The power of cross-sector collaboration in building inclusive communities

This year as Brightway Living & Learning marks its 65th anniversary, we are reflecting on what makes workplace inclusion achievements possible. The secret lies in true cross-sector collaboration—where businesses, community organizations and service providers unite to open real doors. For 65 years, Brightway has championed children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities across Long Island. Today, as the conversation shifts from basic awareness to total community integration, our corporate partners are evolving into active co-architects of community life. When business goals align with social impact, entire communities thrive.

Transformative partnerships often start with a single champion. Former Brightway board chairperson and communications executive Kevin Long introduced us to Nestlé Health Science—a connection rooted in his personal commitment to disability advocacy and strategic vision. Kevin’s initiative shows what happens when personal passion extends into the workplace, creating a lasting partnership that combines board leadership, corporate responsibility, and frontline impact to change lives.

Look no further than Nestlé Health Science in Bohemia. Since November 2019, Christopher has served as a data entry clerk four days a week. He is dedicated, highly skilled, and exceptionally reliable—a valued colleague whose work directly drives his team’s operational success. Competitive, integrated employment has been a launchpad for Christopher’s personal independence. After living with his parents for years, he recently secured his own apartment, where he will soon live independently. His journey illustrates the ripple effect of meaningful corporate allies: when Nestlé Health Science embraced an inclusive workforce, they gained a stellar employee while helping an individual build a self-directed life.

To make stories like Christopher’s possible, Brightway offers a continuum of workforce readiness pathways tailored to individual goals. Through Pre-Vocational Services, participants build foundational skills at community internship sites. Our ACCES-VR program then assists job seekers as they transition into competitive positions. Finally, for those ready to work independently, OPWDD Supported Employment provides ongoing job coaching to ensure long-term success for both the employee and the business.

Christopher’s success at Nestlé Health Science is part of a broader shift across Long Island. Forward-thinking corporate and community partners—including AMC Theatres, Home Depot, Jake’s 58, Lidl, Long Island DDRO, Swissport, Target, TJ Maxx, Whitson Food Service, McDonald’s, Riverhead Library, SCO Family of Services and Stop & Shop—are proving that inclusive hiring builds stronger, higher-performing workplaces.

True cross-sector collaboration succeeds when partners co-create shared value. When corporate leaders adapt hiring pipelines to welcome diverse talent, they unlock sustainable workforce solutions. The best partnerships are built on mutual trust—listening first to frontline professionals, families, managers, and employees to design environments where everyone excels. As Christopher’s supervisor at Nestlé Health Science can affirm, thoughtful collaboration creates a smooth onboarding experience and a positive workplace culture.

Creating inclusive workplaces and independent living pathways requires transparent problem-solving around transportation, accommodations, and evolving needs. This collaboration is a true win-win: while corporate allies provide vital career opportunities, Brightway brings specialized expertise, job coaching and retention assistance. This combination boosts morale, lowers turnover and enriches organizational culture.

Reaching our 65th anniversary—a milestone that honors our rich history and our renewed commitment to move All Ways Forward—is an inspiring moment to look ahead. When businesses and community leaders unite, full inclusion moves from an ideal to a daily reality.

To all our partners, mentors, and corporate allies walking alongside our 2,500 staff across Long Island: Thank you for leading the way.