About Us

    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

    Patricia Bassey
    Frank DeSiervo
    Melissa Dewitt
    Jonathan Gatsik
    John Guattery
    Frank Hariton
    Glen Heller
    Daniel Hulse
    Edward Lekis
    Cheryl Marsh
    Cheryl Sanza
    Matthew Searles
    Richard Smith
    Carmel Vobis

     

    President & CEO

    Ronald Colavito

     

     

    Executive Director

    Michele Quigley, MPA

    Structure/Partners

    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). Meaningful NY’s sponsor organizations are among New York State’s finest and have demonstrated decades-long experience and advocacy to advance the cause and quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

    The seven sponsor organizations are:

    • Access Supports for Living
    • Birch Family Services
    • Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State
    • HeartShare
    • Lifespire
    • Services for the UnderServed
    • The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics