New York State Senator Bill Weber, Ranking Member of the Senate Disabilities Committee, paid an in-depth visit to Hamaspik of Rockland County, touring multiple program sites and meeting directly with participants, families, and staff to gain firsthand insight into the vital services the organization provides to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Hamaspik of Rockland serves individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Rockland and Westchester Counties, offering comprehensive support from early intervention through adulthood. The agency operates nine group homes in Rockland County, four Day Habilitation programs, and four out-of-school respite programs, supporting hundreds of families with care, guidance, and community integration.
The visit began at one of Hamaspik’s Day Habilitation and After-School Respite programs, where Senator Weber was warmly welcomed by program members and staff. During the tour, the Senator spent time interacting personally with participants, including a young individual who shared his dream of becoming a police officer. Senator Weber, whose father and brothers are retired and active law enforcement officers, said the moment was especially meaningful to him.
“It is so meaningful to serve on the Disabilities Committee and to see the great work of Hamaspik of Rockland firsthand,” Senator Weber said. “Meeting the individuals in the program and hearing directly from them, as well as from the staff, was incredibly touching. Their strength and determination continue to inspire me in my work on behalf of the disabilities community.”
Following the program visit, Senator Weber toured Hamaspik’s headquarters, where he met with staff members who expressed pride and appreciation for the personal visit from a state legislator. The tour concluded with a roundtable policy discussion focused on the challenges currently facing families and service providers. Senator Weber listened attentively, took notes, and requested follow-up materials to continue addressing these issues.
“It was clear that Senator Weber is deeply invested in the wellbeing of individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Joel Freund, Executive Director of Hamaspik of Rockland. “As Ranking Member of the Disabilities Committee, he is committed to improving systems for families, and his visit showed a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference.”
Senator Weber thanked the staff, families, and program participants of Hamaspik of Rockland County for their warm welcome and expressed his commitment to continued collaboration to strengthen disability services and support systems across Rockland County and New York State.
