Kerri Neifeld, Commissioner of New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), visited AHRC NYC programs with three of her colleagues on Thursday, March 14th. Joining the commissioner included Willow Baer, Megan O’Conner Hebert, and Delia Tucker.

Guided by AHRC NYC leadership, staff members, and people supported, the OPWDD contingent began their day with a tour of our state-of-the-art Clinical Center for People with Disabilities on the 10th floor of AHRC NYC Headquarters. The group then visited a Brooklyn-based Residential Services program for people with complex medical and support needs. Finally, our Train & Earn Culinary Services treated everyone to a gourmet surf-and-turf meal while showcasing the opportunities the 15-week program provides for youth in New York City.
“Throughout our visit, we met very dedicated staff members who really and were in tune with the needs of the people they support,” Commissioner Neifeld said. “At the residence, staff deescalated a situation calmly and smartly, in a way that would have scared me but where they were completely calm about it.”

She heaped additional praise on the culinary program and Chef Daniel McCormick, Food Service Instructor.
“The food is absolutely delicious,” the commissioner said. “It’s apparent that the students are so proud of their work, and Chef Daniel seems so excited to be working with them as well.”
We extend gratitude to Commissioner Neifeld and her colleagues for their partnership and presence, and we look forward to continued cooperation between New York State government and AHRC NYC.