Day Habilitation Services at AHRC Nassau offer people opportunities to connect with their community, engage in new experiences, and build meaningful relationships.  On January 29, this came to life as people supported in Jericho North Broadway, Hicksville, and Farmingdale day sites traveled to Plainview for a Lunar New Year luncheon organized by Activities Specialist Amy Yeung.

“I wanted to talk about my culture more,” said Amy. “My goal was to bridge gaps and share knowledge that can enhance our collective experiences.”

Amy invited people from several Day Services locations to participate in the luncheon. In total, four sites participated, bringing together twenty people and their staff members.

Once there, Amy shared facts about Lunar New Year and how she celebrates the holiday with her family. Together, they discussed Chinese culture and how the lunar calendar determines the changing date of the Lunar New Year each year. She then encouraged attendees to share their New Year’s traditions. People talked about marking the moment with a countdown and celebrating at parties.

Both Amy and attendees mentioned that spending time with family and sharing a meal were important parts of their New Year’s traditions. To share that special moment with them, Amy brought homemade fried rice for everyone—the same rice she makes for her family every year.

“I liked the rice,” said Jeannie-Lee Saletto, who receives Day Habilitation services in Hicksville.

There were also gifts and activities for everyone to enjoy. Members of the group painted wooden snakes in bright colors and received traditional red envelopes, each containing a handmade keychain to keep.

Before heading home, everyone took turns taking selfies by the red banner highlighting the Lunar New Year. “In the Year of the Snake we shed the past and move on to the future,” said Amy.

“I liked painting the snakes and seeing all my friends together,” said Louisa Diaz, also from Hicksville. “Eating the rice was fun too and learning about China.”

As people arrived back at their sites, it was clear to staff that the day was a wonderful success. “They came back with smiles on their faces,” said Jericho Site Manager Lisa Pedroni. “They had a great time.”