NYSID-2024_FINAL by nysidcreatesjobs

ON THE COVER:

Paul Himes 2024 NYSID Outstanding Performance Award Recipient

“ When I started working on NYSID contracts, I learned skills that helped me become more confident. I really like showing how well I can work.

Read about Paul’s award on page 13.

Brian Lockwood, Mountain Lake Services/Essex County has found focus on the Essex Industries woodshop operation.

“ This is the first job I have ever really enjoyed. I expect my work to be the best it can be as I am earning a paycheck to do just that.

Belinda Hernandez, Caso Document Management/New York County excels as a lead document processor.

“ Receiving my paycheck is incredibly rewarding because it enables me to provide food for my family, cover our bills and ensure overall stability.

DEAR MEMBER AGENCIES, CORPORATE PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS:

I believe that the world needs all kinds of minds to solve its biggest challenges. That only happens when differences are celebrated, and when everyone is included in educational settings, communities and workplaces.

In my first full year as Board Chair, I have been struck by NYSID’s continued impact on inclusion through employment of New Yorkers with disabilities.

The NYSID program and the competitively integrated employed New Yorkers with disabilities generated $108 in economic impact for every hour worked in Fiscal Year 2024. That amounted to nearly $400 million in economic impact in New York State. When people have a fair chance to contribute, we all benefit.

I am proud to see NYSID continue to “show up” for its membership and New Yorkers with disabilities. From Member Agency project funding initiatives and the annual CREATE assistive technology program to the recognition of Outstanding Performers working jobs across the state, NYSID invests in its membership beyond job creation.

I want to recognize and thank the team led by Maureen O’Brien for a job well done. I also want to thank past Board Chair, Stanfort Perry, for the accomplishments of his tenure in making NYSID stronger at the board and organizational level. The NYSID Board is full of dedicated and passionate leaders who volunteer their time, and I am grateful to work alongside them.

2025 marks NYSID’s 50th year in existence. As we look back on progress made, we also look forward to seeing the New York State Finance Law Section 162 Modernization Bill made permanent in 2025. This will help realize the promise of increased access to competitive integrated employment for all seeking their personal American Dream.

Patrick Bardsly Chair

“Forging Futures,” our 50th anniversary theme, began when the Preferred Source Law was enacted in 1975 and NYSID embarked on securing rewarding employment for people with disabilities.

I am proud of NYSID’s impact throughout the decades. This past year alone, NYSID contracts created 6,419 jobs, among them nearly 5,000 jobs for individuals with disabilities.

Our Member Agencies have evolved into certified businesses and social enterprises where individuals with disabilities earn competitive wages alongside other members of their communities: inclusion at its core. New technologies, business partnerships and transformational policies like Employment First have also helped create change.

In addition, Governor Hochul signed temporary updates to the Preferred Source Modernization Bill in October 2022, the first time the law had been substantively revised since its inception. These legislative updates have been included in the 2025 budget, and given Governor Hochul’s October 2024 Executive Order 40 declaring New York an Employment First state, I’m optimistic that these changes will become permanent. I will work diligently toward that end.

We all know there are more futures to forge. I am encouraged by our continued advocacy with committed partners like the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation, The Arc New York and other stakeholders in making a lasting impact on better and brighter futures for all.

NYSID’s 50-year mission of advancing employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans must endure!

I am grateful to all of you for NYSID’s 50 years of impact.

Maureen E. O’Brien President & CEO

NYSID’S MISSION:

Advancing employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans.

Tylisha Richardson 2024 NYSID Outstanding Performance Award Recipient

“ I don’t know where I would be without Fedcap placing me on an important NYSID contract. I am able to take care of my daughters and my home, and know that I am a role model to them.

Read about Tylisha’s award on page 12.

2024 NYSID CHAMPION

NEW YORK ALLIANCE FOR INCLUSION & INNOVATION

The New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation is commended for its commitment and partnership in making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. A true partner in strategic initiatives, CEO Michael Seereiter collaborates with NYSID’s leadership on media appearances, conversations with legislators and other advocacy opportunities, including a series of non-partisan reports by the Rockefeller Institute of Government that measure and quantify how individuals with disabilities can be prioritized by policy-makers.

“ NYSID deserves credit for looking beyond its specific mission to partner with the New York Alliance and other disability support organizations to improve outcomes for the individuals we both serve. On behalf of the New York Alliance, we will continue to align our support with NYSID’s mission and impact.

~Michael Seereiter, President & CEO New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation

REALIZING EMPLOYMENT GOALS

NYSID is the only state program of its kind in the U.S. that operates fully integrated at a 50% ratio. We also work with Corporate Partners to help Member Agencies diversify employment choices.

Jobs on NYSID contracts build skill sets and financial security, often leading to new opportunities. Many first-time taxpayers have moved up the ranks and become managers and leaders, their futures forged by an entry-level position with support and training on a NYSID contract.

