Deneen

Keith Sellner loves fairs and wanted to share his story about a visit this year. I was excited to go to the fair and enjoy the food and rides.  The old farm equipment and car exhibit was lots of fun but I really enjoyed petting the animals. I talked to the owners of the animals and they told me all about them. My favorite animals were the horses because they were not only big and beautiful but calm enough to pet. When I got there the smell of the food made me very hungry.  I decided on chicken barbecue for lunch along [...]

The Acquired Brain Injury Program’s Men's Group recently took a trip to the Six Mile Waterworks for a fishing excursion. For many of the Men, it was their first time fishing since receiving their brain injury. Brian Taylor caught the most fish of the group with four fish. Together they enjoyed a picnic lunch of Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn on the Cob, and Potato Salad. Their conversation flowed easily and everything felt “wonderfully normal.” The group looks forward to identifying a location for another BBQ soon. Brain Injury Services Intake/Operations Manager Todd Del Marter said, “These outings are not impromptu. Several [...]

There’s always something fun going on at our East Greenbush Site Based Program. Our site-based support team provides participants with the necessary support while working on their goals through creative and innovative activities. For example, Corey enjoys working with staff on math skills on their new touch screen TV. He also takes some time to express his creativity with colorful designs. Mikayla enjoys getting out into the community with staff, favoring the energy of Crossgates Mall as a destination. Living Resources’ Site-Based Day Habilitation program offers individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn and improve their skills for meaningful, independent [...]

Congratulations to College Experience Program graduate Miranda Polmatier, who will be working a White Cap at the Saratoga Race Course this summer. For those unfamiliar with the term, a White Cap is an usher hired by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).  Some of Miranda's important duties will include collecting tickets, wiping seats, and greeting customers when they enter the premises. The College Experience is a certificate program that provides students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to attend college, be part of a campus community, and take part in a program that helps them transition to independent adult life. The College [...]

Aloha! The Day Community Opportunities Program of Warren, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties collaborated to celebrate summer by holding a Luau. The groups gathered at a pavilion in Saratoga Spa Park for swimming, dancing, and yard games. Nothing says Luau like a great barbecue and this group aimed to please. Lunch was ono- delicious- special thanks to Saratoga DCOP Assistant Manager James Carrion for working the grill. Help us say Mahalo- thanks to all the staff for their great cooperation in making the day such an amazing success!

Our Saratoga and Warren County Day Community Opportunity Program (DCOP) groups recently collaborated to hold a Field Day. They played numerous games, danced to music, and feasted on “make your own” ice cream Sundaes and S'mores. You know you’re having a great time when rain isn’t seen as a problem, but actually adds to the fun of the day! The DCOP is a “without walls” program offered throughout the Capital/Saratoga Region, as well as Taconic and Hudson Valley, for adults 18 years and older. Individuals in the program participate in a wide variety of activities/experiences and skill-building classes throughout the communities [...]

Our Adventure Program participants recently finished two weeks of fun and excitement, embracing Helen Keller’s quote, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” This program offers full-day recreational opportunities to children and young adults with developmental disabilities during school gap week in February and the last two weeks of June. This June, they experienced swimming, yoga, candle making, trampolines, pottery painting,  a sensory gym, and more while creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. They ended their week with a Luau party complete with grass skirts, ice cream sundaes, music, and dancing. Staff and participants had a great [...]