On Friday October 10th, AHRC New York City held a special renaming celebration honoring the legacy of I. William Stone, called Bill Stone by all who knew him. The location formerly known as the Howie Stone Adult Day Center, — supporting adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorders to live self-determined and meaningful lives as they build relationships and become valued members of their communities — will now be known as the Howie and Bill Stone Day Center.
Bill Stone, a devoted Board Member, former Board President, and champion for people with disabilities, and his beloved son Howie, who passed away in 2010, together taught us that dignity has no bounds, love is a powerful force, and advocacy can change the world.
Day and Employment Services with Anne Gordon, member of AHRC NYC’s Board of Directors
Bill was a Board Member for close to 50 years and served as President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. He chaired and served on a number of Board Committees and was on The Arc New York Board of Governors. He was a devoted family man and a fierce advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, playing a pivotal role in helping to created programs for individuals like his son Howie, a person who lived with multiple disabilities. Bill passed away in 2020, although his memory and the impact of his advocacy endures.
Many people attended the renaming celebration including City Council Member Eric Dinowitz and his father Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, who both know Bill from his civic involvement. Robert Goldsmith, a former Associate Executive Director of AHRC NYC, spoke about his admiration for Bill. Harriet Golden, the recently retired Director of the organization’s Adult Day Services department, spoke about Bill’s work in building the center and the ArTech Program that is part of the center now bearing his name.
Abraham Roberts, a person served at the center since its opening, spoke about how he has benefited from participating in the center. Linda Schwartz, Bill’s daughter and his wife of long years, Dorothy Stone, spoke about Bill and his beloved son Howie in ways only a family member can speak. The day was moving and meaningful and a celebration of what AHRC NYC and those committed to the mission have wrought for endless numbers of families.
