At The GRACE Foundation of New York, storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we create visibility, connection, and opportunity for the individuals we support. That belief comes to life through “Dan on the Street,” our monthly video series hosted by Dan Ryan, which brings GRACE participants out into the community to experience organizations that share a commitment to inclusion.
In earlier seasons, “Dan on the Street” focused on visits to restaurants and commercial kitchens across Staten Island, celebrating food, hospitality, and the joy our participants find in cooking. This season, the series has evolved with intention. While food remains central, the spotlight has shifted toward nonprofit partnerships — highlighting collaboration, shared missions, and the relationships that support individuals across their lifespan.
One of the closest and most meaningful of those relationships is the long-standing collaboration and friendship between GRACE and Eden II Programs.
The visit to Eden II began where connection comes most naturally — around food. GRACE and Eden II participants gathered in the teaching kitchen to prepare a healthy meal using Eden II’s Pathways to Wellness nutrition program.
Together, they created a fresh, crunchy salad, starting with washing lettuce and moving through every step of preparation. Participants chopped carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and olives, practiced safe knife skills, and used adaptive tools like food choppers and vegetable presses.
Sue, one of Eden II’s instructors, guided the lesson with a focus on functional life skills that translate into everyday settings. She emphasized the importance of honoring individual preferences.
“Our population can be very choosy about what they like to eat,” Sue said. “Paying attention to likes and dislikes is really important. When people feel respected, they’re more open to learning.”
The kitchen quickly filled with teamwork and pride. GRACE participant Jordan had a clear favorite part of the meal.
“I like the croutons the best,” Jordan said, smiling as he used the vegetable press to add them to the salad.
Throughout the visit, the close connection between GRACE and Eden II was evident. Randy Horowitz, associate executive director at Eden II, spoke about how intertwined the two organizations truly are.
“Many of the individuals at GRACE actually started here at Eden II,” Randy said. “Seeing them continue to grow and succeed shows how important collaboration and continuity really are.”
Randy also reflected on Eden II’s history, sharing that nearly 50 years ago, a small group of families came together to create a school for children who were profoundly impacted by autism — at a time when very few supports existed. That grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive organization offering school-age and adult day programs on Staten Island and Long Island, residential services, vocational training, respite, and extensive family resources.
The visit also highlighted leadership and responsibility in action. Matthew Rosen, who runs the coffee service at Eden II, demonstrated how he prepares coffee and serves muffins on trays twice each day.
“I make the coffee and bring it out,” Matthew shared proudly.
The role has been a rewarding experience for Matthew, offering structure, confidence, and purpose. In another powerful example of collaboration and continuity, Matthew is also a participant at GRACE.
For Cathy Del Priore, executive director at GRACE, the visit reflected exactly what this season of “Dan on the Street” is about.
“Our relationship with Eden II is more than a partnership — it’s a true friendship,” Del Priore said. “When nonprofits collaborate instead of working in silos, our individuals benefit. They gain skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging that carries with them wherever they go.”
That spirit of collaboration is deeply rooted in Eden II’s leadership. Executive Director Joanne Gerenser, who has dedicated more than 43 years to the organization, has helped guide Eden II from a small school serving six children into a nationally respected organization supporting hundreds of individuals across the autism spectrum.
“I have watched my first children grow from 5-year-olds into adults,” Gerenser has said. “As the need grew, our services grew.”
Her legacy is evident in every program, every partnership, and every moment of shared learning — like this one, where cooking became a pathway to connection.
From chopping vegetables to serving coffee, this “Dan on the Street” visit was about far more than food. It was about collaboration, continuity, and the power of working together.
