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 about our recreational services contact:

Rosemarie Crisafi
Director of Residential Services
(914) 681-0650
ext. 3308
rcrisafi
@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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Residents of the Decatur house receive family-like care.

New Residence
Offers Medically
Enhanced Services


Westchester Arc’s newly opened Decatur House is much like other agency residences. Located on a quiet street in Mohegan Lake, it offers large bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas and a modern kitchen. However, the agency’s 43rd home has one important distinction—it is the first Westchester Arc-owned residence created for individuals with developmental disabilities who require significant medical attention.


“The house is a direct response to the needs of our aging population,” comments program director Gabrielle Pikoulas. “Typically, when a person requires medically enhanced services, they are sent to a nursing home or rehabilitation facility, which is often cold and impersonal. In many cases, the individual is limited to center-based activities and has little opportunity for community inclusion. At Decatur, residents have all the comforts of home and receive family-like care. We will also provide day trips to movies, museums, concerts, libraries and other community sites, as well as inhouse activities, such as art and music classes.”

All bedrooms cater to significant medical needs.

To ensure quality of care, residential staff have completed 80 hours of additional medical training. They are certified to administer a feeding tube, install a catheter and attend to other special needs. A registered nurse will visit the house 27 hours per week and may be paged in the event of an emergency.


An ocean-themed mural by local artist Dawn Papandrea adds a splash of color to the walls. Blue fish, green turtles and pink coral inspire residents to relax and feel at home.


“There’s something very calming about water,” adds Gabrielle. “The mural contributes a warm and inviting sentiment. It ties in with the agency’s desire to provide residents with the highest level of comfort.”