Believing

in the power
of Self.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

 The Center
For Family
Support is committed to providing

support and assistance to individuals with developmental and related

disabilities, and to family members who care for them.

To achieve our mission we strive to:

• Support individuals to live the lives they want

• Respect diversity, individual choice and family needs

• Provide families with the support they need at all stages of life

• Involve individuals in their communities

• Deliver excellent, individualized support to all

2
A voice for The real

those who have

life stories

encompassed
been silent. in this annual
Throughout our agency’s history our mission of helping others less fortunate than
report are of those
ourselves live a meaningful life has not changed. This has required a steadfast

adherence to a culture that has been passed from generation to generation.

individuals who have
For an agency that has grown from a parent cooperative to one that employs

more than a thousand individuals makes the task even more difficult.
very much the same
Over the same period of time there have been such remarkable gains in science

and technology that some believe every problem is subject to a specific solution. lifelong desires as we
However, applying this one size fits all approach is not always applicable to the

population we represent. We have had to adjust our client care approach to wish for ourselves.
encompass all that is new while at the same time retaining a specific reliance

on that which we know is compassionate and proper. All of this being done in

an environment of “do it for less and eliminate all the waste”.

3
Utilizing a committee structure has allowed us to become more efficient at

delivering appropriate services. It allows us to group solve specific issues of

care giving. We have found that it is particularly well suited to deal with the

idiosyncratic needs of those entrusted to us. The focus in this annual report is

the area of self advocacy, where we excel. Committees work across County and

State lines and address similar underlying issues albeit, each in their own way.

The differences portrayed here are a result of recognizing that each individual’s
LLOYD STABINER
environment and needs are unique. We prove that successful outcomes can be PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

achieved in many different ways.

 We have
Having the life
you want.
come to learn

that people

thrive and In this year’s report, we are focusing on our self-advocacy program and the individuals with

intellectual and developmental disabilities who have benefited profoundly from them.

become more Over the years, we have come to learn that people thrive and become more independent

when they direct their own lives. Essentially, we do what we can to help them overcome
independent obstacles so they can live the life they want.

when they This wasn’t always the case. In our society and even in the helping professions, we didn’t

respect the voices of people with developmental challenges. We thought we knew better.

direct their But today, the first thing we do is listen, carefully, and respect each individual’s right to

make choices and pursue his or her own destiny. Our job now is to provide the emotional
own lives. support and a realistic, structured process that can help individuals seize the same

opportunities as everyone else – to be productive, enjoy meaningful relationships and

take part in the life of their communities.

4
As you will see in the pages that follow, the people who have participated in our
Self-Advocacy Groups have learned to stand up for themselves and have grown

dramatically, inspiring all of us to be our best selves.

With the guidance and care of our excellent support staff, we see that people with

different disabilities and living circumstances are eager to learn and work hard to achieve

a level of independence they once considered impossible. They are rightly proud and
STEVEN VERNIKOFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR want to achieve even more. This is a cause for celebration.
The right to
speak and act
for yourself.
CFS’s Self-Advocacy Group was born in 2011, starting in New York and moving

to our locations in New Jersey in 2013 and Long Island in 2017. The groups are

guided by a simple mission: “To give a voice to those who have been silent” –

the voices of individuals with developmental disabilities whom we support.

Guided by The New York State Self-Advocacy Group known as SANYS, our

self advocates research and take part in community activities and advocate for

themselves and their members within CFS. In fact, SANYS has recognized

our New York group as a new prototype for getting the message of advocacy

across to individuals.
5

From initiating a voter registration drive to affecting changes at the agency

to making contributions to their communities, CFS self advocates do what

they can to make sure their rights and choices are respected and upheld.
 In fact, these self-advocates, now numbering more than 150, have become

contributing members of established CFS committees, such as The Human

Rights Committee, The Incident Review Committee, The Workforce

Development Committee and The Natural Resource Committee.

With the freedom to find and use their voices and act on their own behalf,

the group continues to grow in scope and abilities, with the ongoing support
of CFS managers and staff.

WHAT IS SELF ADVOCACY?

Self-advocacy means that people with intellectual and/or developmental

disabilities have the right to advocate for themselves. This means they have

the right to speak or act on their own behalf or on behalf of other people with

disabilities, whether the issue is personal or related to agency or public policy.

This creates a partnership between people with and without disabilities and

can lead to better lives for everyone.

6 Through our Self Advocacy Groups, individuals with disabilities learn how to

be more actively involved in decisions that affect their lives, choose their own

learning styles and personal goals, monitor their own progress, and become

active agents in their lives.

