Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) was proud to present a funding award of $10,000 to the Nassau County AHRC Foundation, a chapter of The Arc New York, to support its Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms And Arts Center.
One of only four agencies accredited by New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities as a Compass agency – the highest level of accreditation offered – AHRC Nassau is one of the largest agencies in New York State to provide support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The nonprofit organization empowers people to lead fulfilling lives, individually as well as together with family, friends, and the wider community. AHRC’s programs provide a wide array of support including vocational and employment services, adult day habilitation and community-based services, guardianship, family support services, and respite/recreation opportunities, as well as residential services.
Following feedback from program participants and their families, AHRC Nassau responded to an unmet need for more expansive, person-centered, outdoor and inclusive programming options by establishing the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms and Arts Center. Building on a person-centered and community-inclusive philosophy, the Center will offer the highest-quality outdoors and arts opportunities for the entire community to enjoy. Located in a calm and serene setting, the Center’s farm-based activities and surrounding natural environment provide an idyllic environment for the people they serve to learn new functional, social, and emotional skills, using cooperative projects and social connections as natural opportunities for personal growth.
While lauding the positive impact that AHRC Nassau has played in the lives of the disabled community, including on his own cousin, Senator Brooks observed, “Being part of the ribbon cutting ceremony reminded me of how important this organization is to giving those individuals who have developmental disabilities an opportunity to develop and have a real sense of self-worth. It has been critical in opening new doors for individuals and families, with participants gaining training that often allows them to work and gain a sense of self-worth and value. For myself, I had a cousin who had developmental disabilities and her mother was very involved in the early stages of the AHRC. So, for me, this was a deeply personal honor to be able to give the organization a $10,000 grant to help in the expansion of their programs.”
Senator Brooks further went on to state, “Congratulations to all those who are part of this organization, and others like it, who recognize the importance of providing help and assistance to others. Years ago, in so many cases these individuals were almost always hidden from society. Because of AHRC Nassau, and other organizations like them, these individuals now have a much fuller and rewarding life than those who faced these challenges in the past.”
