Red Spring Lane Honored by Local Nonprofit, i Am My Sister, For Participation in Youth Mental Health Walk
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, people supported at Red Spring Lane were recognized by the Glen Cove nonprofit i Am My Sister, for their active participation in the Hope N’ Motion Walk for Youth Mental Health Awareness on May 17. They were joined in this effort by people from two AHRC Nassau residences, New Woods and Circle Drive. Each home received a special plaque thanking them for raising awareness around mental health in youth. They joined with neighbors, families, and local organizations walking the track at Glen Cove High School for a day of connection and community.
Inspired by her daughter’s mental health journey, Lela M. Watson founded i Am My Sister to provide mentorship, leadership development, community engagement, and wellness initiatives to support young girls.
People supported and staff helped make the day meaningful-by walking, showing solidarity, and volunteering in the first of what’s expected to become an annual event.
Lela wanted to make sure that everyone, especially the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other staff members, felt appreciated.
“As a community we have to make sure we are taking care of the people who are taking care of the people,” Lela said. “Sometimes taking care of the people is making sure they are valued, saying ‘thank you,’ and continuing to build them up. They pour out so much to the residents, we wanted to make sure we are pouring back into them.”
Christine Basile, the manager of Red Spring Lane, said that all the staff, including herself, appreciated that Lela took time out of her day to stop by and express her gratitude.
“What the staff took away from this is that their voice means something,” Christine said. “When we’re advocating for the people, we support to have social roles, jobs, the right to vote, the right to say when something isn’t right, have the right to say, ‘I’m not eating that’ or ‘I don’t want to live here,’ it means something.”
People who live at Red Spring Lane are embraced by their neighbors, as they attend events like Downtown Sounds or engage in volunteer service, such as helping at their local food pantry. Opportunities like these support people in taking on active social roles and spending time in ways that are meaningful to them.
Looking forward to walking with i Am My Sister in 2026!