Chris recently accepted a position as Inter Agency Council’s ( IAC) Associate Executive Director for Children’s Services, a newly created position, which calls for his skills and experience.  Although, we are very sorry that Chris is leaving AHRC, this is a wonderful opportunity for him to expand his professional role in the field, and to advocate for an even greater number of children. 

Chris has been the quintessential professional and a wonderful representative of AHRC’s Mission and values.  He has gained the respect of everyone at AHRC and in the fields of special education and developmental disabilities.

We will miss Chris dearly and thank him for the wonderful years he spent at AHRC New York City.

Chris recently accepted a position as Inter Agency Council’s ( IAC) Associate Executive Director for Children’s Services, a newly created position, which calls for his skills and experience.  Although, we are very sorry that Chris is leaving AHRC, this is a wonderful opportunity for him to expand his professional role in the field, and to advocate for an even greater number of children. 

Chris has been the quintessential professional and a wonderful representative of AHRC’s Mission and values.  He has gained the respect of everyone at AHRC and in the fields of special education and developmental disabilities.

We will miss Chris dearly and thank him for the wonderful years he spent at AHRC New York City.

Based out of Cyril Weinberg Adult Day Center in Queens, Mary often travels between facilities, working on short-term projects, such as developing staff trainings and presentations, meeting with families and staff across departments to develop person-specific strategies and supports as needs arise. In her more than 25 years at AHRC, Mary has witnessed many changes in individuals that one can only see over a period of time. “[It] is really lovely because you form these bonds and long-term relationships. You can see tremendous progress! In one case we had an individual who, when she came to us, was so physically aggressive and self injurious – banging her head into walls. More of her day was spent having outbursts than not. And now, she might have a bad moment like that a couple of days out of the year, so you see a lot of those really great outcomes, which is nice. .Sometimes you see the sadder side of it. I’ve seen people who were really very vibrant who now have dementia, or others who I have known over the years who pass away,” says Mary.

Mary also chairs the Human Rights Committee, which is a group of AHRC professionals including the Medical Director, advocates, and parents who meet once per month to discuss issues specific to individuals served by AHRC New York City programs. “It’s a committee of people who share ideas when we’re working with folks who have really challenging behaviors,” says Mary. “Whenever there’s a behavioral question or a behavioral crisis, I am involved in either trying to consult and help, or to review behavioral plans and policies.” The committee reviews individual behavioral plans with the goal of providing care, while maintaining services in the least restrictive manner possible, mindful of the individual rights of people receiving services.

AHRC New York City has become a leader in the provision of services for individuals who fall on the autism spectrum. Mary Donahue and professionals across AHRC departments are working toward new goals in this area, with the goal of attaining the status as a center of excellence in the field of autism services.In order to achieve these goals, AHRC continues to implement the use of alternative communication devices and the Picture Exchange Communication System, (PECS), the use of visual supports and TEACCH while increasing staff training initiatives and assisting staff in obtaining higher level credentials. “As the population of people with autism has grown, and as the level of expectations has risen among families, we’re looking to expand the programs, especially for the adult population,” says Mary.”We’re always looking to see what we can improve.”

AHRC New York City thanks Mary Donahue for sharing her expertise, and for her years of dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

AHRC New York City‘s school, Astoria Blue Feather Head Start is one of the Elmezzi Foundation partners. The school is located across the street from The Astoria Houses, and many of the children living in the development attend the school.  Susan Kondoff, the school’s Social Services Coordinator, is a chairperson representing early childhood education for the Zone 126 initiative, and was recognized for her contributions during the event. Susan is active in several local partnerships, including the Queens Community Partners Network, (part of the East River Development Alliance,) the Queens Libraries Literacy Zone project, and the Astoria Cancer Action Council. “Through attending these meetings, I met other people working in local non-profits and organizations, allowing me to share the needs of our school, according to our annual Community Assessment, where we work with the families of our students to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our catchment area.  All of these relationships brought me to project 126,” says Susan. After meeting Chris Cutter, Interim Executive Director of Zone 126, Susanintroduced him to the school, and oriented him to the goals of their Head Start program. In turn, Chris provided her with opportunities to meet with other local community organizations and partners of Project 126, facilitating the school’s program goals.

The Astoria Blue Feather Head Start program, actively involves parents in community partnerships, providing opportunities for parent education, job training, employment, preventative health services, emergency assistance, and crisis intervention.  Head Start promotes excellence in program management as the primary support for quality services provided to young children and their families.  Head Start requires that each family develop family goals, and that the Family Assistant works with the family to achieve those goals. As the Social Services Coordinator, Susan develops individual family plans, and works with the Policy Council to create goals for participating families. The community outreach conducted by the staff at Astoria Blue Feather Head Start, under the leadership of Principal, Denise Polanco-Nieves, is helping families to reach their goals, and to avail themselves of local resources that can help them to improve the quality of their lives. AHRC New York City thanks the school’s staff for their work to meet these and other challenges faced by the students and their families.

Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney and Susan Kondoff, Social Services Coordinator for Astoria Blue Feather Head Start

“Zone 126′s Promise Neighborhood grant promises to do a world of good for the children of western Queens. This federal grant will get the ball rolling on a ‘cradle to career’ educational support program for young people in Astoria Houses and the surrounding community…. I thank The Elmezzi Foundation, which has funded so many worthwhile initiatives in western Queens, and Zone 126 for their dedication to our community. I can’t think of a more wonderful New Year’s gift for our kids,” said Representative Maloney.

“Catching a Dream,” Dr. Jim Lawler’s expanded initiative for community engagement, partners Pace University students with students attending AHRC Middle High School, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York.  While earlier initiatives have focused on the engagement of Pace students with young adults and senior citizens with disabilities in AHRC NYC’s Adult Day Services programs, the current initiative focuses on person-centered planning and technology-based projects, as Pace students mentor to the students of the Middle High School.  “These are individuals who can go to community college, if not a college, and transition through a university where the community college has a partnership with the university.  I feel that they could also be in disciplines of science and technology as well, as a long-term goal,” says Dr. Lawler.

Under the partnership, the Middle High School students, (learning under the instruction of Martyn Jones, Technology Trainer,) gain skills that will be helpful to them as they transition from high school into the adult world, such as resume-building, general use of the computer and computer applications.  “Since the students have begun working in this program, I’ve seen big improvements in their computer skills and in their social interactions,” says Martyn.  “They even tell their friends about the program when we return to the school.  They’ve been very enthusiastic!”

Describing her experiences, Hope Garfield, a Pace University student participating in the program as a Student Mentor, says, “In this program, I am working with high school students and helping them create a PowerPoint visual resume.  The slides include information regarding their biography, family, hobbies, and most importantly, their career interests.  It is highly important for them to promote their vocational skills so that they could have greater opportunities to seek and obtain jobs.  Their motivation to learn how to use various computer programs and their significant progress in the acquisition of computer skills contributed to my further understanding, appreciation of, and sensitivity toward individuals with disabilities.”  

The “Catching a Dream” collaboration began in October 2010, and included 17 students from the Middle High School.  On May 4, 2011, AHRC Middle High School students participating in the partnership program presented their own person-centered plans to their fellow students and to the staff at the Middle High School, using mini-movies that they created in partnership with the students from Pace.  These 17 students continue to grow through the partnership, during two-hour sessions which are held at Pace University each Tuesday.  According to Jim Mara, Principal of AHRC Middle High School, 7 more students joined the partnership in the fall of 2011, each attending weekly sessions, held on Fridays.

In October, Chris Muccioli, Director of Education and Dr. Lawler presented an overview of the “Catching a Dream” partnership at the 62^nd Annual NYSARC Convention in Albany, New York.  Their presentation noted the productivity, feelings of self-confidence, and community involvement that both the Pace and AHRC Middle High School students have gained through this partnership.

Mr. Giangiobbe, who lives with his family in Middle Village, NY, was accompanied by his parents Rose and Daniel Giangiobbe, his sister Sara Giangiobbe, Christina Muccioli, Director of AHRC NYC’s Educational Services, and James Mara, Principal of AHRC Middle/High School in Brooklyn.

“Everyone loves Anthony,” says Christina, adding that Anthony’s heartwarming story was featured in a 2010 AHRC fundraising appeal.  “Anthony was one of the original preschoolers at AHRC and has been with us since the age of three.  Over the years he’s grown and thrived alongside his peers, and has become a real inspiration for families with autistic children.”

“Anthony was beyond thrilled when he found out he’d be throwing the first pitch at a Mets game,” says his mother, Rose, adding that Anthony’s favorite Mets players are Pitcher Jason Bay, Infielder, David Wright, and Outfielder, Jason Isringhausen.  “He wanted to tell everyone and got ready by practicing throwing pitches with his Dad.”

According to Ms. Giangiobbe, Anthony has many interests.  In addition to baseball, Anthony loves football, NASCAR, golf, cooking shows, singing, and all kinds of music, ranging from The Beatles to Frank Sinatra.  Anthony recently saw Paul McCartney at Citi Field, and is the go-to guy when the family needs the name of any artist on the radio. 

Ms. Giangiobbe says things were very different when Anthony was first diagnosed with autism.  “At the age of three, Anthony was severely autistic and very impaired,” says Rose.  “He didn’t sleep, wouldn’t leave the house, had no eye contact, and did not speak.  It was very difficult, and we never could have imagined that we would feel so blessed today by how far he’s come.  Thanks to the program at AHRC, we saw a miracle unfold.  He’s become a totally different person with many interests, enthusiasms and a sense of humor.”

This summer, Mr. Giangiobbe sang at Anthony’s graduation from AHRC Middle/High School.  There, he participated in numerous internships and volunteer programs, including helping at a senior center, where Anthony prepared and distributed food trays.  Anthony has also volunteered at Maimonides Medical Center; Meals on Wheels; and at an after school program through Life’s WORC, where he volunteered at a local pharmacy. 

This fall, Anthony entered AHRC’s Day Hab Without Walls program in Queens, in which participating individuals volunteer in their local communities.  Through a process known as person-centered planning, Anthony is seen as the truly unique person he is, and as a consequence his hopes and dreams, and those of his family are taken into account to create a productive, personal life plan.

“Anthony is like Forest Gump,” says his father Daniel. “He’s always in the right place at the right time.  Wonderful things always happen to him.  He had a rough start but now there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel privileged to have him as my son.”

This is the 11^th consecutive year that EmblemHealth has passed along the honor of throwing the first pitch at a Mets game to a deserving New Yorker.  It is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to encourage health and fitness, and to give back to the communities it serves.

“Anthony Giangiobbe is living proof that it’s possible to thrive and contribute when facing a difficult challenge,” says Frank Branchini, President and COO of EmblemHealth.  “He is an inspiration and a role model, and we are delighted to make this Mets fan’s dream come true.”

“Looking Forward:  The Future is Ours”

Location:  Bayard’s

Time:  Monday, March 12, 2012 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Please join us for a great night of networking, prizes and entertainment.  Siblings of all ages, family members and friends are welcome to join. 

The $50 ticket includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres.  All proceeds benefit siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities through AHRC New York City’s Sibling Services.

Register Online

“MechoShade Systems has offices in Long Island City, New York, and in Phoenix, Arizona, with sales and distribution throughout the continental United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe.  Their headquarters are in Long Island City and AHRC has had a relationship with them through Adult Day Services’ Vocational Services,” says Peter Tomasi, Assistant Director of Vocational Services for AHRC NYC.  “We began by assembling brackets for some of their products when they here in New York City.” 

The relationship began at a time when all of MechoShade Systems’ manufacturing was conducted in Long Island City.  At that time, individuals served at Joseph T. Weingold Adult Day Center would assemble brackets for the company’s products.  “They moved their manufacturing to New Jersey and Arizona, and we began to assist them in assembling their promotional and marketing materials,” adds Peter.  “We have welcomed part of their sample distribution operation into our workshop area at Joseph T. Weingold Adult Day Center.  MechoShade Systems Inc, has employed four individuals through our ESEMP program to work directly at their Long Island City headquarters.” These four individuals now do piece work directly alongside MechoShade employees.

MechoShade Systems Inc. also employs two individuals from AHRC NYC, as Porters.  This year, two additional individuals with developmental disabilities were hired to complete clerical and data entry projects in the company’s marketing department.  All four of these positions were custom-tailored to the unique support needs, strengths and talents of each worker.  They are all excelling in their new roles.

Additionally, MechoShade has been very charitable, donating goods and services to AHRC’s Adult Day Services facilities for quite some time. The company has supplied many helpful products to the Joseph T. Weingold Adult Day Center, including used office furniture and warehouse equipment.  Improvements to the center’s infrastructure including floor mats and new lighting were also donated by MechoShade Systems Inc.  Window shades and shade brackets used at AHRC’s newest ADS facilities, Stephen B. Siegel Adult Day Center and Wendy M. Siegel Adult Day Center, were donated as well, with AHRC NYC paying only for the labor costs for the installations.  “I think this company, a family owned business, should be recognized for the generous contribution it has made to AHRC’s Adult Day Center facilities.  Our main contacts have been Mr. Joel Burman, the Founder, and Mr. Jan Burman, his son, and the President of the company.  The uniqueness of the MechoShade Systems/AHRC story is about the depth and breadth of the mutually beneficial relationship,” says Peter.

The day included brunch and 18 holes of golf with contests such as the “closest to the pin,” lunch, held on the golf course, a cocktail reception and an awards dinner and raffle.  The event raised approximately $365,000 for AHRC New York City’s programs and services.

The AHRC NYC Foundation’s “Reaching Out Award,” which each year honors a person in an AHRC program who has met the challenges of having a disability and has made progress toward becoming an independent and included member of the community, was presented to Rodney Weston.

"Reaching Out Award" recipient, Rodney Weston with Eric Derfner, of the Feil family and member of the AHRC NYC Foundation Board.

Rodney takes part in AHRC’s Employment and Business Services program.  Since 1999, Rodney has worked as a stock clerk at Walgreens in Queens.  During his 11 years of employment, Rodney has become a dedicated worker who takes initiative and is proud of his job.

AHRC NYC’s Director of Employment and Business Services department, Steve Towler, spoke about the EBS programs, including ShredAbility, a new company AHRC has created, which puts people with disabilities to work destroying confidential documents for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Raffle prizes included a 52-inch plasma television; a day of golf at Garden City Country Club, Engineers, Westchester Hills and other golf clubs; and Yankees, Mets, and Knicks game tickets. 

All golfers received a registration gift and a prize, from the pro shop.  The winner of a post-tournament putting contest received a week’s vacation for two at the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda.