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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”Choices”
Teaches Life Skills

David S. keeps a detailed journal.

Celia N. completes a class assignment.

Twelve young adults in Westchester Arc’s “Choices” program are developing job and life skills through agency-sponsored classes held at our Peekskill center.

The weekly sessions, known as CATS (Career Achievement Training Series), help students identify options relating to their career ambitions and personal lives. Lessons cover a variety of topics, including:

Life Management

  • getting involved in the community
  • transitioning into a group residence
  • making decisions responsibly
  • managing finances

Career Management

  • developing job skills
  • finding suitable employment
  • respecting co-workers
  • adapting to employer expectations

Personal Management

  • identifying feelings
  • coping with stress
  • maintaining good hygiene
  • establishing lasting relationships

“It’s particularly important for young adults to have a peer support network. These classes provide an outlet for students to share their concerns and experiences, which helps them build self-confidence and become self-advocates,” says Mashal Gonzalez, community integration coordinator. “After just a few sessions, many students have indicated that they feel more prepared for the adult world.”

“Choices” is a hybrid of day habilitation and supported employment, designed to empower young adults with development disabilities and help them achieve social inclusion. Unlike site-based day habilitation, services are delivered entirely in the community. In contrast to supported employment, participants work and volunteer at community sites and are supervised by staff at all times.


John T. writes about his relationships with family and friends.