Dear Staff,
We are very happy to announce that the new Commissioner of New York State's Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Kerri Neifeld, is visiting ACLD next week. She will tour the Bethpage campus to meet staff and people supported at the 807 and 857 buildings, Bethpage Choices Day Habilitation Program, Oyster Bay Gardens and RewearAble. The Commissioner will also be shown a short video about our agency that includes a highlight of our new autism-focused day habilitation program B.L.U.E.. Keep an eye out on our social media pages to see pictures from the visit.
This week at ACLD we are celebrating Clinician's Appreciation Week and we thank all of our nurses and psychology staff for all they do to take care of the people we support every day. There are two appreciation luncheons this week, one for nurses and one for psychology staff, and we will post photos from both luncheons on social media this Friday.
This month we are also kicking off two months of heritage and cultural celebrations including Haitian Heritage Month, along with June's Caribbean-American Heritage Month. See below in this edition of the Limelight, and on our social media pages, to hear from ACLD staff about what their heritage means to them. In next month's Limelight we will share staff reflections for this month's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, along with next month's Pride Month.
Reminder: our newest house, Calvert in Ronkonkoma, is open and there is an opportunity for anyone to join the house and receive a signing bonus. Click here for details and contact Human Resources at victorj@acld.org with any questions. We would also like to note that ACLD thanks all staff that participated in the recent staff collection for Ukraine, and a donation of $790 was made to Ukrainian National Women's League of America.
In this edition of the Limelight, you will also find a new Children's Services Spotlight, a reflection of What Memorial Day means to a Veteran at ACLD, and other news from across the agency.
Sincerely,
Rob, Gerard, Anne Marie and Kim
Robert Ciatto, Executive Director
Gerard DiMuro, Assistant Executive Director
Anne Marie Sime, Assistant Executive Director
Kim Leonard, Chief Financial Officer
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What does your heritage mean to you? |
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Frenal Mezilas, Direct Support Professional at Bethpage Choices Day Program
“It is my honor and privilege to share my rich Haitian heritage with my co-workers at ACLD. This month has great historical and cultural significance based on the traditions inherited since Haiti’s independence in 1804. Every May 18th, we celebrate Haitian Flag Day, a day where we recognize the creation of our flag which represents the union of African and Creole forces in Haiti in 1803.
Haiti is a culture of different people, African, Taino and French. We are a mix of cultures, each one with its own unique music, dance and language. The food, dance, and art of Haiti is a blend of the history of Haiti and includes French, African and Taino influences.
One thing that has never changed over the course of our history, is our passion for expressing our emotions through the arts. Personally, I began drawing at 6 years old and at the age of 13, I went to a university to be a trained in the art of “primitivism”. In my art, you can see Haiti and you can see our identity. You can feel Haiti’s beauty, its rich history, its society and its religion. My artwork expresses what Haiti means to me and I bring my love of art and its creative expression to the people I support at the Bethpage Day Program. I am also very proud to have had my artwork exhibited in colleges, libraries and galleries in Haiti, Mexico and the U.S., including the Haitian Embassy in Washington D.C. and Hofstra University."
Click here to see the collection of Frenal’s artwork at Hofstra.
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Amanda Nelson Brown, Junior Accountant in Finance Department
“Being from Jamaica means everything to me. It’s a big part of who I am and why I am the way I am. Starting with our food, our music and our culture, I must say, I am very proud that I was born and raised in the Caribbean. Even though the island is a very beautiful place, the variety of job opportunities that exist here in America are one of the reasons why people decide to move here.
Having the agency celebrate National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a step in the right direction in recognizing our diverse workforce. This month highlights the majority of our DSP’s, many of whom are from the Caribbean. They are the backbone of the agency and any opportunity to highlight and honor their cultural background and push the ideal of inclusion is a great one.
Caribbean people are known for their hard work, their strong work ethic and their commitment to reaching their goals. To all celebrating this month, let’s take a moment to appreciate where we are all from, and remember the different roads we traveled to get here. The road was not necessarily a straight one but with the work we have already done and the work we continue to do to push forward, let’s be proud of all that we have all accomplished!”
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Holly Hippolyte, Teacher Aide at Kramer Learning Center
“Aside from delicious Haitian patties and cuisine, Haitian Heritage Month means freedom, family, culture, and pride.
Coming from two Haitian immigrant parents, I hold many special things on what it is to be Haitian. Our story, our traditions, and how our society has evolved helps us shape who we are as a nation today”.
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Carolyn Wakeland, Assistant Director of Hauppauge Day Program
“Jamaica gained independence from the British in 1962 and is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The picture here is just an everyday view just driving along the highway. Jamaica is well known for reggae music and traditional island food, along with the beautiful beaches. The motto of Jamaica “out of many, one people” sums up the diversity of the country. Jamaicans are hardworking, proud, free spirited and live every day with a “no problem” attitude. Take a visit to Jamaica, enjoy the cool trade winds from the ocean that will lull you to sleep. Get to know the island, not just the resort life, and eat some authentic island food cooked in a small road side restaurant.
