“I wouldn't miss this rewarding event," exclaimed Kevin, a second year BDO USA, LLP veteran and one of the 127 volunteers who gathered at 21 locations across New York City and Long Island to lend a hand to WellLife Network’s Project Volunteer Day. These energetic volunteers are accountants, managers, insurance specialists, financial experts, sales reps, counselors, case workers, administrative assistants and more. They are people who wanted to give back and didn't mind sharing their time and some muscle power.

The volunteers had one common goal – to beautify the residences and facilities of WellLife Network through gardening, painting and exterior do-it-yourself projects.

Corporate and Staff Volunteers Made the Difference

Scattered showers didn't dampen the spirits as our WellLife Volunteers mulched, weeded, tilled the soil, planted hundreds of perennials and spread an amazing 33,200 pounds of mulch at residences for individuals with special needs and mental health challenges! The results were amazing and their efforts enhanced the agency's residential sites and neighborhoods. 

We especially want to thank our corporate volunteers from BDO USA, LLP; The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc; Guardian Life Insurance; Lamb Insurance Services; Mutual of America; People's United Bank and The Home Depot who gave selflessly of their time and energy. A special "shout-out" to Emerald Lawn Care Services, Inc. who prepared the beds and manicured bushes and vegetation at several homes. 

Also a big thank you to all of our dedicated staff volunteers and our Board member, Steve Bernstein who gave his all!

Nine volunteers from Goldman Sachs were happily mulching in the rain and proudly sporting their Community Team Works (CTW) t-shirts. Through the CTW program, volunteers from Goldman Sachs contribute time and energy to "drive tangible progress in communities where they work and live". Bradley Bernstein, Associate of The Goldman Sachs Group remarked, “WellLife Network is a great organization, dedicated to improving the lives of all people. This is our way of giving back to the residents of WellLife Network and saying 'thank you' for bringing the values of health and wellness of mind and body to the communities you serve."

Our Associate Board members were also out in full force. Michael Lamberg, Regional Sales Manager, and Alexa Santoro, Account Manager, Lamb Insurance Services, summed up the day’s activities as they proudly presented a carefully manicured beds of freshly planted hostas and annuals, “Lamb Insurance Services," said Alexa, "is proud to help WellLife and its residents. We are proud to volunteer and give back to the communities we serve.”

Take a few moments to view the photo album and experience the accomplishments of our dedicated volunteers! 

WellLife Network welcomed its youngest recruits early this morning as more than 20 girls and boys of our staff attended our version of National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. This day is recognized on the fourth Thursday in April each year. This annual event is an educational program in the United States where parents take their children to work with them for one day.

They were welcomed by Sherry Tucker, CEO, WellLife Network and were introduced to each of the executives and their departments at the executive offices. Then it was off to work as each of the children visited with their parents to discover what their moms and dads do each day. The children also explored career planning and were taught how to write a resume, which helped them make informed decisions about their future goals and career paths. Even the 5 year olds were encouraged to participate by listing their favorite activities.

A nutritious lunch was served and there were healthy snacks available all day long. The day culminated with a painting party, where special outdoor totems were created. These totems will be placed at our residential sites that are being re-landscaped in May by our volunteer network.

WellLife Network hopes to continue sponsoring this special day to allow our youth to and share knowledge, experience and advice around education, career choices and relevant skills required in today’s workplace.

April is World Autism Month.  To celebrate and spotlight World Autism Month Astoria Day Habilitation Program worked with Crystal Morgan, Recreation Therapist, to continue to bring to light Autism Awareness. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.  In recent years there have been many changes in the education of individuals diagnosed with Autism and with these changes more understanding in working with all individuals to allow them greater independence.  

Crystal Morgan, Recreation Therapist, shares that the poster created by the individuals at Astoria Day Habilitation “exemplifies the feelings and attitudes towards autism. The goal was to promote the positive aspects of the exchanges we make every day with the individuals we serve. Each classroom added a quote and picture and passed it on to the next classroom. I am working hard to create the environment to break stigmas.”

