CRP Hosts Festive Hanukkah Celebration, Welcomes Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
With latkes sizzling and holiday songs filling House 28, young men and dedicated staff from the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) in Lido Beach came together for the celebration of lights. The house was filled with the festive holiday spirit as State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined in the CRP’s annual tradition.
Around the large dining room table, children learned the meaning of Hannukah, sang holiday songs, and enjoyed delicious latkes and gelt. CRP Speech-Language Therapist Deborah Lapidus began the event in 2009 and continues to lead the gathering. This year was particularly meaningful, as it was the first one to include the children and staff from all three Lido Beach houses.
“I want our kids to understand the basics of the Hanukkah holiday and enjoy the food and fun that is part of it,” said Deborah.
Following the ceremony, Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick met with agency CEO Stanfort Perry, parent advocate Brandon Semilof and CRP Program Director Sean Stallings on the successes of the children, the extraordinary work of direct support professionals, and the need for 2024 investment in these services.