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ArcLife
SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER | 2023 NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 14
ISSUE 3
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH Each October, we recognize the immeasurable contributions that Americans with disabilities bring to our workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time Please turn to page 3.
SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER | 2023 NEWSLETTER
ArcLife
Life
Arc
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Michelle Raeman Jennie Erdle – Krampen DIRECTORS
Gretchen Daugherty Lynne Erdle Scott Gerstner Bobby Greco, Jr. Charles McCausland Benjamin Northrup Elizabeth Palmatier Deborah Rought Deborah Wilbur EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ann Scheetz PUBLISHING TEAM Design and layout Windhill Design LLC Photography Various Creative Writing Josh Dubin, The Arc Ontario Share your e-mail address with us and receive agency news and information. Visit thearcontario.org to sign up today! If you prefer not to receive agency news and information call 585.394.7500 or email jdubin@thearcontario.org. Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/thearcontario Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/the_arc_ontario The Arc Ontario 3071 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 585.394.7500 www.thearcontario.org
On the Cover: Philip prepares a box of muffins during one of his shifts at BJ's Wholesale Club in Victor, NY.
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MESSAGE FROM ANN SCHEETZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Arc Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities or other challenges and their families. We offer personalized services and supports that foster life-long fulfillment through active citizenship and enriched community living. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Doeblin, President Kathryn Wegman, Vice President Patrick Boyle, Secretary Dr. Barbara Risser, Treasurer Michelle Raeman, Assistant Treasurer
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3
Ann Scheetz
As another year comes to a close, we look back on 2023 and are reminded of the many outstanding achievements and personal milestones happening every day at The Arc Ontario. After another year of continued growth and prosperity, we are inspired to see that the hard work and dedication of our first-rate staff and the amazing individuals we support continues to pave the way for people of all abilities to become one with their communities.
In this edition of Arc Life, we celebrate the vast accomplishments of the individuals we support in our employment program. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the immeasurable contributions people with disabilities or other challenges make to the workplace. As you read on, you will learn about Donny C, a senior employee of Spot On Cleaning Company, a division of The Arc Ontario, who was nominated for New York State Industries for the Disabled’s Annual Award for Outstanding Performance. You will also read about one of our agency’s employment partners, Goodwill in Victor, and how they were recognized at the Rochester Area Employment Network’s Annual Awards Ceremony in October. We are thrilled to announce that our agency’s Eberhardt Center has received an outstanding federal review of home and community-based services, with leaders from OPWDD sharing that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid has referred to the program as a “national model.” Representatives from OPWDD, along with Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York, toured the facility and held discussions about what makes our agency programs so special. Please join us in offering congratulations to Diana Carpenter on her recent recognition as the 2023 Jerry Archibald Award winner. This award is presented annually to a staff member at The Arc Ontario who embodies our agency values which Jerry, a longtime friend and supporter of the agency, is personally known for: integrity, commitment, and respect. Diana, Internal Auditor for Programs, was nominated by her peers for her tireless efforts to enrich the lives of people we support and enhance their quality of life. As you read on, you will also learn about some of the fun and exciting activities taking place at The Arc Ontario, such as a Halloween Bash held for participants in our Residential Program, and a new band formed by members of our Creative Expressions music program. Looking back, we are thankful for your attendance and support for our 2023 hallmark fundraising events. The annual Canandaigua Turkey Trot fundraiser was a tremendous success thanks to your generosity. Our Holiday Gift Wrapping Booths at Eastview Mall, staffed by hundreds of community volunteers, are also off to a wonderful start thanks to your continued support. Stay tuned for more exciting developments coming to The Arc Ontario in 2024! Wishing you a healthy and Happy New Year,
Ann Scheetz, Executive Director
3 October is National Disability Awareness Month, Continued from cover
to educate the community about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Every day, we must celebrate inclusivity, and we must promote the technologies, tools, and attitudes that foster welcoming work environments for people with disabilities.
A special thanks to our community partners providing employment opportunties for people of all abilities, including Philip.
The Arc Ontario currently provides employment opportunities to more than 170 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges across more than 73 sites throughout Ontario County and the surrounding region. The agency has also helped 49 individuals secure employment in 2023. These talented individuals bring unique experiences that foster innovation and contribute to a culture of inclusion. Philip, an individual supported by The Arc Ontario, is a valued employee at BJ's in Victor, one of the businesses we partner with in our Supported Employment program. Julianna enjoyed her interaction with Philip while placing an order for a birthday cake. She was so satisfied with their interaction that she reached out to relay his exceptional customer service. “I was so appreciative of Philip’s incredible customer service while recently shopping at
EBERHARDT CENTER RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York, joined us at The Eberhardt Center to offer congratulations and tour the facility.
