For The Bristal Collection, creating a welcoming community means recognizing the value and uniqueness that every person brings. It’s a philosophy that shapes how we care for residents, support families, and build our teams.
We’re proud to announce a new partnership with Fora, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Through this collaboration participants in Fora’s vocational training and employment programs will be placed in meaningful, structured roles across select communities of The Bristal, with plans for broader expansion throughout our communities in the future. Working in areas such as dining services, hospitality, and community programming, these team members will help contribute to the warm, welcoming environment that defines life at The Bristal.
A Shared Commitment to Purpose and Belonging
The Bristal and Fora are united by a common belief: every individual deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and find purpose.
For decades, Fora has helped individuals with disabilities develop skills, gain work experience, and pursue meaningful careers. By bringing that expertise into senior living communities, this partnership creates new opportunities while strengthening the sense of connection that is central to daily life at The Bristal.
For prospective residents and families, this partnership represents something larger than a workforce initiative. It is an extension of the values that guide daily life at The Bristal: respect, belonging, purpose, and the belief that every individual deserves opportunities to grow and contribute.
“Senior living is one of the most human industries there is — and it deserves a workforce that reflects that,” said Amy Silva-Magalhaes, Chief Operating Officer of The Bristal Assisted Living. “Fora creates real pathways into this industry for individuals with developmental disabilities — people who contribute, who grow, and who have some much to offer. That’s exactly who belongs on our teams.”
Creating Opportunities that Make a Difference
Meaningful work offers more than a paycheck. It provides confidence, skill development, and a sense of belonging.
Through this partnership, individuals participating in Fora’s programs will have the opportunity to build professional experience while contributing to communities where relationships and human connection matter every day.
The need for greater employement opportunities remains significant. According to the New York State Comptroller, labor force participation among New Yorkers with disabilities is less than half that of those without disabilities. By partnering with Fora, The Bristal is helping create pathways to meaningful work while fostering environments where individuals can develop skills, build confidence, and make lasting contributions.
Why Inclusion Strengthens Community
At its heart, senior living is about people.
The strongest communities are built when individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with a shared sense of purpose. By welcoming team members with diverse talents and abilities, communities become richer, more compassionate, and more reflective of the world around us.
For residents and their families, this partnership represents an extension of the values that guide life at The Bristal communities every day: respect, dignity, belonging, and connectedness. The relationships formed between residents, their families, team members, and visitors help create the sense of community that makes a place feel like home.
Meet Our Partner: Fora
Fora (formerly The Corporate Source) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful opporutnities for growth. They’re bringing decades of experience offering supportive opportunities through employment programs across New York and beyond. The organization has earned numerous accolades for its commitment to excellence and was recently recognized with SourceAmerica’s 2025 Quality Excellence Award for exceptional facility management.
“Our partnership with The Bristal Assisted Living reflects what happens when two organizations align around a shared belief: that dignity, purpose, and excellence should define every human experience,” said Megan O’Shea Megale, Chief Communications and Development Officer at Fora. “Together, we’re raising the standard for what inclusive, high-quality care and employment can look like in the same environment.”
The Art of Living Includes Everyone
At The Bristal, The Art of Living is rooted in confidence, purpose, and connection. It means creating environment where people are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Our partnership with Fora reflects that philosophy in action. By creating opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to contribute their talents and build meaningful careers, we’re strengthening the communities we serve while opening doors for others to grow and succeed.
As the program expands, we look forward to welcoming new team members whose talents, perspectives, and dedication will help enrich daily life across The Bristal Collection.
To learn more about Fora, please visit their website.
