| Dear Families and Friends,
Summer brought many opportunities – from celebrations and activities across our community to another successful season at Camp Loyaltown, where campers connected with friends and counselors from around the globe.
As we look forward to fall, I’m hopeful we can carry that spirit of connection forward. On October 25, we’ll join together at Eisenhower Park for the annual AHRC Foundation Walk, an opportunity for Citizens families, people supported, staff, and partners to support opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Long Island.
That same spirit is important to our advocacy. By sharing our experiences, we can bring attention to the issues impacting the IDD community and show how these changes affect our lives. Recently, parent advocates and self-advocates met with Congressman Nick LaLota and the Office of Congressman Garbarino to discuss disability services, the direct support workforce, and the issues that matter to them.
There are many ways to get involved and make your voice heard:
Enjoy these remaining days of summer and the many opportunities ahead for our community.
Thank you, |
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| | | Camp Loyaltown Concludes Another Summer Season |
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| Camp Loyaltown, once full of laughter and singing, is now quiet except for the sounds of the Catskill Mountains. Camp wrapped up its summer season on August 30 as the last campers and staff headed home or set off on their travels.
“I love camp so much,” said Joshua Barlow, a camper. “I want to keep sleeping here forever.”
Joshua found camp meaningful because he could do the activities he loves every day, like caring for animals and playing sports such as basketball and football.
“I like everything,” Joshua said. |
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| “This summer was extremely wonderful,” said Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services and Camp Loyaltown. “It brought all the staff and the campers into this community, and it was a wonderful experience.”
This year, Camp Loyaltown welcomed approximately 527 campers during the season. They were supported by over 170 staff members who traveled from around the world, including 77 who returned from previous years.
“That really set a great leadership,” Savita said. “And you can see the staff wanted to make each experience for each camper very unique.” |
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| | | Help Us Celebrate DSP Recognition Week |
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| | Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, is Sunday, Sept. 13 – Saturday, Sept. 19, and we want to hear from you!
If a DSP has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love, share your story with us! Across Citizens Options Unlimited, DSPs support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at home and in their communities.
They show up no matter the weather. This past winter, they braved snowstorms to provide essential care and help ensure the safety of the people they support. DSPs not only assist people with self-care and daily routines, they provide transportation and companionship and help people explore their communities and pursue their goals. DSPs also create opportunities for self-expression and connection at home and in the community. |
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| | | A Friendly Competition Inspires
Bountiful Gardens at Citizens |
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| A friendly competition at Citizens has led to a summer of fresh vegetables, herbs, and time outdoors.
This spring, Deanna Allen, Director of Residential Services, invited residential teams to take part in a garden competition. Houses across the agency got to work planting gardens that gave housemates and staff more to enjoy outdoors and fresh produce to use in meals. |
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| “The homes did an amazing job creating and maintaining their gardens,” Deanna said. “The project not only brought out everyone’s love of gardening but gave our homes fresh veggies for everyone to enjoy. I am very proud of all who took part.”
Among the competitors, two gardens stood out: Lake Grove and Greenlawn. |
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| | | Go Citizens!
Getting ready for the annual AHRC Foundation Walk |
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| | The annual AHRC Foundation Walk is right around the corner. Citizens families, people supported, staff members, peer advocates, and supporters are invited to join the Walk on Sunday, October 25, at Eisenhower Park.
Each year, our community comes together for an incredible day supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Long Island. Last year, more than 1,100 walkers and 100 teams raised over $95,000 through the event.
For Citizens Options Unlimited families, the Walk is especially meaningful because support from the AHRC Foundation directly strengthens programs and services that impact the lives of the people we support every day. |
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| The Walk is also a wonderful opportunity for families, staff members, friends, and supporters to come together as one community in support of a shared mission.
Be a part of the Walk! Start a team, join a team, or donate today! |
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| | | | The Inform Me Educational Workshop Series provides families and people with disabilities with practical guidance and reliable information to help them navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way. Offered throughout the year, each workshop focuses on topics that people and families are actively navigating—supporting informed decision-making and helping them feel more confident as they advocate for themselves or their family member.
Upcoming Workshops:
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| | | | | 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! |
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A new season is creeping in, and so is the Fall Collection at Wheatley Farms! Get ready for cozy, seasonal merchandise including fall-inspired apparel, totes, mugs and more.
For those who like their fall with a little spooky spirit, keep an eye out for the ghost-themed T-shirt—perfect for coffee lovers, Halloween fans, and anyone ready to embrace spooky season!
Whether you're shopping for yourself or picking up a unique fall gift, there's even more reason to feel good about your purchase.
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| 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. |
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