On Wednesday, October 4, The Arc Ontario hosted Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York, along with senior leaders from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for a tour of the agency’s Eberhardt Center. The facility recently received an outstanding federal review of home and community-based services, with leaders from OPWDD sharing that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid referred to The Arc Ontario’s Eberhardt Center program as a “national model.” Representatives from The Arc New York and OPWDD explored the site together and were able to see first-hand the amazing services and supports offered at The Arc Ontario. After the tours concluded, the remainder of the morning was spent celebrating the achievement and discussing how The Arc Ontario was able to build such amazing, highquality programs throughout the organization,
Ann Scheetz, Executive Director, spoke with leaders from OPWDD and The Arc New York about what makes our programs so special.
as well as how the agency has built and sustained a culture of success. “We are thrilled and honored to be receiving statewide and national recognition for our high-quality programs and services,” said Ann Scheetz, Executive Director. “The culture we have built and the commitment of our staff are clear and present throughout our programs,” she continued. “A special thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate, and to our dedicated staff members at the Eberhadt Center who truly embody our agency values each and every day.” The Eberhardt Center has been a part of Day Services at The Arc Ontario for over thirty years, offering an enriched learning environment with an emphasis on wellness. Programs support social skills development, promoting independence, training in several areas of daily living, and building community relationships and involvement.
BJ’s,” said Julianna. “Philip was extremely patient and went above and beyond to ensure my complex custom cake order was taken accurately and that I had everything I needed,” she continued. “His warm, friendly, and attentive customer service was wonderful – a big ‘thank you’ to Philip for making sure our Birthday desserts were just what we hoped for and more!” Every day, we must celebrate inclusivity, and we must promote the technologies, tools, and attitudes that foster welcoming work environments for people with disabilities. There are many success stories like Philip’s happening every day at The Arc Ontario. A special thanks to all of our community employment partners for enabling the individuals we support to earn gainful employment and achieve their dreams of becoming one with their communities.
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BASH The Arc Ontario’s Residential Department hosted a spooktacular Halloween Bash for people living in the agency’s residential homes on Friday, October 13 at our main facility. Participants dressed to the nines, sporting amazing and creative costumes while dancing the night away. The fun-filled evening featured a DJ with Halloween music, a festive photo booth, contests and prizes, and pizza and light refreshments for guests to enjoy. A sincere thank you to our Residential Department for going above and beyond to ensure the individuals we support had a fun and festive Halloween season!
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AGENCY EMPLOYMENT PARTNER RECOGNIZED AT 2023 RAEN AWARDS Each October, the Rochester Area Employment Network (RAEN) has the opportunity to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and celebrate the work of all of their community partners who join together to make the connection between businesses seeking qualified workers and workers who have disabilities or other challenges. “Advancing Access and Equity” was the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2023, celebrating the historical and current contributions of American workers with disabilities and highlighting inclusive policies. The Arc Ontario's Supported Employment program was proud to share our gratitude for our partnership with Goodwill in Victor as part of the special recognition ceremony.
Pictured here: The Arc Ontario staff, Emily Brown, Project Search Instructor, Andy Watson, Supported Employment Manager, Kristen Lankton, JET Manager, and Sue Walker, JET Coordinator; and Kristen Bloomfield and Melissa Perry, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.
ANNUAL TURKEY TROT FUNDRAISER RAISES OVER $15,000 FOR FRIENDS OF THE ARC ONTARIO FOUNDATION
Over 400 runners joined us Thanksgiving Morning for our Annual Turkey Trot fundraiser.
A special thanks to all of our runners, walkers, race sponsors, and volunteers who participated in our Annual Canandaigua Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run & Walk! Our gratitude extends to everyone who joined us on Thanksgiving morning to kick off the holiday season with The Arc Ontario. With over 400 participants, we raised over $15,000 for the Friends of The Arc Ontario Foundation – the most money raised since the event’s inception more than 14 years ago! All money raised will support
Families donned festive holiday attire and kicked-off their holiday by showing their support for The Arc Ontario.
the agency’s growing menu of innovative programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges. We had a fantastic morning and we were thrilled to see our friends, old and new, come out to show their support for The Arc Ontario. We are grateful for the continued support from our community partners and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
AGENCY AWARDED $28,800 IN GRANTS FROM NYSARC TRUST The NYSARC Trust Services has awarded The Arc Ontario $24,000 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. The organization also awarded $4,834 to The Arc Ontario to support new recreational opportunities that will enrich the lives of the 109 individuals living in our Residential Program.
