Page 5 - CLB Journal-FINAL

AHRC SUFFOLK FOUNDATION’S 60TH ANNUAL
CANDLELIGHT BALL

A Message from our Chief Executive Officer

Welcome to our 60th Annual Candlelight Ball. I wish we were able to be together in the traditional sense,
celebrating a year’s worth of accomplishments and toasting an event honoree. While the format of the
Candlelight Ball and our digital journal are certainly different than previous years, the purpose remains the
same-- acknowledging and thanking every person and business partner who has played an instrumental part
in AHRC Suffolk’s success this year—and wow, what a year!

On March 17 the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) directed the suspension of
services at all Day Habilitation and Prevocational Services across the state due to COVID-19. AHRC
Suffolk led the system by closing before OPWDD’s mandate. It was four long months before our Saul &
Elaine Seiff Educare Center safely welcomed back students on July 20 and our on-site adult day programs
resumed on July 22. Even with capacity restrictions, social distancing within buildings and rooms, and the
wearing of masks and other protective gear, the reopening of our school and our on-site adult programs
brought the excitement back into our buildings.

Through all of the challenges, our individuals, families and staff adapted in remarkable ways and at record
speed. Our frontline residential staff supported and kept safe the individuals we serve in a laudatory fashion.
Our Educare Center quickly had teachers and clinicians providing remote instruction and therapies to
students. Our Adult Day Services team also formulated plans to reach individuals where they live. Staff
began reporting to our AHRC Suffolk community residences immediately, ready to provide Day
Habilitation Services in-home. MY Choice Virtual Day Hab was launched, allowing us to reach individuals
living at home with their families, with structured daily programs keeping individuals engaged and
benefitting from vital programs and services. Students who have not yet returned full-time to our Educare
Center are either working on a hybrid schedule or logging in remotely full-time. It is truly astounding how
every person has adapted to quickly-changing formats.

Our vigilance to hand washing, surfaces cleaning, social distancing when possible and the consistent use
of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been our regimens around the clock in all of our locations to
keep individuals and staff protected. Extraordinary pay was provided for our Direct Support Professionals
who worked on the frontlines during the height of the pandemic, working tirelessly, never faltering in their
mission-driven care. The added expenses this year, while essential, have been on top of devastating
funding cuts. Our need for your financial support has never been greater, as our expenses this year have
been astronomical. Thank you to those donors and business supporters who have given to the Candlelight
Ball. With your support, we can continue providing the vital services and supports the individuals in our
program rightfully deserve and need.

It is obvious that our individuals, families and staff can overcome even in the face of seemingly
insurmountable obstacles. By working together, and with the financial contributions of supporters like you,
we will continue to strengthen the resolve of this agency and all of those who are part of the AHRC Suffolk
family. Thank you again for celebrating our essential workers. They are the reason OPWDD’s
Commissioner Kastner singled out AHRC Suffolk for its extraordinarily successful response during this
pandemic.

Stay well, stay safe and thank you for all you do.

Paul H. Torres
Chief Executive Officer