02/12/2026
📍 Advocacy Day at the New York State Capitol
On February 3rd, members of the Good Shepherd Communities leadership team were in Albany advocating for not-for-profit providers of long-term care across New York State.
Representing Good Shepherd were Jason Santiago (CEO), Mary Wassel (COO), Ariel Smith (Executive Director of Fairview Home), Patti Hitchcock (Executive Director of Chase Memorial), and Peter Lennon (Member of the Board of Directors of Good Shepherd Communities).
Throughout the day, our team engaged in meaningful conversations with state leaders about the issues that matter most to the people we serve — including adequate funding, fair reimbursement, capital funding needs, and key assisted living priorities.
Advocacy is a core part of our mission. Showing up, speaking out, and ensuring the voices of not-for-profit providers, residents, and staff are heard is how we help strengthen and sustain long-term care in our communities.
Thank you to our dedicated team and community supporters who represented Good Shepherd Communities and the full continuum of care with passion and purpose. Your commitment truly makes a difference.