New Community-Based Site Expands Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Bohemia, NY (September 21, 2026) – People’s Arc of Suffolk celebrated the official opening of its new East Islip “Program Without Walls” (PWW) location here today, marking another step in the organization’s ongoing effort to expand community-based opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Suffolk County. The site joins existing PWW sites in Northport, Sayville, Westhampton Beach, and Bohemia. A sixth site is scheduled to open in Lake Grove in October.
The new location, at 59 Garfield Avenue in East Islip, reflects People’s Arc of Suffolk’s ongoing transition toward local community-based programs that provide greater opportunities for people to become involved in the neighborhoods where they live, work and spend their time.
“This new PWW location is really about reaching out into the community,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “We want the people we support to have opportunities to build relationships, try new things, develop their skills and be active participants in the communities around them. We’re excited to open these doors and become an even bigger part of the East Islip community.”
The organization’s Program Without Walls (PWW) provides community-based programming for adults age 21 and older with developmental disabilities. Participants learn new skills, build relationships and develop self-esteem through volunteerism, recreational activities and engagement with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and other community partners.
The East Islip opening is part of a broader expansion of People’s Arc of Suffolk’s community-based model. The organization has said its move into new and updated spaces across Suffolk County is intended to provide better access to community resources, increased opportunities for inclusion and engagement, and environments that better support the people it serves.
People’s Arc of Suffolk provides a wide range of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including adult day services, children’s services, housing programs, vocational services, respite and community habilitation. Its programs are designed to promote independence, dignity and meaningful community inclusion while helping people pursue their individual interests and goals.
