ArcLife
CANANDAIGUA COUNTRY CLUB’S SUMMER FASHION SHOW BENEFITS THE ARC
ONTARIO
The Arc Ontario is thrilled to have been selected to receive the proceeds from The Canandaigua Country Club’s Kick Off to Summer Fashion Show. The exciting event was held on July 16 at the Canandaigua Country Club’s Fallbrook House. The fun-filled evening included a silent auction, delicious cuisine, and the latest fashions for women, Please turn to page 3.
ArcLife
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
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
MESSAGE FROM ANN SCHEETZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It is with excitement and gratitude that I share some of the highlights from the last few months at The Arc Ontario. Our agency continues to thrive due to the unwavering support of our community. In this edition of our Arc Life newsletter, we are celebrating the achievements of our incredible participants and the talented workforce that supports them.
Our SANYS U program, which empowers self-advocacy and leadership skills, has successfully graduated another inspiring group of individuals. These graduates are a testament to the power of self-determination and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Additionally, we congratulate our 2024 College Experience and Project SEARCH graduates. Their hard work and dedication are truly inspiring and we look forward to seeing the amazing things they will accomplish in the future.
We are proud to announce the successful completion of the E-Badge program for several of our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This initiative, hosted by the Collaborative of WNY, recognized the dedication and commitment of our DSPs to advancing their careers and improving the lives of those they support. By investing in their professional growth, our employees are directly impacting the futures of the individuals we support.
We are excited to introduce our new Employment & Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering hands-on training in healthcare and hospitality, with additional opportunities on the horizon. The site is utilizing virtual reality technology to provide immersive learning experiences, allowing individuals to explore various career paths and develop the skills necessary for success.
We are thrilled to have participated in Canandaigua Country Club’s Summer Fashion Show, with all proceeds from the event donated to The Arc Ontario. The event was a resounding success as we raised awareness about our agency as well as local businesses who participated. We are grateful to Canandaigua Country Club for hosting this event and to all of the participating businesses, including Bad Dog Boutique. The individuals we support who modeled clothing showcased their confidence and style, inspiring everyone in attendance.
Our residential program hosted an unforgettable dinner dance at Clifton Springs Country Club. It was a magical evening filled with laughter, dancing, and delicious food. We are incredibly grateful to our Residential Department and Clifton Springs Country Club for creating such a special experience for our residents.
We are honored to have been selected by HemoCue, a global company that develops and manufactures equipment for blood testing, for their community service project. Their team worked closely with our JET program, joining them as they ventured out into the community for valuable training and volunteer opportunities. We appreciate their commitment to giving back and fostering a world of inclusion for all.
As you can see, there is much to celebrate here at The Arc Ontario. Thank you for your continued support of our mission to foster lifelong fulfillment for people with disabilities or other challenges. Together, we are making a tremendous impact on the thousands of lives we touch each and every day.
With warm regards,
Ann Scheetz, Executive Director
On the Cover: Amber, Lindsey and Molly showcasing apparel from local businesses during Canandaigua Country Club’s Summer Fashion Show.
Ann Scheetz
Canandaigua Country Club’s Summer Fashion Show Benefits The Arc Ontario
men and dogs, featuring local organizations including our own Bad Dog Boutique, a division of The Arc Ontario.
It was a magnificent evening filled with friends, laughter, and inclusion for people of all abilities as we raised awareness for The Arc Ontario’s growing menu of innovative programs and services for the people we support. We were thrilled to have three of the individuals we support participate in the fashion show, along with our Senior Associate Executive Director/CFO, John Astles, who will become Executive Director when Ann Scheetz retires in October. The evening raised $13,000 for The Friends of The Arc Ontario Foundation. A special thanks to Canandaigua Country Club and the local merchants who participated for showing their commitment to a world where people of all abilities can shine brightly and truly become one with their communities. communities where people of all abilities are accepted and valued.
CELEBRATING OUR 2024 GRADUATES
The Arc Ontario would like to offer congratulations to the students in our College Experience program for their successful completion of the program. Students attended classes and participated in extracurricular activities such as the Best Buddies Club at Hobart & William Smith College and Finger Lakes Community College. FLCC’s Justin W. and Hobart & William Smith’s Branden B., Peter L., and Joshua C. each celebrated their remarkable achievements with friends, family, and staff members from The Arc Ontario who provide them support. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and determination.
