Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
914.949.8200
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Fran Porcoro, center, accepted a bouquet of roses from Board Member Susan Walker and former Westchester Arc President Mohan Mehra for her 40 years of service to our Children's School for Early Development.
Staff Recognized for Continuing to Fulfill Agency's Mission
Nearly 100 Westchester Arc employees were honored for their longtime service—between five and 45 years—at Staff Recognition Night, held on December 18, 2008 at the lovely Antun's in Elmsford.
» Click here to view more photos and complete list of honorees.
The night’s festivities included dinner among family and friends, a beautiful fireplace adorned with holiday decorations, and the presentation of many special awards. Anne Majsak, Westchester Arc president, along with Ric Swierat, executive director, praised all the honorees and thanked them for their outstanding dedication to our mission.
The Pre-School celebrated highest honors for two of their own—Gladys Jones, assistant teacher, 45 years, and Fran Porcaro, assistant executive director, 40 years. Diane Wolf, administrative assistant to Associate Executive Director Tom Hughes, received best wishes upon her retirement from the agency.
Kristina Fiorentino, career planner, and Charles Porcaro, human resources compliance specialist, received the Diversity Leadership Award for their commitment to celebrating our employees’ cultural richness.
Michelle Ennis, assistant residence manager, was this year's recipient of the John Bodnar Scholarship, a $1,000 grant that promotes educational advancement and career development.
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| (From left) Anne Majsak, Westchester Arc President, presented Charles Porcaro and Kristina Fiorentino with the 2008 Diversity Leadership Award. |
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| (From left) Janet Abinanti awarded The Thomas Dowd Accessibility to Sonia Jarrett and Zoila Lopez. |
During one of the night’s special moments, Janet Abinanti, chairperson of the agency’s residential services committee, honored Sonia Jarrett, residence manager, and Zoila Lopez, residence counselor, with the annual Thomas Dowd Accesibility Award, given in memory of Janet’s son. The award recognizes staff leadership in expanding the accessibility of all aspects of agency services for people with significant physical and developmental disabilities.
A beautiful painting, created by an individual in Westchester Arc's art program, was presented to special guest Georgene Mongarella for her generous donation of furniture and interior design contributions to Westchester Arc's newly opened Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne.
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| Everyone rose to their feet and applauded as Executive Director Ric Swierat approached the podium to receive recognition for his 25 years of leadership and devotion to Westchester Arc staff, families and the individuals we serve. |
“Over 50 percent of staff remain with the agency for at least six years,” notes Myriam Vocke, director of human resources. “Working here is unique in that it brings professional and personal satisfaction. I’ve heard numerous stories about staff members bonding with consumers and fellow employees. One person even told me that he’s never seen such camaraderie at a job before. It’s that kind of support, plus the agency’s commitment to career advancement, that makes staff want to keep working here.”
Special thanks go to Maria Labriola, Senior Benefits Manager, for all her hard work in planning such a wonderful evening.
» Click here to learn more about working at Westchester Arc.
(from left) Diane Wolf shared her retirement plans with Westchester Arc President Anne Majsak. |
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Georgene Mongarella and her husband, Joe, are touched by the beautiful painting made just for them. |
(From left) Human Resources staff Maria Labriola, Sandra Natoo and Myriam Vocke planned the wonderful evening. |
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Westchester Arc's husband and wife team Jean and Steve Ross enjoyed a night out together. |
(from left) The Children's School's Fran Porcoro and Cecelia Barelli enjoyed a night away from the classroom. |
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(from left) Larry Faulkner, Esq., and Kim Spahn congratulated each other on they years with the agency. |
(from left) Westchester Arc Foundation's Fran Higgins and Elyse Fowler celebrated their many years working together . |
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(from right) Avery Valins congratulated co-worker Tim Synan on his 30 years at The Simon Sheib Center in Yonkers. |