Professional Documents
Culture Documents
We Are NYSARC.
Your Life. Your Family. Your Community.
We Make a Difference.
We Are NYSARC.
Secret Gardens
Sullivan County Chapter
Your Life.
Your Family.
Your Community.
We're here for you.
NYSARC, Inc. is America's largest not-for-profit organization supporting people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families.
NYSARC, the New York State Chapter of The Arc of the United States, has always
maintained a core commitment: everyone, regardless of ability, is entitled to the
dignity that is the birthright of every citizen. Everyone should have the opportunity
to lead a rich, full life.
NYSARC supports and services encompass all aspects of a persons life, from
birth through end-of-life care. Through our 49 county-based Chapters and
6 Developmental Center Chapters, NYSARC supports more than 60,000 people
and is present in every county in New York State.
NYSARC staff and the individuals they
support are committed to building stronger
communities. All across our State, this
commitment is evidenced in the way they
give back to their communities throughout
the year.
These are their stories...
We Make a Difference.
We Are NYSARC.
Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteers
Oneida-Lewis Counties Chapter
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Opportunities Unlimited
Niagara County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
A Snapshot of an Active Week
The people who participate in the three-day habilitation
programs at Opportunities Unlimited keep very busy weekly
schedules that include volunteering in the community. As
many as 57 people volunteer more than 36 hours a week.
By delivering meals to people who cannot travel; escorting
nursing home residents to various activities; sorting and
pricing new and gently-used clothing and household items at
a thrift store; and transporting food from a grocery store to a
food pantry, people supported by Opportunities Unlimited
demonstrate commitment to improving their community.
Additional volunteers assemble mailings for other
non-profits, make cards for nursing home residents, veterans
and meal recipients, and plant a variety of flora used to create
floral arrangements.
The two self-advocacy groups in the agency also give back to
the community by raising money for victims of natural disasters, gathering food for area pantries, and collecting
hats and mittens for people in need. Many of their members are skilled communicators who speak in schools
and present to other businesses or organizations.
The Arc of Oneida-Lewis
Oneida-Lewis Counties Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Karen Makes a Difference Every Day
For over 10 years, Karen has been volunteering her
time to help others at places like Hospice and Palliative
Care in New Hartford, NY, the Lutheran Homes in
Clinton, NY and many other not-for-profit agencies
in Oneida County.
I like to help others feel good because it makes me
feel good, Karen said as she placed groceries into an
already full cart at a local Wal-Mart just days before
the Thanksgiving holiday. They need my help so Im
happy when I do it.
Every Wednesday, Karen and other volunteers
from The Arc grocery shop on behalf of the people at
Hospice and Palliative Care. With a shopping list in hand and a
mission to complete, there is no stopping this spunky, fun-loving woman.
Cheri Misiak, Program Director for The Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter Kirkland Day
Habilitation, remarks that the people served through The Arc know that they can
make a difference in someone elses life: They have often stated to me that they can
help make a difficult time a little easier for someone else, often equating it to one of
our slogans: What we do at the Arc, your heart will understand.
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ARC of Onondaga
Onondaga County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
A Star Volunteer
I love helping others, staying busy, and learning new skills, says 34-year old LaShawn, one of Midler Day
Habilitations star volunteers, as she looks at the clock on the wall with her coat already on, making sure she
doesnt miss the 10:00am van that will drive her to her community service spot for the day.
LaShawn has been attending Midler since 2003 and has spent almost every single morning gearing up for her
community service project for the day. Shes one of the quickest, one of the fastest, and knows what she needs
to do at every single site, said program manager Rachel Colella-Squire. Its a good thing too, considering she
volunteers five days-a-week. LaShawn does everything from delivering Meals on Wheels to stuffing envelopes
at the American Cancer Society to ringing the holiday bell for the Salvation Army.
Living in a group home with two other women, LaShawn says it makes her happy to give
back. One of the women she lives with is dependent on a wheelchair and the other cannot
speak. I know that sometimes they need extra help. Im glad that I can be there to help
in any way I can, she said.
I know that sometimes they need extra help. Im glad
that I can be there to help in any way I can.
LaShawn
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Ontario ARC
Ontario County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Matt & Tim: Volunteers with the
Victor Fire Department
For the past three years, Matt and Tim have been active
volunteers with the Victor Fire Department. They felt it
was important to give back and be involved in the town
where they live. Both Matt and Tim underwent basic
training and other firefighter courses to be prepared for
emergency situations. Today, they are full-fledged
members of the department, attend fire calls, and assist
with many maintenance tasks.
Their membership goes beyond firefighting. Matt
and Tim participate in the departments fundraising
activities as well. They assist at chicken barbeques and
the Victor Fire Departments annual pancake breakfast
every Labor Day.
Not only do they volunteer, both of these young men are
employed. Matt works at MacoBag and Tim is with the
Canandaigua V.A. Hospital. Their continued commitment
to the fire department, as well as their community, is a
shining example of volunteerism.
AHRC Orange County
Orange County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Community Builders
Orange AHRCs Community Builders
program helps people who have developmental
disabilities live the words of the agencys mission:
to become respected and valued members of
the community.
Community Builders volunteers contribute
in a variety of ways, including delivering Meals
on Wheels, supporting animal shelters by
collecting and delivering supplies, and joining
in many activities at senior citizen centers.
They have also worked in recycling programs
and civic beautification projects. An exciting
new program has both adult Community
Builders and school age students attending a unique program
at Orange County College in cooperation with the occupational therapy
staff at the College.
Orange County AHRC is committed to expanding these programs and developing
them to the benefit of the community in which they live, work and play.
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The Arc of Orleans
Orleans County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
My Name is Leslie and This is My Story
I have been involved with The Arc of Orleans County in a
variety of ways for several years. I am a member of the
Arcs Self-Advocacy All-Stars, and I have volunteered my
time at many Agency fundraising and other events. During
the spring of 2010, I was looking for a change from working
on the mobile crew. I had experience working with
preschoolers and, because of this, I was offered the chance
to be a volunteer teachers aide in the classrooms at
Rainbow Preschools Albion site. Since that time, I have
spent several days per month helping the teachers, singing,
reading, and playing with the children, as well as assisting
with cleaning classrooms. My favorite part of volunteering
at Rainbow Preschool is interacting with the kids. I feel
like I make a difference because I am helping children with
special needs
Kellie Spychalski, the Arc of Orleans Executive Director
remarks, Leslie is a strong self-advocate and a great
agency volunteer. She readily shares of her time and
talents to make our community a better, richer place to live,
learn, work and play!
ARC of Oswego
Oswego County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Volunteers Develop Skate and Slide Event
Through their community connections, ARC of Oswego
County volunteers helped develop a new and extraordinary
experience the annual Skate and Slide event.
Skate and Slide is a free opportunity for children with
special needs and their families to experience an ice rink.
Operated entirely through the volunteer collaboration of
ARC of Oswego County employees, Oswego Minor Hockey
Association, and the Oswego High School girls and boys
varsity hockey teams, attendees are offered a unique ice
rink experience, sometimes for the very first time.
This one-of-a-kind event provides many families the
opportunity to enjoy some time on the ice with their child in a
supportive, relaxed environment. Community collaborations
such as this provide a foundation for growth and further
development of the partnerships and
volunteers for the families and children of
Oswego County.
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The Arc Otsego
Otsego County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Teaching Sign Language to Children in Pre-School
Barbara Potter, director of the Kinney
Memorial Library in Hartwick, was looking
for a program that would engage the
surrounding community. She found it
when she and Arc Otsego Habilitation
Assistant Brenda, who is a patron of the
Library, began talking. Together they
developed a wonderful opportunity for Barb,
who goes to The Arc Otsegos Hartwick
Day Habilitation, to make a contribution to
the community.
