Catholic Health- St. Charles Hospital, Long Island Cares, American Diagnostic Corp., and Home Depot recognized for their support and impact
Bohemia, NY (September 18, 2025) — People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted its first annual Partners in Excellence Awards breakfast here today, honoring four local businesses and organizations that have created employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Suffolk County.
Catholic Health-St. Charles Hospital, Long Island Cares, American Diagnostic Corporation, and Home Depot were honored for playing a vital role in supporting People’s Arc of Suffolk through programs, services, and partnerships that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
“Everything we do at People’s Arc begins with putting people first — creating opportunities for meaningful work and building lives rooted in dignity and respect,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “These honorees share that same commitment. Their partnerships have been invaluable in opening doors for the people we support, ensuring that they are seen, valued, and respected by others in the community.”
People’s Arc of Suffolk supports more than 2,500 people with diverse abilities access vocational training and employment opportunities and a variety of other services to foster personal growth and independence.
“It’s significant that organizations like ours that are based in humanitarianism and advocacy embrace the population at People’s Arc of Suffolk,” said Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares. “They’re providing a service for us, but we know that in turn, we’re providing a service for them. They’re learning about this issue of food insecurity and hunger, and they are playing a role in responding to that.”
“We all want to feel like we make a difference in people’s lives and I do think the staff feels that not only does the volunteer make a difference in their life, that they make the difference in their volunteers’ lives,” said James O’Connor, President of St. Charles Hospital. “That’s really what the awards are all about.”
“I’ve had the privilege to work at Home Depot many different people, including with individuals with disabilities,” said Michele Cardaci, Assistant Manager at the Setauket Home Depot. “They’re very appreciative of the work, and it gives them an opportunity to hone in on some skills and get some practice in the workplace.”
“It’s great to see them come into work and build strong relationships with everybody,” said Mike Martone, Production Supervisor at American Diagnostic Corporation. “They show up every day. There’s no complaining. They love their jobs.”
Watch the full honorees video at: https://youtu.be/wI9Va-VZBm4
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Jody Fisher PR– 347-419-0444 / jody@jodyfisherpr.com
About People’s Arc of Suffolk
People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
