Person Centered Care Services, Inc.

08/27/2026

Person Centered Care Services and A Very Special Place, Inc. are coming together to host a hybrid Medicaid Advocacy Roundtable on Wednesday, September 9th.

As disability service providers, we know that Medicaid is more than just health insurance. For people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals that support them, it is the difference between inclusion and isolation. Changing documentation and recertification requirements create gaps, delays, and denials that negatively impact everyone; leading to isolation, regression, and negative health outcomes.

Together, we can advocate for systems changes that protect people with disabilities, their families, and the networks that support them.

This event will include a moderated Q&A, an open forum discussion, and a collective letter-writing campaign to our local representatives.

Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: The Commons, 145 Friendship Ln, Staten Island, NY 10314
Virtual: Microsoft Teams

You can register to join us in person or virtually at the link here: https://www.tinyurl.com/MedicaidRoundtableForm

08/27/2026

We’re excited to invite you to celebrate PCCS' 25th anniversary as we celebrate years of impact, community, and belonging at the 25th Anniversary Gala. This milestone event honors the people who make our mission possible—our dedicated staff, supporters, partners, and the people and families we serve.

Inspired by the theme “Born to Belong,” the evening will highlight the belief that every person deserves to be valued, included, and empowered to live a life of purpose and connection. Over the past 25 years, PCCS has worked to create opportunities where people with disabilities can thrive, build meaningful relationships, and fully participate in their communities.

The gala will be a meaningful evening centered on PCCS’ mission to create opportunities for people with disabilities to live full, connected, and self-directed lives. Together, we will reflect on the progress we have made and reaffirm our commitment to a future where every person is included, valued, and truly Born to Belong.

25th Anniversary Born to Belong Gala

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: LiGreci’s Staaten - 697 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310
Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Ticket Price: $150

Tickets can be purchased here: https://givebutter.com/PCCSBorn2BelongGala

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of impact, community, and the belief that everyone is Born to Belong.

For questions about tickets & sponsorships, contact [email protected]

08/24/2026

PCCS is hoping you’re having a happy Monday!

John stopped in the room to see what events PCCS has coming up.

He left with a thumbs up for good vibes. 👍

08/20/2026

Throwback Thursday to the PCCS 2025 Formal!

People supported, staff, and families came together for an unforgettable night filled with great music, big smiles, and plenty of dancing.

Who’s ready to hit the dance floor again?

Photo 1: A man in a suit standing in front of a white background.
Photo 2: A woman in a black dress smiling with a table behind her.
Photo 3: Two women grouped together and smiling for a photo.
Photo 4: Three women and one man staring straight at a camera and smiling with a white backdrop that has the PCCS logo on it.
Photo 5: A man is smiling and holding the shoulders of another man, who is giving a thumbs up gesture.

08/13/2026

Come meet Brendon and Janelle at the 5th Annual UFT Back to School BBQ, learn about what the organization does, and enjoy the summer sun with some fun. ☀️

08/12/2026

Get ready to grab the mic and sing your heart out!
Join us for an exciting night of karaoke, good food, and unforgettable performances.

Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Hop Shoppe Garden
2655 Richmond Ave. Staten Island, NY 10314

The Hop Shoppe Garden will donate 20% of your bill to our organization when you mention to your server that you are supporting Person Centered Care Services!

There will be a 50/50 raffle (cash only)!

Karaoke starts at 8 PM.

Sign Up Here: https://forms.office.com/r/XLVvqKDuXq

This event will be held outdoors and is weather permitting.

For questions, contact Giovanella Stewart at [email protected]

08/11/2026

Big News for Direct Support Professionals!

We’re incredibly proud to announce an exciting new partnership between Person Centered Care Services (PCCS) and the College of Staten Island (CSI) that recognizes the professional training and experience of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) as valuable college-level learning.

Through this collaboration, incoming and current CUNY students who are Direct Support Professionals may be eligible to receive up to 8 college credits toward an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Human Services for completed OPWDD-required training or qualifying DSP training certifications.

That’s potentially almost an entire semester of required coursework—earned through training that was already completed, at no additional cost!

This opportunity can help DSPs:
- Enter college with credits already earned
- Reduce the amount of coursework needed toward an A.S. in Human Services
- Build a stronger pathway from DSP training to higher education and career advancement
- Potentially continue their educational journey toward further study in fields such as Social Work

This opportunity was made possible through collaboration between PCCS and CSI, including work to align DSP training objectives with college course objectives and create a meaningful pathway for our workforce.

As outlined by CSI, credits are awarded following a review of training documentation and are subject to current college policies.

We’re proud to be part of a partnership that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and experience DSPs already bring to their work—and helps turn that experience into educational and career opportunities.

DSPs are officially listed on CUNY’s Credit for Prior Learning site!

Learn more about the program and eligibility through the College of Staten Island [CSI Credit for Prior Learning]: (https://www.csi.cuny.edu/admissions/applying-csi/adult-learners/credit-prior-learning)

CSI Social Work Program

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08/11/2026

We wanted to share a helpful free resource for families looking for accessible playgrounds throughout New York City.

Playdar maps NYC public playgrounds and allows families to filter locations based on accessibility features, including:

- Wheelchair ramps onto play equipment
- Adaptive swings by age group
- Mobility transfer systems
- Companion seating
- Sensory-friendly spaces
- Accessible bathrooms

NYC Parks provides detailed accessibility information for separate playgrounds, but this information can be difficult to search across hundreds of separate pages.

Playdar brings that information together in one searchable, filterable map.

Of the 1,015 NYC Parks playgrounds included:
- 215 have a wheelchair ramp onto play equipment
- 108 have an adaptive swing for ages 5–12
- 43 have both features

Explore the map: getplaydar.com

The resource is free and has no ads or sales component.

Please feel free to share this resource with families and people who may find it useful!

08/10/2026

Heat exhaustion and dehydration can build over days. It’s important to take precaution, stay hydrated, and avoid extended time outside if you can.

You can locate your COOL OPTIONS here: https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/

You can stay informed by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 to sign up for free emergency alerts.