From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

There are always good things happening at Citizens Options Unlimited, and October is packed with ways to celebrate, speak up, and get involved!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the talents and contributions of workers with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent," feels especially meaningful as we continue to mark America's 250th anniversary.

As we celebrate, we also look ahead to building a more inclusive future. One important way is through advocacy. I encourage you to register to vote, ask questions, and learn where elected officials and candidates stand on the issues that matter to you and your family. Visit citizens-inc.org/advocate for resources, including information on disability services issues we’ll be highlighting as New York State begins preparing its upcoming budget. There will be opportunities to make your voice heard in the weeks ahead.

You can also support our future by joining the AHRC Foundation Walk on Sunday, October 25, at Eisenhower Park. One of the largest events on Long Island, the AHRC Foundation walk raises funds that directly benefit the people supported by Citizens Options Unlimited. It’s not too late: start a team, join a team, or simply donate today.

Thank you for being a part of the Citizens community and for all you do to help create a future filled with greater opportunity for all.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Honoring National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.

NDEAM traces its history to 1945, when Congress established a weeklong observance recognizing workers with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the observance to a month and renamed it NDEAM. Learn more.

This year, as America marks its 250^th birthday, the NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” From Robyn Lipschutz, who works at a preschool, to Tamara Morales, who works as an office clerk, people across the Citizens community bring their skills, talent, and experience to the workplace every day.

Help us celebrate their contributions. Email stories to connectwithus@citizens-inc.org or tag Citizens Options Unlimited on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more inspiring NDEAM stories!

A Heartfelt Visit from a Four-Legged Friend

Therapy dog Chester visits the Helen Kaplan Center

Residents at the Helen Kaplan Center recently welcomed Chester, a certified therapy dog from Love on a Leash, and his owner Barbara Johnston for a visit designed to encourage social interaction, engagement, and connection.

Throughout the visit, residents took turns greeting Chester, the large Leonberger, petting him and saying hello. Some people enjoyed watching him from afar.

For Barbara, the purpose of therapy dogs is simple.

“They bring smiles to people’s faces,” Barbara said. “He gets people to talk and opens up conversation when you’re around a group.”

A Day at the Zoo

Connecting with friends and exploring one of New York’s landmarks

People supported across 12 Citizens houses came together for a day at the Bronx Zoo, enjoying an opportunity to explore, connect with friends, and discover new interests.

Citizens Residential Services Rallies Support for the 2026 AHRC Foundation Walk

Citizens Options Unlimited is getting ready to walk! On September 30, people supported and staff from Residential Services gathered for photos, refreshments, and time with friends ahead of the AHRC Foundation Walk, on Sunday, October 25, at Eisenhower Park, Field 6A.

Everyone enjoyed cookies and conversation before posing for team, individual, and friend photos in front of colorful orange, blue, and white backdrops. Thank you to Donna Grant, Manager of the Pickwick Drive residence, who shared her decorating talents and created balloon arches for the occasion!

For Citizens, the Walk has special meaning. Last year, the AHRC Foundation provided $35,000 to expand community recreation opportunities for people supported by Citizens so they can enjoy outings and activities with staff across Long Island. The Foundation also awarded a $260,000 capital grant to Camp Loyaltown.

Camp Loyaltown Featured in Catskills News Outlet,
The Overlook

Camp Loyaltown made the news on September 18. This summer, reporter Connor Greco and photographer Roy Gumpel visited Camp Loyaltown for a story in The Overlook, a nonprofit news outlet serving the Catskills region.

Celebrating Excellence

Employee of the Quarter luncheon highlights standout team members

The Employee of the Quarter luncheon on September 29 brought together colleagues from Citizens Options Unlimited and across our family of organizations to recognize staff members making exceptional contributions during the second quarter. The celebration highlighted professionalism and care making a difference every day in the lives of the people we support.

This quarter’s honorees included Glenda Gould Joseph, Manager of the Greenlawn IRA; Lenox Lee, Assistant Manager at the Northport IRA; Cynthia Saint Jean, DSP at the Westbury IRA; Daphline Fils-Aimé, DSP at the Helen Kaplan Center; Jenny Jacques, LPN at the Helen Kaplan Center; Sierra Blanchard, Assistant Supervisor at the Shoreham ICF; and Michele Fields (EOQ1), Behavior Intervention Specialist at the Shoreham ICF.

Direct Support Professionals, We Thank You

Each year, Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week provides an opportunity to recognize the talent, skill, and excellence of DSPs who support people to live the lives they choose.

From September 13–19, Citizens highlighted DSPs whose work makes a difference in the lives of people supported at Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs).

Stories and messages of thanks from families, friends, and colleagues were shared, along with celebrations across residences to recognize the important work of DSPs. Check out the annual DSP Recognition Week Book.  

Standing in Solidarity

Citizens Options Unlimited Commemorates 25^th Anniversary of September 11

This year marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Citizens Options Unlimited community gathered to remember the lives lost, honor the bravery of first responders, and recognize the many people who continue to live with lasting health impacts.

Observances were held at the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility, Helen Kaplan Center, and the Plainview office as part of the remembrance program across our family of organizations, including Brookville Center for Children’s Services and AHRC Nassau.

At 10 a.m., the Citizens community gathered at their sites’ flagpoles for a moment of reflection and remembrance. The ceremonies offered an opportunity to honor loved ones, friends, colleagues, or anyone touched by 9/11.

AHRC Foundation Walk 2026

October 25, 2026: Eisenhower Park, Field 6A

The AHRC Nassau Walk is less than one month away, and we’re already halfway to our fundraising goal!

There’s still time to help us get there! Register, donate, start a team, or sponsor a team and be part of this year’s Walk.

🏆 Congratulations to This Week’s Top Teams!

A big thank-you to the teams leading the way and helping us get closer to our goal!

🥇 Team Amanda 2026 — $9,027 🥈 The 189ers — $3,415 🥉 Citizens “Better Together” — $1,735

👕 Don’t Forget Your Walk T-Shirt!

Let’s keep the momentum going! Join us on Sunday, October 25, at Eisenhower Park, Field 6A.

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:

• Incident Review Process & Successful Complaint Resolution
  Wed. November 18, 2026 / 1pm-2pm (Virtual via Zoom) – RSVP HERE
  
  
• Behind the Mission: Nonprofit Governance, Funding, and Planning Now & for the Future – Governance & Funding for Nonprofit Operations/ Supporting Unfunded Services/ Trusts/ Planned Giving
  December 2, 2026 / 6pm-7pm (Virtual Via Zoom) – RSVP HERE

Wheatley Farms Catering

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! 

Shop Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts

Autumn has arrived and so has 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.

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.