Fire Island & Great South Bay News recently highlighted the flourishing one-year partnership between St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Sayville, and People’s ARC of Suffolk County, a collaboration that has redefined community inclusion in Sayville.
The article, “St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and People’s ARC See Partnership have Flourished in its First Year,” details how the church welcomed a community-based adult day program to its campus five days a week. Over the past year, participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities have become vital partners in St. Ann's daily life—gaining vocational experience by running the church thrift shop, stocking the food pantry, and building meaningful connections with local residents.
“It’s a part of the umbrella, the bloodline of St. Ann’s,” said The Rev. Benjamin Brenkert, Rector of St. Ann’s and Fire Island Ministries. “People with disabilities are part of the community. They’re not others; they’re not safe outsiders or fringe characters; they’re part of our society.”
As both organizations look to the future, plans are already underway to expand the partnership through a new community garden and additional vocational opportunities, continuing St. Ann’s vital mission of faith, service, and full community integration.