BOHEMIA, NY — People's Arc of Suffolk honored four Long Island organizations for their efforts to create employment opportunities and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during its second annual Partners in Excellence Awards breakfast on Sunday.
The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, Huntington Hospital, HIA-LI and Designs for Vision were recognized for their partnerships with the nonprofit organization, which provides employment, education and community engagement programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"Everything we do at People's Arc begins with putting people first — creating opportunities, building connections and helping the people we support live meaningful and fulfilling lives," said John McGuigan, CEO of People's Arc of Suffolk. "The organizations we honored this year understand the importance of inclusion and community partnership. We are proud to recognize the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, Huntington Hospital, HIA-LI and Designs for Vision for the many ways they have supported our mission and the people we serve."
The awards, established in 2025, recognize organizations that develop ongoing partnerships with People's Arc of Suffolk and the individuals it serves.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. said the recognition reflects his office's commitment to ensuring the safety of people with developmental disabilities.
"This award is very important to me and the biggest reason why is because they're recognizing that we are a partner with them and we truly care about people who have a developmental disability," Toulon said. "We want to make sure that they're equally as safe as everybody else."
Huntington Hospital was recognized for its involvement in Project SEARCH, a program that provides young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with hands-on work experience in a hospital setting.
"Huntington Hospital is proud of our collaboration with People's Arc of Suffolk through Project SEARCH, which provides young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on work experience in a hospital environment," said Joseph Volavka, vice president and deputy hospital president of Northwell Huntington Hospital. "This partnership is about more than learning job skills. It is about helping people build confidence, independence and a pathway toward meaningful employment while becoming valued members of our workplace community."
Designs for Vision was recognized for its longstanding partnership with People's Arc of Suffolk, which includes employing people with disabilities and providing workplace support through dedicated job coaches.
"DVI has a long history with People's Arc of Suffolk. It's a wonderful partnership that employs people with disabilities supported by dedicated coaches who help them excel in our workplace," said Herb Schwartz, chief financial officer of Designs for Vision.
HIA-LI, a Long Island business organization, was also honored for helping connect people served by People's Arc of Suffolk with employment opportunities.
"Our partnership has enabled the people that People's Arc of Suffolk is serving to get jobs. To work," said Anthony Forgione, director of business development with HIA-LI. "It really gives them a better quality of life, and it also brings to the businesses a satisfaction that they're really helping the community out."
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