Consumer-Controlled Model

Distributed King Kullen gift cards to 26 families and individuals in need, including recipients from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Roslyn schools, and active-duty military members.

Provides financial donations to the U.S. Blind Baseball Association to support baseball participation and adaptive sports opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Donated $1,000 to the Ronald McDonald House to fund a brunch for 42 families.

Raises and donates nearly $100,000 annually to support local charities, community organizations, and individuals in need on Long Island, including causes such as the Guide Dog Foundation, Special Olympics Long Island, and Mineola High School scholarships.

Donated $2,500 to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Long Island to support youth mentoring services.

Conducts periodic fundraising activities including the annual Brian Saloy Memorial Golf Outing and the Taste of the Grape food and wine event, which have raised over $50,000 and over $15,000 respectively in recent years.

Donated 150 Thanksgiving turkeys to the Mary Brennan INN, 10 turkeys to St. Agnes Cathedral food pantry, and purchased full Thanksgiving dinners for 14 families, including all trimmings.

Donated $2,500 to the Special Olympics to support training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Provided a monetary contribution to support the St. John’s Church Coat Drive.

Contributed $6,000 to the Mineola High School Scholarship Program, funding three $2,000 scholarships for deserving students.

Offers volunteer and internship opportunities in key service areas including housing advocacy, independent living skills training, disability benefits counseling, and administrative support to build community engagement and workforce capacity.

Offers free benefits advisement, counseling, and application assistance for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), work incentive programs, and local social services to individuals with disabilities in Dutchess County. Services include monthly in-person and virtual workshops, mobile counseling for those with transportation limitations, and ongoing support since 2000.

Provides comprehensive independent living assistance to individuals with disabilities in Dutchess County, including self-advocacy training, life skills development, housing advocacy, peer counseling, information and referral services, and support for navigating community challenges. Services are delivered through in-person and virtual workshops, individual consultations, and peer-led programs.

Conducts individual and systems-level advocacy to advance equal opportunities and full inclusion for people with disabilities, including civil rights advocacy, enforcement of ADA and other disability rights laws, and efforts to remove financial, architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers.

Provides American Sign Language (ASL) classes for families of Deaf or Hard of Hearing children and offers professional sign language interpreter referral services, video phone support, and communication access solutions such as CART and assisted listening devices.

Provides advocacy and support services to families navigating Special Education services and 504 Plans through monthly virtual support groups and the Parent Empowerment Program, helping parents and caregivers advocate effectively for students with disabilities.

Supports the formation and development of disability-related peer and family support groups and delivers family engagement activities, peer-led empowerment services, and caregiver skill-building programs.

Conducts community engagement, public education, and outreach events—including ADA Celebrations and Mental Health Walks—to promote awareness of disability rights, accessibility requirements, and civic participation.