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
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Self-advocate David S. had long looked forward to meeting County Executive Andrew Spano.
Donors Tour
Construction Site
David S. Captures Project’s Spirit
“It’s beautiful,” breathed David S. as he walked into Westchester Arc’s “lobby-in-progress” on September 7. Representing the customer service council, a board-level group of self-advocates, he had just viewed architectural renderings of the finished building.
Self-advocate David S. charms the crowd.
County Executive Andrew Spano praises Westchester Arc for its commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities.
The agency’s capital campaign committee had invited key donors and community partners to view construction progress. Roof, exterior walls and cement flooring are in place. Windows will be installed during the coming weeks. Occupancy is planned for the first quarter of 2008.
County Executive Andrew Spano pointed out to attendees that “we pride ourselves on the quality of life in this county, and that’s what Westchester Arc’s programs are about. It’s beyond getting people jobs, it’s about self-esteem.”
Capital Campaign Co-Chair Beth Beck reported that $6.2 million of a $7.5 million goal had been raised. Donations will help pay for the building and will contribute to a Fund for the Future supporting programs inadequately financed through government means. Westchester Arc President Anne Majsak marveled at how much progress has been made since former president Mohan Mehra began discussions with agency leadership four years ago about buying the land.
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| Mitch Benerofe, capital campaign co-chair, and Fran Porcaro, director of The Children’s School for Early Development, discuss plans for the new building. |
Anne Majsak, Westchester Arc president, and Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director, are impressed with the building’s progress. |
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| Attendees “envisioned possibilities” while exploring the new site. | |
But no one at the event was more excited than David, who had practiced his speech for days. He had previously told staff that the current headquarters building at 121 Westmoreland Avenue, White Plains “has seen its day,” and he was eager to tell the audience just what the new building would mean to him. Conceived as a “Gateway to the Community,” it will showcase the accomplishments of individuals with developmental disabilities and will provide conference rooms, Internet stations, teleconferencing and other resources enabling them and their families to plan for lives of community involvement.
“Thank you for inviting me,” David began. “I am looking forward to the water wall and the new building, which I have seen pictures of.” He was referring to the building’s most dramatic design element, which will be visible from the lobby and was conceived in response to requests by David and other self-advocates.
As Executive Director Ric Swierat told the crowd, “there will be offices, but the real principles behind the building are showing that people with developmental disabilities are important citizens and contribute every day.”
And, indeed, David took his responsibilities at the walk-through very seriously. His carefully chosen suit and designer shoes drew comments from other guests as he “worked the room,” accompanied by his service coordinator, Zulma Velez, and his residence counselor, Yolna Eugene, both of Hawthorne Foundation, Inc.
“That’s a beautiful tie you’re wearing,” he told Mitch Benerofe, capital campaign co-chair.
“It looks a lot like yours,” noted Mitch.
David perused collages—created by self-advocates—which are inspiring a quilt that will hang in the new lobby, and he viewed examples of the art that will hang on every floor.
From left, Anne Sweazey, Westchester Arc Foundation executive director; Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director; Justin Israel, Westchester Arc Foundation board member, and Beth Beck capital campaign co-chair.
Nibbling finger food under a large tent pitched in the parking lot, he confided to Evan Latainer, director of the Westchester County Office for the Disabled, that “I’m hoping to get a job in the community.”
“I’m writing a book,” he told Emily Kingsley, a longtime agency friend.
As he entered the van that would take him home, David seemed pleased with his contribution to the day. “I wanted to make everyone proud of me,” he said.
And we were.
Guests chat and snack after touring the construction site.
| » Click here for information about the Capital Campaign |