Barb, who has a hearing impairment,
began to teach sign language classes to
children in pre-school, once a month, at the
Kinney Memorial Library. Barb and Brenda
work together to prepare each lesson.
According to Brenda, Barb lights up in front of her classroom.
She first gains everyones attention and then she carefully demonstrates the sign for the day.
She makes sure that all of the children are able to accurately make the sign.
Barbara Potter is thrilled with the results. Parents have noted that their children are trying out the signs
at home and more parents are now attending the program with their children. Barbara observes that the
program has done what I hoped it would. Parents are getting involved and Barb has done a wonderful job
dispelling misperceptions about people with developmental disabilities.
PARC
Putnam County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
PARC Supports Meals on Wheels
PARC is proud of the commitment to volunteerism demonstrated by many of the people the agency
supports. Delivering Meals on Wheels, singing to people living in senior residences, sorting cans and bottles
at the county recycling center, preparing mailings for the Westchester Hospice Center, supporting the Brewster
Rotary Clubs fundraisers, and picking up donated food and delivering it to people in need at Delancy Street
Center and AIDS Related Community Services are just some of the meaningful ways people at PARC contribute
to their community. Additionally, Putnam ARCs self-advocacy group hosts a number of fundraisers throughout
the year to support victims of domestic violence as well as the local Humane Society.
Without the help of the people who receive services from Putnam ARC, many of these critical services for
people in need would fall by the wayside.
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The Arc of Rensselaer
Rensselaer County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Arc of Rensselaer Builds It Forward!
Staff, people supported by the Arc of Rensselaer, and family members have joined together over the last
three years in a volunteer effort entitled Build It Forward. Supporting inclusion and the sustainability of the
local community, this initiative has benefited many people and organizations.
Through Build It Forward, the Arc has partnered with a variety of community organizations to accomplish
great things. The Arc joined with the Little Italy Neighborhood Association to organize and support the
Stick It To Hunger Food Drive/Stickball Tournament, which gathered over 3,000 pounds of food to benefit
local food pantries. A partnership with the Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation resulted in raising
$10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York. Arc volunteers also worked side-by-side
with local neighborhood groups in the Alley Action Project to paint a 12 x 40 mural depicting urban community
life. Other activities include participating in the Troy Earth Day Clean-Up, as well as spring cleaning and
providing dinner for families of critically ill children at the Ronald McDonald House of Albany.
The efforts of The Arc of Rensselaer County volunteers have helped to grow the reputation of the Arc as a
valuable community partner.
JLB Photo
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ARC of Rockland
Rockland County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
ARC Food Drive a Community Effort
In early October, with the holiday season approaching, people who are supported by the ARC of Rockland
launched a food drive to help local families in need. Brightly-decorated collection containers were placed
strategically throughout the agency.
Explanatory fliers were distributed to staff members, family, friends, and neighbors. In a matter of days, the
collection containers were overflowing with everything from pasta and canned vegetables to beans, barley, and
baby formula. The bounty is being delivered on a regular basis to the Nanuet, New York food pantry operated
by the non-profit organization known as People to People.
We are proud of our involvement with People to People, says ARC Executive Director Karyl Caplan. The
men and women who receive services through ARC of Rockland live and work in the county. At ARC of
Rockland, we believe that people of all abilities have both a right and a responsibility to contribute in some way
to the well-being of other members of the community. What better way to help than to put food on our
neighbors tables.
Some people are hungry, adds Daisy of Nanuet, New York. If they have no food, they will be sad.
You get sick if you dont eat.
Some people are hungry. If they have no food,
they will be sad. You get sick if you dont eat.
Daisy
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St. Lawrence NYSARC
St. Lawrence County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Team NYSARC
Team NYSARC was established in 2005 as a group
devoted to volunteerism in support of area communities.
The groups mission is to make a difference through
collaboration with local agencies and other volunteer
groups to help people in need.
Team NYSARC was developed to meet the volunteer
goals expressed by the people supported by the Agency
and includes program participants, staff, and people in
the community.
