AHRC NYC was thrilled to welcome Councilmember Amanda Farias for a visit on Friday, October 18. CM Farias represents District 18 in the Bronx, covering the neighborhoods of Soundview, Parkchester, and Castle Hill. AHRC NYC has multiple programs located in the councilmember’s district, including a residence, Howard Haber Early Learning Center, and two day services programs. She is the current Majority Leader of the New York City Council, the second highest ranking position, and chairs the Council’s Committee on Economic Development.
CM Farias began her visit in the garden area at Howie Stone Day Services, where she was greeted by AHRC NYC leadership including Steve Towler, Senior Vice President for Employment & Day Services. Steve and his colleagues provided a broad overview of AHRC NYC’s citywide and Bronx-based services before introducing Abraham Roberts, who has been receiving AHRC NYC services for more than two decades.
“The staff members here help us do the things we want to do,” Abraham explained. “We enjoy going out into the neighborhood, and a lot of people look forward to doing their art projects.”
Abraham and others guided CM Farias to ArTech. ArTech Collective was established in 2016 as a community arts center located at the Howie Stone Day Services, now expanding its programming to all five boroughs, providing all people supported by AHRC NYC the opportunity to develop their craft. CM Farias met established artists including Cory Tyler, Eddie Carella, Teresa Harris, Jayson Valles, and Bin Feng, and received an original creation from Maria Alcantara.
AHRC NYC’s Little Free Library
CM Farias then made the short walk across the street to Huntington Free Library, an AHRC NYC community partner. The library is an independent facility open to the public, specializing in Bronx history, located in a historic 1890s Gothic Revival building. Angel Hernandez, the official Bronx Borough Historian, provided context about the library’s history and its partnership with AHRC NYC.
Earlier this year, AHRC NYC volunteers established a Little Free Library outside the building. People from our programs periodically replenish the box, providing community members with the opportunity for a free book exchange accessible 24/7. CM Farias was left impressed by the Little Free Library and AHRC NYC’s commitment to the local neighborhood.
CM Farias said, “It was great to spend the afternoon touring their day program and art studio to learn more about the work they do to support more than 15,000 New Yorkers with disabilities and their families. This new little library, while small in size, stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to nurturing literacy and fostering lifelong learning. Thank you for the invitation and I look forward to our continued partnership!”
