Happy Sweet Sixteen to the BCCS CRP
With the perfect playlist, great food, and plenty of fun activities, the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) celebrated its Sweet Sixteen on Sept. 27. The beachside barbeque at Lido Beach felt like a true homecoming—recognizing current families and staff while welcoming back everyone who has been part of the program’s 16-year journey. Nearly 100 guests, including young ladies supported at the Wantagh CRP, gathered in the shared backyard of the three Lido Beach houses to enjoy games, music, and laughter. The sunny afternoon brought people together to reconnect with old friends, share stories, and make new memories together.
For sixteen years, the CRP has been a place where children grow in confidence, learn essential life skills, and prepare for the transition to adulthood. Returning to the CRP was especially meaningful for families like the Bermans.
Elisa Berman and her son Max had many positive memories. Max had a brief but impactful time at House 30, moving in at 20 years old for only a year. Yet, he made tremendous progress thanks to the team’s care and support.
Elisa attended the Sweet Sixteen “wanting to see the staff, wanting to see the parents, and just wanting to show my support, my love for this place and needing to tell them how much they still mean to me.”
Sean Stalling, Director of the CRP honored recognized longtime staff members, Cassandra Bradshaw, House Manager and Deborah Lapidus, Speech Pathologist with plaques and flowers for their 16 years of service. Mr. James Bailey, facilities team member, was also recognized for being with the CRP on its opening day back in 2009.
Cassandra, who began as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), remembered, “It was a completely new experience for me and for the residents.” She remains inspired to provide children with “independence, growth, and a voice, whether they’re verbal or not, and being able to take that to their adult program.”
As the event wound down, four keepsakes—posterboards with collages of images taken throughout the party—were created, one for each home, so residents and staff could remember the joy, celebration, and continued promise of the CRP.