In June, individuals supported by The Arc Ontario celebrated their successful completion of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State's SANYS U, a leadership course that teaches selfadvocates and their supporters about the history of self-advocacy, their rights and responsibilities, tips for strong self-
advocacy groups, and self-advocacy leadership skills. A celebration was held on June 4 at our main facility to honor their accomplishments. The world is full of possibilities, and we know they will all go on to achieve great things.
We also celebrated our 2024 Project SEARCH graduates after interns successfully completed the 2024 program. A special ceremony was held on June 13 at our main facility to commemorate the hard work and commitment of our interns.
Project SEARCH at Eastview Mall is a ten-month community pre-vocational program offered by The Arc Ontario. During their time with Project SEARCH, interns completed three-to-twelve-week internships at businesses in and around the mall, with daily classroom instruction and hands-on skill-building. Congratulations to Nicole, Jasmine, Liam, and Patrick from everyone here at The Arc Ontario. We can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you.
RESIDENTIAL
DINNER DANCE HELD AT CLIFTON SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB
On June 7, The Arc Ontario and Clifton Springs Country Club partnered to host a formal Dinner Dance for individuals living in our Residential Program. The festive evening featured a live DJ with dancing, delicious food, great friends, and making long-lasting memories. A special thanks to Clifton Springs Country Club for catering and hosting the event, and to staff members from our Residential Program for putting together such a wonderful evening for the people we support. Everyone had a tremendous time and we’re all looking forward to the next celebration!
Molly (left), an individual supported by The Arc Ontario, and Bailey Kablack (right), a member of our Foundation Board, model apparel from local businesses during Canandaigua’s Summer Fashion Show on July 16th.
Graduates from our SANYS U program gathered for a photo at our main facility to celebrate their achievements.
Graduates of our College Experience program at Hobart & William Smith Colleges posed for a photo during their graduation ceremony on May 19, proudly showcasing their new diplomas.
Community Advisory Board member, Karen Davison Blazey and her dog showcased products and apparel from Bad Dog Boutique, a division of The Arc Ontario, at Canandaigua’s Summer Fashion Show.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
The Arc Ontario has announced that Ann Scheetz, our longtime Executive Director, will be retiring from her role on October 1, 2024. The Arc Ontario’s Board of Directors has selected John Astles, the agency’s Chief Financial Officer/Senior Associate Executive Director, to serve as Scheetz’ successor.
“My nearly 40-year career at The Arc Ontario has been an overwhelmingly incredible experience, and it has been an opportunity of a lifetime to lead and grow this organization,” said Scheetz.
“I am filled with pride when looking back on the progress made during my career. Most importantly, I am proud of how we have positively impacted the lives of so many as we worked to achieve our vision of people being one with their communities,” she continued.
Scheetz and Astles will continue to work closely over the next few months to ensure continuity of operations and meet with local community partners to discuss transition plans.
“I know I will miss The Arc Ontario after so many years of leadership, but I also know it is the right time for me. I am enormously proud of this organization, and I know that even greater things are ahead,” said Scheetz.
THE ARC ONTARIO'S NEW EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING CENTER
The Arc Ontario is excited to announce our new Employment & Training Center where we will offer employment preparation services to help people with disabilities or other challenges explore their areas of interest, launch their careers, and achieve success in the workplace.
We have something for everyone, whether you are just starting to explore career paths or would like to obtain the skills necessary to become more marketable. Our team is ready to discuss career options and how you can achieve your own personal career goals. Dive deeper and explore specific areas of interest while preparing for the next steps to turn your goals into a reality. Through the use of Virtual Reality and handson curriculum, you can obtain the skills necessary for successful employment in the fields of healthcare & hospitality, with more opportunities coming in the near future.
For more information about our Employment & Training Center, or to schedule a visit today, please contact Brian Webb, Transition Coordinator, at bwebb@ thearcontario.org or (585) 919-2201.
