With their tropical leis around their necks and an armful of lawn chairs in tow, the ladies and gentlemen at Freeport Program Without Walls (PWW) Site 5 set out in three cars and headed to Waterfront Park for a summer barbecue by the water.  

Twenty people receiving services, joined by five team members, made the trip.  

Dressed in colorful tie-dye t-shirts created for the occasion, people gathered for a wonderful time outdoors. 

As everyone came together around the table, Yasheeva Martin, Site Manager, and Direct Support Professionals Lari Duiguid, Derrell Dorch, Zaire Woodson, and Sharon Williams, got the music going and fired up the grill. 

Yasheeva began the activities with a sharing circle, inviting everyone to swap stories about high school, memorable trips, and moments they were proud of. Then, came trivia. 

“Let’s go back to the good old days,” Yasheeva said, before firing off a round of nostalgic questions.  

By lunchtime, the tables were filled with hot dogs, burgers, deli sandwiches, and a variety of cold salads. 

Before digging in, Micheal Walker asked what everyone wanted to drink and passed around sodas and juice.  

“It’s very good,” said Stacey Hubbard, who joined Freeport’s site 5 four months ago and has been enjoying taking part in the activities.  

The barbecue wasn’t simply a day out. Stacey, Micheal, and other people supported by Site 5 all helped make it happen. 

From the park rental to the food, the day was paid for with money people raised together, through bake sales and bottle recycling. 

Every day, four or five people head out to collect bottles, making stops in communities across Long Island. 

“We pick up bottles from different houses. We go to Dix Hills, Commack, Suffolk,” Sharon said.  

It’s one of the many ways Site 5 spends time in the community. Throughout the year, people  volunteer at shelters, shop for neighbors, visit museums, spend time at the library, and explore other places and activities that interest them.  

Bottle by bottle, the recycling adds up. Medicaid funding supports the essentials of Day Services, including staffing and clinical supports, but doesn’t always cover extras like a Friday barbecue by the water.  

And on this midsummer Friday, months of effort added up to good food, good company, and a waterfront memory not soon forgotten.