More than 250 supporters of WellLife Network turned out at the one-night only benefit reading of Trial, a new play by Ashley Griffin (Snow, Twilight the Unauthorized Musical Parody) and directed by Lori Petty(Orange is the New Black, A League of Their Own). The play was presented at the Tilles Center on Thursday, March 28, 2019. This performance recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month, held in April, to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate families and communities on how to prevent this violence.

Trial tells the unique and provocative story of a young woman waiting for her own judgment in the bureaucratic system of the afterlife, where she finds herself in the role of judge and jury to determine the eternal fate of her father, the man responsible for her abuse and death. The play is inspired by a true story. Proceeds from the production will assist WellLife Network to improve and expand its services across Long Island. The contributions will provide urgently needed services that help Long Islanders to heal and recover.

Sexual Trauma Affects the Entire Family

“The issue of family violence affects the entire family,” said Rebecca Costa, Vice President, Long Island Operations. “Our person-centered treatment services serve not only the survivor of sexual trauma but the entire family on their path to recovery and wellness.” Suicide is an all too common result of sexual trauma. WellLife Network has developed workshops and training seminars on suicide prevention that address these issues which are designed for community stakeholders, clinical/non-clinical staff, educators, families and other concerned citizens.

Abusive Behavior Should Never Be Normalized or Supported

Deborah Boatright, a benefit co-chair and board member of WellLife Network, said, “We are thrilled and very honored to have a large portion of the original cast perform this benefit-staged reading for us.” Ashley Griffin’s uplifting play movingly explores the issue of justice vs. mercy and the question: ‘What would a victim decide if they could determine their abuser's eternal fate?’ This ensemble makes a strong statement – with a united voice and as a community.

Boatright reminded us of the shocking statistics - 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually traumatized by the time they are 18. She fervently admonished the audience, “We must be vigilant so that abusive behavior is NEVER normalized or supported. Your being here tonight, your willingness to listen and learn, to ponder and cry and confront the realities of children’s lives through the honesty and rawness that is Trial is a great step.”

Thank You to the Outstanding Cast Members

Sherry Tucker, CEO WellLife Network presented Ashley Griffin and Lori Petty with WellLife's Community Outreach and Partnership Award. It read: "Your profound play heightens awareness of childhood sexual trauma in the community, helps to restore lives and gives a voice to those who need to confront their 'doors locked from the inside'." Lori Petty's award read: "Under your genius direction, the play Trial, a profound and significant message regarding sexual trauma, has been given a voice to new audiences throughout our community."

We thank the cast members who generously gave of their time and talents. Cast members of Trial include: Ryan Clardy* (One Life to Live,) Ashley Griffin* (The Greatest Showman, "Hamlet" in Hamlet,) Steve Hauck* (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,) Shereen Hickman* (Woman/ Margaret,) Vinyetta James (Life Is Hard,) Jeté Laurence (Pet Sematary,)Jennifer Regan* (Born Yesterday,) and Malcolm Stephenson* (Time Stands Still). Madeline O’Hara (Blogologues) was the assistant director and Ashling Costello the stage manager. 
*Appear courtesy Actors Equity Association.

Thank You to Our Supporters Who Made It Possible

WellLife Network is grateful for the support from the following individuals, corporations and businesses whose contributions have helped this presentation of Trial be a success.

Ace Endico
ABT Appliance & Traders
Bartel Construction Corp.
Bay Carpet and Flooring
Alicia & Steve Bernstein
Lani & Tom Blumberg
Deborah Boatright
Con Rac Construction Group LLC
Nathene Riley Cruz
Crystal John
Gallagher
Genoa Healthcare
Imperial Dade
Irwin Contracting
Lamb Insurance Services
Levy, Stopol & Camelo LLP
Dr. Brian Regan
Marvin Sperling
Star2Star Communications
Stat Rx Pharmacy
TGI Office Automation
The Ray-Block Stationery Co., Inc.
Sherry & Dirk Tucker
Van Security Services
Vassalotti Associates Architects, LLP
W.B. Mason
Jean & Alan Weinstock
World’s Fair Pharmacy 

WellLife also wants to recognize the generous contributions of these businesses who donated catering supplies, food, flowers and wine. 

