Community Day and Summer Health Fair Informs and Delights on Staten Island
CP Unlimited and Metro Community Health Centers convened an array of area partners and local organizations at our combined Community Day and Summer Health Fair on Staten Island on Saturday, June 3. The public were encouraged to attend to access a variety of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, immigrants, and other groups, and take part in fitness classes, entertainment, games, hear from elected officials, taste our garden produce, and see a preview of the upcoming Cars Care Show.
The day kicked off with a welcome and citation by Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo who recognized the work of CP Unlimited in making a deep impact in the lives of people with I/DD and families across Staten Island.
Attendees sampled the hot sauce made from peppers grown at our Smile Farms greenhouses and purchase fresh kale and herbs.
For those who wanted to sweat it out, Body Evolution provided a double dose of Zumba to get our muscles working and smiles beaming.
Participants also enjoyed the sounds of song by CP Unlimited’s Oliver Melton, Habilitation Aide, who treated us to two sweet serenades. We also helped educate folks about the different ways we use adaptive equipment and integrate physical, speech, and occupational therapies from James Levy, CP’s Vice President of Clinical Services.
It was a day of learning, fun, community-building, giveaways, and color, and we look forward to meeting more neighbors and continuing to provide leading support to people throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley. Congratulations to our raffle winners and a big thanks to DJ Pri who spun fun tunes all day long!
We would like to thank our partners at AHRC, Center for Independence of the Disabled NY, Foundation For Dignity Ltd., Healthy Start Program, National Lighthouse Museum, The Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, Metro Health Partners, NYC Problem Gambling Resource Center, NYC Children, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, South Shore Community Food Pantry, True Care, United Network for Early Childhood Education, and Venture House, who exhibited and engaged with the many attendees!
Thank you as well to George J. Passariello who helped convene the four high-revving rides and their outstanding owners, which thrilled children and adults alike, including his own 1979 Corvette Stingray, Vinny Alcaras, who brought a 1970 Pontiac GTO, George Christo with a 2015 Corvette, and Lou who came in with his 2017 Corvette Z06. You can see even more cars on June 25 at the Cars Care Show at the College of Staten Island, the proceeds of which benefits CP Unlimited!
If you missed the day, you can return on Wednesday, June 21 for our Day Habilitation and Article 16 Open House at The Cora Hoffman Center. We look forward to welcoming everyone from the community!
See a slideshow of participants, partners, and proceedings from June 3:
