The Arc Westchester, a not for-profit organization supporting people with disabilities in Westchester County, has been awarded $209,000 in grants from
the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc Westchester’s guardianship and recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts, SNT, and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2020, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2.6 million in grants to The Arc
New York chapters statewide.
This year, The Arc Westchester received $197,000 to provide guardianship services for people with developmental disabilities who would not have otherwise
had a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by the chapter staff and community volunteers, The Arc Westchester’s Guardianship Program currently provides
guardianship supports and services to 100 people and is ready to assist more as needed. The amount received in 2020 was $197,000. The funding was used
for program operations including personalized gifts for birthdays and holidays. Staff assisted five families with successor guardianship petitions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on outings, meals were purchased and delivered to individuals in lieu of in-person gatherings. The Arc Westchester will continue to offer remote training opportunities to review future planning and guardianship services.
NYSARC Trust Services also awarded $12,000 to develop recreational opportunities to enrich the lives of program participants. The Arc Westchester used the
recreation grant funds to defray the cost of activities in 2020 that were able to take place either remotely or safely in-person when restrictions were lifted. In the fall 2020, in-person activities and outings were able to resume. Fees for activities were waived or reduced for community activities.
The Arc Westchester, established in 1949, is the oldest and largest agency in the county supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. More than 850 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
Our mission is to provide innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, to build independence, achieve personal goals and strengthen community participation.
Our vision is a world of opportunity where people with developmental disabilities live, work, learn and contribute. The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The
Arc New York and The Arc of the U.S. (Submitted)