Self-advocacy:
• Builds competence and changes negative images of people with disabilities.

• Provides valued roles for people with disabilities.

• Helps to strengthen individual identity and develop a sense of pride.

• Encourages autonomy in everyday life and in life-changing matters.

Recent Achievements
CFS’s New York Self-Advocacy Group was presented with the NYC Self

Advocate Group of the Year award for two consecutive years, based largely

on the educational ideas they brought back to us on rights and advocacy.

Two individual advocates have been acknowledged with the NYC Self-

Advocate of the Year award, Kasheena Oatman and Angela LaPore.

And in 2017, one of our long-standing members, Boyd Brown, won the

annual Humanitarian Award.

Many self-advocates are participating in SANYS U, a self-advocacy course

being taught at CFS, in collaboration with New York State. Approximately

7
150 of the active members have attended and graduated, and several

advocates are now co-teaching the SANYS U class.

 KASHEENA OATMAN
AN ADVOCATE’S ADVOCATE

Kasheena Oatman is a young woman with a nurturing spirit and a good heart.
Diagnosed with an intellectual disability at a young age, she has not let that stop
her from enjoying all that life has to offer. An active member of the Self Advocacy
Group since its inception, she was recently recognized for her commitment by
earning a seat on the Board of Directors for Self-Advocates of New York State.
With this new position, Kasheena looks forward to broadening her scope of
influence and educating others about the rights of all people.

Living in a residence where she is supported by CFS staff, Kasheena has served as
treasurer of her Self-Advocacy Group, was selected as Self-Advocate of the Year for
New York State and helped to establish the Self Advocacy Group in New Jersey.

“I am fighting for the rights of other people with developmental disabilities, not
just my own,” she says. Her housemates look to her for advice and encouragement
on many topics that affect their everyday lives, including their experiences as self
advocates.

“Being an advocate means a lot of things,” Kasheena explains. “It gives me a chance
to meet new people and help others work through their problems. It makes me feel
important and not less than anyone.”

Her first self-advocacy experience with CFS was a voter registration drive. “We made
sure that everyone who was interested in voting was registered. We also participated
in the Disability Pride Parade in New York and other activities that show the world
8
we have value.”

In addition, Kasheena co-teaches the advocacy class, which she loves, and she sits on
the state’s advocacy board, which includes the opportunity to visit Albany four times
a year to hear about new policies, information she brings back to CFS.

“For someone new to advocacy,” she says, “don’t be afraid. At our advocacy classes
everyone is equal. The one rule we have is everyone gets to talk and all are respected.”
BOYD BROWN
BECOMING A LEADER

Boyd Brown was chosen by SANYS to receive its 2017 Bernard Carabello
Humanitarian Award. Named for one of the first in the field of self-advocacy, the
award symbolizes what can be accomplished with determination and purpose.

Boyd Brown is a young man with a positive attitude who has not let a diagnosis of
an intellectual disability stop him from living a productive, fulfilling life. An active
member of the New York Self Advocates Group for seven years, he is a strong and
positive role model for the men he lives with in a group home. With his daily advice
and encouragement, his fellow housemates have also become self-advocates to help
themselves achieve a life of promise and independence.

But Boyd is more than a passionate advocate. He is also a

member of his local Church, where he serves as a Junior
Pastor.

“My goal is to become a statewide advocate leader and

effect policies for people with intellectual disabilities.
I have seen I can make a difference for those I live with,
and I want to be able to do this for many others. ”

What would he say to someone who is new to self-ad-

vocacy? “It teaches you about your rights. It teaches
you how to have a voice and to speak up for yourself ” –
lessons Boyd has learned well. In fact, he is now looking
9
into having his own home and one day getting married
to his fiancée.
 ANITA’S STORY:
THE MEANING OF INDEPENDENCE

Janet Beckford, a 20-year CFS employee, works at a residential

location where young women have had rough foster care experiences.
One of these young women is Anita Rackley.

“CFS helped me improve my cooking skills, helped me with my

cleaning and laundry, helped me develop good coping and
communication skills, and much more,” says Anita, who lived at
the residence for 12 years.
10
Then, during a Personal Outcome Measures interview, Anita made it clear to Janet that she wanted to move
out and live more independently. Immediately the two created a plan to accomplish Anita’s goal.

In addition to continuing to learn independent living skills, Anita began taking walks with Janet. They
visited many locations, so Anita would be exposed to different housing options. She also learned the types
of supports that would be available to her.

Based on these walks, where she could think and learn for herself, Anita chose the kind of home and
support that gives her the time for herself that she craved.

