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 contact:

Regina Moore
Marketing Manager
phone: (914) 428-8330,
ext. 3117
fax: (914) 997-2985
or (914) 428-0322
rmoore@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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Press Release

Westchester D.A. Janet DiFiore Commends Westchester Arc, Local Businesses for Providing Jobs to People
with Disabilities

 

Westchester Arc Event Honors Employers

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – April 22, 2007 – Speaking at Westchester Arc’s April 18 Employer Recognition Breakfast, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore compared the agency’s mission to that of the D.A.’s office. “We both work hard to build a productive and safe community, and empower the citizens of Westchester,” she told over 150 business and civic leaders gathered at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown. “The D.A’ s office is a direct beneficiary of the services provided by Westchester Arc. I am delighted to be a part of this event, and I congratulate businesses and Westchester Arc for their oustanding support of people with disabilities. Together, we are working hard to improve the quality of people’s lives.”


DiFiore was the keynote speaker at the annual event celebrating Westchester Arc’s 39 years of job placement experience and honoring employers who have helped individuals with developmental disabilities build careers (see complete list below). Westchester Arc is the largest agency in the county serving children and adults who have developmental disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.


DiFiore was followed by County Legislator, Bill Ryan, (D-White Plains,) who accepted the Civic Partnership Award on behalf of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. “We are very lucky to have the opportunity to employ someone with a disability,” he said. “She has very special abilities and is a very, very important part of our daily operations. I don’t know what we would do without her.”


William Ianari and Angela Malara, two individuals with disabilities who are longtime employees of Syms in Elmsford, received the Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award for inspiring others. Angela’s sister, Mary, expressed heartfelt thanks. “Because of Westchester Arc and Syms, Angela has learned to do things she never would have thought possible. Your patience and your understanding has enabled a shy girl to become a full, productive member of society.”


“I work with some really nice people. I love my job,” added Angela. “Thank you Westchester Arc, thank you Syms, for this award.”


Other honorees ranged from retail stores to community organizations and schools. Paul Feiner, supervisor for the town of Greenburgh, received a Special Appreciation Award for his longtime advocacy on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities. Pat Dowse, vice president of operations for the New York State Rehabilitation Association (NYSRA), presented the Tuckahoe Union Free School District with the 2008 NYSRA Transitional Quality Practices Award. Tuckahoe has a longstanding partnership with Westchester Arc and currently works with the agency’s “Choices” program to provide job-readiness classes and other pre-vocational training to high school students with disabilities.


Westchester Arc is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. It has long been committed to social inclusion because it benefits the entire community.


2008 Westchester Arc Employer Recognition Breakfast

Employer Awards

New Partnership Award

PepsiCo
Bronx County Clerk’s Office

Educational Partnership Award

Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Union Free School District


2008 NYSRA Transitional Quality Practices Recognition

The Tuckahoe Union Free School District

Special Advocate Award
Village of Mount Kisco
Whole Foods Market
Flik Independent Schools

Civic Partnership Award

Westchester County Board of Legislators

Continuing Partnership Award

New York State Office of Court Administration
Stop & Shop

Bridge to Employment Award

Cold Stone Creamery
Yonkers Community Action Program

Business Partnership Award

Westchester One Club
Peapod by Stop & Shop
Trader Joe’s

Special Appreciation Award

Paul Feiner, Supervisor, Town of Greenburgh

Longstanding Employer Award

Mount Kisco Frame Shop
The Food Emporium

Employment Development Award

Pathmark

Special Partnership Award

Walgreens

Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award

William Ianiri
Angela Malara

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