Investing in Lifelong Fulfillment
Message to the Community
Dear Friends and Valued Supporters,
Board Preside
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the unwavering support that allows The Arc Ontario to continue its vital mission. This past year has been marked by extraordinary acts of generosity that promise to reshape the landscape of opportunity for the individuals we are privileged to support.
We are profoundly grateful for the tremendous $5 million contribution from Mr. Tom Golisano. This transformative investment will serve as a powerful catalyst, enabling us to expand our reach and enhance our support systems in critical areas. These funds will empower us to grow vital programs like Pet Connections, strategically address critical staffing needs by supporting our dedicated team, create more accessible and welcoming homes, enhance our comprehensive autism services, and significantly increase employment opportunities for the individuals we support.
Mr. Golisano’s visionary philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to unlocking the full potential of every individual, and we are honored by his belief in our mission.
Furthermore, we extend our sincere appreciation to The George W. Sullivan Foundation, facilitated by the dedicated advocacy of our esteemed Foundation Board member, Mr. John Krueger, for their significant contribution of $500,000. These vital funds will be strategically deployed to revitalize and refurbish our residential facilities, which are at the very heart of our commitment to providing quality care and support. These essential upgrades will create more comfortable, secure, and enriching living environments for our residents, directly enhancing their well-being and fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging.
These extraordinary gifts represent the largest contributions in our organization’s history and underscore the profound impact of partnership and collective generosity. They are a testament to the value our community places on ensuring that individuals with disabilities have every opportunity to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. These investments will empower us to innovate, expand our services, and continue to provide the highest quality of care and support with compassion and expertise.
Thank you to Mr. Tom Golisano, The George W. Sullivan Foundation, Mr. John Krueger, and to each of you who contribute your time, talent, and resources to The Arc Ontario. Your belief in our mission and your commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community are deeply appreciated. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of the individuals we support, and we look forward with optimism to the possibilities that lie ahead.
With gratitude and optimism,
Robert Doeblin, Board President Executive Director
A Legacy of Impact:
A Transformative Gift from Tom Golisano
The Arc Ontario has embarked on a significant new chapter this year, fueled by an extraordinary and deeply appreciated $5 million contribution from Mr. Tom Golisano. More than a donation, this remarkable act of generosity represents a transformative investment in the inherent potential of the individuals we support, enabling us to cultivate brighter futures and expand their horizons throughout Ontario County and the surrounding region. This landmark contribution resonates deeply with our commitment to enriching lives and fostering pathways towards greater independence, personal fulfillment, and more meaningful connections for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other challenges.
Mr. Golisano’s remarkable gift stands as a powerful affirmation . . .
This profound investment will generate a significant impact across The Arc Ontario’s diverse programs and services. Strategically, these funds will empower the continued growth and enhancement of vital supports and create innovative opportunities for the individuals we serve. We are particularly excited about the planned expansion of our Pet Connections program, a testament to the comfort and therapeutic benefits of animal companionship, extending its reach within our local community. This generous gift has also facilitated the strategic allocation of essential resources to address critical staffing needs, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, person-centered supports.
Looking ahead, this substantial gift will lay the foundation for more accessible and welcoming residential environments throughout our service area, creating homes where individuals can flourish with greater autonomy and a greater sense of belonging. Additionally, our specialized autism services will be further enhanced, providing tailored and evidence-based support that empowers individuals to navigate their world with increased confidence. This gift will also support our unwavering commitment to expanding inclusive employment opportunities and will open pathways to personal growth and meaningful community contribution. These initiatives, made possible through Mr. Golisano’s exceptional kindness, will enrich the daily lives of the individuals we support, fostering greater opportunities and deeper community connections.
Mr. Golisano’s remarkable gift stands as a powerful affirmation of the inherent potential within every individual we support. It is a critical and deeply appreciated investment in a future where obstacles are dismantled, and opportunities for growth and inclusion are abundant for all. Mr. Golisano’s inspiring belief in our mission and the individuals we support will have a lasting impact, touching countless lives and further solidifying The Arc Ontario’s position as the leading provider of quality, person-centered services and supports throughout our region. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Golisano for this truly transformative act of kindness, a remarkable legacy that will undoubtedly create even brighter, more fulfilling futures for supported individuals who enrich our community every day.
Investing in Brighter Futures:
A Look at Our Impactful Initiatives
The generosity from our supporters has truly transformed The Arc Ontario, making our vision a reality for the individuals we support. These deeply appreciated contributions directly invest in the daily lives, independence, and aspirations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other challenges throughout Ontario County. We are excited to share how these vital resources are being deployed to enhance every facet of our services, creating an environment where everyone can truly flourish and achieve their full potential.
