2023 Annual Report

Shooting for the Stars ANNUAL REPORT

Message to the Community

As we reflect on the many remarkable achievements of 2023, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the tremendous impact we have made together. From the inspiring journeys of individuals like Cooper and Leah to receiving national recognition for our programs and services, The Arc Ontario continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals with disabilities or other challenges in our community.

Board Preside

Executive Direct

People like Cooper and Leah, who each receive services and supports from The Arc Ontario, stand as testaments to the power of determination, resilience and support. Through our College Experience and Project SEARCH programs, they embarked on paths of education, skill development and vocational training, ultimately securing meaningful employment and realizing their full potential. Their successes remind us of the profound impact that access to education and employment opportunities can have on the lives of people with disabilities, empowering them to achieve their dreams and contribute to their communities.

We are thrilled to announce that the agency’s Eberhardt Center has received national recognition from the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), with leaders referring to the site as a “national model.” Through the Eberhardt Center’s day programs and art, music and horticulture activities, we have created inclusive spaces where individuals with disabilities can explore their creativity, develop new skills and cultivate meaningful connections with others. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff and participants who continue to inspire us with their talent and determination.

The insight we have gained with the NEON Project has provided invaluable employment opportunities for the people we support, furthering our mission of fostering lifelong fulfillment through active citizenship and enriched community living for people with disabilities. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we have expanded access to meaningful employment opportunities for those we support, creating greater independence and self-sufficiency. As we celebrate these successes, let us also look to the future with optimism and determination. With your continued support and partnership, we are confident that we can build upon our achievements and make even greater strides towards our shared vision of a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our mission and the individuals we support. Together, we are truly making a difference each and every day.

With gratitude and optimism,

Robert Doeblin, Ann Scheetz, Board President Executive Director

Reaching for the Stars:

Cooper & Leah’s Inspirational Journey with The ARC Ontario

After 70 years of excellence, there are many stories that stand out and shine brightly at The Arc Ontario. Among these are Cooper and Leah, whose paths from graduation to employment and artistic expression demonstrate the transformative power of our innovative programs and services.

Copper & Leah's journey serve as symbols of inspiration.

Cooper’s journey with the agency began with his enrollment in our College Experience Program at Hobart & William Smith College, graduating in 2022. Through this immersive program, Cooper gained valuable skills and knowledge, laying the foundation for his future success. Building upon his achievements, Cooper then joined our Project SEARCH program and graduated in 2023. Through Project SEARCH, he honed his vocational skills and prepared for the workforce. Today, Cooper stands tall as an employee at Country Max in Farmington, proudly contributing his talents and making a meaningful impact in his community.

Leah’s experience with The Arc Ontario is a testament to resilience and determination. Currently enrolled in our College Experience Program at Finger Lakes Community College, Leah is pursuing her dreams of having a college experience while gaining valuable life skills. In addition to her academic pursuits, Leah works at Bad Dog Boutique, one of our agency’s social enterprises, where she always demonstrates her dedication and work ethic. Supported by our Community Habilitation program, Leah receives personalized support and guidance as she navigates life’s challenges with grace and determination. As a participant in our Creative Expressions music program, Leah shines brightly as a member of our agency band, The Dapper Rats, where her musical talents and creativity take center stage.

Cooper and Leah’s journeys serve as symbols of inspiration and empowerment for individuals with disabilities or other challenges. Their resilience, perseverance, and unwavering spirit remind us all of the limitless potential that lies within each person, regardless of ability. Through their achievements, Cooper and Leah challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and pave the way for a more inclusive society. As we celebrate their success, we are filled with hope and optimism for the future. With each milestone reached and each goal achieved, we are reminded of the tremendous impact that The Arc Ontario is having on our community every day.

Reaching New Heights:

The Arc Ontario Receives National Recognition

At the Eberhardt Center, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for the future.

We are thrilled to celebrate a monumental achievement for The Arc Ontario’s Eberhardt Center. Recognized by the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) as a “national model,” our Eberhardt Center, which houses day programs and other activities including horticulture, music and art, continues to light the way for people with disabilities, transforming their lives and inspiring others across the nation.

The Eberhardt Center earned accolades as a shining example of excellence in supporting individuals with disabilities. Our innovative programs, and the staff who operate them, have captured the attention of OPWDD and garnered recognition for having such a transformative impact on our community. The recognition came after an outstanding federal home and community based services review, with leaders from OPWDD and The Arc Ontario’s parent organization, The Arc New York, touring the facility and meeting with staff. After the tour concluded, they met with members of our leadership team to discuss how we have built and sustained our continued success.

The culture we have built at The Arc Ontario, along with the commitment of our teams and staff members, are clear and present throughout our programs and services. This was witnessed firsthand and affirmed by our visitors. The Arc Ontario’s reputation of success has been recognized statewide for many years, and we are thrilled to now be receiving recognition on a national level. We are proud to celebrate this incredible achievement, which would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our

As we reflect on the recognition bestowed upon our Eberhardt Center, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. With OPWDD’s endorsement as a “national model,” we are more committed than ever to expanding our reach and impact, empowering people with disabilities to reach new milestones and achieve the impossible. Together, we are breaking down barriers, unleashing potential and transforming lives each and every day. As we continue along this journey, we remain dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other challenges as they reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.

Achieving the Extraordinary: The Arc Ontario’s Journey with The NEON Project

When we shoot for the stars, we can achieve greatness and transform lives

I. . .

n this year’s annual report, we are thrilled to share our inspiring journey with the NEON Project (National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network). Through the NEON Project, we have witnessed remarkable achievements and transformative impacts for the people we support as we strive to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges to reach for their dreams and soar to new heights in the workplace.

At The Arc Ontario, we have fully embraced the NEON Project initiative, recognizing it as a beacon of opportunity for individuals with disabilities across Ontario County and the surrounding region. It has empowered us to expand our reach, connecting job seekers with diverse employment opportunities and fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance in the workplace for people of all abilities. From securing meaningful employment for the job seekers we support to cultivating partnerships with forward-thinking employers, we have demonstrated that with determination and dedication, anything is possible.

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 Raeman

Assistant Treasurer

Board of Governors

Michelle Raeman, Primary

Jennie Erdle-Krampen, Alternate

Directors

Gretchen Daugherty

Lynne Erdle

Scott Gerstner

Bobby Greco, Jr.

Charles McCausland

Benjamin Northrup

Elizabeth Palmatier

Deborah Rought

Deborah Wilbur

Foundation Board

Deborah Rought President

Chadwick Tuttle Vice President

Edward Boudreau

Secretary

Edward Wright

Treasurer

Directors

John Beca

Gregg Firster

Christopher Jamieson

Bailey Kablack

John Krueger

Stephen Rossi

Brennen Schiller

Kathryn Wegman

MISSION

VISION