Meet Maria-Carmela Melendez, Central Enrollment Supervisor at AHRC Nassau/Citizens Options Unlimited Tell us a little bit about yourself I started my career in the disability sector in 2008 as an FSS/community habilitation one-on-one DSP. From there, I became a Medicaid … Continued
John Ginther, also known as DJ Jumpin’ Johnny G, 32, has been DJing since he was sixteen years old. Supported by Citizens Options Unlimited Self-Direction Services, John is well known throughout our community as the “Unofficial DJ of Citizens.” “I’m … Continued
Self-advocates across our agency came together for a Rights Rally on November 2. The Rights Rally is an interactive way for people supported by our agency to learn about human and disability rights like safety, choice, and privacy. The rally … Continued
Please join us in welcoming Leng Lao, the newest member of the Board of Directors of Citizens Options Unlimited. The board advances Citizen’s mission through oversight of the agency’s governance work on behalf of children and adults with an I/DD. … Continued
Little moments can make for big change! While playing games can seem like just a fun activity, play is central to the development of fundamental social, emotional, and physical skills. Playing games also brings people supported at Saturday Respite out … Continued
Kirkland Group Home decided to give back to their community this Veterans Day by connecting with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244. Together, they collected nonperishable food, toiletries, and clothes donations for homeless veterans across … Continued
Agency Raises Over $100,000 to Support New York’s I/DD community The Citizens Options Unlimited community joined with over 1,000 walkers to raise more than $100,000 for the Annual AHRC Foundation Walk benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities … Continued
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Fred Parnther, 47, from Westbury, has lived in the Citizens’ W. Hempstead Residence since March 2008. Prior to the pandemic, Fred was employed at a local gymnasium. Three years later and Fred is eager to … Continued
Tanya Castiello, from Citizens’ Pickwick Residence, had her first spotlight moment in a summer performance of Disney’s Frozen at Cultural Playhouse in Syosset. The first-year acting student advocated for more independence and to have something she could call her own. … Continued
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2023 This year, Jamie Allen, 42, from Citizens’ Pickwick Residence, is celebrating nine consecutive years of employment as a Store Support at The Home Depot. However, Jamie has been connected to The Home Depot for … Continued