CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER 17

A Message from CEO Erik Geizer (Continued)

Although the road ahead may seem daunting, I'm reminded of our collective strength and determination. Together, we've navigated turbulent waters, adapting and evolving in the face of adversity. Our resolve remains unshakable, fueled by the belief in our mission and the impact we strive to make in the lives of those we serve. We must use the momentum we’ve gained to our advantage and continue to advocate for what New Yorkers with I/DD need!

We also discussed the possibility of transitioning The Arc New York's historic archive collection to a permanent home in the CSI archives to ensure this valuable history is preserved and available to the public.

Top Workplace

Earlier this spring, the Times Union named The Arc New York State Office and Trust Services a Top Workplace for the second year in a row. This recognition was of significant importance as only 57 Capital Region companies made this year’s list.

The Arc Rockland’s Mural Unveiled

We are particularly thrilled by this acknowledgment, given that our own employees served as the judges. The award is a testament to the feedback provided in an employee survey we conducted just a few months ago. We are actively utilizing the insights from this survey to enhance our workplace policies and atmosphere. I extend heartfelt gratitude to our leadership team and our exceptional staff for their continual efforts in shaping our workplace culture, and for their unwavering dedication, passion, and enthusiasm in advancing our noble mission.

Cyndi and I also visited The Arc Rockland to celebrate the unveiling of a powerful new mural at The Nyack Day Habilitation Program. Individuals in the program created the mural to recognize and remember the work of Judy Heumann, the “Mother of the Disabilities Rights Movement,” with the help of artist and arts educator Lauren Rudolph. Judy Heumann, who passed away a year ago, was recognized internationally as a leader in the disability community. She was a lifelong civil rights advocate for people with disabilities. Since the 1970s, her work produced significant contributions to the development of human rights legislation and policies benefiting children and adults with disabilities. Through her work, she led the mainstreaming of disability rights into international development. Her contributions extended the international reach of the independent living movement.

College of Staten Island Visit

A few months ago, CFO Cyndi Borozny and I met with The Arc of the United States President and AHRC New York City representative Laura Kennedy and her husband Hal at the College of Staten Island, the former grounds of the infamous Willowbrook State School. We spoke to college administrators and toured the Willowbrook Mile, where The Arc New York has a milestone bench commemorating our pivotal role in the closure of Willowbrook.

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