Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
For more information please contact:
Mellissa Lang
Director of Marketing and Public Affairs
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4618
fax: 914.997.2985
or 914.428.0322
mlang@westchesterarc.org
Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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Young Adult Balances Work and Play
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At the age of 24, Andres W. is a responsible adult, who has a job in the community, travels on the bus independently and pays for his own cell phone and many other expenses. He is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, and is employed as an assembly worker at Motion Labs in Cortlandt, a job he was prepared for, thanks to Westchester Arc.
Andres first became involved with the agency six years ago through its S.T.A.R. (Students in Transition Accessing Resources) program. S.T.A.R. partners with local high schools to help students, 15 and over, prepare for the working world. Andres worked with his family, school faculty and S.T.A.R. career planner Kristy Fiorentino, to identify interests and form a personalized career plan.
“Andres wanted to work in an office but was very shy at first,” recalls Kristy. “We found him a job at a local law firm that employed others from Westchester Arc, and he felt really comfortable there. He started to socialize more and made a lot of friends, while gaining valuable work experience.”
After a few years at the law firm, Andres worked with the agency’s supported employment program to locate the opportunity at Motion Labs. Like S.T.A.R., supported employment gives Andres the chance to hold a community-based job and to work closely with members of the general employee population. Unlike S.T.A.R., the program enables him to earn competitive wages and to work more hours per week.
Teamwork is vital at Motion Labs, where Andres helps piece together lighting fixtures. Andres has excelled at the job, thanks to his strong work ethic and attention to detail. He has learned how to add and remove screws and cut metal. He enjoys the “hands-on” approach and likes working with others.
“Andres has really matured in the last six years,” notes Kristy. “I’ve watched him grow from a high school student to an independent adult and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Though his days are often hectic, Andres goes about them with a smile. “I work hard, but then I like to have fun, too,” he says. He likes listening to music, especially rap and dance, and watching sports.
To help Andres further expand his social skills, Kristy encouraged him to join Westchester Arc’s Reunion Club. Sponsored by the agency’s recreational services, Reunion Club provides monthly social outings that help individuals living with their families stay in touch with friends. He has visited the Bronx Zoo, Museum of Natural History and Rye Playland, where he tackled the Dragon Coaster, Mindscrambler and other thrill rides. He especially enjoys movies—particularly comedies—and bowling. During a recent trip to Homefield Bowl in Yonkers, Andres boasted the top score.
“I love getting strikes!” he admits. “I always look forward to Reunion Club. It’s a great way to see your friends, and I always have fun.”