On a chilly Tuesday morning, hundreds of people who benefit from day services gathered at Eisenhower Park for AHRC Nassau’s annual day program picnic. The picnic typically takes place in the summer. However, it was pushed back this year due to the T20 World Cup 2024 official cricket match held in June.

Day program administrators didn’t want to miss the opportunity to get everyone together. They opted to hold the event on September 24.

“People look forward to it every year with the DJ, the games, the food. We couldn’t find another place to accommodate us,” said Assistant Director of Day Services Bridget Burlak. “It’s the only event that we do that everyone can attend and where we have the space for everyone.”

The event was well attended, with around 700 people supported by day services and staff in attendance. The agency’s day programs support approximately 1,200 people to focus on personal development.

“We are always looking to make day program more fun,” said Bridget. “It becomes part of their schedule, a place where people get to accomplish things and work on their goals.”

The picnic, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., was an opportunity for everyone to celebrate their individuality, mingle, and catch up with friends from other locations.

People supported in each location created custom t-shirts and posters to represent their site and spread awareness on issues that matter to them. For example, the men and women receiving day services in Hicksville created special Election Day and “Get Out the Vote” t-shirts to remind everyone of the upcoming presidential election.

“Since it’s an election year, we wanted to promote our right to vote,” said Hicksville Site Manager Danielle Robinson.

While self-expression and advocacy were important parts of the day, the picnic also offered plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation.

“We played games, threw the ball around. We had hero sandwiches, ate Italian food and cookies,” said Wayne Curtain who receives services in Hicksville. “It was a lot of fun.”

Picnic games included wiffle ball, axe throwing, giant Jenga and Connect 4. Winners were also awarded prizes throughout the day.

The picnic is special to the day program community because everyone participates in bringing the event together. Part of the funds used to secure the field were raised at an agency-wide rummage sale organized earlier this year. The potluck lunch also gave everyone a chance to share their favorite dishes.

Assistant Director of Day Services Patrick Sherrard kept the crowd energized by spinning tunes as DJ Patrick. He DJs the event every year and is a huge crowd pleaser.

“We did some dancing with Patrick. That’s always the best,” said Desiree Mitchem, who is part of the Hicksville day program.

The annual picnic is an added dose of fun to celebrate while meeting up with friends old and new in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.