12/12/2025
Celebrating the holiday season at AHRC NYC led to an unexpected and heartwarming reunion between two men who had not seen each other in decades.
Last week, our Residential Services department held one of its annual regional holiday parties at the Staaten, a local catering hall. Residents from Staten Island and Brooklyn were in attendance and had a wonderful time with their peers as well as with staff and leadership.
As guests were gathering their things to leave, two gentleman saw each other in the lobby. Anthony Harris (pictured on the left), said to Residential Coordinator Nyoka Simmons (middle) "I know him"!
Nyoka replied, "From where?”
“From Willowbrook,” Anthony said, referencing the state-run institution whose closing ushered in the modern era of community-based disability services.
Segg Bland (pictured right), who resides at the Bober residence in Brooklyn, looked over and said, "Yes we were roommates!!!” Tears from staff members followed as the two embraced.
Mr. Bland has been with AHRC 1993, while Mr. Harris joined our Residential Services in 2018, living at Harbor Road residence in Staten Island.
Of his journey from Willowbrook to community living, Mr. Harris said, " I'm not ashamed of being from that place. I'm really not.”
Visual Description: Anthony Harris, Nyoka Simmons, and Segg Bland smile as a reunion decades in the making took place at an AHRC NYC holiday party.
