April 2026

Updates From the Esperanza Family

Recognizing Uniqueness. Empowering to Explore.

Since our last issue, we’ve continued the work already in motion across our programs and in the community.

As we move through April, we recognize Autism Acceptance Month, a reminder of the importance of understanding, inclusion, and creating spaces where people are supported as they are.

Over the past weeks, ETAPAS marked Easter with a celebration, while our residential program came together for an Easter brunch. Dominican Independence was also celebrated with participants and staff, and our IRD residents enjoyed a lovely day at Hershey Park. We also joined the NYDA Capitol Rally, continuing the work of advocacy alongside others in our field.

Looking ahead, next week we will facilitate our Parent Support Group in Spanish, with a focus on autism awareness. As the weather gets warmer, we begin preparing for upcoming activities, including our annual Mother’s Day lunch and other program events.

Below are a few highlights, along with upcoming events and resources.

Our Mission:

Esperanza Center believes that it is essential to recognize that each child and adult regardless of their abilities is unique in their own right. As an organization serving this valued community, we seek to empower each individual to explore their life and to live it to the fullest while receiving quality supports and services. In so doing, Esperanza Center will interact with individuals and their circles of support with honesty, compassion, and dignity, creating, celebrating and respecting diversity as well as striving toward excellence.

Featured Highlights

Transition & Career Fair

Esperanza staff showed up at the Transition & Career Fair in the Bronx, connecting with individuals and families, answering questions, and sharing information about our services and supports.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by.

NYDA Capitol Rally

At the NYDA Capitol Rally in Albany, we joined others in advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and for the DSPs who support them every day.

Our community showed up and added their voice to this cause. While March brought added attention through Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the work continues every day through the work we do.

Day Program Newsletter Project

This month, we’re sharing a beautiful Day Program newsletter created by participants as part of a structured activity, with the support of Jasmine and Jobari.

Through interviews and collaboration, participants helped shape this issue and shared a recap of activities from the past two months.

We thank Jasmine and Jobari for their support in bringing this project to life. We hope this inspires other departments to explore creating their own internal program newsletters.

Please enjoy reading this issue.

Esperanza Fun: Moments That Bring Us Together

Birthday celebrations for Angela and Richie, a visit to the Transit Museum, bowling and arcade games with Day Hab Without Walls, and a range of indoor day and evening activities kept everyone engaged across programs.

As always, thank you to our staff and coordinators for the work you do each day.

📸 Visit our social media channels to see more highlights.

Community News/Events

Annual Manhattan Family & Professional Resource Fair

The Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council is hosting its annual resource fair for families, individuals, and professionals.

🗓 Tuesday, May 12, 2026

🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

This event includes workshops, service provider connections, and information on available programs and supports. Free admission and complimentary food will be provided.

📎 See attached flyer for details and RSVP information.

Parent Support Conference (Bronx DD Council)

The Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council is hosting its 38th annual parent support conference.

🗓 Thursday, May 21, 2026

🕣 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Maestro’s Caterers, Bronx, NY

This free event includes breakfast, lunch, exhibitions, and resources for parents and caregivers. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

📎 See attached flyer for full details and registration information.

OPWDD's Latest Updates

As we move through April, we recognize Autism Acceptance Month, a time to continue building understanding and creating spaces where people are supported as they are. As part of this, we’ve included a few external resources in this issue, including a video series, a webinar, and the ReelAbilities Film Festival, for those who would like to explore further.

We also acknowledge World Health Day and National Volunteer Month, reminders of the role care, service, and community play in the work we do every day.

As we continue through the spring season, we look ahead with focus and intention.

Thank you for being part of something greater than any one of us, and for helping to carry it forward with love.

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