Today, living in her own apartment, Anita volunteers at a Senior Center. She has made it her purpose to
help others understand how to advocate and build their own lives. She helps to facilitate the Self Advocate
Book Club. Anita still enjoys walking in her neighborhood and posting videos of her community on
Facebook. She likes to share her life with others, be a good neighbor and live a full life.

“I attend the Devoe Baptist Church where I’m part of the Praise Dance Group, and I was recently baptized
there,” says Anita, with pride. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my life but with help from The Center for
Family Support and the staff, I will continue to learn, grow and praise.”
MANDY SHENKMAN
EXPANDING HER MIND WITH BOOKS

When the New York Public Library was looking for ways to be more accessible for people with disabilities,
they called on CFS for ideas to help them realize this goal. One program that emerged was a bi-monthly
book club, open to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, sixteen years and older.

Meanwhile, members of CFS’s Self Advocacy Groups wanted

to learn to read, so now reading is being taught at their monthly
meetings.

To get started, attendees were asked their preferences to devise

a schedule of activities, including book discussions and inviting
authors to speak. They’re even looking into reading some of the
classics, which many self advocates expressed as a goal.

When it comes to books, veteran self-advocate Mandy Shenkman

was all in. After high school, Mandy wanted to visit her local
libraries on Long Island to read books and become a member
of a book club. It all started with her desire to read “Romeo and
Juliet.” But these types of books are not always available for
different reading levels. When looking to join a group at her
local library, Mandy was limited to joining ESL-English as a
Second Language.

After advocating for a book club, Mandy became the first

person enrolled in the Next Chapter Book Clubs in Nassau
County. Since then, multiple book clubs throughout the county
11
have been launched, as well as the CFS-inspired book club branch in New York City, thanks in
part to her efforts. Mandy has also joined a writing club called “Jot it Down.”

But Mandy wasn’t done. With a life-long love of bowling, she also inspired the launch of a public
bowling league called “Changing Lanes,” which has been going strong for four years.

What’s more, she says, “I have always been an advocate and a role model for paid employment for
people with disabilities. I will be celebrating 20 years at one of my jobs and nine years at my other job.
I am very proud of this.”

In explaining her achievements and independent spirit, Mandy says, “I’ve been involved with SANYS for almost
20 years (where she has presented at conferences and workshops) and became a pioneer of its Independent Us
group, serving as secretary and vice president. Most of the Independent Us members are self advocates.”

Not surprisingly, she won the SANYS Everyday Hero award in 2007 and a special plaque in 2015.
And her stories, many about her SANYS experiences, have appeared in different publications.
 ANGELA LAPORE
“I’M HAPPY TO BE ALIVE”

“When I moved into the CFS group home I was in a wheelchair and weighed over 500 lbs.
Now I weigh 187 lbs.; exercising and eating healthy are very important to me. Staff at the group
home helped me reach my goal. I am 78 years old, and I am healthy and happy to be alive.”

That’s quite a testimony to healthy living. But Angela LaPore is doing much more than leading a
healthy lifestyle; she is an advocate for herself and others. Angela was the president of the Self-
Advocacy Group for three years, won a self-advocacy award in 2015, and served on CFS’s Human
Rights Committee.

As it turns out, Angela is no stranger to advocacy since she advocated for her two sisters when they
12
were growing up. “My parents worked long hours, so I was responsible for cooking, cleaning and taking
care of them. Growing up I wanted to be a good role model for them both.”

Noting that the CFS staff and other advocates help her and look out for her best interests, she provides
a simple approach to self-advocacy: “Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and speak your mind,”
she says. “Be kind and respectful of others’ opinions.”
MARYANN ILLEYNE
STANDING UP FOR HER RIGHTS

Maryann Illeyne became the first President of the New Jersey Self-Advocacy
Group shortly after the group was formed.

“I held the position of President for a number of years,” she says. “Some of
the responsibilities I had included giving speeches, assisting with setting
up the meeting areas and informing others of upcoming events, meetings,
shows, and dances.”

Maryann says that being a self-advocate means being independent and

standing up for yourself. “I feel strongly that people with disabilities should
be able to be a part of the community just like regular/
normal people,” she explains. “We should be able to walk
through parks or malls without someone staring at us in
an uncomfortable way. We should be able to go shopping,
bowling and to the movies without being looked at as
different. Everyone should be treated as a human being
and not as if our disorder is contagious.”

“Being a part of this group has taught me how to be more

aware of my rights, that I have the option to be a registered
voter and that my vote does count,” she adds.

As a self-advocate, Maryann likes to go on trips, outings and

to events with the group. “I really enjoy meeting people from 13
different walks of life at support groups and events, like the
cancer walks.”