AGENCY ENHANCES WAGES The Arc Ontario has once again increased wages for its staff members, reflecting the necessity of compensating our frontline workers for their dedication and commitment to those we support, as well as incentivizing and attracting new employees to join our team. This marks our third wage increase in the last two and a half years, with an average increase of 27%. The costs of not addressing wages of our caring team of professionals have been evident. According to a survey conducted by the New York Disability Advocates, 93% of I/DD care providers in New York State have reported a decrease in job applicants. However, thanks to our efforts to continuously increase wages, along with the rollout of new recruiting strategies, we are receiving an influx of new applications. “We are thrilled to offer our third wage increase for staff members in the past two and a half years,” said Ann Scheetz, Executive Director. “By investing in our dedicated staff, we are investing in a brighter future for our agency and the amazing individuals we support throughout Ontario County and the surrounding region,” she continued.
ArcLife
SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER | 2023 NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3
INTRODUCING THE DAPPER RATS The DAPPER RATS, comprising of members of our Creative Expressions Music Program, have burst onto the local music scene, performing at The Arc Ontario’s Annual Cruisin’ for a Cause fundraiser on August 17 and Birdhouse Brewing in Honeoye on September 1. Members of the band include individuals who receive services at The Arc Ontario, including Peter, Nic. and Satchel. The band rehearses weekly at the agency’s Eberhardt Center and has many upcoming shows planned throughout the community. At The Arc Ontario, we are all about helping the individuals we support to explore their unique talents and achieve their true potential. Be on the lookout for
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SPOT ON EMPLOYEE NOMINATED FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD
a DAPPER RATS performance coming to a venue near you! You can keep up with the latest happenings with the DAPPER RATS and our Creative Expressions Program by monitoring our website and social media channels.
PLEASE JOIN US AT THE GIFT WRAP BOOTH
A special thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and community partners for supporting this year’s annual Gift Wrap Booth fundraiser at East View Mall this holiday season. Thousands of gifts will be wrapped by teams of volunteers from around the community – all in support of the Arc Ontario’s growing menu of innovative
programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges. Our main booth and our Macy’s booth will remain open through December 24. Happy holidays from your friends at The Arc Ontario!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 JERRY ARCHIBALD AWARD WINNER We are thrilled to share that Diana Carpenter was named recipient of the 2023 Jerry Archibald Award. The Jerry Archibald Award is named in honor of Jerry Archibald, a longtime friend and supporter of The Arc Ontario, who exemplifies the agency’s values of Commitment, Integrity, and Respect. The award is presented annually to a staff member of The Arc Ontario who embodies those same values while working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges. We would also like to congratulate all of this year's nominees who were nominated by their peers: JoEllen Schaefer, Cathy Keyes, Jessica Cooper, and Nathan Merrill. Thank you for all that you do each and every day. You truly embody our agency
Jerry Archibald (left), Ann Scheetz, Executive Director (left center), and Kathy Wegman, Vice President (right) presented Diana Carpenter with the 2023 Jerry Archibald Award during a special ceremony held on October 24, 2023.
values, and we are grateful to have you all on our team.
Please join us in offering congratulations to Donny C, an employee of The Arc Ontario’s Spot On Cleaning Company, for being nominated for the New York State Industries for the Disabled’s 20th Annual Award for Outstanding Performance. Donny’s dedication and hard work over the last several years has inspired his coworkers and embodied our agency’s core values. Donny is truly deserving of this recognition and we could not be more proud. Donny’s employment success began 15 years ago when he was hired as a custodian for Spot On Cleaning Company. From the outset, he displayed remarkable eagerness to learn all aspects of the operation and expand his skillsets. His commitment and expertise led him to undertake project work on all agency contracts requiring waxing and stripping, carpet cleaning, and other critical components of the operation. He willingly trains his co-workers in these techniques, further enhancing their capabilities and promoting tremendous team spirit. Thank you for all that you do Donny, and congratulations on the incredible achievement from everyone here at The Arc Ontario!
NYSARC, Inc., Ontario County Chapter 3071 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, New York 14424
Prsrt Std U.S. Postage
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Permit No. 780 Rochester, NY
HONOR AND REMEMBER SOMEONE SPECIAL WITH A GIFT TO THE ARC ONTARIO A donation to The Arc Ontario is a thoughtful way to remember a loved one who has passed away or to honor someone special in your life. Every donation brings us closer to our vision that all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges are one with their communities. To make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Michele Wistner at 585.919.2156 or mwistner@thearcontario.org or visit thearcontario.org/online-donation.