By: Noelle Lambert
January’s Charity of the Month is:
PBS Community Foundation
Positive Behavior Support Community Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which was established in 2011 to help people with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities and other special needs.
Their mission is to empower people with disabilities to make their own life choices and to succeed in the communities where they work, live and play. This organization helps these individuals access the support and services they need to become active and productive members of the community. They also encourage long-term planning to aspire towards meaningful life goals and they support efforts to establish social connections and friendships in the community. Independence Without Isolation is what they aim for as a foundation.
A lovely young woman, Erin, with a developmental disability has had great success with this foundation. Erin, from Commack has the ability to make decisions and choose her own path through Self Direction.
After graduating from High School in 2010, Erin went on to graduate from Eastern Suffolk Boces in 2013. Once she aged out at 21 years old, she and her family chose to Self-Direct her adult services. By doing so she has been successful in accomplishing many of her personal goals!
Erin has been employed by her local Stop & Shop for over seven years and has even been honored as Employee of the Month!
Additionally, she has built a strong network of social connections. Erin was one of the original members of Big Time Glee, a grass-roots singing group that was started by the PBS Community Foundation with just a few young adults meeting weekly at the Leader’s home and singing regularly at community Senior Centers. She now participates in Big Time Glee (which has grown to 25+ attendees), the Crafting Connection and the PBS Campus Experience at Stony Brook University.
Erin says she looks forward to participating in the PBS Community Foundation initiatives because she enjoys singing and performing in the community and she looks forward to being able to “hang out with her friends”. These activities have led to meaningful relationships, connections and other social and recreational opportunities in her community!
Lastly, Erin volunteers her time to the Guide Dog Foundation and participates weekly in a cooking class, which helps her gain independent living skills. This supports her ultimate goal of living on her own one day.
Erin shows us that her disability doesn’t stand in the way of her abilities. She is a hard-working, social, determined young lady and an inspiration to her family and friends!
If you have any questions about this organization and their services, please contact Ruth-Ann Hartney at info@pbscommunityfoundation.org!
Another organization you can become involved with:
Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry ~ Bellmore
www.CBOHR.org
This food pantry started in 1998 and has a large selection of non-perishable food items, which are available for all residents of Nassau County, regardless of religious affiliation. The pantry, which is located at Congregation Beth Ohr at 2550 Centre Avenue, is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm and is staffed by volunteers from the congregation and the community. Those wishing to obtain food from the pantry can come any Monday or Thursday morning. For more information please call 516-781-3072.
If you would like your organization to be featured in this column, please e-mail Noelle@SouthBaysNeighbor.com!
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