Sharing the Love on June 6

After you've worked at the YAI/NIPD Network for a few months, you start to realize that the staff here tend to be a bit out of the ordinary. It dawns on you that every day, you come to work with people who are extraordinarily dedicated to people with disabilities, their programs and their colleagues--people who constantly surprise you by their willingness to go above and beyond.

Two such staff members work for YAI programs on Long Island. Mike Wallace has been with the organization for several years and now works for Long Island Project ASSIST, which provides in-home skills training to people with disabilities. Justine Caiaccia is an Applied Behavior Science Specialist at YAI's Centereach and Holbrook residences, where she has worked since September. They are both dedicated to their programs and the people they serve.

They are also dedicated to each other. Mike and Justine will be getting married on June 6.

That's right, June 6. The day of the Central Park Challenge.

When Mike and Justine realized that their big day coincided with YAI's big day, they decided to find a way to combine the two events. So on June 6, instead of handing out wedding favors, Mike and Justine will give their guests a thank-you card, explaining that they are donating $100 to each of their three programs.

"Usually at weddings, you get a tiny little favor that most people probably don't keep. Because Mike and I believe so strongly in the message and mission of YAI, we wanted to share it with our close friends and family so that they know where we're coming from," said Justine. "It's near and dear to our hearts."

Did Mike and Justine just warm your heart? Want to provide more support for their programs? Support Team Holbrook here; Team Centereach here; and Long Island Project ASSIST here.

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Profile in Partnership: Team 187th Street

Thanks to a partnership among staff, residents and family members, YAI/NIPD’s 187^th Street Residence has achieved remarkable success for the Central Park Challenge. Team 187^th Street have already surpassed their original goal of $10,000 and are well on their way to $13,000!

What's the secret? The members of Team 187^th Street are driven by a commitment to Eliza, Mark, Jody and all the other residents. “Our motivation in fundraising this year was to maintain the level of excellence in our services, which are recognized throughout the state,” said Team Captain Vanessa Felix, a direct service professional at the residence.

“I do not mind asking for money if the cause is something I truly believe in and YAI is something we all believe in. E-mailing from our Central Park Challenge participant center has made the whole process of asking for money so much easier!” said Rosalie Hughes, a parent whose daughter Eliza lives in the residence.

Rosalie explained that, even though asking for donations may not be her first inclination, she is motivated to do so because of the role that YAI plays in her family's life. As a child, Eliza attended YAI/NIPD's inclusive summer camp program. Then, when when she turned 21, Eliza began attending YAI/NIPD's Manhattan Day Services. "We were beginning to think about her moving out of our house at some point and we hoped that we would be able to find her placement in a YAI group residence," which turned out to be in an apartment on 187th Street.

And YAI is a family affair for the Hughes family. Eliza's sister Maisie is a member of the Brighter Futures Society, a group of young professionals who support the mission of the YAI/NIPD Network.

Team 187th Street has done a lot of hard work preparing for the Central Park Challenge and they are looking forward to enjoying themselves on the day of the event.

"Each year, our residents anxiously await the Central Park Challenge," said Vanessa. "I love to see the enjoyment on their faces as they walk through the park, waving to friends, family, staff and onlookers. It is a testament of unity. Together, families and staff work together to make a difference in the lives of our residents."

"I love seeing all of Eliza’s YAI family and friends and her biological family and friends gathering to support YAI and to honor Eliza and all the other beloved Elizas of this world," Rosalie said.

Congratulations to Team 187th Street for their tremendous success. Inspired by their story? Support their team!




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