|
Updates From the Esperanza Family |
|
Meet Apolonia Velasquez
Some people have a way of being a ray of sunshine, even on the coldest days, and Apolonia Velasquez is one of them.
For 20 years, Apolonia has been part of the Esperanza family as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), bringing her whole heart to the people she supports and those around her. She has a way of making even the most challenging days feel a little lighter and more manageable. And sometimes, that's exactly what we need.
People like Apolonia teach us something beautiful about loving fully and finding reasons to smile at the gift of life, even on the harder days.
Apolonia, thank you for being you and for sharing your radiant light with us all these years. We're so happy to celebrate you!
| |  |
Meet Wendy Stewart
Some people pour their whole hearts into what they do, and sometimes, you can taste the love in every bite. That's Wendy Stewart for you!
For 26 years, Wendy has been our Accounts Receivable & Billing Specialist, bringing patience, precision, and reliability to a demanding role. But her generosity doesn't stop at the office. From cooking delicious food for our gatherings to helping serve and making sure everyone enjoys their plate, you can feel the smile in her heart. And her mac and cheese? The real star!
We do wonder if all those years working with numbers are the secret to getting her recipes just right!
Wendy, thank you for the dedication you bring to your work and the big heart you share with everyone around you.
| | | | |
Featured Spotlight:
Friends & Family Day
Well, the weather certainly had other plans for us this year! But if there's one thing we know how to do at Esperanza, it's make the best of a change in plans.
Our annual Friends & Family Day may have moved indoors to our Day Hab program, but the celebration didn't lose its spirit. There was music, activities, refreshments, and, best of all, the chance to spend time together. Different setting, same wonderful company!
A heartfelt thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Precision Pharmacy, our Silver Sponsor, Girling Health Care, and GGNY Print Stop for their in-kind support. We're also grateful to our individual donors and everyone who contributed.
And to our Friends & Family Day Planning Committee, thank you for the time, effort, and heart you poured into making this happen.
| | |
Esperanza Fun: Moments That Bring Us Together
There's been plenty of fun around Esperanza these past few weeks!
Our Day Hab participants rolled up their sleeves for some hands-on fun in the kitchen and brought a little tropical sunshine indoors with Aloha Week. Our Wednesday Recreation Program enjoyed Music Is Magic on Broadway, while our residents hit the bowling lanes for some friendly competition and a good time together.
Our staff also got into the spirit with Color Week, brightening the workdays in red, pink, green, blue, and black. Who knew getting dressed for work could be this much fun?
We also had quite a few birthdays to celebrate! Sending lots of love to Kylif, Sandra, Stephanie, Brenda, Demitrius, Sayra, Eddie, and Randy. We hope each of you enjoyed your special day!
And as always, there's more to see than we can fit on these pages. Be sure to check out our social media for more pictures and little moments from around Esperanza.
| | |
Caregiver Workshop: Extreme Picky Eating & ARFID
If you've ever wondered when picky eating might be something more, this workshop is worth checking out!
Join Montefiore's Eating Disorders Program and the National Eating Disorders Association for a free workshop exploring Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), with practical tips and guidance from a panel of specialists.
📅 When: Friday, October 23 | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Where: Attend virtually via Zoom or in person
Free to attend, but registration is required!
🔗 Register here
| | | |
Save the Date: NYDA Capitol Rally!
Let's make our voices heard! 📢 Join New York Disability Advocates on Monday, November 16, at 11:30 AM in Albany as we rally for critical funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Together, we'll advocate for a 3.4% targeted inflationary increase, investment in caregiver wages, and the restoration of the Healthcare Enhancement Program.
📍 Where: New York State Capitol Building, War Room, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY.
🧡 Wear orange to show your support!
📩 RSVP: See the event flyer for details. Questions? Contact info@nydisabilityadvocates.org.
| | |
Before we wrap up, there are a few important recognitions we'd love to take a moment for.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to share their talents, contribute, and feel valued. At Esperanza, we believe in celebrating everyone's abilities and the possibilities that come with opportunity.
September also brought Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, and we don't want to let that pass without acknowledging our DSPs. To our DSPs, the work you do isn't always easy, and so much of it happens in the little moments that others may never see. But those moments matter, and so do you. Thank you for all that you give of yourselves, even when no one is watching.
October 11–17 marked National Case Management Week! A heartfelt thank you to the case managers and care coordinators who help individuals and families find the support they need. Your work makes a difference!
As we head into the final months of the year, we hope we keep finding reasons to celebrate one another, enjoy the little things, and make room for a little fun along the way.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other. There's still plenty of magic left in this year!
Thank you for being part of something greater than any one of us, and for helping to carry it forward with love.
| | | | |
| |
| | | |