“I am proud that my voice and my feelings matter in this

world. I am proud that I am independent enough to go to
work and volunteer at the hospital in my community. I am
proud that CFS picked me to do a short film about my life
and also to give a speech.”

“Being a part of The CFS team has taught me more than I

ever thought I could learn. Even though people in the world
try to classify me as an individual with special needs, I have
come a very long way and I am proud to know that I have a
voice of my own and it needs to be heard, because I matter.”
 Despite cuts in government reimbursements,
CFS has been able to strengthen its menu of
quality services.

However, changes in federal Medicaid funding – as well

as revisions under review for the managed care system in

New York and New Jersey – have the potential to severely

limit our revenue streams. While the specifics of these new

proposals haven’t been finalized, we will certainly be asked

to do more with less government support.

The ability to improve our efficiency, without sacrificing

quality of care, represents a significant challenge for us.

This is why private donations have become increasingly

important to make up for the anticipated decline in

government support.

14
FINANCIAL STATEMENT

NEW YORK
Statement of Revenues and Expenses
Years Ended June 30, 2016 & 2017

FY 2016 FY 2017
Revenues
Operating Service Revenue 34,594,000 35,228,000
Non-Operating Revenue --- 50,000
Total Revenue 34,594,000 35,278,000

Expenses
Salaries & Benefits 25,869,000 25,977,000
Other Services & Supplies 6,993,000 7,975,000
Depreciation, Interest &
Unreimbursed Services 957,000 947,000
Total Expenses 33,819,000 34,899,000

Net Income 775,000 379,000

People Served 1,624 1,796
Dollars Spent on Program 89.37% 88.83%
Dollars Spent on Administration 10.63% 11.17%

NEW JERSEY
Statement of Revenues and Expenses
Years Ended June 30, 2016 & 2017 15
FY 2016 FY 2017
Revenues
Operating Service Revenue 11,882,000 12,428,000
Non-Operating Revenue 147,000 15,000
Total Revenue 12,029,000 12,443,000

Expenses
Salaries & Benefits 8,048,000 8,213,000
Other Services & Supplies 3,6 1 5 ,000 4,015,000
Depreciation, Interest &
Unreimbursed Services 444,000 490,000
Total Expenses 12,107,000 12,718,000
Net Loss (78,000) (275,000)
People Served 207 219
Dollars Spent on Program 90.68% 90.20%
Dollars Spent on Administration 9.32% 9.80%
 LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE DONOR LIST FY 2017
$10,000 and Above
Over our 62-year history, our donors have been the Bentson Insurance Group
Maxwell Warner
lifeblood of our work, and we are grateful for their
$5,000 and Above
generosity and belief in our mission. Every dollar donated Mutual of America
helps someone with special needs. Every resource brings our AmTrust Group
David Mac Pherson
service recipients closer to living an independent life, a life
$1,000 and Above
they choose to live.
Jeffrey Benedict
Central Business Solutions
With the vital support of individuals, foundations and EmblemHealth Services, LLC
Kenneth Grossman
corporations, The Center for Family Support will be able to
Alison Provost
continue providing compassionate, person-centered care to BNP Paribas
Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC
over 1,500 people each and every week. Metzger-Price Fund, Inc.
Carol Dillon
Linda Lipsett
Ronald Rico
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Wilbert Howey
MetLife
Preferred Benefits Group, Inc.