Learn about the history of the Maroons who were the rebel slaves who escaped to the mountains, visit the Glistening Waters beach in Trelawny (my home parish) where the water actually glistens at night. Just writing this brings back waves of nostalgia. Even after 35 years the memories of growing up on an island are so vivid. Jamaica will always be home”.
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Marie A. Lacoste, Teacher Aide at Kramer Learning Center
“Haiti is two hundred and eighteen years old with a very rich culture and an exceptional history. Haiti is the second independent nation on this continent, despite many obstacles following its declaration of independence on January 1, 1804. In the Caribbean, Haiti was, for a long period of time, the beacon of freedom.
On a personal note, Haitian Heritage Month is a golden opportunity for me as a Haitian American to open the door for others to learn about the beauty of Haitian traditions, and ways of life. For that, I will encourage everybody to try Haitian food, uhm so yummy! Also, check out our musical genre which is called “Konpa”. Finally, read about Haitian history and its culture, you won’t regret it”.
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Meet Myrna Joseph, one of the amazing Direct Support Professionals at our Seaford IRA.
Myrna is recognized by her co-workers and managers for always going above and beyond her responsibilities, and according to her house manager Maka Thomas, “she naturally functions as a supervisor without even knowing it.” Her emotional intelligence along with her many years of experience help her carry out her job responsibilities in model fashion, and she consistently does more than she is asked for.
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To Myrna, each person supported is considered family and she is concerned about all facets of their lives. She is always gentle, respectful and committed, displays patience and respect, and understands the uniqueness of each person. Her ability to take initiative is unparalleled and she is always ready to help her team. Myrna is also a graduate of this year’s ACLD Direct Support Professional Learning Academy.
Thank you Myrna for being a co-worker everyone can rely on, and for being a great ambassador, encourager, cheerleader and teacher to the men and women of the Seaford IRA.
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Children's Services Spotlight |
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Say hello to Christina Ramirez, the Registered Nurse in charge of caring for the 57 young minds at The Alan and Ellen Spiegel Children’s Center.
Before coming to ACLD, Christina was an LPN and worked as a private duty nurse for medically fragile children at another agency’s school. In that role, she would ride with a child on the bus to school, care for them throughout the day, and accompany them on the bus ride home as well. Christina says that it was this experience that made her realize that this is the work she wants to do.
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Christina graduated with her R.N. in May of last year from Helene Fuld College of Nursing and joined ACLD this past July. At Helene Fuld, she served as the Vice President of the Student Nurses Association, as well as the Activities Coordinator. Christina also has over a decade of experience as a Dermatology Surgical Assistant and is an expert in wound care. When asked, she says that even though she has only been with ACLD for a short time, she truly feels at home here and loves all of the children and staff.
In a place where she is the only nurse, she is in charge of creating and updating the school health care plan, managing the children’s health record, ensuring all students are immunized for school, and stays on top of the newest guidelines and procedures for health and safety. Christina also created a new staff training on Allergies and Anaphylaxis in which staff act out the scenario of a student having a life-threatening reaction.
Lastly, Christina is part of the Boost Committee at The Alan and Ellen Spiegel Children’s Center and helps plan and prepare staff birthday/holiday celebrations, and theme months. Thank you Christina for everything you do!
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What does Memorial Day mean to you? |
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Kaylia Kelly, Direct Support Professional at Louis Kossuth IRA
“Memorial Day to me is very special, it is a day to honor Fallen Soldiers. I am honored to be amongst a few that have sacrificed in many ways to serve our country. Brave men and women who laid down their lives for us during peace and war, so that we can continue to have a safe way of life. They can never be forgotten.
They left behind mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, all who will continue to remember their bravery and honor, because if it was not for them, certain things would not be possible for us. It is a sad day but also a day filled with love and gratefulness for all Fallen Soldiers”.
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Kaylia at her Army AIT Graduation in 2015 |
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Kaylia beside one of her fuel trucks |
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Kaylia and her Platoon E210 in Fort Riley, Kansas |
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Administrative Professionals Day |
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Last month we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day here at ACLD's Bethpage campus. Breakfast was served to all of the Administrative Professionals on the campus to thank them for their work in helping to operate all of the buildings here every day. A shout out goes to MaryCara Ferdinando and Sandi Gutmanstein for covering the reception desk at the 807 building during the breakfast.
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Breakfast at the 807 building |
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MaryCara Ferdinando and Sandi Gutmanstein covering the reception desk |
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Congratulations to Christine Miller Dello-Russo of Children's Services on hitting the 15 year milestone at ACLD.
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Congratulations to Heather Angstreich on her promotion to Assistant Director of Development and Community Relations.
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Happy Anniversary to our East Hills community residence! This amazing house has now been in our agency for 14 years, and the incredible staff at the house threw a fun Under the Sea themed party to celebrate!
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LGBTQ+ Pride Social Group |
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COMING SOON: ACLD plans to launch a LGBTQ+ Pride Social Group for staff and for people we support.