We are thrilled about expanding our Pet Connections program, a pioneering resource for Animal Assisted Intervention specifically designed for people with disabilities.
A significant portion of this support bolsters our commitment to innovative program expansion and essential operational strength. We are thrilled about expanding our Pet Connections program, a pioneering resource for Animal Assisted Intervention specifically designed for people with disabilities. This program will offer more individuals joy and emotional support, fostering new connections and enhancing overall well-being. Furthermore, recognizing our dedicated team is vital to our success, these gifts will also facilitate resources for critical staffing needs. This ensures consistent delivery of high-quality, person-centered supports, strengthening our foundation and capacity to serve.
Another cornerstone is creating more accessible and welcoming residential environments. Our goal is to provide homes where individuals thrive with greater autonomy and belonging. We've seen remarkable progress with bathroom upgrades at our Jay Street residence, sliding glass door replacements at Mulberry and Jay Street residences, and a brand-new kitchen at Seneca Castle. Planned improvements also include new kitchens for three additional residences, new decks at six houses, and a complete siding replacement for our Bloomfield residence. These enhancements will significantly improve daily living, fostering accessible, stimulating spaces that contribute to dignity and security.
Beyond living improvements, these funds will also significantly enhance our specialized autism services, providing tailored support that empowers individuals with increased confidence. We are also committed to expanding inclusive employment opportunities. This investment opens new pathways to personal growth and meaningful community contribution, allowing more individuals to discover the pride and purpose of a fulfilling career. These initiatives, made possible by the generosity of Tom Golisano and The George W. Sullivan Foundation, are already enriching daily lives, fostering greater opportunities and deeper community connections, and ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for the individuals we support.
A Foundation for Comfort & Care: The Generous Support of The George W. Sullivan Foundation
In a powerful demonstration of their commitment to enhancing the comfort and well-being of our residents, The George W. Sullivan Foundation, championed by the dedicated advocacy of our Foundation Board member, John Krueger, has provided a generous $500,000 contribution to The Arc Ontario. This remarkable act of generosity represents a key investment in the well-being of the individuals we support, directly improving the comfort and quality of life within their homes throughout Ontario County and the surrounding region. This thoughtful gift strongly supports our commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering a profound sense of belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges.
These funds will empower essential upgrades and improvements to our residential facilities, ensuring they remain havens of safety, comfort, and well-being. We are grateful that this support has already enabled important projects, including completed bathroom upgrades at our Jay Street residence and replaced sliding glass doors at our Mulberry and Jay Street homes. Our Seneca Castle residence now features a brand-new kitchen, with countertops nearing completion. Looking ahead, our commitment continues with planned new kitchens for three other residences this summer, new decks at six houses, and a complete siding replacement for our Bloomfield residence. These enhancements will provide tremendous improvements in the daily lives of our residents, fostering more accessible, welcoming, and stimulating living spaces that contribute significantly to their dignity and security.
This incredible gift will create residential environments that empower the individuals we support to thrive with greater autonomy and a stronger sense of community. It is a direct investment in creating empowering homes, providing a foundation upon which individuals can build independence, foster meaningful connections, and pursue their personal aspirations with confidence. The George W. Sullivan Foundation’s compassionate gift directly addresses this fundamental need, demonstrating a profound understanding of the importance of creating supportive living spaces for people of all abilities.
John Krueger’s dedicated advocacy, coupled with The George W. Sullivan Foundation’s generous commitment, reflects a shared recognition of the tremendous impact a comfortable and caring home has on the lives of the individuals we support. We are incredibly grateful to The George W. Sullivan Foundation and John Krueger for their vision and dedication to enriching the lives of those we support. This gift of comfort and care will have an impact for years to come, ensuring our residential facilities continue to be places where individuals with disabilities truly flourish and feel completely at home within their community.
Executive Team
John Astles
Executive Director
Carol Williams
Associate Executive Director, COO Program Operations
Board of Directors
Robert Doeblin
President
Dr. Barbara Risser
Vice President
Kathryn Wegman
Secretary
Lynne Erdle
Treasurer
Michelle Raeman
Board of Governors
Michelle Raeman, Primary
Bobby Greco, Jr., Alternate
Directors
Patrick Boyle
Gretchen Daugherty
Scott Gerstner
Charles McCausland
Benjamin Northrup
Elizabeth Palmatier
Deborah Wilbur
Foundation Board
Kathryn Wegman
President
Edward Wright
Vice President
Edward Boudreau
Secretary
Stephen Rossi
Treasurer
Directors
John Beca
Connor Church
Abbey Friend-Vienna
Scott Gerstner
Kathy Herrick
Christopher Jamieson
Bailey Kablack
John Krueger
Jessica Nava
Brennen Schiller
Chadwick Tuttle