Team NYSARC hosts the countys only Autism
Awareness Walk, which has successfully raised $40,000
in the past four years with support from an average of 350
people annually.
The group of more than 80 active members on the Team have been involved with over
50 additional projects that include: Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Edward Moses
Walk/Run, Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, Indian Creek Nature Center, Free
Will Dinners, Business Womens Club Walk for Breast Cancer, Humane Society,
Community Clean-up, Make a Difference Day, Renewal House, and the Hobble Gobble.
Team NYSARC has also been the presenting sponsor of the Buddy Walk for three years
in coordination with the Down Syndrome Society of St. Lawrence County.
Saratoga Bridges
Saratoga County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Ballston Spa Community Luncheon
Since April of 2005, Saratoga Bridges Day Habilitation
Without Walls program, in conjunction with the Ballston Spa
United Methodist Church, has provided a free community
luncheon on the second Wednesday of the month. Previously
the church hosted lunches only on Saturdays. The church
members expressed the desire to have a weekday event based
on the increasing need from people in their community. When
they approached the Without Walls program to assist them
with this activity, they were met with enthusiastic support.
Every month, the people that Saratoga Bridges supports,
along with their staff, facilitate the entire meal by handling
everything including planning menus; shopping for food and
supplies; setting tables; and preparing, serving, and cleaning
up after meals.
As a result of the financial difficulties people are
experiencing, the number of meals served has continued to
increase. But, the Ballston Spa community luncheon ensures
that people receive a warm, midday meal in an upbeat,
happy environment.
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Schenectady ARC
Schenectady County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Schenectady ARC Volunteer at City Mission
For the past ten years, the people Schenectady ARC
supports have been loyal volunteers at the City Mission of
Schenectadys Soup Kitchen and for over six years at their
Distribution Center. Being very community-oriented and
compassionate about helping others, volunteers look forward
to dedicating their time every week at the Soup Kitchen and
3 times a week at the Distribution Center. At the Soup Kitchen,
volunteers roll silverware and prepare sandwiches. Activities at the
Distribution Center involve selecting and sorting donated clothing.
Through a careful selection process, the best clothing is folded,
ticketed with pricing, and prepared to be sent to City
Mission stores. Clothing that is not in good condition is prepared for recycling.
The relationship between Schenectady ARC and the City Mission is a true partnership based on
mutual respect as well as admiration. As Michael Saccocio, Executive Director at the City Mission,
commented, When the volunteers from ARC come, what they are really forming is not
only a work team, and they do that well, but they are forming a neighborhood, a family,
a community and thats what allows this program to really thrive.
Schoharie County ARC
Schoharie County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Responding to Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene tested the resolve of the Schoharie County ARC to be
prepared and to implement emergency response plans. The people the
Chapter supports and the direct support professionals who support
them made extraordinary efforts to respond to the extreme weather and
the tragic devastation of homes and businesses from record-breaking
flooding.
Twenty direct support professionals and their families were affected
and nine lost everything as a result of Hurricane Irenes devastation.
And yet they sacrificed their own well-being to ensure the safety of the
people they support. Despite their own personal losses, staff rallied
together to establish a Hurricane Irene Relief Fund to provide
immediate and much-needed support to their colleagues and to the
individuals Schoharie County ARC supports and their families in their
dire time of need.
In the days following Hurricane Irene, groups of direct support
professionals and people supported went door-to-door to check on the
welfare of elderly neighbors; brought donated supplies to the Schoharie
County Community Action Program (SCCAP) for flood victims;
volunteered at the SCCAP donation store assisting flood victims with
shopping for needed supplies, clothing and food; and delivered supplies
to the Schoharie County Animal Shelter that was inundated with
animals that were misplaced from the flooding.
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The Arc of Schuyler
Schuyler County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Reading to Second-Grade Students
On Tuesday mornings at Watkins Glen Elementary School, three second-grade students seated at a round
table in the cozy and colorful school library anxiously await the arrival of their friend, Stacy.
