Juneteenth 2023

Dear Members, Families, and Friends

This year we mark the 158^th anniversary of Juneteenth. Also known as Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth combines the words "June" and "nineteenth" and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

In 2020, the New York State Governor signed legislation to make Juneteenth a state public holiday. In 2021, the President signed a bill into law making it a federal holiday. We also made this an official holiday and our offices will be closed on Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth for us to learn, celebrate, and reflect on its historical significance and importance. Click here for information on this important holiday and its value. Click here for details on events in communities across New York State.

Establishing Juneteenth as a corporate-wide holiday was one of many actions we have taken to promote understanding and foster mutual respect. Our mission and values are not just words. They are the core of who we are and what we stand for in building a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible world. We accomplish our mission by providing exceptional care coordination so individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families can live quality lives. Weaving the threads of equity and justice into everything we do is core to our mission and vision.

Individuals with IDD are at the highest risk of being excluded from society. Our dedicated care managers are removing barriers to achieve acceptance and inclusion for the members and families we support so they may live quality lives.

All our employees are committed to advancing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) strategy. We are strengthening the connections that bind us so we may further energize fulfilling our mission to promote the flourishing of individuals with IDD and their families. We are building a solid foundation where everyone feels included and welcome.  We are committed to advocating for inclusion through our DEIB initiatives and advocacy!

We hope you’ll join us in honoring the Juneteenth holiday. We encourage you to use Juneteenth as an opportunity to take a step back and make a commitment to do all we can to combat racism and the hatred that it represents. Change and progress are possible if we learn from our history. On Juneteenth, let us uplift, value, and support each other to create an inclusive, kind, and safe space for everyone.

In Gratitude & Community,

Kerry Delaney
CEO