2022 Annual Report

As we look back and reflect on 2022, we feel a great sense of pride in all that we have accomplished together. We are reminded of the amazing stories happening every day at The Arc Ontario. Inspiring independence is what we’re all about, and our firstrate staff has continued to display tremendous commitment and dedication to providing high quality supports and services to the individuals we support, allowing them to realize their full potential and truly become one with their communities.

In this annual report, you will learn about how The Arc Ontario is inspiring independence each and every day. Whether it’s getting a first job, starting college classes, moving into a first apartment, or obtaining a driver’s permit, the talented people we support continue to reach new milestones and achieve the extraordinary. At The Arc Ontario, we are creating a world that fosters self-determination, inclusion, and independence for people of all abilities.

As you read on, you will learn about some of the amazing achievements happening throughout our agency thanks to the commitment of our staff and the support of our community partners. You will learn about how a young man has found success in a new career thanks to opportunities afforded through our Supported Employment Services. You will also learn about how The Arc Ontario is helping interns at our innovative Project SEARCH™ at Eastview Mall program obtain their driver’s licenses, which will allow for easier transportation to work and greater independence in their daily lives. Last but not least, you will read about a young woman’s journey to independent living and enrolling in college courses through our College Experience Program at Finger Lakes Community College.

As we reminisce over this past year, it only reminds us of the profound impact our agency continues to have on thousands of people throughout Ontario County and the surrounding areas. We are thankful for another prosperous year, and we are grateful for your unwavering support for our agency and the wonderful individuals we support.

Wishing you a lovely summer,

Robert Doeblin, Ann Scheetz, Board President Executive Director

“At The Arc Ontario, we are creating a world that fosters self-determination, inclusion, and independence for people of all abilities.”

Achieving Independence

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can face many challenges in society, including barriers to education, employment and housing opportunities. The Arc Ontario’s College Experience program is an essential step towards overcoming some of these challenges and finding success in a career. The importance of people with disabilities or other challenges participating in college programs cannot be overstated, as it provides them with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in the workforce, engage in active citizenship and lead independent, meaningful lives.

One of our College Experience program participants, Dani C., has utilized The Arc Ontario’s resources and drastically improved her life over the past year, thanks in large to her personal commitment and the support of our dedicated staff members. A year ago, Dani was not attending any day programs, she didn’t have a job, and she was living with a family friend wondering what’s next. Thanks to her persistence and hard work, Dani is now enrolled in our College Experience program at Finger Lakes Community College. She recently got married and is now living in her own home with her husband.

“Dani has made tremendous strides in becoming independent,” said Kathy Kanada, Assistant Director of Employment Services at The Arc Ontario. “She is learning to advocate for herself, and we are incredibly proud of all that she has achieved over this past year,” she continued. “We cannot wait to see what the rest of her future holds.”

At The Arc Ontario, we continue to inspire independence in all areas of life. Encouraging individuals like Dani to participate in college programs helps to break down stereotypes and prejudices about people with disabilities or other challenges. It provides an opportunity for them to showcase their unique abilities and talents, rather than being defined solely by their disability. This, in turn, leads to increased inclusion and acceptance in both society and the workplace.

Dani is learning to develop important social and networking skills that are essential for success in the workforce. She now has the ability to participate in clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities as she pursues her passions and plans for the next chapter of her life – finding a career to succeed in. She is living independently, meeting new people, building relationships, and expanding her professional network so that she can truly blossom and realize her full potential.

“Dani has made tremendous strides in becoming independent.”

The Road to Independence

Getting a driver's license can be a significant milestone in achieving greater independence and freedom for people of all abilities. Being able to drive allows us to access employment opportunities, pursue education and engage in a range of everyday activities that many people take for granted. For people with disabilities, it also means having greater control over their lives and making decisions about their future with more confidence and autonomy.

This is why Emily Brown, Project SEARCH™️ Instructor at The Arc Ontario, has grown passionate about helping our Project SEARCH™️ at Eastview Mall interns obtain driver’s permits through our innovative Project SEARCH™️ program. In 2022 all three of our interns at Eastview Mall successfully passed their driver’s permit test in the spring time, a major accomplishment that was celebrated by many here at the agency. Fast forward to the spring of 2023 – one of our interns has just completed his 5-hour driving course while two others are studying to take the test. We expect that by the end of summer, 60% of this year’s cohort will be driving independently.