The purpose of the group is to provide a gathering place where staff and the people we support can connect with each other, exchange ideas, build friendships and offer mentorship opportunities. Fostering camaraderie, community building and creating a space where employees and the people we support’s voices are welcome is the primary goal of the group. Pride builds a supportive and affirming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community and all are welcome to attend, including allies. An ally is someone who tries to make the world a better place for people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Stay tuned for updates in future editions of The Limelight.
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Mental Health Awareness Month |
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The National EAP is hosting Mental Health Awareness Month webinars this month.
Mental Health Awareness Month creates a time and space to start a conversation, and recognition and education are important ways to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Click the link below to join next week's webinar.
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May 18, 2022
12:00 -12:30 pm
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Employee Referral Program |
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Don't forget about the NEW EMPLOYEE REFERRAL PROGRAM! You can now earn up to $6,750 when you refer people to work at ACLD. See the flyer below for details.
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Complacency and distractions are dangerous habits that lead to way too many work related injuries each year. Stay on task, maintain your focus, and know when to take breaks. |
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Help the people we support find employment |
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Do you know of a job opening in your area that would be a good fit for the men and women we support who are seeking employment in the community?
If so, please send an email to the Vocational Services department at Millerl@acld.org.
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Discounts for ACLD Employees |
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Did you know that by being an employee of ACLD, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts at different businesses such as Splish Splash, Verizon, P.C. Richard, Six Flags and a lot more?
You can also register as an ACLD employee on PlumBenefits.com to get even more discounts on vacations, entertainment, online shopping and other services. Use company code ac0825520 to register.
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Anniversary Milestones - May 2022 |
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Chardja Boursiquot Direct Support Professional, Residential
Charles Cafferata Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Bridges Day Hab - Glen Cove
Robert Cooper Trainer, Center for Learning
Anthony Crisci Carpenter, Maintenance
Yazmin Pate-Dixon Direct Support Professional, Phelps
Barbara Robinson Lead Day Habilitation Specialist, Bridges Day Hab - Levittown
Patricia Rock Thompson Direct Support Professional, Alice Court
Shannon Whyte Direct Support Professional, Residential
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Monica Davis Day Habilitation Specialist, Choices Bethpage
Marceline Desiste Shift Supervisor, East Meadow
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Jessica Faustin Direct Support Professional, Great Neck
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Welcome ACLD New Hires - April 2022 |
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Joseph Antenor Direct Support Professional, Wildwood
Elizabeth Austin Direct Support Professional, Yorktown
Afroza Begum Respite Counselor, Bethpage 807
Alexis Brown Day Habilitation Specialist, Hauppauge
Jeneba Conteh Direct Support Professional, Great Neck
Victoria Davis Day Habilitation Specialist, B.L.U.E. Day Hab
Osny Dieudonne Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Kathiana Dor Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Herby Formantin Direct Support Professional, Lynbrook
Janet Goodman General Ledger Accountant, Bethpage 807
Willie Green Day Habilitation Specialist, Bethpage 837
David Jasmin Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Safula Kaikai Direct Support Professional, Thomaston
Omari King Direct Support Professional, Straightpath
Kaleya Leggette Direct Support Professional, Westwind Dr
Mallissa Mayweather Direct Support Professional, Brighton
Carol Nocella Nutritionist, Bethpage 857
Emily Ozner Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Vilma Pleitez Building Services Supervisor, Bethpage 837
Judith Raffa Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Abiola Semple Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Ka'Ron Stephens Direct Support Professional, Oyster Bay
Philippe Suffy Direct Support Professional, Lynbrook
Astin Swinton Direct Support Professional, Ronkonkoma
Natalie Trotman Direct Support Professional, Baldwin
Shawn Vassell Direct Support Professional, Roslyn Heights
Hoshain Walker Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Robert Worth Driver, Hauppauge
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Don't forget to give a SHOUT OUT to recognize someone at your location for something special they did for you, your department or a person we support. |
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The Organizational Care Committee is always looking for new ideas and suggestions from all of YOU to continue to make ACLD one of the best places to work, and for children and adults to receive supports and services.
Now it is easier than ever before to share your bright ideeas. Just click here and your Bright Ideas will be sent directly to the Organizational Care Committee. A representative from the committee will respond to you promptly, and if your idea is implemented, you will earn a $25.00 gift card!
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Submit YOUR stories for the "Limelight" |
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Each month we include stories in this newsletter about YOU and all of the amazing staff here at ACLD!
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP to find out about these stories. Please send us anything to include such as:
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A story about how you or someone else went above and beyond to help the people we support, organized any fun or educational activity, or did anything to further our mission in any way
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Information on any staff member or team who you would like to see spotlighted for their exceptional work.
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Information or news useful for staff across the agency. Anything important or fun.
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Proud moments for you or your family (Personal or professional milestones, awards, weddings, educational degrees or works in the community)
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Employee Engagement day photos of you and your team.
- Or anything else you can think of!
DON'T be shy about submitting stories - we need new ones every month!
DON'T worry about writing it perfectly. Just give as much information as you have.
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"the limelight" is an initiative of the
Communications Committee
and is produced by the
Development and Community Relations Department.
Jonathan Dolan, Editor. For questions, comments or suggestions, please email dolanj2@acld.org
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Thank you to all who have submitted information
and photos. Keep them coming!
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
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