Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...

Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
914.949.8200

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Family Resource Day

Envision the Future

Patsy Ginese, president of Westchester Arc's Customer Service Council, held a booth on self-advocacy along with his wife, Lois, which encourages individuals to voice their opinions and direct their own lives.
Families were able to attend workshops while touring Westchester Arc's recently opened Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne which serves as a learning center for the community.

An Event for All Ages

Over 150 families and social service professionals received practical advice on a broad range of issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities during Westchester Arc’s Family Resource Day, recently held at Westchester Arc's Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center in Hawthorne, NY.

A keynote address by Beth Mount, Ph.D. focused on innovative developments in the lives of people with disabilities resulting from new directions in thinking and service delivery.  Dr. Mount discussed the critical role families play in creating and holding on to the dreams and goals for their loved ones.

Representatives from over 29 state and local organizations (click here for complete list) participated in a resource vendor fair providing information on healthcare, financial and legal planning, job opportunities and recreational programs.

Experts in the field conducted morning workshops that focused on transition planning with your school district; understanding tests and assessments; nutrition and wellness; finding supports and services; and the roles of adult siblings in a family structure. A sibshop session, peer-support in a game-filled setting, was also held for younger siblings.

Individuals filled the room to hear how they can "Envision the Future" with tips from Beth Mount.
Transition planning with school districts was a well-attended session that focused on understanding how to explore post high school options, eligibility and availability.
The resource fair was a great opportunity for families to network with each other and obtain information about services throughout the county.
Children enjoyed fun-filled activities while their parents attended workshops. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this day.

 

The Music Therapy Institute of the Music Conservatory of Westchester engaged attendees with hands-on experience of various stress reducing instruments.