The East 59th Street Day Habilitation program in New York City isn’t just a place for people to spend their day; it’s a vibrant hub of activity and engagement. Nominated for a DSP honor, this exceptional team of dedicated professionals consistently goes above and beyond to create an environment where individuals with developmental disabilities thrive. Deputy Director Dawn Wilson aptly describes it as a place where the team makes every program day “engaging and fun,” but it’s their commitment to the “EXTRA” that truly sets them apart and earns them this well-deserved recognition, especially within the bustling heart of 59th street.
Creating a Day Program That Goes the Extra Mile on 59th Street
What makes the East 59th street Day Hab team so special? It’s their extraordinary ability to transform routine program days into memorable experiences. While most day programs focus on providing meaningful activities, the East 59th street team elevates this concept by planning incredibly interactive events that are deeply rooted in the interests and participation of the people they support.
According to Dawn Wilson, these aren’t just ordinary outings; they are meticulously planned celebrations that become highlights for everyone involved. Imagine a “multi-cultural exhibition for Black History Month” that isn’t just a passive display, but an immersive experience. Picture an “interactive lunch for Nutrition Month” that turns healthy eating into a collaborative and enjoyable activity. Envision a “Thanksgiving Feast in a local restaurant” that fosters community and shared joy, or a “Holiday Celebration and Luncheon” filled with warmth and togetherness. The team’s creativity extends to events like “Color Picnics,” “Summer Festivals,” “Sip and Paint” gatherings, and even “guided tours of the Bronx Zoo’s special exhibits,” ensuring a diverse range of experiences. And let’s not forget the “Holiday Decorating Contest,” adding a touch of friendly competition and festive spirit to the 59th street location.
What’s truly remarkable is the level of involvement from the program participants. From the initial planning stages to the final execution, the individuals supported by the East 59th street Day Hab are at the center of it all. They actively participate in the preparations, contributing their ideas and efforts, and then get to relish the success and enjoyment of the events they helped create. The staff are instrumental in fostering this inclusive environment, ensuring that each event is not only successful but also deeply meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved at this 59th street day program.
Standing Out Through Interactive and People-Centered Events on 59th Street
The dedication of the East 59th street Day Habilitation team shines brightest in their commitment to interactive and person-centered events. Take, for example, the recent “color picnic,” inspired by a popular Instagram trend. Each classroom engaged in a democratic process, voting to select a color and an associated mascot. This collaborative spirit then extended to choosing decorations and curating color-themed picnic baskets. To amplify the sense of unity and fun, staff members even donned custom-made, color-specific shirts representing their classrooms, with administrative staff sporting shirts showcasing all the mascots. The result? A vibrant and joyful barbeque lunch where everyone, including invited SOO leadership, proudly wore their colors and enjoyed the colorful snacks they had collectively chosen and arranged. This event transformed a simple picnic into a powerful demonstration of community and shared experience right in the heart of 59th street.
Another standout example is their Black History Month celebration, a program-wide event presented for the entire DDSO/DDRO/Unions community. This wasn’t a small-scale affair; it was a full-fledged production featuring dance exhibitions, a fashion show, and educational skits, complete with costumes and props. For weeks leading up to the event, the East 59th street staff worked closely with the people they support, rehearsing lines, painting sets, and building confidence. This culminated in a powerful showcase of talent and pride, allowing individuals to demonstrate their skills to administration, family, friends, and the wider community. Dawn Wilson aptly describes it as “educational entertainment” and rightly credits the East 59th street team as the brainchild behind this amazing initiative.
Supporting OPWDD’s Mission and Enriching Lives at 59th Street
The East 59th street Day Habilitation program embodies the true spirit of OPWDD’s mission: to help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives. They understand that a day program is more than just a scheduled activity; it’s a place where individuals should feel valued, inspired, and excited to be. As Dawn Wilson emphasizes, it’s “a place they look forward to going, a place their ideas are encouraged and enhanced.”
The team’s unwavering energy and enthusiasm are poured into making every day enjoyable. But it’s the larger, meticulously planned events that truly elevate the program, giving individuals something significant to anticipate and actively participate in. They are not just passive recipients; they become the stars of the show, the authors, the illustrators – active creators of their own experiences. In doing so, the East 59th street Day Hab program provides something profoundly important: purpose. This sense of purpose, often overlooked in service provision, is central to their approach and profoundly impacts the lives of the people they support.
In conclusion, the East 59th street Day Habilitation program serves as a shining example of “people first” programming. Through their innovation, imagination, and infectious excitement, they have created a day program that is not just meaningful, but truly exceptional, enriching the lives of those they serve and setting a high standard for day programs everywhere, especially within the vibrant and dynamic community of 59th street, New York City.
