Ability Beyond’s Autumn Mental Health Breakfast was a tremendous success! With 400 supporters gathering at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, it was a beautiful morning that honored four community leaders whose leadership, advocacy, and day-to-day work helps those affected by mental health challenges and offers them a chance to build independence, resilience, and discover joy.

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was awarded the Celine Karraker Memorial Award. Hayes has been a tireless advocate for mental health accessibility in Connecticut and nationally, and is a true insider to our mission and residential programs. Dr. Michael Barberie received the Above & Beyond Award as Ability’s psychiatrist beloved by his patients and staff and has been a wise and guiding force for forty years in the lives of people we serve.

Nancy Wang-D’Amato, APRN, was recognized with the Theresa Foss Memorial Award for her unwavering commitment to supporting Ability consumers dealing with drug use disorders during their recovery journeys. In addition, Billy Ayres was celebrated for his imaginative approach and vibrant passion for music, which he shares through our programs in both New York and Connecticut. One of Ability’s young adults and music enthusiasts, Carlos, received a standing ovation for a special feature with Billy Ayres during the program.

The collective energy and generosity shown this morning were unmatched, and we couldn’t be more grateful! We appreciate all who invested in our mission to discover, build, and celebrate the ability in all people. We especially thank our Presenting Sponsors – Hudson Regional Pharmacy and Mulvaney Mechanical, Inc. as well as our Champion Sponsors – Mary and Philip Borba, Goldring Family Foundation and Nuvance Health now joining Northwell.

We also thank our dedicated committee members for planning such a great event: Ingrid Agor, John Capilli, Maggie Coudriet Siegel, Patrice Elias, Lisa Foley, Holly Neumann, Randi Oisher, Penney Parkes, MaryBeth Prunty, Mary Alice Putnam, Antonia Riordan, Debbie Rizzo, Marg Studley, Sue Varrone, and Paula Walsh.