"My brother lives in a Group Home in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. I have been amazed at how the staff has come to work each day and each individual that lives in the house has been safe because of their dedication. They have followed all the COVID safety protocols, against all odds. Most travel to and from work on public transportation. There was one COVID case and a staff member put his life on the line and stayed in the ER with him. They all deserve recognition and compensation!"

"Our family has been blessed to have worked with Tamika who continues to provide us with the best information available to help my son, Angel, be his best. It’s not easy having a child with special needs but knowing that I have someone to advocate for us as well makes the world of a difference for our family." 

"I have a daughter that is now 13 and has been a part of Care Design NY for a few years. I want you to know how hard these people work around the clock to make sure our children's needs are met . No matter the issue or question or whether you have any situation they respond back very quickly.  My daughter gets community worker's support and respite care. She is part of any decision that is made to help her with her individual needs . I'm so happy to be a part of this and I'm proud of my team members who I was able to select. They are very personable and friendly and if one person doesn't have an answer, someone else does . I'm not so scared for my daughter's future because I know that the plan created to provide a quality life goes with her throughout her life. As a mother who loves her children and sometimes needs a break, it's a mental health break knowing that every worker has had a background check and I get to interview them and see if they are a right fit for her needs . From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You make my life manageable.  I am able to work and care for all my children.  When my child wants to constantly go go go and I'm on empty, I know that I have a team that I can count on. It's a tough job. So again thank you. I'm grateful for Care Design NY." 

"Maryann is the BEST DSP there is!! She’s been phenomenal over the past almost 2 years now of Covid. Always calling and checking in on my daughter. Always asking if we needed anything. Always on top of whatever services we are entitled to. She is dedicated to her individuals and a true credit to her profession. God Bless her and all the dedicated DSP staff."

My daughter is a resident of a Liberty house. Through the past many years we have reached out to my daughter's Care Coordinator, Michelle, to assist us in obtaining information or for directing any concerns that we have had as challenges with her care along the way. Michelle would always respond to me in a timely manner and then pursue a resolution to an issue. There has been fleeting problems as well as more serious concerns in the past and we could rely on Michelle to be there for our daughter every time. She is always phone call or email away. Thank you again, Michelle!

"Right after the COVID-19 lockdown started in March, 2019, our son who is a young adult with autism spectrum came back to us from his group home where he started the residential program a year ago.  His care manager regularly contacts us about how he’s been doing with us and helps us with what our son needs during the most difficult time.  We had many good ZOOM meetings with her, which has been leading us to more practical thoughts on our son’s independent living in future.  She understood what our son needed when we had some decisions to make and is helping us evaluate residential services for our son’s future and also his entire daily care program management, including mental health.  She has been supportive and caring for him and for me.  We are fortunate to have her as our son's Care Manager as an information source providing knowledge, insights from experiences and patience."

"My daughter lives in a residence in Queens and fell in love.  On April 1st 2020, the love of her life died from COVID 19. No one other than staff were allowed in the house and I was not allowed to comfort her. It was three months later than I was allowed to see her.  If it wasn’t for the compassionate care she received I don’t think she would have made it through. These people go above and beyond the call of duty.  Without them my daughter would not be as happy as she is now.  They deserve much more recognition than what they receive now." 

"My son Jordan's DSP has impacted his life positively in many ways. His newly found confidence is evident in all his everyday activities. He now takes public transportation to get to his job training independently. He no longer fears placing orders at his favorite eateries or purchasing essential items at local pharmacies and stores. He has also learned to look people in the eyes when speaking to them and advocating for himself. My son is a completely different person today because of his DSP’s patience and guidance." 

"When COVID struck in March 2020, our daughter Gina’s DSP came to our house daily so my husband and I, both doctors, could continue to go to work and take care of our patients. She continued to work with her over the year whenever her program closed due to COVID, enabling me to continue to care for patients over the last difficult year and allowed Gina to continue to participate in social and community activities as best as she could and introduced her to new at home activities like rug making and painting!"

Through Care Design NY, I use self-direction to provide respite and community habilitation support for my 11-year-old son with autism. The Care Manager helps me balance my son’s care, offers invaluable kindness and helps me keep him safe and thriving at home and in our community that includes swimming, outings to the playground, parks and pizza, reading instruction, and shopping. And I get a break so that I don’t burn out. I don’t know where we would be without these supports. Thank you Care Design NY staff for working through the pandemic to help people with disabilities get the care they need. 

"My son's Care Manager from Care Design NY has been an extraordinary advocate for my son. Her generosity and good judgment are extraordinary."