Other individuals succeed into permanent employment through the Preferred Source Program. In one outstanding example, more than 200 temporary office workers at GoodTemps (Goodwill Industries of Greater NY/Northern NJ) have transitioned over time to permanent positions at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

FROM TEMPORARY STAFF TO PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT

was placed as an office clerk at the NYS Department of Health in Albany. Theo was recently hired into a permanent position as a division on-boarding coordinator.

Without that [NYSID] contract, I would not be where I am now. It was such a vital piece of helping me get into a career, especially when you find it difficult to visualize a future and career for yourself.

SHOWCASING NEW DIRECTIONS

In private sector procurement, Northeast Grocery, Inc., the parent company of Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets, entered into NYSID contracts for janitorial and mail fulfillment services. More than 20 individuals with disabilities in Albany, Schenectady and Buffalo are earning competitive wages in integrated workplaces.

“ We strive to be a model for good corporate citizenship. Central to that is opening doors for everyone to access career pathways that increase independence and professional growth.

~Michael

Miller, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Northeast Grocery, Inc.

Pictured left to right: Maureen O’Brien, NYSID; Michael Miller, Northeast Grocery, Inc.; Kathleen Falconio, Center for Disability Services; Gregory Sorrentino, Center for Disability Services; Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara; Assemblymember John McDonald.

Morcon Tissue, a family-owned paper manufacturer in Washington County, has become a valued partner in fulfilling NYSID contracts for tissue and paper towel products, investing in new equipment and ramping up production. Four individuals with disabilities from Community, Work & Independence, Inc. (CWI), are fully integrated into Morcon’s operation.

Morcon is a community-minded business and proud of our new partnership with NYSID and CWI. To provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and help them grow as people and play an active role in our community really means a lot to us.

~Joseph Raccuia, President, Morcon Tissue

EXPANDING PROCUREMENT

GUARANTEED PAYMENT PROGRAM

$264,000 Line of Credit interest charges absorbed

$364,000 paid in fees on $14,955,000 credit card purchases

Phyllis Feaster

50 YEARS OF FORGING FUTURES

Tracy Schmidtka

The Arc of Madison Cortland/Madison County

CREATING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

NYSID sponsors the annual CREATE (Cultivating Resources for Employment with Assistive TEchnology) academic challenge to improve worksite efficiencies through collaborations between NYS engineering students and Member Agencies. Student teams gain practical engineering experience as they develop mechanical solutions, phone apps and other technologies for the workplace.

The student teams and Member Agency partners demonstrated their CREATE innovations to NYS legislators, business leaders, NYSID’s membership, and individuals with disabilities at a symposium in April 2024.

The experience can best be summed up by one student’s perspective:

“ For me, this competition is not about the outcome, the money or even the recognition. Knowing that I made a product that will have a significant impact on people’s lives means all the difference to me.

~Brandon Castellano, New York Institute of Technology

NYSID also supports workplace improvements through a Matching Grant initiative by providing financial assistance to develop a new or expand an existing Preferred Source product or service. Examples include investing in new technology, upgrading capital equipment or developing a new business. Grants are awarded up to $25,000 and are matched by the Member Agency.

In Fiscal Year 2024, more than $67,000 was distributed to The Arc GLOW, The Arc Oneida-Lewis and Spectrum Designs to invest in new technologies for janitorial and production operations.

CREATING COMMUNITY

From donating hand sanitizer for disaster relief to funding community events, NYSID, as an organization and caring staff, “shows up” for others.

The Community Support Program funded $112,000 to 35 different non-profits throughout 2024. NYSID staff served more than 700 volunteer hours from board service to hands-on events.

NYSID sponsored the Center for Disability Services’ annual Langan School graduation prom, including event flowers from the horticulture program at Liberty Arc.

“We never thought our child would experience prom,” said more than one parent.

Team NYSID volunteered at Camp Nazareth, sponsored by Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-CABVI each summer for children who are blind or visually impaired.

2024 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARDS PROGRAM

The 53 Outstanding Performer nominees from across the state are each forging a different future thanks to NYSID employment opportunities.

Two individuals were chosen for NYSID’s highest people-centered recognition – the Outstanding Performance Award – at the Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on October 23, 2024.

Tylisha Richardson defines a success story in every way. After struggling with learning disabilities, Tylisha found a new start at Fedcap Rehabilitation Services. Through the Fedcap Training School, she discovered a fit in custodial work. Tylisha established her employment career at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Brooklyn headquarters, balancing motherhood and continuing education with rewarding full-time work.

“

Working at Fedcap, I’ve learned discipline and patience. I’ve learned never to give up and to train my mind to think positively.

NYSID’s awards program has introduced a new “Class of Outstanding Performers” each year since 2004. Member Agencies and Corporate Partners in good standing are encouraged to recognize one individual per year.

Paul Himes represents outstanding performance on NYSID commodities where he served as a leader at The Arc Lexington on a crew creating personal care kits for individuals in shelters. Paul was known for anticipating needed supplies to keep the work flow going and motivating others to work hard. He recently moved on to The Arc’s custodial team, no doubt continuing his passion for helping others to be their best. In his free time, Paul has been writing a children’s book for publication.

