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Our goal is to be there for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for every life moment. That means investing more in our homes, day habilitation services, and other programs. Everyone we support deserves a safe and comfortable environment, and with your help, we can make that a reality.
“I know she listens and really cares about me.”
When Edward Gabari is having a difficult day, he knows that a walk with his Direct Support Professional (DSP), Mariia Naberezhna, is all it takes to brighten his mood.
“I love talking with Mariia when we walk around the neighborhood. It makes me happy because I know she listens and really cares about me,” said Edward.
Their bond has grown stronger over the past year, and together, they’ve built a relationship founded on trust, care, and shared interests. From arts and crafts to cooking, they enjoy spending time together. On a recent evening, Naberezhna helped Gabari prepare one of his favorite meals—perogies. “It’s something we both love to cook,” he said.
“I like when Mariia and I cook together,” said Gabari. “When I have a bad day, she talks to me and makes me feel better.”
“Alicia has made huge strides in her ability to communicate.”
Alicia Ruffa, 45, who has a developmental disability, struggled to manage her emotions and would self-harm and break things when upset. These behaviors escalated in 2020, leading to an arrest after Alicia physically assaulted a friend. Following two years at Porterville Developmental Center in California, Alicia was released in 2022 and moved to a specialized adult residential facility in Visalia, CA, where she has been working hard to rebuild her life.
Since entering the facility, Alicia has made tremendous progress, thanks to YAI’s intensive individualized transition services. She is now focusing on gaining independence, while also prioritizing both her mental and physical health.
The key to Alicia’s progress has been a combination of mindful strategies and "green therapy," where staff have helped her stay grounded through activities like walking outdoors, encouraging her to focus on the present moment.
“Alicia has made huge strides in her ability to communicate and express her emotions,” said Cheng Saelee, Alicia’s case coordinator. “She’s developed stronger peer relationships and is more confident. She enjoys going out to community outings, spending time at the park, and she’s thriving in her day program.”
"He’s always smiling when I visit."
After years of searching for a safe and supportive home for her son, Roberto Jimenez, Veronica Gordillis found the answer to her prayers in YAI.
“This came at the perfect time, and YAI has been a true blessing,” said Veronica. “I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done. Roberto loves his room, and he’s always smiling when I visit.”
“He’s my firstborn, and I believe God gave him to me for a reason,” she continued. “I will never stop advocating for him—that’s the power of a mother’s love.”
Jimenez, who has autism and limited verbal communication, spent more than a year at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center due to severe behavioral challenges and a mental health crisis. Facing her own ongoing health struggles, Gordillis could no longer care for him full-time and was desperate to find a new home. Earlier this year, thanks to special state funding, YAI was able to move him from the hospital into one of its Long Island residences.
“It’s the first time he’s been away from home completely but seeing how well the staff care for him and keep him safe reassures me that he will be okay,” said Gordillis.