Bar-Boy Products
Hither Brook Floral & Gift Boutique
Iavarone Bros Quality Foods
Micah Joel Productions - Photography
Martha Clara Vineyards

WellLife Network is one of the region’s largest and most diversified voluntary, not-for-profit health and human services organizations. Our extensive network of services in mental health, developmental disabilities, family and youth, addiction recovery and residential services assists more than 25,000 individuals and families each year. WellLife Network programs are licensed and approved for service by numerous governmental organizations and on Long Island work in partnership with the United Way.  

If you would like to make a donation to individuals and families affected by sexual trauma, please click here. 

Susana Hall is a vibrant and friendly woman who resides at one of WellLife Network’s 36 residences for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Susana is of Panamanian ancestry and speaks fluently in both English and Spanish. At the residence, Susana is a “Domestic Diva” and loves to help the staff with preparing meals for her housemates. She proudly incorporates her Panamanian ancestry in many of the dishes she prepares. “I love living here,” said Susana, the staff teaches me new things all the time, like how to clean my room and cook new dishes”.  

Susana and her housemates have lived together since the residence opened in 2007. She considers them to be an extended family and is looked upon as a “big sister”. Susana’s work day consists of cooking with her “sisters” and volunteering at a nursing home in the community. Her French Toast is considered “the best” in Queens, New York. 

Susana greets any visitor to the residence with a warm smile and a big “Hello” and loves showing visitors her bedroom where she very proudly displays mementos from her many trips with her family and housemates. Susana is fortunate to have a very close bond with her large extended family and enjoys traveling on family vacations. 

In the future, Susana would like to create a cookbook with all of her favorite recipes to share with family, friends and the community.

To WellLife Network and the staff who assist her, that is what makes Susana One of a Kind.

"Working at WellLife Network all these years is like being part of a family. We respect each other's talents, skills and ability, as a team, to make a difference in the lives
of the people we serve." - Durpatee Roopnarine, Program Director

WellLife Network honored 28 loyal employees who have worked for the agency 15, 20, 25 and 30 years at its Annual Staff Longevity Luncheon, organized by the HR Department on February 22, 2018. Collectively, the staff brings more than 535 years of program and support services – ranging from residential, day habilitation to case management, pre-vocational training, infrastructure services and more.

Our Honorees are an Inspiration

Ann Marie Barbarotta, COO thanked each of the staff members for their loyalty and faithfulness to WellLife Network. “Thank you for your loyalty and years of dedicated effort to our mission," said Barbarotta. "What you each do is significant and that is the definition of success. You are an inspiration to me and the entire WellLife Network Staff.”

Honorees were given a Certificate of Appreciation, an honorarium and for those serving 30 years a beautiful crystal clock. Honorees spoke of their journey at WellLife Network and how their efforts made a steadfast impact on the lives of thousands of individuals we serve each day.

Improving Lives was Linda's Dream 

Linda Iannatto, Utilization Review Coordinator, a 20-year veteran, noted that working for WellLife Network all of these years is like working with family. “I gave up a career in business to be able to help people," stated Linda. Money did not matter to Linda, nor a bigger paycheck. She went back to school to earn a Masters in Rehabilitation and realized her dream of helping individuals in need. At WellLife Network, Linda works in the Quality Assurance Department.

Join us in congratulating the following staff who each day empower individuals to lead more independent lives. Their talents and skills strengthen our outreach to the communities we serve and demonstrate that, as an agency, we truly embrace our mission of helping individuals realize their full potential by achieving meaningful life goals.