"The major hurdle with coaching young people with disabilities towards driving is often the preconceived notions," said Emily Brown, Project SEARCH™️ Instructor. "These may be internal doubts about their abilities, anxieties about weather and other dangers, and sometimes the words of people in their lives who have placed barriers where there need not be," she continued. "A non-stop positive attitude and a willingness to celebrate even the smallest milestone are keys to building up confidence and inspiring independence."

Having a driver's license allows people with disabilities to travel to work, school, appointments, and social activities on their own schedule, without having to rely on public transportation or assistance from others. Our Project SEARCH™️ and ACCESS-VR programs are changing lives every day and providing the individuals we support with the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.

In an area like Ontario county, where public transportation is limited, The Arc Ontario is proud to be able to create opportunities for young people to obtain driving skills and lead independent, fulfilling lives. Driving brings with it responsibility, respect and inclusion in our communities. By promoting greater access to driver's education and licensing programs, The Arc Ontario is breaking down barriers and supporting greater inclusion and empowerment for people of all abilities.

“We expect that by the end of summer, 60% of this year’s cohort will be driving independently.”

Work builds Independence

Having a job is essential for one to achieve independence, build self-esteem, and become a contributing member of society. This is no different for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges, who often face roadblocks when it comes to finding employment. However, when people with disabilities are given the opportunity to work and earn a living, they can truly flourish and become valuable members of society while achieving greater levels of independence and self-worth.

Ian, an individual supported by The Arc Ontario, was given that chance by of one our community employment partners, Mr. Tire in Geneva. Ian has made the most of his opportunity – he has been working at Mr. Tire for nearly a year now. Ian began by helping out with small tasks around the shop. He started out cleaning and completing odd jobs as needed. But with the amazing support from Mr. Tire’s management team and his job coaches at The Arc Ontario, Ian was successfully trained and now completes oil changes, tire changes, tire alignments, and other critical responsibilities around the shop.

All of this was made possible through The Arc Ontario’s Supported Employment Services, a person-centered employment planning and support service that provides assistance for an individual to obtain and maintain competitive employment in a job at or above the minimum wage. Ian’s determination, coupled with the resources and supports offered at The Arc Ontario, has allowed him to accomplish new milestones and achieve a greater sense of self-sufficiency and independence.

“Ian is an incredibly hard worker,” said Austin Verrone, Ian’s Job Coach at The Arc Ontario. “He has had some big ups and downs, but his determination has allowed him to overcome those challenges and succeed,” he continued.

“It is truly amazing how far Ian has come this past year,” said Verrone. “The only setback we’ve encountered is not having a driver’s license, but Ian is working hard to obtain his permit in the coming months,” he continued.

At The Arc Ontario, we are helping people achieve their full potential every day. When people like Ian are given the opportunity to work and succeed, it not only increases awareness, it promotes greater understanding about the contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workforce. It helps us to inspire independence in those we support and realize our vision of people with disabilities or other challenges becoming one with their communities.

“It is truly amazing how far Ian has come this past year.”

INTEGRITY | RESPECT | TEAMWORK | QUALITY | COMMITMENT | INNOVATION

2022 SUMMARY OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES

Executive Team

Ann Scheetz

Executive Director

John Astles

Senior Associate Executive Director/CFO

Board of Directors

Robert Doeblin President

Kathryn Wegman Vice President

Patrick Boyle Secretary

Dr. Barbara Risser Treasurer

Michelle Raemann Assistant Treasurer

Board of Governors

Deborah Wilbur

Marie O'Horo, Alternate Directors

Gretchen Daugherty

Lynne Erdle

Jennie Erdle-Krampen

Charles McCausland

Kyle Meath

Benjamin Northrup

Elizabeth Palmatier

Deborah Rought

Foundation Board

Deborah Rought President

Chadwick Tuttle Vice President

Edward Boudreau Secretary

Edward Wright Treasurer Directors

John Beca

John Krueger

Stephen Rossi

The Arc Ontario 3071 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424

P (585) 394-7500

F (585) 394-1987

www.thearcontario.org

To foster life-long fulfillment through active citizenship and enriched community living for individuals with disabilities or other challenges.

All individuals with disabilities or other challenges are one with their communities. Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/the_arc_ontario

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