Music and laughter filled Leonard’s Palazzo as people supported by AHRC Nassau’s Guardianship Services joined the Guardianship Committee and team members for the guardianship party on Sept. 21.
This year’s Disney-themed celebration was a sea of colorful t-shirts featuring Minnie, Mickey, and Donald Duck, and of course signature mouse ears. The lively event began with a dedicated photoshoot followed by fun casino-style games, from a basketball toss to axe throwing activity, as well as Disney trivia and a buffet. A talented caricature artist drew in a long line of people patiently waiting their turn for a portrait.
Guardianship services are lifelong, and Eileen Rooney, Guardianship Manager and Stephanie Hodelin, Guardianship Coordinator, and committee members celebrated the meaningful bonds they share with the people they support.
“We always have a great time,” Eileen said as she hugged guests and passed out gifts. Eileen and Stephanie buzzed around the room making sure everyone celebrating birthdays this month received a special gift.
“These relationships last for years, decades even, and it takes a lot of work and a lot of people that care about people,” Jack Garofalo, an AHRC Nassau Board Member and Guardianship Committee Member said. “When I look around at all the people here today, we have a lot of that. Good people, on both sides, from the ones taking care of people to the people we serve.”
The party welcomed nearly all of the 70 people supported through primary and alternate guardianship services, who attended with their support staff.
The environment was warm and welcoming, with people relaxing and enjoying time with each other and their guardians, Eileen and Stephanie.
Lynne Shorr, who was enjoying the fresh air, shared that she was having a good time. She said Stephanie and Eileen are good guardians because they listen to her.
Lynne regularly comes to them with questions about friendships and relationships. She understands Stephanie and Eileen’s role in her life because “I have no more mother or father” Lynne said. “They still love me from up there,” she added as she pointed to the sky.
For more information on guardianship or family support services, you can visit ahrc.org/familysupports or email info@ahrc.org.