This Week at Citizens Options Unlimited (Sept. 26 – Oct. 3, 2024)
Fall is in full swing here at Citizens Options Unlimited. As the air gets cooler and the leaves begin to change, the men and women residing at the Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) are decorating for Halloween. They’re also enjoying the last days of the warm weather with fun barbecues.
This week also kicked off National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). At Citizens Options Unlimited, we celebrate the men and women we support employed within the community or our family of agencies for their hard work and contributions.
In addition, the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility received a very positive audit this week!
Finally, we are continuing to encourage everyone to consider donating to our Camp Loyaltown 50th Anniversary Fundraiser and save the dates for our 2025 summer session.
Barbecue at Ontario Avenue!
Recently, Ontario Avenue in Plainview had a wonderful day full of food, fun, and family! 
Together, the roommates at Ontario Avenue hosted family members and friends for a barbecue. With the help of devoted staff, everyone got to enjoy delicious barbecue, snacks and salads.
It was the perfect opportunity for roommates to spend time with members of their family and meet each other’s family as well!
Thank you to all who came out and made this a day to remember!
It’s Almost Time to Walk!
On Sunday, Oct. 27, we will be at Eisenhower Park, Field 6A getting ready to walk for an amazing cause as part of the AHRC Foundation Walk!
The walk is an excellent opportunity to fundraise for the AHRC Foundation, which helps our agency grow and thrive. Not only is the walk a great cause, but it’s lots of fun! Every year, members of our community reunite and make new connections while enjoying a brisk walk in Eisenhower Park.
After the walk, we will enjoy a fun celebration!
There’s still time to register, join or start a team, fundraise or donate! Visit the AHRC Foundation website for more information.
Decorating at Red Spring Lane
Every year, Halloween is a fun-filled time for the people we support. It’s an opportunity to decorate, dress up and enjoy Halloween themed movies and activities!
On a rainy day at Red Spring Lane, roommates Samuel Morales and Douglas Howe worked with staff member Albee Jules to turn the house into a Halloween-wonderland!
Everyone had a great time decorating the house, sharing in some laughs, too!
Enjoy this video of Samuel, Douglas and Albee basking in the Halloween spirit.
October is NDEAM!
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrated in October, recognizes the skills and value disabled people bring to the workplace.
This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All,” as we believe everyone has a right to accessible and competitive opportunities. Employment empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to enjoy a lifestyle they work for. Also, they learn new skills to grow personally and professionally, build connections, and feel confident. Hiring and accommodating people with I/DD also benefits employers, boosting profits, income and revenues!
To learn more about NDEAM, visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy.
At Citizens Options Unlimited, we look forward to telling the stories of people supported by our agency who are employed in the community or within our family of organizations. Stay tuned!
Great News for the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
Recently, the Department of Health visited the Citizens Options Unlimited Shoreham ICF for a very successful audit.
We are so proud of all the staff members who continue to shine and go above and beyond to provide the best care for the men and women residing at the Shoreham ICF. This includes our wonderful team of Direct Support Professionals, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals, physical therapy, speech, nutrition, nursing and psychology staff, management, and maintenance department.
Many of the 77 people living at Shoreham require around-the-clock healthcare and follow through. Therefore, dedication and compassion from our staff a necessity to provide the highest level of service. Meeting nutritional needs and regular repositioning to keep everyone healthy and comfortable are just two examples of daily care provided.
The Shoreham ICF is truly a wonderful place for people to grow and build relationships. We truly are #ShorehamStrong.
Camp Loyaltown Update
To celebrate 50 years of wonderful memories made at Camp Loyaltown in Hunter, New York, we are fundraising for improvements at camp that will help us continue our legacy.
Ignited by the leadership and generosity of Mark and Doreen Gamell, we are aiming to raise $50,000 as part of a match campaign. Every dollar donated will be matched up to $25,000.
Money raised will go toward a new well, which will provide an additional water source to Camp Loyaltown. This investment is vital for the health and safety of campers and the longevity of Camp Loyaltown.
We are also excited to announce that registration for Summer 2025 will open on Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. via the Camp Doc platform.
Be sure to mark down the 2025 dates for Camp! For more information about Citizens Options Unlimited’s Camp Loyaltown, visit the camp page.