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 about donations, please contact:

Anne Sweazey
Executive Director
Westchester Arc Foundation
phone: 914.428.8330,
ext. 4625,
fax: 914.997.2985
asweazey@
westchesterarc.org

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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Everyday Hero:
Painting a Dream

Doug (left) proudly displays his painting, bought with Jean's assistance. "This is a moment neither one of us will forget," says Jean.

Doug L., a resident of Westchester Arc’s Dobbs Ferry House, has come to love painting since he began taking agency-sponsored art classes three years ago. Working with instructor Steve Lipkin, Doug experimented with a variety of media—from pencils to paintbrushes—and discovered a passion for watercolors. Soon, he was creating original works featuring bright colors and dazzling swirls.

This newfound appreciation for the arts led him to yearn for a professionally produced painting, but with a limited budget, he was discouraged. So Jean St. Aubin, Doug’s residence manager and “Everyday Hero,” came up with a plan.

“I suggested he save some of his weekly allowance,” explains Jean. “We reviewed his finances and decided to put away two dollars a month. This also taught Doug about patience and money management.”

The plan paid off. Literally. Two years later, Doug had saved enough money, so Jean offered to escort him to a local gallery.

“Doug was really excited about the trip. It’s all he could talk about for days. He even knew exactly what he wanted—a watercolor, just like the kind he paints.”

Once at the shop, Doug was all business. He sifted through painting after painting, then finally chose a colorful image of a boat resting against the dock.“It was the perfect fit,” continues Jean. “Doug also loves boats. He was so happy!”

Back home, Jean helped Doug hang the painting on his bedroom wall. “Every time Doug looks at the artwork, there is sense of achievement in his eyes. It inspires him to keep painting and to keep reaching for his goals. I am so proud to share in this experience with him,” concludes Jean.

Everyday Heroes is a nationally implemented program conducted in partnership with Dr. Beth Mount, an expert on person-centered planning.
Staff get to know consumers on an individual basis and help them make personal choices, consistent with their needs and desires.