E M P L O Y E E
N E W S L E T T E R
June 2023
A Communication from Human Resources
Message from the CEO
Executive Appreciation
Employee Spotlight
Work Anniversary
Helen Kaplan ICF
Ontario Avenue
915 Rainbow
Pickwick
Adventureland
Spa Day
Soap Making Class
Camp Loyaltown
Internal Job Posting
National EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
Message from the CEO
Dear Fellow Employees,
Once again, I am proud to announce another successful Compass recertification visit. The exit conference took place
on Thursday, May 11th, with zero significant findings and many, many best practices cited by the review team. It is a
privilege for AHRC Nassau and Citizens to be again validated as a Compass agency. We make up two of four agencies
in New York State to hold this honor and prestigious designation.
It is impossible to list every person that contributed to the success of the Compass program, but I want to highlight
and thank Karen Hirschfeld, Colleen Tapia, and Eric Rosen. Their commitment to detailed coordination and
execution of our Compass program serves as the cornerstone for this program’s success. Thank you for your splendid
leadership and empowerment of the people we support.
Wheatley Farms and One Stop Gift Shop are wonderful ways to support jobs, services, inclusion, and opportunity for
people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Your support for employment and community
engagement truly makes a difference. Our employees are the primary reason that One Stop and Wheatley Farms
continue to excel. I am immensely proud of the talented staff who innovate these businesses and social enterprises to
ensure their success. Special thanks to Chris O’Connor, Barry Donowitz, Brooke Gilman, Patrick Sherrard, Chris
Williams, Nicky Faranda, Percival Aquino, Allison Glass, Nanette Muzante, Bridget Cariello, Jerri Walker, Shaun
Weathers, Mary McNamara, and Nicole Zerillo for your incredible leadership of Wheatley Farms sales and One Stop
Gift Shop.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are in full bloom. The DEI Strategic Plan is now completed for all
companies, committee leaders are in place, and the work on the goals will soon begin. In addition, the first meeting of
the AHRC Board DEI Committee was a tremendous success. Your participation and engagement in DEI activities in
each company have helped to make our family of organizations a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Thanks to Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri, DEI Officer, and our Joint DEI Committee for their commitment and hard work.
The Reach for the Stars event held on May 17th at the Crescent Beach Club was one of the best I have ever attended.
Special thanks to AHRC Nassau Foundation Director Mary McNamara, Jennifer Apelian, Monica Montoya, Betsey
Beyers, Safoora Juman, Kelly Farrington, Katherine Hoey, Gaelle Gilles, Nicole Zerillo, Marlene Baron of AHRC
Nassau and from BCCS- Denise Gaughan, Sherri Black, Christine Paz and Debi Doyle along with a committee of
BCCS parents, who poured their hearts and souls into making this event a success each year.
Staff retention data from 2023 shows that more employees choose to remain employed for longer periods. This reflects
many efforts to engage new employees better and to connect them with our people, mission, vision, and values.
Fortunately, we have one of the country's best Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement teams. Led by Dr. Hassan
Abdullhaqq, with leadership from Jim Stock and their hardworking team of Gordon Archibald, Denise Lamb, Laura
Betancurt, Giovanni Dainotto, Joy Ramer, Mandi Morrone, Marissa Kumar, Andrew Mott, Gregory Pandaliano,
Ashley Orgill, Alyssa Abdul, and Brandon Lyons.
Staff Appreciation Day is coming soon. Set your calendars for August 2nd. All roads will lead to our Brookville
Campus once again for a day of connecting with your fellow employees in a diverse, fun, and inclusive environment. I
hope to see you all there!
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Best,
Stanfort
Executive Appreciation
Jim Van Epps, Director – Facilities Management, for his assistance with
maintenance work towards the reopening of Camp Loyaltown.
Glenn Carbaugh, Maintenance Worker- Brookville, for his quick action to
clean up the Cissy Birnbaum water main break.
Jim Stock, Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition, and Lisa Larice-
Nielsen, Administrative Assistant, for facilitating the enhancement of the
Employee Orientation manual.
Nicky Faranda, Director of Employment Services and Social Enterprises &
Cesar Fuentes, Business Operations Manager, for their excellent work
bringing the team to 2nd place in the NYIT CREATE competition.
The organizers of the COMPASS Validation visit Karen Hirschfield,
Director of QA, Colleen Tapia, QA Administrator, Joe Simmons, Senior
Maintenance Supervisor, Eric Rosen, Corporate Compliance Officer,
Percival Aquino, Supervisor of Culinary Services, and Marlene Baron,
Administrative Assistant, for their hard work behind the scenes to host a
successful survey.
Debra Doyle, VP of BCCS, Nicole Ferrar, VP of Nursing, and all Directors
for successfully appreciating the work of our Teachers and Nurses during
their appreciation week.
Special thanks to:
Rachelle Demosthene, House Manager from Smithtown, has always put in 100%, and we
see it. Your optimism, happiness, and positive attitude are an asset to our agency. We are so
lucky to have you!
A special shoutout to 915 & 919 Rainbows for successful OPWDD surveys! Your willingness
to step up and always do your best does not go unnoticed. Thank you all!
It is a true honor for our agency to have a committed Nursing Team. Our success depends
on the quality of our staff members, and we recognize and appreciate your contributions and
achievements. Thank you!
Thank you to Christine Basile, House Manager from Red Spring Lane, for always putting
your best foot forward! Your performance is always top-notch, even when you take on more
work.
Raushaad Wint, Direct Support Professional from Port Washington, has been working extra
hours at our Medford IRA. He has not only been reliable, but he has also been flexible and
takes feedback exceptionally well. He does not hesitate to jump right in. Raushaad is eager
to learn and help. His patience, overall attitude, and demeanor are positive and uplifting. He
has been a true and valuable asset to not only the Medford IRA but the agency as well.