When Stacy walks into the library, the girls smile and greet her. Stacy collects the books that she and the
girls selected the previous week to read, and the group settles down for Reading Time.
Stacy, who receives supports at The Arc of Schuyler, has been regularly volunteering at Watkins Glen
Elementary School since 2006. She worked hard to become a skilled reader so that she could volunteer at the
school and read to elementary students. Her time is well spent with the small group of children who practice
with Stacy by reading aloud to her as well.
As she and the girls choose books for Reading Time next week, Stacy shares, I look forward to coming every
week. Its fun to meet a new group of kids each year to spend time with and help them learn how to read.
Its fun to meet a new group of kids each year to
spend time with and help them learn how to read.
Stacy
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Seneca-Cayuga ARC
Seneca-Cayuga Counties Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Sharing What We Have with Others
Because no one should go to bed hungry. Thats the
statement heard throughout Seneca-Cayuga ARC, where
the people the Chapter supports, staff members, and
friends of ARC have launched an ongoing, agency-wide
campaign to collect nonperishable food items for families
in need living in Seneca and Cayuga Counties.
When Kevin Smith, Executive Director of Seneca-
Cayuga ARC, learned that the FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency) funding for the Food Pantries of
Seneca and Cayuga Counties was drastically cut, he knew
that ARC could help. People who truly want to help oth-
ers and be an important part of their community are not
limited by disabilities.
We are proud to have such caring and committed people
throughout our agency who continually embrace the
chance to help.
Plastic bins, which have been placed at each of the
agencys 28 sites, are filling up quickly and being picked
up by people from day programs for delivery to the food
pantries. After putting a can of beans and corn in the bin,
Tracy explained, We have to share what we have with
others. It makes me happy to help people.
The Arc of Steuben
Steuben County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Incredible Angels Contribute to Community
Scott and David are members of The Arc of Steubens
Incredible Angels. The Incredible Angels are a group of
people supported by the Arc of Steuben who promote
self-advocacy and raise money for group events and
local charities.
These community-minded individuals have worked
diligently to raise funds for organizations or causes, both
in their local communities and around the globe. Their
dedication to service has resulted in relief for victims of
the recent tsunamis and dollars for those that were
affected by the disaster of September 11th.
Recently the Incredible Angels presented the
American Red Cross in Corning, New York with a check
for $250 for the benefit of Haitian Relief.
Additionally, the Incredible Angels raise money
throughout the year to help individuals who have
disabilities attend the annual New York State
Self-Advocacy Conference.
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AHRC Suffolk
Suffolk County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Collecting Tabs and Suitcases
Having always been treated with kindness and respect, the
people supported by AHRC Suffolk feel very strongly about
giving back.
Individuals supported in AHRCs Senior Day Habilitation
program joined local schools in collecting aluminum tabs from
cans for charity. The recycled tabs are turned into cash and given
to the Stony Brook University Medical Centers Sunrise Fund,
which aids children with cancer. A success for both AHRC and
Stony Brook University Hospital, the program has bound
volunteers together through a common cause.
In addition, these individuals focused their attention on children
in foster care. Moving an average of seven times during their stay
in foster care, many of these children are forced to carry their
keepsakes in plastic trash bags or grocery sacks. AHRC volunteers
began a suitcase collection drive to benefit those in need. In its
first year, they collected over twenty suitcases! Feeling so strongly
about the cause, the Senior Day Habilitation program continues to
collect for the cause.
Sullivan Arc
Sullivan County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Secret Gardens
For three years Sullivan Arc has partnered with Sullivan
Renaissance, a beautification program, on the Sullivan County
Garden Tour, a county-wide event that opens up private
gardens to the community. Each year, residents with a variety of
interesting gardens allow their backyards to be viewed by about
eighty guests throughout the day.
