Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

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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“Crafty Creations” gets ready to sell!

Day Hab’s “Crafty” Fundraiser

This holiday season, Westchester Arc’s day habilitation services provided a “crafty” alternative to generic, store-bought merchandise, selling homemade gifts throughout the agency. The venture provided an outlet for individuals with developmental disabilities to be creative, while learning about teamwork and money management.

“Crafty Creations” was developed in January 2006 to help raise funds for group activities. The project is all-inclusive—everyone can contribute, regardless of skill level. Many participants, in fact, have learned how to use new craft-related tools, such as rubber stamps, glue guns and hole punchers—enhancing their fine motor skills in the process.

Beautifully crafted cards offer a personalized touch to the holidays.

Everyone works together to produce unqiue gifts, which have included silk roses, lapel pins and sachets. They even constructed a one-of-a-kind “bonsai” tree that had wire branches adorned with small stones.

During a recent sale at the agency’s 121 Westmoreland offices, “Crafty Creations” enticed staffers with colorful greeting cards and dazzling ornaments. It was an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilties to show off their charm—and marketing sass.

“I think this card would be very nice for a birthday,” offered one salesperson.

“‘Crafty Creations’ is more than just an artistic endeavor, it’s about learning what it means to be an entrepreneur,” comments Patty Corbi, program director. “Participants are involved in all phases of the project, from generating ideas and shopping for materials, to selling the finished product. Over the last year, I have seen their self-esteem and the quality of their work grow.”

“Crafty Creations” also promotes inclusion. Last spring, the group sold items at a luncheon sponsored by the Northern Westchester League, a volunteer arm of Westchester Arc. One individual purchased a bonsai tree, then gave it to a friend to decorate her office. A week later, the individual called “Crafty Creations” to say that the tree was such a hit that everyone in the office wanted one!

“The participants were delighted that their product would be prominently displayed,” adds Patty. “This event did much to encourage the perception that people with developmental disabilities are productive, valuable and creative members of the community.”

Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director, checks out the merchandise.