“Roy has demonstrated to us that he is one of the most respectful people I have met in this field in my entire 38-year career. He arrives on time to clean our site and always asks everyone present: “Hey, how was your day?” Keith Havis, Director of West Genesee Day Hab Roy Gibson has worked for Arc Contract Services for two years, the entirety of which has been at the same site. The Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) West Genesee Day Hab site was desperate for a worker that could be depended upon to not only do a good job, but be able to work independently and show up regularly. The previous custodian was asked to leave, and Arc’s Contract Services needed to get a van and crew there on a regular Congratulations Roy Gibson New York State Industries for the Disabled 2025 Joslin Award Recipient
basis. Arc and West Genesee Day Hab needed someone responsible, reliable, ready and willing to do a good job, and someone who could work independently without the need for a crew or constant supervision. They found all of that and more in Roy. Before working for Contract Services, Roy worked in many different fields. He worked in the food industry at a pizza shop as a prep cook, he worked with animals at a doggy daycare, and he worked in retail at the furniture warehouse, China Towne Furniture. Roy has maintained such a good relationship with his previous employer, that he still goes back to China Towne to help out during the days when needed. Roy said that out of all his jobs, he really likes working custodial for West Genesee Day Hab. He said he likes seeing the immediate results of his work, and likes knowing he is contributing to helping other people, even if it is behind the scenes, because every job matters. Craig Dickinson, Enclaves Manager for Arc Contract Services, says; “He takes pride in his cleaning and is always looking for ways to improve what he has already done.” Roy works five days a week in the evenings. He is trusted with his own key to the site, and the staff know him and love him. “He is dedicated and reliable, and the only time he ever takes off is when he goes on vacation,” said Craig. Roy likes to travel to the Florida Keys and St. Pete’s Beach in Tampa to visit family. Roy was born and raised in Wayland, NY and moved to Syracuse to be closer to his sister. He lived alone for eight years, and currently lives with his nephew, which he very much enjoys. He likes to save his money and enjoys the independence having a job affords him. He lives close to a park and likes to go biking and walking in the park when he is not working, particularly noting that he enjoys being outside with the trees and squirrels. He also enjoys going to concerts and loves classic rock. He has seen concerts at the JMA Dome and at the Lakeview Amphitheatre with some of his favorite performances being ZZ Top, Hootie and Blowfish, Bryan Adams and Billy Idol. The William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award is New York State Industries for the Disabled annual people-centered awards program which recognizes exceptional vocational and personal success on Preferred Source jobs. Roy is the 2025 recipient, and will be honored this month with an awards ceremony and reception at Arc of Onondaga’s administrative offices.
Stephanie has been employed as an Instructor for the Redhouse Arts Center at the Lyncourt School since August of this year. Her job is to teach both academics through the curricula and her own enrichment lessons to the students. So far, Stephanie said she loves her job and is happy to have found her niche! We wish you much success, Stephanie!
Mike just celebrated four years working for Arc of Onondaga at National Grid as a full time Production Worker. His job is to salvage materials through a process which includes sorting, cutting and disassembly of products. Mike enjoys working as part of a team, has made some new friends, and is very happy to be there! Great job, Mike! We’re so happy for you!
Kevin works as a production worker at National Grid through our Contract Services program. He says he likes earning a paycheck. Kevin says it’s a good place, and he wants to stay working at Grid permanently. He mentions liking his job often!
Tim works at National Grid as a production worker. Tim says his favorite part of his job is cutting boxes. He also says he likes working with his coworkers! Tim is always helping his coworkers and supervisors out, and he enjoys seeing all the random objects that get thrown into the bins he sorts. Way to go, Tim!
Ted is a self-employed musician and performs at various nursing homes in the community, playing the piano for the residents at each site. Ted plays the piano every day and has been playing since he was a child. When asked what he likes best about performing, Ted expressed he likes the applause. Thank you, Ted, for sharing your talent and showing us your entrepreneurial spirit! You are a true inspiration!
Theresa, has worked at the VA here in Syracuse for 15 years! Theresa says she likes working with the equipment and the flexibility that the job provides. Great job, Theresa!
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