The guests are each given a self-guided map and may visit all
or a select number of gardens. Whether it is a wildflower garden,
shade garden, traditional garden, or a one-of-a-kind environment,
each garden is unique. Each year features approximately eight to
twelve gardens and culminates in a private reception at a special
location at the end of the day. A number of the people
Sullivan Arc supports volunteer at the gardens for a few hours
during the tour, helping guide the visitors around the properties.
The event is not only a fundraiser, but is also a friend-raiser,
introducing new people to the Organization each year, who may not
have otherwise had contact with Sullivan Arc. The funds raised
benefit Sullivan Arcs Hemming Farm, a community garden that
teaches people with disabilities about the joys of gardening.
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Ulster-Greene ARC
Ulster-Greene Counties Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Helping Neighbors in Need
Hurricane Irene affected the lives of many people in
Ulster and Greene counties, two of the hardest hit areas in
the nation.
At Cairo Day Habilitation in Cairo, NY, Phillip became
the catalyst for good when he approached staff members
and eagerly asked, Can we please help the people in
Windham who lost things in the hurricane? Meeting with
their encouragement, he quickly recruited Nick, Hector,
and other friends in his group. Karen, even with limited
communication abilities, managed to say, Help yes
thank you. Betty didnt say anything, but her ear-to-ear
smile reflected her satisfaction in the groups plans and the
process of seeing it through.
The group collected money from family and friends who
wished to help and then arranged a trip to purchase items that were needed most. Donated items included soap,
toiletries, non-perishable foods, paper towels, and rubber gloves. They then personally delivered the items to
the collection site at Big Top Tents in Cairo. With enthusiasm, they helped to unload the van and assisted in
separating the items for distribution.
In the aftermath of an event which could have caused depressive inaction, Phillip,
Karen, Betty, Nick, and Hector instead became invigorated, confident that they could
make a difference. Today they are empowered by the knowledge that they made a
positive impact when it mattered most.
WWARC
Warren-Washington Counties Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Aktion Club Supports Community Causes
In 2007, people supported by the Warren-Washington Chapter attended a seminar on how to pursue
leadership opportunities. Inspired and motivated, they set out to serve on boards for community organizations.
Committed to being socially responsible, they decided to partner with the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club to create
their own Aktion Club. The Kiwanis partnership has aided the group by helping to identify community needs;
in addition, the Organization has developed a strong connection with WWARC and participates in many Aktion
Club events.
The Aktion Club supports various causes including raising funds for homeless youth, collecting baby gifts for
low income mothers, organizing a clean-up effort in a city park, and most recently, organizing a highly successful
childrens book drive. A member of the club explained the impact the club has had on its members
This is an opportunity to realize that we are truly valuable members of the community.
Weve developed a greater confidence to speak publically, to raise awareness for
community causes, and to grow stronger as community leaders.
We Make a Difference.
We Are NYSARC.
Books for Charity
Warren-Washington Counties Chapter
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Westchester Arc
Westchester County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Helping People and Their Pets
Oh, thank goodness youre here, Lillian exclaimed. I was all out of food and the children are hungry.
In this case, the children are a little scruffy brown dog and a big black cat the only companions of an elderly
woman who occasionally sacrifices her dinner for theirs. Lillian is just one of hundreds of individuals and
families across Westchester County who struggle to keep their beloved pets while living on a low, or no, income.
When the Hudson Valley Pet Food Pantry opened, and was looking for help, Arc of Westchester jumped at
the chance to be involved. Volunteers regularly pick up pet food donations and deliver them to the pantry where
supplies are distributed to needy pet owners across the county. For those who are unable to travel to the pantry,
the Arc of Westchester team brings the pet food to their door. The relief and joy is immeasurableon both
sides! Recipients welcome the food and the team takes great pride in performing an important job well.
The Hudson Valley Pet Food Pantry is just one of over 30 volunteer projects the Arc of Westchester
participates in.
Oh thank goodness youre here. I was all out
of food and the children are hungry.
