Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. [FREE]

05/01/2026

🚨 FINAL PUSH: SHARE THIS MESSAGE 🚨

New York’s final budget is being decided right now. This is our last chance to be heard.

Today, we’re asking everyone to take one simple action:
👉 Share this post and tag key decision-makers.

Tag:
.stewartcousins heastie

Copy and share this message:
New York must include a full 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase in the final budget. People with disabilities—and the workforce that supports them—cannot wait.

Your voice matters. A single post can make a difference—and together, we can’t be ignored.

05/01/2026

Real progress is being made in New York’s I/DD system—but it’s still fragile.

We are past the point of temporary, short-term fixes. Sustaining that progress requires long-term, reliable funding.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve uninterrupted care and dependable services—but that stability is not guaranteed without continued investment.

That’s why the final state budget must include a full 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to support providers, strengthen the workforce, and protect the gains we’ve made.

We’ve come too far to lose momentum. Let’s make the I/DD community a true priority.
.stewartcousins .heastie

04/23/2026

We’re proud to have team members like Tito who truly embody what it means to be a Direct Support Professional. His words say it best—this work is about purpose, connection, and making a meaningful impact every day.

At FREE, we see firsthand how our DSPs change lives—not only for the people they support, but within our entire community. Thank you for all that you do and for sharing your story. 💙

04/22/2026

🏐🎉 Champions Celebration! 🎉🏐

Our volleyball champions, Hits & Giggles, had an amazing time celebrating their big win with a special lunch in their honor! 🏆✨

The team was all smiles as they received their well-earned trophies—such a proud moment recognizing their hard work, teamwork, and incredible spirit on and off the court. 💙

Congratulations to Hits & Giggles on an outstanding season! 👏🥇

04/22/2026

💙 Join FREE in Supporting an Incredible Cause! 💙

At FREE, we’re especially proud to support our very own FREE Lightning Bocce Team as they participate in this incredible fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics New York.

Every dollar raised helps provide opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and shine—and helps our FREE Lightning Bocce Team get to the games and go for the gold! 🥇

Our athletes give their all on the bocce court—demonstrating teamwork, determination, and true sportsmanship every step of the way. Through programs like these, they’re not only competing, but building confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of community.

We invite our FREE family, friends, and community to stand behind our team and support this meaningful cause. No donation is too small—every contribution makes a difference!

👉 Donate or learn more here: https://loom.ly/lxXmhUo

Let’s come together to champion inclusion, celebrate ability, and cheer on our FREE Lightning Bocce Team all the way to victory! 💪✨

Help Free Lightning Go For The Gold!

04/20/2026

Planning for the future starts today 💙

Join us for an Elder Care Planning Seminar in partnership with Russo Law Group, hosted by the National Foundation for Human Potential. This exclusive event is designed to help you navigate elder care decisions with clarity and confidence.

📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 In-person at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (Old Bethpage, NY)
💻 Or join us virtually via Zoom

During this seminar, you’ll learn how to:
• Plan ahead before a medical or long-term care situation becomes urgent
• Gather important documents and information in advance
• Understand key considerations when exploring care options

✨ Complimentary admission + light refreshments provided

Spots are limited—register today by clicking the link https://loom.ly/4_5OsFE or scanning the QR code!

04/18/2026

We’re excited to share that Erin Colton will be our emcee for this year’s Gala! 🎉

An Emmy Award-winning anchor for News 12 Long Island, Erin has been a trusted voice in our community since 2004. A graduate of Syracuse University, she began her career as a production assistant and quickly rose to the anchor desk through her talent, dedication, and passion for storytelling.

We are honored to have Erin bring her warmth, energy, and enthusiasm to such a meaningful evening as we come together to celebrate and support our mission.

✨ Join us for a night of inspiration, celebration, and impact!

Celebration of Life Gala
📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Reserve your spot, RSVP, or make a donation today https://loom.ly/22ii9cg can’t wait to celebrate with you!

04/15/2026

🌽🥕 Fresh from the farm to your table! 🥬
We’re excited to share that Al’s Farm Stand CSA is officially launched! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally grown vegetables all season long while supporting our local farmers.
🌱 CSA shares are limited and spots fill quickly, so be sure to sign up soon if you’re interested!
For more information or to join, please contact John at info@familyres.org.
Happy eating! 🍅💚

04/13/2026

What an incredible time we had during Vacation Respite this past week! 🌟📸
From fun-filled activities and big smiles to unforgettable memories made with friends, every moment was packed with joy, laughter, and adventure.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this week so special for the individuals we support—we loved every second of it! 💙

Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments from an amazing week!

04/10/2026

What an amazing time at Pride Night with the New York Islanders! 🌈🏒

From great food and sweet treats to nonstop fun and unforgettable moments, the night was filled with energy, pride, and community. We are so grateful to be part of such a special celebration—already looking forward to the next one! 💙🧡

04/09/2026

Get ready for a spooktacular show! 🖤🎭

The FREE Players have been hard at work rehearsing and are so excited to present The Addams Family! From laughs to lively performances, this is one show you won’t want to miss.

📅 Show Dates & Times:
Friday, May 15 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM

📍 Location: Stage 74 in Commack

🎟️ Tickets: $20
Purchase in advance by emailing ticketsales@familyres.org
or grab yours at the door!

Come out and support our talented performers—it’s sure to be a hauntingly good time! 👻✨

04/08/2026

Big congratulations to our graduating cohort of FREE’s Leadership Training Series! 🎓✨

We’re so proud of your commitment to growth, leadership, and making a difference every day. Your dedication and passion continue to strengthen our organization, and we can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make moving forward! 💙

Here’s to the next chapter of leadership and success—way to go! 👏