The Helen Kaplan ICF congratulates Courtney Weaver, BIS, on being accepted into the 1-
year Nursing Program at Stonybrook University, wishing her much success in her new
career path.
The ICF was excited to promote Rose Irene Augustin, DSP, to our nursing team as LPN.
A big thanks to Dusty Kelly, Payroll Personnel Coordinator, who helped the ICF to
successfully transition from Somroli to the new UKG dimension Payroll System.
Thank you for all of your hard work and support,
you are appreciated! - Team Citizens
Cecilia Guillaume-Rennie
Tashae Carter
Michelle Nerette
Zah-Niyah Jerrick
Amanda Legros
Helen Kaplan ICF
The Helen Kaplan ICF celebrated Mental Hygiene Month. The Psychology Department
held dialogues with the staff regarding stress, power struggles, and anxiety burnouts, as well
as conducting several stress reduction therapies, i.e., aromatherapy, relaxation, and
meditation. We culminated the month by bringing a petting zoo to provide pet therapy. It
was a good way for the staff and the people we support to relax and enjoy the day.
On May 24, 2023, the ICF held a BBQ to celebrate our amazing staff and acknowledge our
remarkable nurses and the people we support. Entertainment was provided by our in-house
artist Nanci Abbondola singing a rendition of “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney
Houston, along with Wilhelmina Waldinger. Wilhelmina performed several dances and
songs from Grease with House B staff; Manager Mike Hartung and DSPs Jennifer Baptiste,
Sourette Louis and Marie Lucian. Music was provided by our DJ, Renee D’Avanzo, and
our own amazing, unique confectionery chef, Valerie Himberger, provided the after-party
desserts and a beautiful birthday cake to wish our spirited leader, Sally Burgess, a very
Happy Birthday.
A good day starts with
pancakes 😊
An exciting and fun-filled day at Round 1!
Ontario Avenue
Kicking back and enjoying the Guardians of the Galaxy movie!
Wheatley Farm Soap Making
The Ontario gents, Richard, John, Patrick and Paul went to Wheatly Farms to join the soap-
making class. They loved the farm and visiting the animals, and attended a soap-making class; they
absolutely loved it. John said it was very interesting and looks forward to participating in other
events at the farm. All the gentlemen enjoyed the evening and will be on the lookout for more fun
activities.
Paul, John, and Richard walked with the pups. Not only did they get exercise, but so did
the dogs, Toby and Hunter. All the guys love walking them and playing with them or just
sitting quietly and petting them.
Pickwick Drive
Saturday bowling fun
The Pickwick team enjoyed a thrilling and fun-filled Memorial Day weekend at Adventureland.
Who doesn't love a spa day?!
Wheatley Farms
Catering & Greenhouse
Soap
Making
Classes at
WFA!
Everyone loves takeout!
Mimi was all smiles at a picnic trip.
915 Rainbow Commons
Shoreham ICF
Shoreham celebrated their nursing team with a week of activities, including breakfast, a
pizza party, and snack bags filled with nutritious snacks. Posters were displayed in each
building honoring our dedicated professionals.
The theme was “Why we are grateful for our nurses.” Some of the responses were: strong
advocates, team players, knowledgeable, caring, compassionate, always willing to assist
everyone, hardworking
Getting ready for opening day at
Camp Loyaltown
The Story Behind Our Shop
The One Stop Gift Shop values giving as a way to spread kindness
throughout the world. That starts with how we’re run. The One Stop
Gift Shop offers people with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities supported by AHRC Day Services an opportunity to
participate fully in the running of the gift shop. People supported
create and craft handmade items, answer the phone, take online
orders, package and deliver merchandise, and keep track of
inventory.
https://one-stop-gift-shop.square.site/s/shop
Use Code "ahrcn" at checkout to save an additional 15%
House Manager
Requirements:
Job Req: #2022-4727
Schedule: Sunday 11am- 7pm Mon-Thurs Flex 40 hrs.
Location: Syosset, NY
Program: Citizens Options Unlimited
Salary Range: $58,500
Job Profile:
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Submit your application by going to:
citizens-inc.org/careers/
Click the link for CURRENT EMPLOYEES
High School diploma or equivalent required
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with the MR/DD population
Qualified NYS Driver's License.
Supervisory experience required. Good oral communications skills
Good organizational and administrative skills
AMAP certified
Prior domestic household experience required
Citizens Options Unlimited (Citizens) Citizens believes that when people come together and work as a team great
things happen. Citizens works closely with personal outcome trainers to assist people with I/DD in defining their
personal goals and dreams, while developing a life plan that includes natural supports, community supports, and choice
of service provision options.
Supervises Direct Support staff by assigning responsibilities and specific activities to provide and encourage each
resident to strive for autonomy.
In conjunction with Program Coordinator, hires new employees by conducting interviews and completing all
required personnel documentation to ensure that the residence is adequately staffed with qualified candidates
Maintains weekly work schedules for all staff by assigning shifts based on availability and the particular
requirements of each resident to ensure that appropriate care is administered at all times
Maintains resident's bank accounts and expenditures by depositing and withdrawing all monies and reviewing
monthly bank statements to ensure accuracy and adherence to individual budget.
Maintains appropriate records of staff by observing and documenting issues relating to time, attendance, and level
of performance, specific deficiencies, supervisory sessions and training needs to ensure the ongoing and effective
supervision of each employee.
To be considered for a transfer, orientation must have been completed and you must be in good
performance standing.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Proud of Workforce Diversity
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