Although we are considered an essential business, as of March 18 th , our oversight agency, the NYS Office of People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD), mandated the closure of all Day Habilitation programs.  We were no longer able to meet on site, and with the closure of most public places a few days later, there has been no way to continue any regular programs or activities.  Undeniably this presented an obstacle. Most people, especially those with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, rely on the intellectual stimulation, the social interaction and the reassurance of a consistent routine of activities and experiences. So despite the challenge, we have needed to come up with ways to keep everyone engaged and active. Many of our Day Hab DSP’s accepted re-assignment to our residences throughout the Island and have been working on the individual’s personal goals and introducing new activities.  We are also streaming yoga and baking classes from the main campus to the houses and will soon re-introduce our “Tuesday Night Social” at home, complete with DJ and pizza!!  While at home, people are keeping busy with arts and crafts, planting projects, card games and outdoor sports.

The students of the Joan P. Hodum Early Learning Center/ Community Resources Preschool, which offer general and special preschool education, Universal Pre-K, and Pre-K 3, smoothly switched to learning at home when the NYC schools were closed and all students are continuing to enjoy classes and therapies which our teachers are providing remotely. We have received many encouraging messages from the youngsters' families on how well they are doing at home, for example…Mr. Ron Critelli wrote to thank teachers and teacher aides who "...have been in constant contact with our granddaughter through virtual learning which has has a positive impact on further developing her, even though schools have been closed. They also lift her spirits during this dark time in our country as this too is testimony to their teaching skills..."

Special Tees has been operating with a skeleton staff throughout this crisis producing personalized masks, tee shirts and other merchandise. We have been the “go to” screen printers for many businesses and local non-profits. 

As a result of the partnerships we have formed with other organizations who share our sense of purpose, the agencies representing voluntary providers in our field (Advance of Greater New York, Interagency Council), government agencies (NYC Dept. of Health/Mental Hygiene) and our relationships with our elected officials (NYS Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, NYS Senator Senator Andrew Lanza, District Attorney Michael McMahon, and Borough President James Oddo) we have been fortunate, and are very grateful, for the many contributions of PPE’s we have received which have greatly helped supplement what we have been able to order…face masks, shields, hand sanitizers, gowns, sanitizing wipes… to keep our individuals and staff protected and our residences and other facilities clean.

Stephanie Nichols and twenty of the Island’s bakeries donated and delivered freshly baked goodies to all of our residences and we were gratified to receive gifts from many generous individuals in response to the May 5 th “Giving Tuesday” online campaign and we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Michael Arvanites, Antoinette Balzano, Sharon Berkowitz, Henry Ciafone (Econo Prime Meats), Carmen Cognetta, Barbara Devaney, Salvatore Locicero, Thomas Niesi, Mr. & Mrs. Carmine Sturniolo, Lisa Tenneriello & Richard Ruzycka ... and Cara Buonincontri of Assemblywoman Malliotakis’ Office, who through the trust of Helen Bartoshuk, donated $2,500 toward the purchase of much needed supplies.

“Thank you to all”
for your generous support and confidence in
Community Resources!