Our Honorees

30 Years

Gloria Jordan-Best
Naushad Hussain
Rene Sievers

25 Years

Michelle Gilchrist
Abdul Khuwaja
Pamela Mahlke
Neil Persaud
Marie Singh

20 Years

Derrick Carr
Sandra Dottin
Craig Edwards
Linda Iannitto
Lisa Micelli
Grace Olmo
Durpatee Roopnarine
Vanessa Webster

15 Years

Shawn Ackerman
Janine Colasuonno
Claudia Dounelis
Raffie Farray
Cleyvis Maldonado
Amanda Marrast
Patrick Nichols
Christina Obeng
Jeannine Rizzo
Sugandaye Ramdass
Laura Southard
Carol Write

Few things are more sad than to know that an innocent child has been victimized by sexual violence. At age ten, Felix lost his innocence when a family member molested him at a birthday party. Felix is now a sad statistic of one in seven boys, under the age of 18, who have experienced sexual abuse. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that in 2017 there have been more than 200,000 reported cases of childhood abuse and molestation in New York State. Thousands more go unreported.  

One in five children in your community has been sexually traumatized. We also know that the effects of this experience are long-lasting. Many children who are abused turn to drugs, alcohol or even attempt suicide when they reach their teens.

Each year, WellLife Network helps young boys and girls – like Felix – to heal, recover and become survivors. As a WellLife Network supporter, you can help children and their families overcome their fears and horrific memories.

Join Us for a Benefit Performance of TRIAL

This March, we are sponsoring the highly acclaimed play called TRIAL, written by Ashley Griffin (The Greatest Showman, "Hamlet" in Hamlet) and directed by Lori Petty (Orange Is the New Black, Gotham). Trial will be performed on Thursday, March 28, 2019, 7:00 PM at the Tilles Center in Brookville, Long Island. Both Ashley and Lori are dedicated to educating the public about childhood sexual trauma. WellLife Network is proud and fortunate to partner with these and other outstanding performers in getting this vital message out to the community.

Your support helps WellLife Network to improve and expand its services across Long Island. The contribution you generously offer provides urgently needed services that help Long Islanders to heal and recover.

Here's How You Can Help

Help us with a tax-deductible donation:

• $175 - 1 Ticket to the play offers you orchestra views and VIP status to an exclusive wine and dine cocktail "Talk-Back" session.
• $1,000 - become an "Advocate" and receive 2 Tickets and VIP status where you can meet the actors of TRIAL and have photo opportunities with the actors.
• $2,500 - become a "Champion" and receive 4 Tickets, all of the benefits from the above levels, plus a box of 8 beautiful note cards inspired by program participant art.

• $5,000 - become a "Crusader" and receive all of the benefits above plus special podium and journal recognition and your name permanently inscribed on our Tree of Life leaves at our Huntington facility.

Your gift today makes a big difference tomorrow and every day!

Donate or buy tickets by clicking here today! 

“Thank you for remembering my children. Bless your kindness.”

- Ben R., Care Coordination Participant

Empty boxes decorated with gift wrapping paper and a familiar flyer announced the 2018 WellLife Network Care Coordination Toys for Tots Drive. Each day, generous staff contributed toys to help realize our goal of collecting toys for the children of the individuals we serve. This year, Anne Marie Kanable, Executive Assistant, obtained more than 160 toys and books from her friends and family.

WellLife Mobile Van Used to Deliver Gifts

A team of dedicated staff volunteers lovingly wrapped the donations. The toys and books were then distributed to clients in our Care Coordination program, schools and a family shelter in the poorest and highest crime areas in the city. For the first time, the WellLife Network Care Coordination van, driven by Huson Dobson, was used as the gift distribution center. Community members also received information about WellLife Network and services which could be beneficial to them.

The result of this wonderful holiday project is reflected in the smiles on the faces of children who will now have a gift to open on Christmas day, and a toy to preserve the innocence of their early years. We are proud to continue this holiday tradition and thank our staff who participated.

