The ARC New York Turns 75
Photos provided by the WWAARC.
The Arc New York, an organization dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities, is celebrating 75 years of service and support this year with a push to grow their reach even further. The organization, now with 35 chapters in the state, takes a holistic approach in providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) the resources and opportunities they need to lead a successful and fulfilling life.
To help celebrate the organization’s success and longevity, our region’s local chapter, the Warren, Washington, & Albany Counties ARC (WWAARC), is holding a membership drive to increase advocacy and leadership for those within the IDD community.
Originally founded in New York City, The Arc New York has been around since 1949, and is the largest organization serving people with developmental disabilities in New York State. The overall goal of the non-profit organization is to raise awareness and support those who are part of the IDD community throughout their entire life. The Arc New York has an abundance of resources that aid in helping people with an IDD find jobs, get an education, and live as independently as possible while still having the support needed to thrive in society.
The WWAARC was established in the 1950’s as a way to service New Yorkers living further upstate. Today, there are chapters in every county within New York State, having helped over 60 thousand people with an IDD.
For its 75th anniversary celebration this year, The Arc New York has several exciting events planned. One of the activities is a gala which will be held at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs.
The gala includes live music, a sit-down dinner, silent auction, and a keynote address from Broadway actor Mickey Rowe.
The WWAARC is also actively promoting their own membership drive. This drive occurs every year and is a way to raise awareness for the organization and gain community support.
Executive Director Dan Murray shared, “We want to find people that are willing to say that they support our field and the people that we support.” Dan became involved with The Arc New York 32 years ago, after returning from serving in the military. He was familiar with the organization because his cousin, Bobby, had Down syndrome and received resources from the Rensselaer chapter.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and I happened to walk through the doors of an Arc, which is close to my home where I was living at the time, and as they say the rest is history. I just fell in love with the people.” Throughout his career, Dan has seen how beneficial The Arc chapters are, and how they impact those with an IDD.
One example of their services is helping the people in their programs build a career. Job developers will meet with those seeking employment and discuss their interests and what they are looking to do for work. Then, the organization assists in each phase of the process from writing a resume to preparing for interviews.
Following that, they assign a job coach who helps the individual adjust to their new career until they are confident enough in their abilities to handle the role independently. While the goal is always to get the person as independent as possible, someone will always be there to check in periodically and make sure they’re continuing to be successful. Not only does this give people with an IDD financial freedom, it also builds their confidence as they become self-sufficient in their career.
Building a strong community is extremely important to the WWAARC. “It gives us a stronger voice as the level of advocacy,” said Dan. Currently, they are spreading awareness through their membership drive. Becoming a member of the WWAARC is simple, but the impact it makes is vital to the organization and the people it supports. All that is required is a $1 donation that covers the cost of registration, but even this can be waived if it is an issue for someone. The membership drive is not a fundraiser, it is simply a way to grow the WWAARC’s presence within the state and build a larger community of those supporting people with an IDD. “The more members we have, the greater the voice, the greater the influence, and the greater the results,” Dan shared. He went on to explain that “Our goal is always to provide the best environment and the best life possible for the people that we support.” This year, the goal is to gain 500 new members. For more information about the WWAARC and to become a member visit their website at: wwaarc.org