltown campers and staff will enjoy a full day of activities on June 20 to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures represented at the camp. As counselors travel from all over the world on a J-1 Visa intended for people participating in work-study visitor programs, the Week of Belonging event provides an opportunity to celebrate their traditions and cultures. Campers will also have the chance to immerse themselves in language, art, and stories while sharing their own experiences and memories.