Our Compassionate Value-Based Services Improve Outcomes

WellLife Network is a recognized leader in offering a broad range of personalized behavioral health day, residential and care coordination services to families and individuals coping with the many challenges brought on by emotional problems, substance abuse and mental illness. We also assist individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities achieve greater independence in the community through residential, day habilitation, advocacy, entitlement and family support services.

Some 2,500 individuals and families are assisted, each day, through our person-centered programs, helping them to achieve their fullest potential in an environment that values respect, dignity, caring and integrity.

Please support the people who need our vital services to flourish and thrive. Your special year-end, tax-deductible gift of $25 or $50 – more if you can – does change lives. 

Click here to donate. 

On behalf of all the children, adults and families in our community who supporters like you help each day, thank you and the best of holidays!

“I am blessed to be here and on the road to recovery. Occasions like this one make me feel part of life again.” Vera T.- Behavioral Health Resident

As the holidays approach, the excitement that comes from celebrating this season’s “peace on earth and goodwill to all” serves as a guidepost to WellLife Network staff and participants alike. This was evident as some 800 individuals of our residential and day programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, mental health and other disabilities gathered at Da Mikele Illagio in Queens for two enchanting evenings of dancing, dining and the joy of celebrating the holiday season and their accomplishments for the year.

“I am so grateful to our compassionate and passionate staff. Their values of caring and concern, as evidenced by the outpouring of dedication and love I have witnessed tonight, have a profound impact on our participants’ quality of life and outcomes,” said Ann Marie Barbarotta, Chief Operating Officer, WellLife Network.

The evenings were celebrated with dancing, an array of healthy and beautifully prepared food and non-stop music, expertly DJ’d by our very own “DJ Suave” Glenn Martin (from our Training Department), making these two very memorable nights.

“The enthusiasm here captures the spirit of this holiday event,” noted Nadia Hrvatin, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services who helped to organize the event with Anne-Marie Kanable. At the Behavioral Health Celebration, Crystal John, Vice President, Behavioral Health Residential Services remarked, “This is the time of year when people join together to rejoice in their progress, rekindle friendships and look to the New Year for inspiration and hope for a brighter future.”

Mike and Errol, Suffolk Apartment Program residents (pictured below), both praised the event, "WellLife Network has given us new opportunities for the New Year,"said Mike. "Awesome gift!”        

Our Compassionate Value-Based Services Improve Outcomes

WellLife Network is a recognized leader in offering a broad range of personalized behavioral health day, residential and care coordination services to families and individuals coping with the many challenges brought on by emotional problems, substance abuse and mental illness. We also assist individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities achieve greater independence in the community through residential, day habilitation, advocacy, entitlement and family support services.

Some 2,500 individuals and families are assisted, each day, through our person-centered programs, helping them to achieve their fullest potential in an environment that values respect, dignity, caring and integrity.

Please support the people who need our vital services to flourish and thrive. Your special year-end, tax-deductible gift of $25 or $50 – more if you can – does change lives.  You can done online by clicking here. 

On behalf of all the children, adults and families in our community who supporters like you help each day, thank you and the best of holidays!

Today is #GivingTuesday. This annual initiative has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving to charities. We're asking you to support WellLife Network and the people who depend upon us with a donation of $10 each month - that's just 32¢ each day!

It's the cost of less than one cup of coffee per day. That donation will help people like Susana, who lives in one of our residences for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, thrive in the community. She is an extended member of the WellLife Network family. At her residence, Susana is the domestic diva and loves to help the staff with preparing meals for her housemates. It is her contribution to the "community of sisters" that she calls home.

WellLife Network provides vital services, each year, to 25,000 individuals coping with chronic mental illness, substance abuse/addiction, homelessness, the challenges of caring for special-needs family members and more.

We ask you to join us. Please support the people, such as Susana, who need our vital services to flourish and thrive.

Your donation of $10 or $20 each month – more if you can – does change lives.  

On behalf of all the children, adults and families in our community who supporters like you help each day, thank you and the best of holidays. 

Click here to make a tax-deductible donation today!