AHRC Nassau hosted a celebration of friendship and belonging at the annual Day Habilitation Picnic on May 15. On a beautiful spring day in the park, approximately 300 people spent time reconnecting, enjoying barbecue, singing karaoke, and taking part in activities throughout the afternoon. Each Day Services location helped prepare for the event by making custom t-shirts, planning menus, and ensuring everyone had their favorite dishes available.

For Walter Kee Paret, who attends Day Services in Lynbrook, the picnic was an opportunity to spend time with friends from different locations while enjoying games like frisbee and soccer.

“I like the music,” Walter said as he relaxed with friends and took in the festivities.

A longtime picnic attendee, Walter was also a big fan of the refreshments.

“The juice, water, and snacks,” he said with a smile.

The annual event began, nearly a decade ago, when people participating in Day Services shared a similar request: to have a large picnic at the park where everyone could get together across different locations. Day Services leadership listened and the community picnic has since become one of the most anticipated events of the year. 

With such a large gathering and wide range of support needs, ensuring everyone could safely enjoy the day required teamwork from staff across the agency, including healthcare professionals.  

“I’m here as a nurse,” said Estella Manners LPN, who was attending her first Day Hab picnic and assisting with medication.

“It’s exciting to see everyone, like a community.” 

Seeing people happy and enjoying themselves brought a smile to Estella’s face as well as the many team members who helped make the day possible. 

While supporting people throughout the event, staff also shared in the fun. Patrick Sherrard, Day Services Assistant Director, shined at the DJ booth curating a list of hit songs which kept people dancing and in the party spirit.