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.  Ruth started attending Day Services in October, having … Continued

Leading By Example: Meet Citizens’ Dedicated Self-Advocates

This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Citizens is recognizing the self-advocates whose voices help shape stronger, more responsive supports every day.   Self-advocates advance Citizens’ mission by sharing their experiences and perspectives, helping ensure that services reflect the needs and goals of the people … Continued

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 … Continued

Living a Self-Directed Life: Angel Vasquez

Angel Vasquez has many interests and hobbies that help him learn, grow, and build independence every day.  “I like to write stories, play video games, exercise, and just go out into the community,” Angel said. “My ultimate goal is becoming fully independent: getting a … Continued

Citizens Residential Council Hosts First Meeting of the Year

Men and women who reside in Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) across Nassau and Suffolk gathered at the Plainview office on Jan. 15 for the first Citizens Options Unlimited Residential Council meeting of the year. Council members discussed issues that affect their daily lives, as well as upcoming events to connect and become a stronger … Continued

Employees of the Quarter Help Us All Shine!

Just two days before Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Stanfort J. Perry, CEO, at the Jan. 13 Employee of the Quarter event reflected on the spirit of compassion and service embodied by Dr. King.   “As Dr. King … Continued