Local organization celebrates 74 years of serving the disabled

AHRC New York City honored Rick Guidotti, founder of Positive Exposure, and Toni Agovino, a former AHRC NYC Board Member during its 74th anniversary celebration virtually on May 17.

The organization got started when a small group of parents joined together to obtain services for their children with developmental disabilities who were then considered not able to be educated. The parents came together to support each other, ensuring their children were provided every opportunity to grow.

Agovino and her family have been involved with the organization for decades. Toni’s father, Al, served as board president of the organization for many years, in honor of his daughter Eleanor, who used to receive its services.

AHRC NYC CEO Marco Damiani giving opening remarks during the celebration. Photo by Milette Millington

“I learned in my early years the power of camaraderie and working towards common goals, providing our loved ones with the quality of life and services that they so richly deserved. I saw how hard my parents and all the other families fought for services, and it changed me,” Agovino said in receiving the Anne Kraus Award.

“My sister Eleanor taught me unconditional love,” added Agovino. “She taught me many of life’s lessons, and I wanted to be an advocate to help people like Elena have the best life possible.”

Former AHRC NYC Board Member Toni Agovino, accepting the Anne Kraus Award. Photo by Milette Millington

Through Positive Exposure, Guidotti and his team promote a more inclusive world through award-winning photography, films, exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs. Guidotti received the Humanitarian Award.

“I’m thrilled to receive the Humanitarian Award,” he said. “But the real honor here for me has been to collaborate with AHRC NYC for so many years.”

Positive Exposure Founder Rick Guidotti, accepting the Humanitarian Award. Photo by Milette Millington

He adds that everyone shares “the exact same need, and it’s a need to be seen, it’s a need to be heard, and it’s a need to belong. AHRC NYC represents that community, and it satisfies all of that for every single person that you serve.”

To stay updated on the work of Positive Exposure, those interested can follow the organization here:  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/positiveexposure/.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/positiveexposure/?hl=en.

To stay updated on the work of AHRC NYC, those interested can follow the organization here:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AHRC.NYC

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ahrcnyc

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahrc-new-york-city/

To support AHRC NYC, those interested can make a donation here: https://donate.onecause.com/ahrcnycfoundation/donate.