(July 25, 2025)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently cut the ribbon on its new AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center, located at 149 Schleigel Boulevard in Amityville. Over 200 people attended the ceremonial grand opening of the Center, which provides free community programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses, free memory screenings to Long Islanders, and more.
Bert E. Brodsky, AFA’s Founder and Board Chairman, said, “When my mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, our family felt alone, and I never wanted anyone else to feel that way. Since day one, AFA has worked to ensure that every family has somewhere to turn for help and support. This Center is another step forward in that goal, and we’re so pleased to provide this valuable support resource to Long Islanders caring for loved ones with dementia.”
“We’re opening more than just a building—we’re opening a door to hope, support, and understanding for the more than 60,000 Long Island families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “This new Center will provide essential services and support to Long Island families, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
The 11,500 square foot, state-of-the-art center — the first of its kind on Long Island — is readily accessible to residents of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The center offers free daily programming to Long Island families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Community programs include music; creative arts; movement and motion; and brain games. Each of these provides participants with valuable cognitive stimulation, activity, and social interaction, all of which benefit brain health. It also provides family caregivers with essential respite care, enabling them to drop their loved ones off for programming so that they can have time to care for themselves.
The center also offers free, confidential memory screenings to Long Islanders of all ages, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.
The Center is named after Barbara Rabinowitz, a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother whose legacy of love, strength, and selfless dedication to others impacted many people’s lives. Barbara lived with dementia for six years. Members of her family help cut the ribbon on the Center which now bears her name.
Michael Rabinowitz, Barbara’s son, said “Our hope is that this center gives other families a better understanding of what their loved ones are going through—and makes life just a little bit easier.”
Dignitaries attending the event included Babylon Town Clerk Gerry Compitello; Babylon Town Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez; State Senator Monica Martinez; State Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow; State Assemblymember Michael Durso; State Assemblymember Steve Stern; State Assemblymember Jake Blumencranz; Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg; Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino; and Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella. Representatives from the Offices of Congressman Andrew Garbarino; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Empire State Development were also in attendance.
To learn more about the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center and to get information about upcoming programs, visit www.afalongisland.org or call 631-223-4000.