Lillian
Wayne ARC
Wayne County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
Aktion Club Supports Community
In 2004, two Wayne ARC staff members proposed the start-up of an Aktion Club to the local Kiwanis Club.
The club formation was approved and chartered soon after. Open to any adult living with a developmental
disability, the Wayne Aktion Club members desire to become leaders and welcome the opportunity to serve
others. Similar to any other service organization, meetings are held regularly, officers are elected, and members
are organized into committees.
The Wayne ARC Aktion Club has supported the communitys less fortunate by providing gift boxes to
daycare programs, volunteering at nursing homes, and fundraising for various charities. Through their
activities and contacts with these various charities, some members have created full-time volunteer
opportunities. The clubs most recent project involved donating their own funds to purchase holiday gifts for
community members in need. In addition to purchasing the gifts, they wrapped and delivered them as well.
The Aktion Club has a solid core of members who are committed to putting others before themselves.
We Make a Difference.
We Are NYSARC.
Food for Pets
Westchester County Chapter
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Arc of Yates
Yates County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.
An Inspiration
Chris is an inspiration to many people.
Even at a young age, despite his many
challenges, Chris strived to succeed and give
back to his community. Chris has been involved
with the Arc of Yates through Community
Support Services and also attended D.R.I.V.E.
(Diversity, Responsibility, Inclusion, Vision, and
Experiential-Learning).
After Chris completed his education at Penn
Yan Academy, he began volunteering for Meals
on Wheels, helping deliver meals to seniors in
the local area. In addition, he became involved
with the Backpack program through Millys
Pantry, an organization providing food for
children to take home over the weekend in order
to have nutritious meals while not at school.
Chris also enjoys volunteering at Clinton
Crest Manor, a facility offering care to elderly
residents. Recently, Chris acquired yet another
volunteer opportunity at the Pinwheel Market
Caf baking his personal favorite, chocolate chip
muffins. This not-for-profit market provides cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for Yates
County residents. Brenda, Chriss mom, is thrilled with his success and has noticed his
increased communication and socialization skills. When asked, Chris explains his
favorite part of volunteering is everything. He certainly enjoys the smile on everyones
face when they eat his fabulous chocolate chip muffins.
NYSARC, Inc. Developmental Center Chapters
Dedicated Volunteers Helping People
NYSARC, Inc.s six Developmental Center (DC) Chapters are made up of
volunteers whose primary objective is to keep their members informed and
vigilant to changes in the State and country as related to people who live in
the States Developmental Centers or are supported through the
Developmental Disabilities Service Offices (DDSOs). With the exception of
the Community League, which also provides service coordination and day
services, the DC Chapters serve as advocates who measure their success in seeing people move into more
inclusive community-based homes and ensuring that the people who continue to live in Developmental Centers
have a voice and access to needed services and supports.
While the efforts of the volunteers who represent NYSARCs DC Chapters are largely behind the scenes, their
work can be evidenced in the financial assistance to those people, who at the holidays, may be in need of items
the DDSO does not provide; helping celebrate birthdays and other occasions; and scholarships to events like the
regional and statewide Self-Advocacy conferences. Additional support is given to the employees of the DDSOs
with awards for outstanding achievement as an employee of the month.
37
A family-based organization
working with and for people
who have intellectual and other
developmental disabilities.
NYSARC, Inc.
State Organization/Corporate Headquarters
Embracing the Spirit of Giving
Each year, the NYSARC, Inc. State Office
staff has the privilege of providing the best
Christmas possible for a Capital Region family
who may not otherwise be able to put presents
under the tree or food on the table.
After being matched with a family, the State
Office staff begins shopping for all needed
items and several extras. With all the items
purchased, the wrapping begins. Yards of
wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, and bows litter
the library at the State Office for a week before
the packages are delivered. Watching the pile
of wrapped gifts grow is nothing short of
joyfultopped only by the appreciation shown
by the families who receive the gifts. You have
no idea how happy you have made my children
says a single mother of four.
