People’s Arc of Suffolk and Sayville High School Students Cultivate Inclusion and Career Inspiration Through Greenhouse Collaboration in Sayville
Sayville, NY (June 9, 2025) – A unique partnership between People’s Arc of Suffolk and local high school students recently blossomed at the organization’s Greenhouse Program in Sayville, demonstrating how shared learning experiences can spark empathy, inspiration, and future career pathways.
Students from Sayville High School’s Community Connect Program visited the Meadowedge Greenhouse, located at the West Sayville Golf Course, for a day of hands-on engagement with the people supported by The People’s Arc. Together, they planted, learned about horticulture, and participated in meaningful conversations about careers in special education and disability services.
“I knew this would be a great experience for all the students, teachers, and our people from The People’s Arc, but it was even more rewarding for me,” said Denise Giordano, Assistant Director of Day Habilitation at The People’s Arc of Suffolk. “I was able to speak with the students about possible career paths and the benefits of working in this very specialized field. To my delight, they were so invested in the conversation about special education careers. It was so exciting to see these young adults be so interested—and even greater to witness their enthusiasm. It filled my heart with hope and love for the future of our people.”
The Greenhouse Program is part of The People’s Arc’s broader effort to foster independence and personal growth among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training, recreational activities, and community inclusion. For the visiting students, the experience provided hands-on insight into a rewarding field and encouraged them to consider futures in human services and advocacy.
This collaboration reflects The People’s Arc’s mission to build person-centered communities rooted in dignity, connection, and opportunity. It also highlights the power of intergenerational partnerships to nurture understanding, challenge assumptions, and build a more inclusive future.
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PR Contact: Jody Fisher, 347-419-0444 / jody@jodyfisherpr.com
