Special Needs Jazz Band Makes History Performing at Nassau County State of the County Address
Old Bethpage, NY - March 16, 2015 - On Wednesday, March 11th, the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) FREE Players Jazz Ensemble, a group of differently-abled individuals who participate in FREE’s theater day program, made history as they performed prior to the 2015 Nassau County State of the County Address at Twin Rinks, located in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY. This was the first time a special needs choral group had been chosen to perform at this prestigious event. In his opening remarks, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano recognized, and thanked, the Jazz Ensemble for their performance.
“The talented men and women of the FREE Players Jazz Ensemble did a wonderful job performing at my State of the County Address,” said County Executive Mangano. “It was an honor to have them there to share in this special day where we discussed Nassau’s progress, heroes and future. I am thankful to the FREE Jazz Ensemble for their hard work and for showcasing their talents for the people of Nassau County.”
“It was a great honor for FREE’s Jazz Ensemble to perform at the Nassau County State of the County Address,” said Robert S. Budd, President and CEO, FREE. “ I want to thank Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano for this wonderful opportunity that enabled our dedicated individuals to show their gifts and talents and entertain the community.”
About FREE
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) founded in 1977 and headquartered in Old Bethpage, benefits and proudly supports more than 3,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing, recovery services, transition to work, employment, day, community and family services, respite, crisis services, education and after-school support, primary and specialty health care and advocacy. For more information, please call 516-870-7000 or visit familyres.org.