Additionally, instead of the traditional gift
exchange at the holiday lunch, the staff
donate new, unwrapped toys to the Toys for
Tots campaign sponsored by the United
States Marines.
NYSARCs mission can only be accomplished
in partnership with local communities. The
people of NYSARC are proud to stand with
citizens throughout New York communities,
not only to seek support, but to give back at
every opportunity.
We Make a Difference.
We Are NYSARC.
60th Anniversary Celebration March
NYSARC, Inc.
39
About NYSARC, Inc.
In 1949, NYSARC, Inc. was formed by parents who were determined to change forever
societys traditional disregard for the needs of their children with developmental disabilities.
The establishment of the Organization marked a turning point for all individuals with
developmental disabilities in the United States. As a parent-based Organization dedicated
to action on behalf of their children, NYSARC, Inc. became a unique and effective state and
nationwide advocacy organization.
In the years to follow, the Organization grew rapidly as a service provider while maintaining its
role as the leading advocacy organization in the state. Its founders and leaders were responsible
for landmark legislation that secured the rights and dignity of people with developmental
disabilities that is the birthright of every citizen.
Over the sixty-two year history, NYSARC, Inc. has advocated for and was successful in achieving:
A separate Office For People With Developmental Disabilities
Educational opportunities for children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities
Fully-integrated classrooms
The closure of the facilities that simply warehoused people with developmental disabilities in
favor of providing opportunities to live, work, and participate in their communities
The Health Care Decisions Act, which was a major breakthrough in New York State Law
affecting end-of-life decision making for people with developmental disabilities
Initiation and enactment of legislation to nullify the Schaffer v. Weast, the US Supreme Court
decision that gave the burden of proof in New York State to parents in special education
decisions. The law advocated for by NYSARC, Inc. put the burden back to school districts in
NYS for hearings contesting special education services.
Today, NYSARC, Inc. serves more than 60,000 people with disabilities, has a membership of over
87,000 and employs over 30,000 individuals. The family of NYSARC, Inc. is proud of its rich
history and continues to support New York States individuals with developmental disabilities as
well as gives back to our local communities.
We Make a Difference. We Are NYSARC.
A Special Thank You
NYSARC, Inc. would like to thank Allison Monnell for designing the NYSARC Gives Back logo. Allison is the
Community Relations Director for the Chemung Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and is a member of NYSARC, Inc.s
Public Information Committee.
Member: The Arc of the United States
40
NYSARC, Inc.
393 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
Telephone: (518) 439-8311 Facsimile: (518) 439-1893
E-mail address: info@nysarc.org Web address: www.nysarc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysarcinc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nysarcinc
LOCAL NYSARC, INC. CHAPTERS
Albany O.D. Heck D.C.*
Allegany Oneida-Lewis
Benevolent Society (Staten Island D.C.) Onondaga
Bronx, D.C. Ontario
Broome-Tioga Orange
Cattaraugus Orleans
Chautauqua Oswego
Chemung Otsego
Chenango Putnam
Clinton Rensselaer
Columbia Rockland
Community League (Wassaic D.C.) Rome Tri-County
Delaware St. Lawrence
Dutchess Saratoga
Erie Schenectady
Essex Schoharie
Franklin-Hamilton Schuyler
Fulton Seneca-Cayuga
Genesee Steuben
Herkimer Suffolk
J.N. Adams* Sullivan
Jefferson Syracuse D.C.*
Livingston-Wyoming Ulster-Greene
Madison-Cortland Warren-Washington
Monroe Wayne
Montgomery Welfare League (Letchworth Village)
Nassau Westchester
Newark D.C.* West Seneca D.C.
New York City Wilton D.C.*
Niagara Yates
John A. Schuppenhauer, Esq. Marc N. Brandt
President Executive Director
*Development Center Chapters Emeritus
NYSARC, Inc.
393 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
Telephone: (518) 439-8311 Facsimile: (518) 439-1893
E-mail address: info@nysarc.org
Web address: www.nysarc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysarcinc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nysarcinc