For nearly three decades, the ladies and gentlemen receiving Day Services at the Farmingdale 1 have built lasting friendships, celebrated milestones and strengthened their community together. On January 30, they celebrated 28 years with an anniversary party that included 1998 trivia game, creating a memory poster, sweet treats, and an award ceremony.  

Day Habilitation services provides people with developmental disabilities with a dedicated space to work on socialization, personal development, and community exploration alongside supportive staff. People supported with Day Services are often called “volunteers” due to the significant community service work they do.  

“I like to help out and like to do the dog biscuits for the shelter. Back in ‘06, ’07, we started doing that. We still do it here and there, it’s really great,” Michelle Bontempo said. “Also, I liked when we did senior food shopping, but we haven’t done that for a while. I’d like to do that again.” 

Michelle along with Matthew Fasano, Donna Moles, Michelle LaSerra, Christopher Mooney, and Donna Goldman have been attending Farmingdale 1 since its opening in 1998.  

Michelle has a keen memory and remembers everyone’s name and the year they joined the location. This made Michelle essential in helping Carrie Ramacca, Manager, and Laurette Holst, Assistant Manager, make award certificates for the 31 people who attend Farmingdale 1.  

Throughout the years the people and staff have visited parks, worked on crafts and projects, and benefited others in powerful ways.  

Michelle and James Parks, who joined Farmingdale 1 in 1999, fondly remembered the times they volunteered at a local nursing home.  

James shared how much he loved being there for the seniors and how appreciative the seniors and staff were for their visits. The volunteers were patient and caring; they also alerted staff anytime they noticed a senior needed attention. 

Rita Nichols, Direct Support Professional (DSP), shared how working at Farmingdale 1 enriches her life. “We get to do stuff that we never have time to do,” said Rita. “Museums, trips, parks. We learned so much of Nassau and Suffolk that we never knew about.” 

Catherine Mooney, Christopher’s mother, attended the celebration to support Chris and his peers. “ Laurette and Carry are absolutely fabulous,” Catherine said. “They invent things for them, they’re always thinking. I mean look at the place, it’s really great.”