Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

For more information please contact:

Cathy Bahan
Director of Marketing
and Public Affairs
(914)428-8330,
ext. 3119
fax: (914) 997-2985
or (914) 428-0322
cbahan@
westchesterarc.org

Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
(914) 949-8200

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Though independent, Lucille P. (right) appreciates guidance from Westchester Arc staff, including Jody Campbell, senior program manager.

Lucille P: Always Smiling

If there’s one word to describe Lucille P., it’s “active.”

“I’m going out with my boy friend tomorrow and getting my hair done on Saturday,” says Lucille, mapping out her week. “Oh, and maybe I’ll go for a walk later today.”

At the age of 61, Lucille recently retired from her job at the Westchester School for Special Children, where she had worked for 35 years. “I was a teacher’s aide,” she explains. “I escorted children to the bathroom and helped them with reading and writing. It was a good job.”

Today, she remains as active as ever—often visiting the library, grocery store and other community sites and spending time with family and friends.

Lucille is also an agency pioneer—one of the first individuals to move from a Westchester Arc group home to a supportive apartment. “Living in a group home was okay, but I wanted to be on my own,” she recalls.


After 17 years in a supportive apartment, Lucille is more independent than ever. She pays bills, including phone and cable, travels on the bus and prepares her own meals. For added support, Westchester Arc staff visit the apartment three times a week.

Moving into the apartment came with another perk—it brought her closer to her longtime boyfriend, Michael G., who lives downstairs. “I like having him around,” smirks Lucille. “I like making dinner together and playing games with Michael and his roommates. We always have a good time.”

Today, the two remain inseparable. They enjoy nights out and have traveled to California and New York City. Recently, Michael was invited to join Lucille’s family for Christmas dinner.

“That made us feel good!” concludes Lucille.