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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A Trip to the Zoo

“Hello, Mr. Bear!”

Natasha M. bonds with a gorilla.

Westchester Arc’s recreational services recently sponsored a trip to the Bronx Zoo, where seven young adults with developmental disabilities scaled Tiger Mountain, came face-to-face with gorillas from the Congo and learned about biodiversity.

“Did you know that turtles lay eggs?” asked Stephen C.

“I love animals. People need to protect them better,” added Natasha M.

Other favorite attractions included the lions, peacocks and giraffes.

Upon encountering a sleeping polar bear, Danny S. commanded, “Wake up, Mr. Bear!” The arctic animal opened his eyes and let out a conservative roar.

“Look, he’s saying hello,” joked Danny. “He must like me.”

The infamous polar bear.

The group gets friendly with a rhino.

Jamilla C. chuckles at a python. “I definitely prefer it behind the glass,” she says.