Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
914.949.8200

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David S. Celebrates
32 Years with Westchester Arc

David S. celebrated his 32nd anniversary with Westchester Arc in 2006. He first came to the agency in 1974 at the age of 20. “I considered myself a pretty independent person, but I also realized I needed a little help finding a job,” he explains. “Westchester Arc taught me job skills. The agency’s workshops helped me earn money to support myself.”

Over the last 32 years, David has observed some important changes in the agency, including its name change. “I’m all for it. I hate being referred to as retarded,” says David, citing the fact that many people erroneously believed that Westchester “ARC,” the previous name, was an acronym. “I may have a disability, but I’m working with that disability. I have dreams and goals just like everyone else.”

One of those goals is to find office work. “These days Westchester Arc seems more focused on finding people with disabilities jobs in the community. One of the reasons I’ve stayed with this agency for so long is because I know they can help me achieve that goal.”

In his spare time, David enjoys playing the clarinet and listening to classical music. “I like Bach a lot. I’m also a fan of La Bohème and Rigoletto. Seeing those operas performed live at the Metropolitan Opera House was a big thrill,” he says.

David lives independently in a group home and is an aspiring writer. “I was inspired to write by my favorite TV show, Murder She Wrote,” says David. “Everyone always respected (Angela Lansbury’s character) J. B. Fletcher on that show. I’m hoping my writing will get others to respect me.”