Inmates Lend A Hand to Brendan House

Everyone is lending a hand to help the dream of a Sound Avenue home for those with traumatic injuries become a reality in Riverhead.

This week Sheriff Vincent. F. DeMarco dispatched inmate work crews to help renovate Brendan House.

The project is being spearheaded by the non-profit organization New Beginnings Community Center for Brain Injury, Inc. of Medford. 

“There are very few places in Suffolk County for individuals with traumatic brain injuries to find specialized residential medical care, and this is especially true for young people with this affliction. I am pleased to be able to have our skilled inmates help renovate this home to alleviate some of the expense of launching this worthy project,” DeMarco said.

Up to 12 individuals will live in Brendan House, including Riverhead High School student Michael Hubbard, who was badly injured in a gel candle accident two years ago.

Allyson Scerri, the President of New Beginnings added, “I would like to thank Sheriff DeMarco for helping us turn our dream into a reality. We are honored and privileged to work with their wonderful program.”

DeMarco has worked to expand inmate vocational and labor assistance initiatives, and believes the work provides a public benefit, assists in correctional rehabilitation and offers a way for individuals who committed crimes to give back.

The inmates participating on the work crews are considered low-risk offenders and work under the supervision of correction officers and deputy sheriffs.

At the recent Riverhead Rotary event were Sandi and Marshall Aykroyd, parents of Brendan Knight Akroyd, a young man who also sustained traumatic brain injury. He died in June, 2011, and the Brendan House is named in his honor.

Nancy Reyer, mother of Michael Hubbard, was also onhand. Her son has been grappling with TBI as a result of the severe burns he suffered as a result of the accident on May, 28, 2011.

After he was badly burned, Michael was transported to Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, N.Y. in Sept., 2011 by the same team that rescued him.

Many caring and skilled volunteers have offered their services and donations of materials from building supply companies have also poured in, Scerri said.

But funds are still needed: The organization still must raise an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 in additional donations to complete the project.

To that end, fundraising efforts for New Beginnings continue for the Brendan House.

After Michael's accident, the community came together to send love and support, following his progress, and holding fundraisers and events to help him with mounting expenses.