Thank you to our donors Bryan Herman

Howard Capell
Jared Solomon
Pavan Bhati
16 for improving the quality Rochelle Fleishner-Powell
Scott Zemachson
Converged Technology Group
Kevin Tremble
of people’s lives. Dunn Development Corporation
Summit Associates Inc.
Admire Construction Inc.
David Lasaracino
Bank of New Jersey
Briscoe Protective Systems
Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
Reuben Warner Associates
Michael Barnes
Michael Bernstein
William Loeb
333 Seventh Avenue Realty Co.
Audi Lynbrook
IDB Bank
Paragano Real Estate Management Inc.
$500 And Above Peter Conrad Chris Zuniga
Chris Unif Robert Reitman, Esq. Deborah Shaw
David Mittelman Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation Dennis O’Connor
AFLAC Alliance Bernstein Ed Carter
DTM Installations Itau Unibanco S.A. Frank Ragusa
Pine River Capital Management Bedros Piandarian Galil Adoni
Steven Vernikoff Elise Geltzer, Esq. Joanne Tepedino
Reliant Services Inc. G.A. Giblin John Crotty
Bernstein Global Wealth Management Katherine Goyette Joshua Geltzer
David L. Mittelman Michael Mudri Kelly Arst
Michael Mazzocco Nicholas Fiegoli Maxene Griffiths
Craig Tigh Ralph Goldberg Melissa Ann Hanna
Frank Crommelin Samriti Goyal Raymond Zangrando
Econo Prime Meats & Frozen Food Virgil Seepersad Sarah Kuhns
People’s United Bank 1 Stop Electronics Center, Inc. Stephen Coldwell
Select Exterminating AmeriHealth Thomas Donato
Jeffrey Goldsmith Russell Investments William Donovan
Richard L. Harris LLC/BPN Montaigne James Arose Cost Control Associates, Inc.
Amy Bittinger American Express Charitable Fund Finance - CFS Staff
Ann Dassing Tristate Apartment Furnishers, LLC HireOwl
Arthur Shankman Adam Leo NJ Track & Field Officials Association
Dorothy Zachmann Barry Simon Central District
James Warner Carmen Alvarez Schoeman Updike Kaufman & Stern LLP
Marcia Warner Dennis Goldy Charles Gans
Shirley Maxon Gail Burr Geraldine Obremski
Anonymous Howard Hammer Louise Corley
Atrium Pharmacy Jeffrey Shandler James Hickey
C.E.P.T. Holding Corp John Penhale Richard Lehrer, DDS
GE Foundation Marilyn T. Clements Keri Taub
Michael Kurzer Linda Schellenberg
Other Donors Pasquel Romano Mabel Kye
Ananth Rani Peggy Warner Michael Kushner 17
Bradley Cooper Ruth Lipman Michael Wasko
Eric A. Frank Santos Banegas Neila Millien
Glen Goodman Susan Magielnicki Rose Marie Wegenaar
Jeff Teitel Vincenson Macri, Sr. Walter Figueroa
Michael Kane Yefim Rubinstein Danielle Powers
William Dimin Ascendhire Inc. Miguelina Hernandez
Capital Z Services, L.L.C. Cartridge Xchange Pearl Barker
Sunshine, Atkins, Minassian & Tafuri, P.A. Twin Security Tara Marolla
The Standard Life Insurance Company Angela Mancuso Valentina Encarnacion
of New York Alexander Odom
John Vitsas, Sr.
Angelo Fata Ileana Milan
Devananda Shenoy
MITC Sadia Safdar
Gloria Lee
Diane Olenick Ana Susana
MVC Enhanced Inspection Unit
Barbara Greenwald Employees Administration
Anibal Moreno Mimoza Haxha
Bernard Sencer Elizabeth A. Marra
Elizabeth Ostrow Brigida Collado
 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE CENTER FOR FAMILY SUPPORT
Lloyd Stabiner
President

Amy Bittinger
Vice President

Elise Geltzer, Esq.

Secretary

Rochelle Powell
Treasurer

Jeffrey Benedict
Pavan Bhati
Carol Dillon
Joana Goyette
Norman Greene, Esq.
Colin Michael Heath
Tanya Herriott
José Martin Jara, Esq.
Justin Roberts
Christian Villenas, M.S., Ph.D.
18

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FOUNDATION
Rochelle Powell Chair
Max Warner Vice-Chair
Pavan Bhati Secretary
Joana Goyette Treasurer

Jeff Benedict
Alison Provost
Lloyd Stabiner
REGIONAL OFFICES ADMINISTRATION

CORPORATE OFFICE Executive Director

Steven Vernikoff
333 Seventh Avenue
9th Floor
Associate Executive Director
New York, NY 10001
Barbara Greenwald
212-629-7939
Assistant Executive Director
STATEN ISLAND OFFICE Michael Mazzocco
88 New Dorp Plaza
Suite 101 Director of Development
Staten Island, NY 10306 Barry Haber
718-667-4263
Director of Human Resources
Sharon Lax
BRONX OFFICE
2811 Zulette Avenue Director of Quality Assurance
Bronx, NY 10461 Radhina Ramirez-Hernandez
718-518-1500
Director of Residential Services
LONG ISLAND OFFICE Omayra Andino
110 Jericho Turnpike
Director of Community Service
Suite 103
Linda Schellenberg
Floral Park, NY 11001
516-292-3000
Director of Program Services 19
Donna Messina
NEW JERSEY OFFICE
205 Robin Road Assistant Director, Day Program Services
Suite 122 Gavin Gear
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-262-4021 Director of Quality Improvement and Training
Joanne Cropper

Director of Innovative Planning

Nadine Daley

www.cfsny.org
333 Seventh Avenue

9th Floor

New York, NY 10001

212-629-7939

www.cfsny.org