Affordable Housing First Proudly Sponsors The Arc Nassau’s Journey to Inclusion

Affordable Housing First was honored to stand as a sponsor and ally alongside The Arc Nassau at its annual Gala, ARCOT: A Journey to Inclusion, held Friday evening at the Callahan Fairgrounds. The event welcomed guests on a cultural journey through 15 countries, including England, Morocco, and New Zealand, with volunteers greeting attendees at each station to share how different nations embrace inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The evening concluded with a traditional Hawaiian luau dance, closing the celebration with energy and joy.

The Arc Nassau has been serving adults 18 and older since 1976, offering programs and services that foster independence and belonging. Proceeds from this year’s gala will directly support the expansion of the organization’s education department, including enriching summer camps, and will also fund the purchase of a new van for the Life Skills Development program. This program equips individuals with essential tools such as personal hygiene, communication, budgeting, and job readiness.

Affordable Housing First President Kevin Harriman reflected on the broader importance of community investment: “Having worked in the affordable housing field for the past 37 years, I can attest to the complexity of having a flourishing nonprofit. I guess if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. It’s the same throughout the country and Nassau County is no exception. Not only are dedicated employees needed, but it also takes County government, corporations, small businesses and members of each neighborhood to invest time and money into the causes that drive a community.”

Affordable Housing First celebrates the creativity and commitment of The Arc Nassau team and extends congratulations to Executive Director Jennifer Paulk and Director of Marketing & Development Megan Feldman for an inspiring and successful event. Together, as friends and neighbors, the community continues to grow stronger through shared purpose and inclusion.

Learn more about The Arc Nassau online at https://thearcnassau.org/