Northport, NY – AHRC Suffolk, a longstanding leader in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, proudly announced the Grand Opening of its newest facility, the People’s Arc Performing Arts Center of Northport, located at 51 Scudder Avenue in Northport, NY. The People’s Arc Performing Arts Center of Northport is a new theatrical approach to services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Using performing arts disciplines (music, theater, dance, digital arts), people-supported, community teaching artists, clinicians, and direct support professionals will work collaboratively to guide people in exploring what matters most to them. The center will also provide a wide range of innovative services aimed at enhancing creative expression and fostering community engagement.
The People’s Arc Performing Arts Center will feature an array of programs, including the cutting-edge ARC-TV broadcast studio, which will serve as a platform for individuals to explore media and communication arts. The facility will also house a theatre program and offer dance and music classes designed to engage participants of all abilities in creative pursuits. These programs are part of the organization’s broader vision to integrate arts into the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion and self-expression.
The Grand Opening was a huge success that took place on Wednesday, September 25th, and featured a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Jennifer Cook, star of the triple Emmy award-winning Netflix and HBO series, “Love on the Spectrum US.” Cook, a prominent advocate for the neurodiverse community, shared her experiences and insights with attendees, offering inspiration and raising awareness about the importance of inclusion. The result of the collaboration between Cook and AHRC Suffolk is a curriculum which will be used to help each individual achieve the goals they set for their relationship needs.
We’d like to extend a special thank you to NYS Senator Mario Mattera, and staff from Congressman LaLota and Suffolk Legislator Bontempi’s offices for joining us. We are beyond thankful to have the support from our friends at Northport Chamber of Commerce, The Spirit of Huntington Art Center, The Trinity Church of Northport, and all our AHRC Suffolk staff, board members and vendors. It takes a village, and we are grateful for ours!
For more than 70 years, AHRC Suffolk has been dedicated to providing person-centered, integrated services that support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through dynamic and forward-thinking programs, the organization has enriched the lives of thousands of individuals across Suffolk County, fostering an environment in which everyone can thrive and grow.
“We are incredibly excited to unveil the People’s Arc Performing Arts Center, which represents our ongoing efforts to innovate and expand our services,” says John McGuigan, CEO of AHRC Suffolk. “This center will serve as a community of opportunity for self-expression, creativity, and growth.”
For over seven decades, AHRC Suffolk has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides person-centered communities where individuals of all ages and abilities enjoy life to its fullest.
