New Lake Grove Program Opens For Adults With Developmental Disabilities

LAKE GROVE, NY — People's Arc of Suffolk celebrated the opening of a new program site in Lake Grove on Tuesday, expanding opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, form relationships and engage with their communities.

The organization marked the opening of its new "Program Without Walls" location at 2780 Middle Country Road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.

People's Arc of Suffolk provides services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including adult day programs, children's services, housing, vocational training, respite care and community habilitation.

The organization's programs are designed to help participants pursue their individual interests and goals while developing meaningful connections within their communities.

The Lake Grove facility is the second new Program Without Walls site opened by People's Arc of Suffolk this year, joining existing locations in Northport, Sayville, Westhampton Beach and East Islip.

"The people we support are part of the community. They need to be giving back to their community as well, not just taking from it," said Heather Thorgersen, chief program officer of People's Arc of Suffolk. "Everybody has time, talent and resources that they can be giving to their community. We're looking forward to hearing what community means to them and how they're going to be giving back to their community."

The program will operate five days a week, providing participants with opportunities to develop new skills, build relationships and strengthen their self-esteem through volunteer work, recreational activities and partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The new location is part of the organization's ongoing effort to expand community-based services and promote greater independence and inclusion for people with disabilities throughout Suffolk County.

For more information about People's Arc of Suffolk and its programs, visit peoplesarc.org.