Citizens Options Unlimited

Now that it’s October, the Citizens Options Unlimited office needed to get into the Halloween spirit with some haunting decorations! Thankfully, Peter Hadfield, a Maintenance Assistant at the Plainview office and Camp Loyaltown Camper, was on hand to decorate! Peter hung scary ghosts from the ceiling, placed jack-o’-lanterns, black cats, and skulls on the file cabinets, and pinned fun pictures and drawings to the wall. Thank you, Peter, for bringing Halloween joy to our office!

At The Nicholas Center, which offers innovative programs including vocational training, Jonathan Drexler, who lives at the William Street residence in Glen Head, provides laundry services for the community. As part of a team, Jonathan picks up clothes for washing and folding, then returns them after they are clean and ready to wear. He mentioned that he enjoys this work, and when asked if he likes to do his own laundry at home, even after a full day of washing and folding, he said yes! At the Nicholas Center, Jonathan also looks forward to spending time in the Media Lab, where he can connect with his friends and express his feelings. Additionally, Jonathan learns about health and wellness, art, and meditation at the Nicholas Center. We are so proud of you, Jonathan! Thank you for being an incredible part of our community and the Nicholas Center. #NDEAM

While Daffy the Donkey spent time exploring the Sensory Garden, friendly bunnies, chickens, goats, and other farm animals visited the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) for an afternoon with people supported on Sunday, September 21. This was the second visit from the Long Island Pony Parties & Petting Zoo. Everyone loves spending time with the animals and asking questions about their lives and care. Read more at our blog https://lnkd.in/ehm6tJEY

Spencer Aronson, Joey Telson, and Wilhelmina Waldinger made a difference this year sharing their time and volunteering to support young mothers, infants and adoptable shelter pets. Throughout the year, the entire Helen Kaplan community collected blankets, towels, and newborn supplies. Once enough had been gathered, drop offs were scheduled at various locations with Spencer, Joey, and Wilhelmina being a part of the packing and delivery. Read more at our blog: https://lnkd.in/ewYADamv

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLS) were recognized for achieving National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Certification – a national standard that reflects their commitment to excellence, ethics, and person-centered support. The E-Badge Academy, according to the NADSP website, is a way for DSPs and FLSs to receive recognition for the on-the-job competencies they demonstrate by submitting testimonials or training transcripts. It is not a training, education, or curriculum program, but rather a display of professional skills needed to best support people with I/DD. Congratulations to all the graduates! Read more at our blog: https://lnkd.in/ev-UTwhk

Robyn Lipschutz, who resides at the West Seamans Neck Road residence, is an amazing After Care Counselor for preschoolers at the Friedberg JCC’s After School program! Each school day, Robyn helps to ensure the preschoolers are safe, taken care of, and of course, well fed! Read more about Robyn and her work at our blog: https://lnkd.in/djSmG2s9 #NDEAM

Tomorrow, October 6, we celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day. The creators of this day believe in a world where every person with cerebral palsy has the same rights, opportunities, and access as everyone else, and so do we. Learn more and join the movement by sharing your story. #UniqueAndUnited #WorldCPDay

We have some birthdays in the house! 🎂🎂🎂 Fun birthday parties complete with cake and decorations have been bringing the Citizens community together! Recently, housemates and staff Ontario Avenue, residence hosted a surprise party for Frank Billadello's 70th birthday! Frank was so happy when he returned home to find all his housemates, trusted staff, and family members who joined in for the occasion! After the party, Frank and his friends enjoyed a delicious dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse. And Sarah Chardavoyne, who resides at the Pickwick Residence, celebrated her 41st birthday with a party too! She wore a beautiful dress and crown, and had a great time marking this occasion with her housemates, staff and family with cake, cupcakes, and pink decorations! Happy birthday to Frank and Sarah! Wishing you both a great year 🥳🥳🥳

✨Employee Highlight✨ Meet Tamara Morales, an Office Clerk in the Learning & Professional Development Department! Tamara is a valued member of the Plainview Office crew! She ensures that new hires have everything they need to start their career journey here, and her smile and laughter brightens up everyone's day. Thank you for all that you do, Tamara #EmployeeHighlight #NDEAM

Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) #NDEAM