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 respite services contact:

Jody Campbell
Director of Respite Services
(914) 428-8330
ext. 3221
jcampbell
@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

Información en Español


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Caring, Dedicated Staff

Donald Ruffin, respite counselor at Westchester Arc’s Respite House in Thornwood understood this, and when a single mother of an individual with a developmental disability decided to take her first vacation in quite some time, he went to great lengths to make her feel comfortable with that choice and ensured that her teenaged son received quality care.

Knowing that the teenager required one-to-one attention, Donald worked extra shifts and took charge of scheduling other staff members to provide support. He took the time to learn that the consumer liked music and movies and planned activities around those interests. Donald made himself available to speak with the boy’s mother, regardless of the day or time, and put his personal life aside to help a family in need.

“Many people depend on respite when their parents or other family members take a well-deserved break,” comments Jody Campbell, senior program manager, recreation and respite services. “It’s our goal to make our guests feel safe and comfortable here.”

To support that goal, Westchester Arc recently renovated and enlarged the house, adding two new rooms, a den and an office. The bathrooms and kitchen were updated with new floors, furniture, lighting and appliances and were made more wheelchair-accessible. The house was also painted and landscaped.

“The renovations have modernized the house and it’s very inviting,” notes Jody.

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