Long Island special needs group receives bike donation

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Rise Life Services, a Long Island organization that serves people with special needs received a much-needed donation for Disability Pride Month. Long Island Bike Co-Op donated 30 bikes to the not-for profit. Rise manager Jennifer Butler says the bike donation gives people with special needs a sense of freedom and independence. "I think it gives our clients the ability to be mobile. They have more freedom to go where they want which at times, we take for granted," explained Butler. Shamelle King is a resident at the Riverhead group home location. He now bikes to work instead of taking the bus. "I had to wait for the bike for a long time, now I jump on my bike, and I go," added King. Six of the group homes at Rise Life Services received bikes. "