2022 EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARDS
Tree Town Café This small, family-owned Café in Brighton, NY, focuses on providing locally sourced food and drink that accommodates a variety of dietary needs, preferences and restrictions, including Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan and Allergen Free options. Tree Town Café employs less than 30 people, including numerous individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who receive supports and services from The Arc of Monroe. Café owners, Pete and Jenna Morgante, work in the café daily alongside their staff, assisting them when needed. Pete formerly worked in The Arc of Monroe's Job Path program — the agency's supported employment service — and supported employment is something near and dear to him. He believes all people should have the opportunity to work in their community based on their skills and interests. Pete and Jenna’s philosophy is that all individuals should be treated with dignity and respect, which shows in everything they do. Their café has been a wonderful place for people with disabilities to learn essential work skills, feel included, and thrive in a job they love, and The Arc of Monroe is grateful to have them in their community.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
A leading Biotech company located in Tarrytown, Regeneron is responsible for inventing life-transforming medicines to treat various diseases. They have been a business partner of The Arc Westchester since 2011, and currently employ six people with developmental disabilities. "From office work to lab maintenance and basic cleaning, employees have been given the opportunity to grow in their positions," said Shari Lewitt, Director of Career Development and Supports at The Arc Westchester. "Their staff is so accommodating to each person, and makes sure they feel part of the Regeneron community by including them in many of the staff events and celebrations. Their team works with our job coaches to ensure a happy and productive work experience. It is noteworthy to mention that COVID-19 required the company to furlough many staff, including our employees working there. Some jobs even were even permanently eliminated. However, Regeneron continued to keep our people on staff and paid them during the year-long furlough. They accommodated the workers to explore new positions upon their recent return. "
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