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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A New York State grant will enable S.T.A.R. to help more teens get jobs.

S.T.A.R. Develops
New Partnerships

Westchester Arc’s S.T.A.R. (Students in Transition Accessing Resources) program recently began teaching career readiness classes, developing internships and offering person-centered planning to students in the Mount Vernon and New Rochelle school districts. S.T.A.R. develops partnerships with public high schools to prepare young adults, 16 and over, for the adult work world.

The partnerships were made possible through a $41 million grant sponsored by the New York State Education Department. Mount Vernon and New Rochelle were among 150 schools to receive an estimated $200,000 each over the next three years. The award pairs local high schools with VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities); with rehabilitation providers, such as Westchester Arc and the Independent Living Center, and with community partners, such as YMCAs, colleges and universities.

The goal is for transition professionals to work together to prepare the students for VESID enrollment that will potentially lead to jobs and post-secondary opportunities. Westchester Arc, for example, partners with over 250 community businesses and civic organizations, representing new resources for many schools. “These grants will lead to future jobs for students with disabilities,” comments Kathy Ahearn, acting state education commissioner.

“The grant enables Mount Vernon and New Rochelle to provide school-to-work programs for the first time,” notes Ralph Szur, director of Westchester Arc’s life planning services. “They came to S.T.A.R. because of our commitment to person-centered planning and career development. With the help of Westchester Arc, and other resources, students have more access to community employment.”

S.T.A.R. matches personal interests with employer needs.

S.T.A.R. career planners work with students, families and school faculty to identify abilities and interests, teach career skills, then locate internships and secure VESID and OMRDD (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) eligibility. Onsite job coaches help students tailor their skills to employers’ needs. The program also provides job-readiness classes, during which students learn how to write resumes, complete job applications, prepare for interviews and communicate with co-workers. S.T.A.R. currently partners with seven local high schools to help students explore different employment options and make personal job choices.