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 community services contact:
Crisis Intervention
Sharisse Hunter
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4540
shunter@
westchesterarc.org
Family Outreach
Mary Anne Shelton
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4606
mshelton@
westchesterarc.org
Service Coordination and Individualized Support
Aimee Roberts
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4533
aroberts@
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
Información
en Español
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Support Programs Strengthen Families
Having a family member with disabilities is undeniably stressful for all involved. That’s why Westchester Arc is partnering with a growing list of community organizations to provide family supports to both children and adults.
The Parenting Skills Program for Moms with Special Needs, conducted in partnership with Mount Kisco’s Effective Counseling and Consulting Service, consists of weekly childcare workshops on health, nutrition, home safety and basic infant care. “Moms with disabilities may need a little more, but with the right assistance in the home, and community programs such as this one, these moms can do a great job caring for their babies,” says senior social worker and program coordinator. “I remember one woman who had previously had to give up her children. She was so dedicated to keeping her new baby that she appeared in court the day after he was born. When the judge saw that she was linked to the parenting skills program, he let her keep him. It really does make a difference.”
We recently re-teamed with Effective Counseling and Consulting Services to start the Men’s Support Group for Individuals with Cognitive Delays. “The goal of this program is to prevent violence in the home,” says staff members. Workshops and role playing teach anger management and help prevent abuse. Men in this group also learn money management and job skills.
“My wife and I work better as a team now,” says one group member. “We’ve even been able to save up and buy a bigger home.”
Sibshops support kids from eight to 13 years old, who have a sibling with a developmental disability. The group gives them a chance to freely share thoughts, concerns and experiences, while having fun. The format was designed by Don Meyer, director of the Sibling Support Project at The Arc of the U.S. Westchester Arc hosted six sessions in the last year and partnered with the JCC (Jewish Community Center) of Mid-Westchester to reach a broader audience.
“My daughter Michele really likes going to Sibshops,” says Patty Glatthaar. “She enjoys playing games and sharing stories with other kids. Through Sibshops, Michele has realized that she’s not the only person on the planet dealing with a sibling who has special needs, and that’s helped her a lot.”
“What makes Sibshops so special is that the kids build relationships outside of the groups,” comments Nancy Succoso, Westchester Arc assistant executive director and program coordinator. “We celebrate birthdays and holidays and go out to dinner. In talking about our families, we’ve become like family.”