Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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(914) 949-8200
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Thirty-year veterans share the spotlight. Pictured (from left) are Tom Hughes, associate executive director; Barbara Infantino, vocational program supervisor; Joan Grady, speech pathologist; Diane Hazelton, administrative assistant, and Bob Caparco, maintenance assistant.
Staff Recognized for Longtime Service
Nearly 100 Westchester Arc employees were honored for their longtime service—between five and 30 years—at Staff Recognition Night, held on December 19 at the Crowne Plaza, White Plains. Click here for list of honorees.
“For me, the best part about working at Westchester Arc is the friends I’ve made,” notes 30-year honoree Diane Hazelton, administrative assistant. “I’m really lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful group of people.”
“I like that Westchester Arc is a very family-focused agency,” adds 15-year honoree Dora Pallagrossi, residential assistant. “My co-workers were very supportive when I decided to have a family. I never felt like I had to choose between my job and my family and that was a big reason to stay here for as long as I have.”
Fifteen-year staffers (from left) Dora Pallagrossi, residential assistant; Catherine Carriero, project coordinator, and Alan Magnotta, production supervisor, enjoy the evening.
The night’s festivities included dinner, the ever-popular chocolate fountain and the presentation of awards. Westchester Arc Executive Director Ric Swierat praised 25-year honoree Tom Hughes, associate executive director, as “the heart and soul of Westchester Arc.” Kristina Fiorentino, career and compliance counselor, received the Diversity Leadership Award for her commitment to celebrating our employees’ cultural richness. Totlyn Jackson, residence counselor, was presented with a John Bodnar Scholarship, a $1,000 grant that promotes educational advancement and career development. Totlyn is currently pursuing a degree in social work.
Janet Abinanti presented Cherry Charlton with the first annual Thomas Dowd Accesibility Award.
In one of the night’s most touching moments, Janet Abinanti, chairperson of the agency’s residential services committee, honored Cherry Charlton, assistant residence manager, with the first annual Thomas Dowd Accesibility Award, given in memory of Janet’s son. The award recognizes staff leadership in expanding the accessibility of all aspects of agency services for people with significant physical and developmental disabilities.
Cherry was cited for her dedication to helping a resident, who was non-verbal and felt disconnected from the world, establish pen pal relationships with members of the community. Reading and writing letters helped the resident build self-confidence and express how she felt. It also spurred her to find other ways to communicate, such as through music. Cherry also brought the resident to her church, which promoted inclusion.
“Over 50 percent of staff remain with the agency for at least six years,” notes Myriam Vocke, director of human resources. “Working here is unique in that it brings professional and personal satisfaction. I’ve heard numerous stories about staff members bonding with consumers and fellow employees. One person even told me that’s he’s never seen such camaraderie at a job before. It’s that kind of support, plus the agency’s commitment to career advancement, that makes staff want to keep working here.”
Kevin Hendrickson, community options developer, receives a gift in recognition of his 10 years at Westchester Arc.
Kerri Connors, compliance manager, was one of seven 20-year honorees.
“To put the last 30 years with Westchester Arc into words is really quite a task,” says honoree Barbara Infantino, vocational services supervisor. “The agency has grown so much—adding many more programs and opportunities for consumers. I’ve treasured watching individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams with the help and care of dedicated staff. There is nothing better than coming to work and having so many people tell you that they love and appreciate you. Who could have a better job than that?”
Ten-year honorees display their awards.
» Click here to learn more about working at Westchester Arc.
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