LI Disabled Group Delivers Food To Peers, Families In Pandemic

OLD BETHPAGE, NY — People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are running a food delivery service, helping their peers and families who are homebound during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a new service called FREE-POD, according to a news release.

FREE-POD is the latest program of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. that was formed during the COVID-19 crisis “in response to the challenge of getting food and supplies in a timely manner” to homes, and also to ease the burden on direct support professionals, said FREE’s chief executive officers, Robert S. Budd.

“It’s been challenging to get groceries delivered,” he said, adding, “FREE-POD delivers door-to-door food and other essential household items and personal protective equipment to each of our homes, independent housing, and individuals living with their families.”

FREE, which was formed in 1977, supports more than 4,000 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and traumatic brain injuries. Its mission is to help people of all abilities realize their full potential, and it provides a diverse array of supports and services including housing, recovery services, transition to work, employment, as well as day, community, and family services, organizers said.

The nonprofit has a “fully operationalized” food and supply distribution center that helps over 600 people and their families in over 100 locations throughout Long Island and Queens, organizers said. The program, which started in April, is being transitioned from FREE’s employees to members delivering the food in the on-the-job training scenario that FREE-POD provides.

Program participants enjoy their new jobs, according to Ron Salstein, a direct support professional who works with FREE-POD.

“It’s a wonderful socialization program and they leave feeling good about themselves,” he said.
Paul Weinberg said he enjoys coming to work and packing up food for people, adding, “Everyone is always happy to see us when we give them the food.”

The national average of unemployment for people with disabilities remains over three times that of the population without disabilities, according to Rob Melnick, assistant vice president of FREE’s community services.

“This has certainly been complicated by the COVID-19 crisis, making it that much more difficult for individuals with disabilities especially those who lack practical job knowledge or employment experiences,” said Melnick. “The training program will provide over 60 differently-abled citizens with the skills set necessary to secure employment in the food industry.”

Budd said he believes FREE-POD will “positively impact” people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the community by providing “on-the-job” employment training in all aspects of food preparation and distribution, inventory control, shopping, and stocking.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Budd added.

For more information about FREE’s programs, call 516-870-1614, or visit www.familyres.org.