FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com may 14, 2015 • The Queens Courier 43 and Essential Enterprises, Inc. Family Residences home opens in Spring eld Gardens have this need and we know that you are unique and innovative and creative and can you tell us how you would support them?’” Peterson said. The Pathways to Employment program strives to create job opportunities and the agency itself employs individuals at their headquarters in Old Bethpage. “It’s sustainable employment, they’re learning job skills and receive training and support on the job,” Peterson said. In terms of the future, Peterson said the agency is hoping to expand its many services and always looks to increase the independence among the individuals it serves. Several developmental centers in the state are slated to close including Brooklyn Developmental Center in East New York and Broome Developmental Center in Binghamton. Other residential programs are in the works to absorb individuals who were living in these developmental centers, Peterson said. Many individuals with disabilities are still in crisis residences or hospitals because they have nowhere else to go. Transitional housing will be created for these individuals, according to Peterson. The agency has also partnered with the Department of Child and Family Services to help children in foster care and at risk populations including members of the LGBT community. Campione, the supervisor of the Spring eld Gardens home, said she is looking forward to planning her residents’ vacation – their rst-ever vacation. Home interior in Spring eld Gardens Residents tend to the greenhouse garden. Drum line performing at the FREE theater day program. The FREE Jazz Ensemble, shown performing at MacArthur Airport.
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