Our Mission
Meaningful NY strives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and families to live full, rich lives on their terms.
We are committed to fostering the promise of each individual to live a life of purpose through responsive, evidence-informed practices, innovative solutions, and sustainable, measurable results.
Meaningful NY’s Core Values Are:
Person-First
MEANINGFUL NY exists to provide individuals the opportunity to direct their supports & services and to live the life they choose.
Excellence
MEANINGFUL NY strives to deliver superior services that are responsive and evidence-based, rooted in the best research available, and informed by continuous quality improvement.
Shared Accountability
MEANINGFUL NY is committed to using its resources responsibly to ensure that each individual receives the services they need and deserve.
Innovation
MEANINGFUL NY seeks to lead in developing creative solutions and new approaches.
Workforce Investment
MEANINGFUL NY is committed to a positive, healthy, learning environment where professional and self-development is facilitated through rigorous training and solution focused, strength based practices.
Leadership
Meaningful NY is an emerging leader in the field on self-directed services. The Board of Directors and Executive staff are working in close partnership with NYS-OPWDD, individuals, and their families to transform the system so that it more effectively and efficiently meets the needs and interests of people with developmental disabilities across the State of New York.
Board of Directors
Thomas Buchanan
Board Chair
Liz O’Halloran
Vice-Chair
Mitzi Ambrose Washington
Secretary
John Finneran
Treasurer
Todd Kelson
Immediate Past Chair
Maureen Crush
Melissa Arenas-Dewitt
John Guattery
Frank Hariton
Daniel Hulse
Cheryl Marsh
Cheryl Sanza
Dean Scher
Matthew Searles
Richard Smith
President & CEO
Ronald Colavito
Structure
Established in 2014, Meaningful NY Initiatives for People With Disabilities, Inc. (MNY) is a federal 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation formed by the collaborative effort of leading New York based organizations whose primary purpose is to improve the quality of lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Meaningful NY is an authorized Home and Community Services (HCBS) waiver provider and is authorized to provide a full range of self-directed services including Fiscal Intermediary services, brokerage services, Community Habilitation, Pre-Vocational Services, and Supported Employment (SEMP).