residential living

As Emily Heiss approached the U-shaped brick home, her heart raced. It was her first day on the job as a Direct Service Professional (DSP) at YAI’s Old South Path residence

Thanks to quick thinking and seamless coordination among YAI’s Long Island staff, residents at YAI’s Sprucewood location are settling back into their routines after an electrical fire destroyed part of their home on March 25. The bright spring day turned ominous when smoke alarms sounded throughout the rooms at Sprucewood. Although there was no immediate sign of fire, the home’s staff leapt into action to make sure everyone was safely evacuated.

Phone calls are a constant in a residential program. Whether it’s the bus matron giving a heads up on an arrival time, a family member calling with a question, or a robocall offering an extended car warranty, the phone is always ringing. Recently, one phone call at YAI’s Foothill residence in Queens brought some heartwarming news.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to open a new residence at YAI? Check out what Hudson Valley Regional Director Kathy Schiavi wrote to the Waterview Team after they opened their region's first new home in 16 years.

Going to Disney has been one dream that has consistently been brought up over the years by residents at YAI’s Glen Cove residence. As a team that is constantly looking for ways to spread the person-centered mindset within the program, it seemed obvious that when one of the Glen Cove family members generously made a donation to fund a vacation, Disney was the obvious choice. There were significant hesitations given the lack of experience with airplanes among the people we support. When the idea...

About two years ago, a little Goldendoodle named Monty entered the life of Tarrytown staffer Ken Reedy. Ken started bringing Monty in for visits and noticed how beneficial Monty was to the day hab participants and other staff. Derrick S., who receives services at the day hab, said to Ken, “Monty is my best friend because I’m adopted too.” As BIS Inetta Clemons-D’Urso described, “Monty has added an increased sense of comfort and safety, with an added benefit of touch therapy. The emotional...

Who better to describe what YAI does than a person we support? Here is Howard S.’s story, which he recently shared at the BIP Conference in Albany .

Meet Derreck Johnson, one of YAI's wonderful volunteers ! Originally from the Bahamas, Derreck is 27 years old and holds a master's in psychology from NYU. He discovered YAI by chance — while walking down the street one day, he saw a pamphlet in a window and decided to walk in on a whim. After filling out an application, completing interviews, and clearing background checks, he was able to join the YAI team! Nine months later, Derreck continues to enrich the lives of people who live in YAI's...