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 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

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
914.949.8200

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Press Release

Westchester Arc Closes Doors to Katzenberg Center

WHITE PLAINS — September 12, 2008 — Westchester Arc closed shop on its Katzenberg Center in White Plains. It was a bittersweet day, marked with last-minute packing and a little fall of rain, as Westchester Arc staff and self-advocates reminisced on their time within the agency’s longtime headquarters. To commemorate the occasion, Westchester Arc Executive Director Ric Swierat, along with 15 self-advocates—individuals with developmental disabilities who advocate on their own behalves—led a special closing ceremony.

First, the group lowered and folded the American Flag, which stood at the front of the building, as a sign of respect. Then, they locked the front doors with a symbolic purple key. The color was chosen because of its historical association with inspiration and remembrance.

“This building will always have a significant place in the agency’s history,” remarked Mr. Swierat. “For many years, The Katzenberg Center provided a base to provide services that have helped many individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their wants and desires. Now, the agency builds on the work done here to take our services to the next level and provide more opportunities for community inclusion at our new Gleeson Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne.”

Self-advocate Chinika agrees. “Yes, the Gleeson Israel Gateway Center opens new doors to what we want in the community.”


Westchester Arc is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. The agency has long been committed to social inclusion because of the benefits to the entire community.

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