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

Información en Español


Sign Up for News & Updates

Press Release

Westchester Arc Previews “Gateway to the Community”

Andrew Spano Praises Agency

WHITE PLAINS, NY — September 12, 2007 — On September 7, over 60 people, including County Executive Andrew Spano, explored Westchester Arc’s new 45,000-square-foot ”Gateway to the Community,” currently under construction at 265 Saw Mill River Road in Hawthorne. The building, scheduled for occupancy in the first quarter of 2008, will support the growing expectations of individuals with developmental disabilities, who seek greater roles in community life. Spano praised the facility as “a resource center that will add to the lives of people with developmental disabilities and the entire county.”

 

Self-advocate David S. echoed Spano’s sentiments. Speaking on behalf of the agency’s customer service council, a board-level group of self-advocates, David described the significance of the new building to individuals with developmental disabilities.“This building means a lot to all of us and I am looking forward to seeing it when it’s done,” he said. When asked what he was most excited about, David replied, “The water wall that will be in the lobby”—a feature requested by David and other self-advocates.

 

The event was sponsored by the agency’s capital campaign committee, which invited key donors and community partners to view construction progess. Capital Campaign Co-Chair Beth Beck reported that $6.2 million of the $7.5 million goal had been raised. Donations made to the capital campaign will help pay for the new building and support agency programs that receive little or no government funding.

 

The new building will be a space to showcase the creativity and accomplishments of individuals with developmental disabilities. It will provide expanded resources, such as Internet stations, teleconferencing facilities and video equipment, to help self-advocates and their families make their own residential, career and recreational choices.

 

“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,” added Westchester Arc Executive Director Ric Swierat.

 

Established over 55 years ago, Westchester Arc is the largest agency in the county serving children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. The agency is funded through both public and private means.

 

                                           ###