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| Ryan Carney |
Victor resident Ryan Carney has received NYSARC, Inc.’s $3,000 Jonathan Weingold Scholarship for the Western Region of New York State.
Carney is skills instructor in Ontario ARC’s residential services and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has an associate’s degree in Elementary Education and is currently studying Psychology through the University of Phoenix.
“Ryan is a valued employee who is dedicated to her job and the people we support at Ontario ARC,” says Lora Winghart, the agency’s associate executive director of program services. “She is dedicated and hardworking in both her professional and educational endeavors.”
Jonathan Weingold is considered a symbol of the individuals NYSARC supports. He was the son of Joseph Weingold, NYSARC’s first executive director and president and one of the primary founders of The Arc of the United States.
Cheers to another successful Open Our Bottle Night at the New York Wine & Culinary Center (NYWCC)!
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The "Champagne Diva" poses with Amber Drennan and the agency's executive director Ann Scheetz. |
The Ontario ARC fundraiser yielded $55,000 for the programs and services it provides to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Canandaigua residents Lauren Dixon and Mike Schwabl challenged the crowd of close to 250 people by offering to match contributions made during the live auction and cash call. Dixon and Schwabl generously donated an additional $17,600 and brought the event’s total to $75,000.
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| Lauren Dixon & Mike Schwabl |
“We are incredibly thankful for the support we received from Lauren Dixon, Mike Schwabl, our generous sponsors and friends in the community who make Open Our Bottle Night such a wonderful event,” said Ann Scheetz, Ontario ARC’s executive director. “It is inspiring to have so many people who truly believe in the work we do at our agency.”
Open Our Bottle Night featured interactive cooking demonstrations highlighting wines from around the world and New York State paired with gourmet hors d’oeuvres. The event also featured the jazz sounds of renowned artist John Nugent and friends.
Don't Wait, Advocate!
As you may already know, Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a 6% cut across the board to voluntary, non-profit service providers. This reduction would go into affect on April 1 and have a profound influence on agencies serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilties.
Ontario ARC stands to lose $1.2 million of its annual operating budget.
First and foremost, our priority is to maintain the health and safety of the individuals we support. We do not anticipate this round of cuts will impact our priority and remain committed to providing the highest quality of services. But, we need your help.
This could be a devastating blow to our extensive system of support and could result in:
- Downsizing and closure of Ontario ARC programs
- Cuts in services available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Ontario County
- Reduction in our workforce resulting in staffing shortages and impacting the local economy
Contact your state legislator and let the know how these budget cuts will impact you or someone you love. We have also included letter to send by mail or e-mail.
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Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb
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State Senator Michael Nozzolio
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State Senator Ted O'Brien
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It is our hope that you will contact your representatives quickly and encourage your friends and family members to do the same.
Families have fought too hard over the past fifty years to secure these vital services and programs that could wind up on the chopping block. Our agency is doing everything possible to fight these funding reductions and continue offering valuable supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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| The FLCC Baseball Team is one of the many wonderful organizations who donates their time and talent to Ontario ARC. |
Ontario ARC is seeking volunteers and college interns to assist in its various programs located throughout Ontario County. The agency is a non-profit organization that provides supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Whether you want to lend a hand at one of our programs or residences or gain experience in your field of study, we have a spot for you to share your talents and time,” says Donna Auria, director of community relations.
Some of the volunteer and college internship volunteer opportunities include:
- Sharing talents – such as photography, sewing, crocheting or greeting card making – in one of the agency’s day programs
- Assisting individuals who live in Ontario ARC’s residences located in Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Farmington, Geneva, Phelps, Stanley and Victor
- Working with the Recreation Services at its various events
- Internship experiences in various departments such as information technology and human resources Ontario ARC places volunteers and interns based on their interests and studies.
To start the process, interested parties should visit the agency online to download an application. For additional information about volunteering and interning with Ontario ARC, contact Donna Auria via email or 585-919-2191.
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| Jody Thomas |
Fairport resident Jody Thomas has become the 2013 chairperson for the New York State Third Age Committee – a panel of experts across the state who focus on issues facing senior citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thomas is a registered nurse and Ontario ARC’s aging services and wellness manager.
“Jody’s strong commitment to serving senior citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities makes her asset to this committee,” says Lora Winghart, Ontario ARC’s associate executive director of program services.
The bulk of Thomas’ responsibilities will focus on the committee’s upcoming 22nd annual Third Age Providers conference on May 9 and 10 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. This year’s theme is, “Empowering Caregivers: Sharing Approaches for Facing Dementia.” The keynote speaker is Dr. Kathie Bishop, former director of program in aging at University of Rochester Medical Center’s Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Thomas started 18 years ago as a nurse in Ontario ARC’s residential program. She became the aging coordinator in 2006 to help manage the newly-forming Aging Services, which has experienced tremendous growth as its older population continues to increase. In 2008, Thomas was awarded the Paul Vanas Memorial Service Award for her positive impact of the lives of senior citizen with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in New York State.
The Third Age Committee was founded in 1991 and provides a link for senior citizens, their families and caregivers, health care providers and professionals through educational opportunities and partnerships with agencies across the state.
