In every corner of Rockland County, there are quiet forces helping people live fuller, more independent lives. One of those forces is YAI,an organization that has spent nearly 70 years advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and giving them the tools, support, and confidence to thrive.
For Regional Director Kathryn “Kathy” Schiavi, who oversees all of YAI’s Hudson Valley programs, the mission is personal. She joined the organization 32 years ago as an overnight support professional because she wanted to help people lead meaningful lives. Today, she leads a region that supports thousands of individuals and families — but the heart of the work remains the same: dignity, growth, and inclusion. YAI began as a visionary idea from a Brooklyn couple who believed people with disabilities deserved more than institutional living. Their first program served just seven people. Today, YAI supports more than 20,000 individuals across New York, New Jersey, and California. In Rockland County alone, YAI provides residential homes, respite programs, and a robust employment program that connects individuals with jobs they love and where they flourish.