AHRC NYC’s 77th Annual Meeting brought together families, staff members, and leadership to review the past year’s accomplishments, honor deserving people from many of our programs, and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities awaiting us in 2026-27.
AHRC NYC is described very lovingly as a family-governed organization. But to me, it’s more than that. It’s a family.
Patricia A. Murphy
“It began 77 years ago when several parents met at our founder Ann Greenberg’s home to discuss the future for their children,” said Patricia A. Murphy, President. “Little did they know they ended up determining the future for generations of children. By combining their individual family stories, they created a family movement which continues today.”
Year in Review
Marco Damiani, CEO, detailed our organization’s achievements since our 76th Annual Meeting in June 2025:
- Investments in our frontline staff, including increasing the starting wage to a minimum of $20 per hour
- Employment innovation from programs such as the Partnership for Inclusive Internships, Styled for Success, and Community Supported Agriculture
- International, national, and local recognition for our Education Services, the EMPath Workforce Initiative, and behavioral health programs
- An $11 million active grant portfolio supporting programs and initiatives throughout the agency, enabling AHRC NYC to improve the lives of families and staff members
Challenges in the year ahead include the concerning federal policy landscape, which could exacerbate existing direct support and clinical workforce shortages. Despite this, Marco expressed confidence in AHRC NYC’s ability to thrive.
“Our responsibility is to position AHRC New York City to seize new opportunities by being vigilant, adaptable, and responsive to the changing needs of the people and families we support in the environment in which we operate,” said Marco.
Awards for Deserving People
An Annual Meeting tradition is recognizing people for exemplifying the spirit and promise contained in AHRC NYC’s mission and values. This year we honored:
Self-advocate Bruno Hirschfeld-Stoler provided remarks ahead of the Board of Directors installation, which was performed by Jorge Petit, MD, Executive Deputy Commissioner, Director of Community Services for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Finally, Anne Gordon, a parent and longtime AHRC NYC Board Member, received the Anne Kraus Award in honor of her many decades of advocacy in support of her son, Christian.
Anne said, “Christian introduced me to a world I hadn’t known before he was born, and one in which my family and I had learned more about kindness. happiness, patience, and perseverance.”