“

It’s a real big honor to get an award for my work. I couldn’t be happier— thank you, NYSID.

2024 OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS

Yhadira Alvarez – The Corporate Source

Carl Annese – The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter

Adrian Aviles – Center for Disability Services

Daniel Barto – Arc Ontario

Austin Battisti – Liberty Arc

Jerhia Benjamin – Bates Troy, Inc.

James Brescia – Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC

Juan Castillo – AHRC New York City

Jason Cwiklinski – The Arc Allegany-Steuben

Tyler Davis – The Arc Wayne

Kimberly Dougherty – People Inc.

Alyce Fancher – Suburban Adult Services, Inc.

Phyllis Feaster – The Arc Erie County New York

Donald Feltman – The Arc of Rensselaer County

Angelina Fetterolf-Quito – Image Integrator, LLC

Eric Franklin – Rochester Rehabilitation Center

Keith Gowan – The Resource Center

Javis Harris – CDS Monarch

Belinda Hernandez – Caso Document Management

Robert Hicks – Goodwill Industries of Greater NY/ Northern NJ

Paul Himes – The Arc Lexington

Clarence Holdren – Warren, Washington & Albany Counties ARC

Timothy Houlihan – Northeast Career Planning at Unity House

Joseph Klingensmith – Lifetime Assistance

Brian Lockwood – Mountain Lake Services

Christopher Lopes – Imaging & Microfilm Access

James Mann – Mozaic

RJ McLean – Second Chance Opportunities

Yusuf Miles – Human Technologies

Tyler Moore – WellLife Network

James Packard – The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler

Anthony Parlopiano – The Arc GLOW

Scott Peterson – Green Facility Solution

Anthony Petrelli – Arc of Onondaga

Timothy Pitcher – Katapult Solutions, LLC

Nathan Rheome – The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence

Bruce Ribeiro – Maryhaven Center of Hope

Ryan Richardson – The Arc Otsego

Tylisha Richardson – Fedcap Rehabilitation Services

Denis Rizzo – Venture Together

Crysti Santaski – SecureScan

Tracy Schmidtka – The Arc of Madison Cortland

Howard Snyder – Gateway Hudson Valley

Sandra Spady – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany

Michael Sterling – Arc Herkimer

Charles Stover – Arc Oswego

Alexei Studenka – Community, Work & Independence, Inc.

Roy Sullivan – Jawonio

Caleb Thomas – Spectrum Designs

Harlan Ward – JM Murray

Joseph White –Rehabilitation Support Services

See the 2024 Outstanding Performance Award videos at www.youtube.com/nysidcreatesjobs.

Navree Woods-Turner – eBizDocs

Daniel Zinke – AHRC Nassau

FORGING FUTURES THROUGH 2024 OPPORTUNITIES

MEMBER AGENCY OF THE YEAR

Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency for individuals with disabilities, recently established a footprint in New York State which has allowed NYSID to fill temporary job openings at several state agencies, including the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. This new collaboration has already helped more than 25 New Yorkers find rewarding employment at competitive wages.

Employee of the Year, Theodore Stefanik-Corah, exemplifies Peak Performers’ impact. Theo has come into his own working at the NYS

I would like to thank Peak Performers and NYSID for allowing me the opportunity to get to where I am now. It’s a huge step to get into an actual career that I’m really passionate about.

~Theodore Stefanik-Corah

Thank you to our 2024 Customers of the Year for encouraging a diverse workforce.

STATE GOVERNMENT CUSTOMER OF THE YEAR

New York State Department of Labor helps job seekers find employment, training and upskilling opportunities, embracing individuals with disabilities in the process. Its purpose aligns with NYSID’s membership and their missions to employ individuals with disabilities across the state as custodians and mail fulfillment workers and in other meaningful jobs.

Pictured left to right: Maureen O’Brien; Bree Sarlati, Peak Performers; Stephen Mock, Peak Performers; Patrick Bardsley.

CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Austin Air Systems is a state-of-the-art manufacturer of medical-grade air purifiers sold to schools, health care facilities and offices. Located in Buffalo, it includes workers of all abilities on its team. Six individuals supported by the Arc Erie County New York are fully integrated into their operation and earn competitive wages. Employing local residents with disabilities complements Austin Air’s commitment to impacting communities through cleaner air.

Employee of the Year, Hector Brito, describes himself as a hands-on person who likes to be challenged. His paycheck supports his residential and transportation needs, and also helps his family.

“

We never let anyone have a bad day on the job – that’s our rule. Being named Employee of the Year makes me feel overwhelmed, but I’m excited and proud, too.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CUSTOMER OF THE YEAR

The Town of Hempstead in Nassau County chooses to include NYSID in its town-wide purchasing program. Supervisor Don Clavin is passionate about the impact employment has on the lives of those with disabilities, so they can live as independently as possible in Hempstead’s 22 villages. Whether scanning important Town records or keeping buildings well maintained, workers with disabilities contribute to the local economy as taxpayers and citizens.