AGENCY CELEBRATES DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF FOR COMPLETING E-BADGE TRAINING
On May 20, The Arc Ontario was honored to celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) across Western New York for completing their National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge training. The celebration was hosted by the Collaborative of NY, which is comprised of eleven chapters throughout our region, and the New York State Office
for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). There were nearly 100 people in attendance, including Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York, Willow Baer, OPWDD Acting Commissioner, and Joseph MacBeth, NADSP President and CEO.
Congratulations to everyone who joined us to celebrate their achievements!
John B., (right), an individual supported by The Arc Ontario, participates in a hospitality training with Employment Specialist, Julie Wagner (left) at our new Employment & Training Center.
Our Employment & Training Center’s computer lab offers virtual reality-based curriculum for individuals to explore areas of interest and learn how to achieve success in the workplace.
(from left to right) Agency staff members, Jessica Cooper, Angela Weber, Alyssa Pollack-Gordon, Carol Williams and Taylor DeLeo smile for a photo at a celebration held for DSPs at our main facility on May 20th.
VOLUNTEERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE ARC ONTARIO
On May 23, The Arc Ontario participated in the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes' Day of Caring. We are extremely grateful for the generous group of volunteers who joined us to help with yard work and spring cleaning at our Sit-aSpell site in Geneva, our High Street and Boughton Hill residential homes in Victor, our Victor Depot site, and our main facility in Canandaigua. We greatly appreciate everyone’s hard work to help get our homes and day programs ready for the people we support to enjoy the summer weather.
We are honored to be part of such a caring and compassionate community. A special thanks to Advanced Atomization Technologies, Excellus, Gorbel, Henkel Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific for volunteering their time to show their support for The Arc Ontario and the vital work we do in our community.
Additionally, on June 7 a team of volunteers from IK Systems joined us at our Eberhardt Center to help with yardwork and upgrades to the space. Our dedicated volunteers spent hours weeding garden beds
and spreading mulch, all while creating a welcoming environment for our participants and staff members. A special thanks to IK Systems, Inc. for their time and effort, and to our facilities department for providing all the necessary supplies and guidance.
Interested in volunteering with The Arc Ontario? Reach out to us at HRstaff@ thearcontario.org to learn more. Let’s make a difference together!
HemoCue, a national company that manufactures and develops equipment for blood testing around the world, held their annual summer meeting in Canandaigua on July 17. Each year, HemoCue chooses a different community to host their annual meeting in, and an organization
to volunteer at for their annual summer project. Planning began back in March to bring the project to fruition. The Arc Ontario was thrilled to have been selected. Seven staff members from HemoCue joined us at our main facility on July 17 and spent time working with and getting to know our JET program (Jobs, Exploration & Training). They divided up into three different JET flights and joined program participants in venturing to Woods Farms in South Bristol, Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, and the Community Lunch Program at Geneva Methodist Church. They also joined us at our main facility to view our latest agency video to get more acclimated with The Arc Ontario and the critical work we do in our community every day. They volunteered alongside
the individuals we support and provided lunch and refreshments for everyone in the program.
We are thrilled that our visitors had a chance to learn about our different prevocational programs, what we do to help prepare the people we support for all facets of community life, and how securing employment is our ultimate focus in our JET program. The Arc Ontario’s goal is to provide those we support with transferable skills that will set them up for future success. It was a lovely day and a tremendous opportunity to work with other companies who share our dedication to helping others and investing in our communities. A special thanks to HemoCue and staff members from our JET program for coordinating the event.
Volunteers from IK Systems joined us on June 7th at our Eberhardt Center to assist with weeding garden beds and spreading mulch.
Volunteers from Gorbel helped with yardwork and spring cleaning at our High Street residence on May 23.
Volunteers from Thermo Fisher Scientific gathered for a photo at our Victor Depot site on May 23 during the United Way's Day of Caring.
Canandaigua, New York 14424
With the holiday season approaching and the season of giving almost here, we hope you will consider 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 disabilities or other challenges are one with their communities. To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Michele Wistner, Director, Development at 585.919.2156 or mwistner@thearcontario.org or visit www.thearcontario.org/donate. NYSARC, Inc., Ontario County Chapter 3071 County Complex Drive
HONOR AND REMEMBER SOMEONE SPECIAL
