Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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Jennifer “caps” off her high school years on graduation day.
Jennifer Cratty Makes Her Own “Choices”
When asked to describe herself in a few words, Jennifer Cratty replies, “I’m a free thinker.” Like most young adults, she leads a busy life. She draws, writes poetry and attends art and communication classes at Westchester Community College. With so many interests, it’s important for Jennifer to have “Choices.”
Last year, Jennifer joined Westchester Arc’s innovative “Choices” program, a hybrid of day habilitation and supported employment, designed to empower young adults with developmental disabilities and help them achieve social inclusion. Unlike site-based day habilitation, services are delivered entirely in the community. In contrast to supported employment, participants are supervised by staff at all times.
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Jennifer styles at her senior prom. |
Through “Choices” Jennifer found an internship at TJ Maxx, where she helps re-stock clothing and maintain the sales floor. The experience enhanced her job skills and offered opportunities to make friends.
“I really enjoy meeting new people and ‘Choices’ is a great way to do that,” says Jennifer.
Jennifer has also been building language and technology skills through agency-sponsored media classes at WIHD (Westchester Institute for Human Development). A particular favorite was “Through the Lens,” where she experimented with digital photography. Jennifer learned how to download and edit pictures and to adjust camera settings for environmental factors—tools which support her college studies and career ambitions.
“I want to be a journalist that advocates for people with developmental disabilities,” continues Jennifer. “This class was a step toward that.”
Back at home, she continues to explore digital media. She recently used software to create a music video featuring Japanese animation, and she enjoys downloading Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flats and other artists to her iPod.
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| Jennifer hits the red carpet at the 2007 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. |
An avid music lover, Jennifer hit the note of a lifetime this past February with a trip to the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The vacation was made possible by the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors social activities and educational programs for individuals with disabilities. Jennifer first contacted the foundation in 2004. “They asked me to make a wish and I said I wanted to go to the Grammy’s,” she recalls. “Three years later, my wish came true.” Jennifer and her father traveled to the show by limo and hit the red carpet.
“I felt like a celebrity,” says Jennifer. “We were even invited to the after party, where my mother and brother joined us after a limo-driven tour of L.A. That was fantastic! The best part about the night was seeing my family so happy.”