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A message from the Executive Director |
 On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, program participants and families of Schenectady ARC, I want to thank you for your interest in our organization. In 1952, if you were part of a family that had a child with a developmental disability, services did not exist. At that time, the medical community frequently suggested institutionalization for a child with a developmental disability and that became the only option for many. However, the families who kept their disabled children at home soon found that by reaching out to each other through newspaper ads and other means of communication, they could provide support to one another. Their partnerships soon developed into volunteer services, which ultimately became the agency we now celebrate. |
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Partnerships create the power for people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play as fulfilled members of society. |
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Schenectady ARC is committed to helping people in the Capital Region enjoy healthy, rewarding lives as members of their community. Schenectady ARC brings staff, families and the community together to encourage dreams and respond to each person's life choices by offering high quality services, resources and supports. |
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In 1952, if you were the parent of a child with a developmental disability, you had two alternatives: keep your child at home or institutionalize him or her. Parents began joining forces and agreed that this was simply unacceptable. Realizing that there was strength in numbers, 39 families began meeting with one another and formed a group called the Association for Retarded Children. They were determined to change the way people with developmental disabilities were treated... and that is exactly what they did.
Today, Schenectady ARC is one of 57 chapters that belong to NYSARC, Inc., a family-based organization dedicated to ensuring that persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities become active and contributing members of their communities. Although our name has since changed, our commitment has remained the same.
Recognizing each person's potential, Schenectady ARC is committed to utilizing all available resources to provide each individual the opportunity to be a part of their community and to provide the training and assistance necessary to achieve independence and self-esteem. Our community-based programs and services provide a comprehensive network that meets a wide array of individual and family needs. Each person served by Schenectady ARC receives an individualized program designed to attain personal goals and fulfill personal interests.
Awards and Memberships
2002 Schenectady County Chamber Non Profit of the Year Award
Business Review Great Place to Work Award
Member of Autism Society of America
Member of ARC of the US
Member of Schenectady County Chamber
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Board of Directors
Barbara Kania, President
Mary Otter, 1st Vice-President
Adrienne Westfall, 2nd Vice-President
Thomas Rice, 1st Treasurer
Vernon Ketchum, 2nd Treasurer
Bella Stuart, Recording Secretary
Richard Bonaker, Corresponding Secretary
Patricia Ross, Director
Angelo DeFelippo, III, Director
Karl Horstmann, Director
Linda Churchman, Director
Noreen Mehan Zido, Director
Heather Kennedy, Director
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