LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — New Hope Community will present its Neighbor of Distinction Award to New York Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. The presentation will take place during the agency’s seventh annual Neighbor-to-Neighbor Autumn Affair on Thursday, November 13 at New Hope’s campus in Loch Sheldrake. Assemblywoman Gunther will be the sixth such honoree.

“We take a person-centered approach to support at New Hope, and Assemblywoman Gunther’s track record aligns beautifully with our mission,” said New Hope Community Executive Director A. James Forbes Jr. “We’re pleased and proud to recognize such a proactive, effective visionary on behalf of those whom we support.”

A New Hope press release said, “Gunther, throughout her political career, has been instrumental in shaping and passing legislation on issues relating to individuals with disabilities. Among these efforts are her contributions to the Protection of People with Special Needs Act; her work toward establishing a task force on adults with developmental disabilities to study, evaluate and develop recommendations concerning vocational, recreational and social needs of such adults; and her push for the employment of persons with disabilities.”