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 career services please contact:
Kim
Spahn
Asst. Executive Director
phone
(914) 428-8330, ext.3107
fax
(914) 428-0322
kspahn
@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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From left, Paul G., Sheba G. and Robin F. are valued employees at Friendly's Restaurant.
Pre-Vocational Services Explores Employment Options
Individuals attending Westchester Arc’s pre-vocational training in White Plains are moving from center-based services to the community. With the help of agency staff, over 55 people are currently exploring jobs, internships and other activities.
“The agency has a longstanding commitment to community inclusion and finding employment opportunities has become a top priority,” notes Lori Calandruccio, manager of community options. “Many people want to work in the community but are afraid of being on their own. Our pre-vocational program stresses teamwork. Individuals explore different experiences in small groups, so they are still out in the community, yet have their friends and Westchester Arc staff for support.”
In the true sprit of teamwork, the group named itself the “Glorious Explorers.” Over the last year, they have explored a wide range of employment options, including paying jobs at Barnes and Noble, Dunkin’ Donuts and Metro North. Some individuals have “graduated” to work at Iona College in New Rochelle, where they clean tables and stack chairs in the school’s cafeteria. Another team restocks shelves and bags groceries at ShopRite in Thornwood. As employees of eDocNY, Westchester Arc’s document management service for businesses, four people have scanned and digitized records onsite at high-profile firms and government organizations, while others have been commissioned by the town of Bedford, New York, to perform street cleaning and snow removal services.
Chris K. and Larry P. enjoy volunteering at the White Plains Police Department, where they file paperwork, shred documents and convert videotapes to DVDs.
Once a week, three individuals work at Friendly’s Restaurant, where they bus tables, replenish supplies and take out the trash. An onsite Westchester Arc job coach teaches them about following directions, adapting to job routines, developing a work ethic and meeting employer expectations.
“I really like working here,” says Paul G. “It’s really great to be out in the community.”
Individuals who aren’t quite ready to be employed in the community have found success volunteering at Applebee’s, Salvation Army and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, where they assist with mailings, make copies and file paperwork.
“Many people who participate in internships eventually move on to paying jobs,” adds Lori. “Our main goal is to help individuals grow comfortable with the community and become as independent as possible. We’re always looking for new opportunities in the community for part- or full-time employment for our ‘Explorers.’”