As Thanksgiving approaches, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible dedication, compassion, and teamwork that make WILC and PILS so special. Our staff members shared their heartfelt thoughts on what they’re most thankful for, and their words beautifully capture the spirit of our mission and the community we serve. Here’s what they had to say.
I cannot let this opportunity pass without thanking the entire Staff at WILC and PILS. There are so many things to be thankful for working with such a talented crew!! Including:
Hard work, dedication, and commitment to the WILC/PILS mission, vision, and those we serve. But I genuinely applaud each of you for always supporting and being there for each other!! You all are shining stars.. THANK YOU for BEING YOU!!!.
Margaret M. Nunziato
Executive Director
Westchester Independent Living Center
In all the years I have worked at WILC and PILS the staff has been outstanding. We have a group of dedicated, compassionate and caring people who put their heart and soul into the work they do to help others. Many of us have personal experience with a disability, which builds an automatic understanding into the plight of our consumers. I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!!
Meg Valenzuela, MS Ed
Program Director of IL Services
Putnam Independent Living Services
Thankful for kindness, friendliness, and attitude of staff toward consumers with disabilities. It makes a big difference! Good holiday to all
Michael Hellman
ADA Specialist
Westchester Independent Living Center
I am thankful to have the privilege of being part of the PILS team for 16 years. The flexibility that PILS affords me has provided the opportunity to continue to work and contribute to our community. As a person with a disability, the significance of this opportunity cannot be overstated. I have always been supported and encouraged to be creative in resolving problems or improving the quality of the lives of my consumers. I am also thankful for the professional, respectful, encouraging, supportive kindness of WILC/PILS staff that supports me.
It gives me such pride and joy to help my consumers resolve problems with Social Services, Social Security, and Housing. No problem is too small or too big to resolve. I have been fortunate to build collaborative and productive relationships with the staff and administrations of these agencies who are always professional and eager to help with providing mutually beneficial resolutions.
I receive many sincere expressions of gratitude from my consumers whose lives have been improved and/or enriched through our work together. Being able to provide independent living skills instruction and witnessing the direct impact it brings to the quality of their lives always uplifts mine. And providing an example of living a productive, effective, and joy filled life with a disability is so rewarding.
Cynde Stratton, MSEd
Independent Living Advocate
Putnam Independent Living Services
I feel privileged for the opportunity to work for WILC, where I have the opportunity to contribute to the lives of individuals with disabilities on a daily basis helping them to lead their lives in the community through advocacy, and supports our program provides and oversees.
Since joining the NHTD/TBI Waiver team, I have been deeply moved by the dedication and compassion shown to every person we serve. I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact our services have on their lives, from fostering independence to building self-esteem. This has been incredibly rewarding and reinforces the importance of our mission.
I’d like to thank the wonderful mentors I have and all they have taught me to help me to grow and hone my skills. I am proud to be a part of the WILC team and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of the elderly and disabled.
Barbara Q.
I am thankful to be able to have a hybrid work schedule, thankful to have such a nice office manager/IT guy (Stephen) who is always there when you need him with a smile and thankful for Peter and Michael in the front always so helpful.
Jofran Hunter
Intake Specialist RRDS/NHTD/TBI
I am truly thankful for supportive environment WILC/PILS provides. We are one team made up of many teams and I am not only thankful for this but also proud to be part of the greater mission we collectively are able to achieve with such wonderful people all working together to enrich and enhance the lives of the people we work with.
Aimee Parks
Program Manager for NY Connects, No Wrong Door
As a fervent believer in the value and importance of a free and appropriate public education, I am thankful for the opportunity to help families advocate for better supports for their children.
Fiona Rattray
PTIC Information Specialist
Putnam Independent Living Services
I am very happy for WILC. It is truly the only place that I have worked for that is like a family. It is the only place where people stay in their jobs because they love the work but also love the organization. Happy Thanksgiving
Denise DelliSanti
With Thanksgiving around the corner, I would like to put down in words how much I appreciate our waiver team and the providers who make all of this possible. When I first started with our company, at just 21, I was completely new to this world and a little intimidated. In a few weeks’ time I started to recognize what these programs are truly capable of and just how passionate my coworkers are. However, a crucial piece to our PILS/WILC puzzle is having such great leaders to look up to on a day-to-day basis.
Kara, the very first person I talked to at PILS, has never made me feel like I couldn’t do something. I’d like to thank her for not giving up on me when I doubted my work skills in the past, she really helped me find the confidence I needed to succeed in this field. Not only is she diligent and passionate with our work that we do, but she is genuinely such a good role model. I couldn’t ask for a better leader. I know others would agree.
Starting off at PILS, I only worked with NHTD, I did not have the pleasure of working with Lisa ( even though she always made me laugh). Over time Lisa has also given me the confidence to strive to be the best I can be and I always look up to how strong of a person she is. So, thank you Lisa for continuing to uplift our office with your contagious strength and passion, you are such a great mentor to have.
I’d like to express my gratitude and appreciation for Margaret. Margaret played a big part in training me for my current position and has really helped myself and my coworker’s step outside of our comfort zones. Her guidance has not only helped me succeed professionally but also inspires me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence daily. I couldn’t thank her enough for this. “Great Leaders Inspire Greatness in Others.”
I am so thankful for our amazing team at PILS & WILC. I see that we as a whole can really improve the quality of life of not only participants, but even their family members who have tried countless times to secure a safe environment for their loved one. We really have a wonderful group of people who continuously work together and advocate for participants’ lives every single day without failure. I am very grateful to be a part of this powerful group and for everyone being so pleasurable to work with. Thank you always.
Samantha Smith
This holiday season, we invite you to express your gratitude by giving back. Your gift helps us continue empowering individuals with disabilities and making a lasting impact in our community. Visit our donation page today to make a difference.
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