Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. Welcomes Newly Confirmed Commissioner of the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities

Old Bethpage, NY – On Friday, March 11, 2022, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) enthusiastically welcomed the newly confirmed Commissioner of the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Kerri Neifeld, to their Old Bethpage, NY headquarters. Commissioner Neifeld toured FREE’s diverse range of services and met with those FREE supports as well as employees. During the tour, the Commissioner experienced performances by the FREE players, the dance group, and a special drumline performance.

“We were thrilled to host Commissioner Neifleld as she toured the region,” said Robert S. Budd, CEO FREE. “At FREE we always welcome visits from our colleagues from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities,’ he continued.

“We’re proud of the work we do here at FREE,’ said Dr. Christopher Long, President, FREE. “It was a pleasure to introduce Commissioner Neifeld to members of our staff and have her meet with our self-advocates and parent groups,” he continued.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), founded in 1977, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness, and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community, and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

FREE also collaborates with a variety of diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners on educational, vocational, rehabilitative and a myriad of other creative initiatives to enhance the local communities and the lives of more than 25,000 people that reside within them. Each of the valued partners of the FREE Network has a unique mission, vision and strategic goals that are aligned in purpose, and embody the spirit of the meaningful work we do every day. For more information, please call 516-870-7000 or visit www.familyres.org.