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
Assistant Executive Director
Residential Services
914.949.9300
ext. 4489
rcrisafi
@westchesterarc.org

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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Cherry (second from left) celebrates with friends and co-workers from Westchester Arc. Pictured with her are (from left to right) Dr. Angelina Okoli, clinical director/nursing supervisor; Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director; Thelma Eliott, residence manager, and Anne Majsak, Westchester Arc president.

NYSARC Honors
Cherry Charlton:

Westchester Arc Staff Member Praised for Leadership, Compassion

“Working in a Westchester Arc residence with people with developmental disabilities has made me a better person,” remarked staff member Cherry Charlton, while accepting the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award at the October 16-18 NYSARC Convention in Albany. Westchester Arc is the local chapter of NYSARC, which is the largest not-for-profit organization in the nation serving persons with developmental disabilities.

Cherry, who was one of many candidates from NYSARC’s 49 chapters throughout the state, was honored in recognition of her leadership and compassion in providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. As the assistant residence manager at Bryant V—one of 43 residences owned by Westchester Arc throughout the county—Cherry is a constant support and inspiration to those she serves. She has enhanced the lives and touched the hearts of many residents, going to great lengths to plan activities consistent with personal needs and desires. When one resident wanted to start a garden, Cherry was there to help her plant the first seed; when another resident wanted to “get-fit,” Cherry helped devise an exercise regiment to Richard Simmon’s “Sweating to the Oldies.” In addition to losing weight and toning muscle, the activity also served as a way for the women to have fun and build friendships.

To Cherry, working at Bryant V has been more than just a job. She has established personal relationships and friendships with her residents. Cherry was honored for a particular experience in which she helped lift the spirits of a resident. The woman was non-verbal and felt disconnected to the world. Cherry encouraged her to establish a pen-pal relationship with members of the community. She began by corresponding with Cherry’s granddaughter, Ashlee, as well as her niece, Kadaja, who lives in Barbados. Then Cherry introduced her to a neighborhood friend, Alenda, a Marine sergeant. The two became close, and when the resident learned Alenda would be sent to Iraq, she asked to be her pen pal, too. Alenda happily accepted and the two exchanged many letters over the next year. The activity helped boost each woman’s morale. Letters helped lift Alenda’s spirits when she got homesick, while the resident enjoyed the chance to express herself.

“My experiences at Bryant V have truly touched my heart,” continued Cherry. “It has made me a better family member, friend, supervisor…and brought me to a path of spiritual fulfillment.”

Shown above are just a few of many images showing Cherry enriching the daily lives of the women at Bryant V.

Cherry is a true example of the hard work and dedication of Westchester Arc’s direct care staff, which provide a wide spectrum of services depending on an individual’s needs. Residence counselors, for example, provide 24/7 support to help individuals maintain all the comforts of home. They help prepare meals, organize group activities, and some have gone so far as to complete additional medical training to offer medically enhanced services should the need arise.

Westchester Arc offers a variety of residential opportunities, based upon the level of support and supervision required by an individual. Options range from highly staffed homes, supervised 24 hours per day, to supportive living situations, where staff may provide assistance from 15 to 20 hours per week.

“Every day, Westchester Arc staff members are out there changing lives. Cherry truly represents the heart and soul of our agency,” comments Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director, and fellow conference attendee. “Cherry’s heartfelt gratitude and willingness to share her story set the stage for all of the NYSARC honorees that followed. It was an honor to share in this moment with her.”