The Arc Westchester to Host 75th Anniversary Employer Breakfast

The Arc Westchester, the largest organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, will host its 75th Anniversary Employer Recognition Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY. This is the first in-person Employer Recognition Breakfast since April 2019. The event, which runs from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, will honor local businesses that have demonstrated outstanding support and dedication to employing individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Employer Recognition Breakfast brings together business leaders, community members, and advocates to celebrate the partnerships between employers and The Arc Westchester. These partnerships have helped create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. In fact, The Arc Westchester has over 250 business partners and more than 300 individuals working in the community.

This year’s keynote speaker is Steven Mines, President of The Mines Press, where two Arc Westchester program participants are employed. Mr. Mines is a dedicated advocate for the rights and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to achieve their highest potential through gainful employment – for not only their benefit, but for the benefit of the greater Westchester County business community. The Mines Press has been an enthusiastic employment partner of The Arc Westchester for over 25 years.

This year, The Arc Westchester will present the prestigious Distinguished Partner Award to the Westchester Library System. The Visionary Award will be presented to the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at New York-Presbyterian and Harrison Meadows Country Club.

Vivian Carbonell at Regeneron and Danielle Jabara at Cambria Hotels will receive the Promoting Independence Award. The Continuing Partner Award will be presented to Cortlandt Town Hall and Aramark. The New Business Partner Award will be presented to Morrison Healthcare at Westchester Medical Center and the Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award will be presented to Robert Marra of Country Children’s Center.

“For over 75 years, The Arc Westchester has been dedicated to integrating individuals with developmental disabilities, including those on the Autism Spectrum, into the vibrant business community of Westchester County. We strongly believe in the power of diversity—of talents, voices, skills, and personalities—to enhance workplaces. This belief is shared by over 100 companies who actively employ individuals we support,” states Tibi Guzman, CEO, The Arc Westchester.

At the breakfast, attendees will have the opportunity to hear inspiring stories about the positive impact of inclusive employment, learn about the work of The Arc Westchester, and celebrate the achievements of both the individuals served by the organization and the businesses that support them.

“We are proud to say that The Arc Westchester has a 60% employment rate for individuals with I/DD who are seeking employment, compared to the 33% nationwide average. We offer opportunities to achieve employment, earn an income and build a meaningful career,” states Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester.

The Arc Westchester is committed to ensuring that people with developmental disabilities have access to inclusive employment and opportunities to be active members of the workforce. With a wide range of programs and services, The Arc Westchester supports over 2,000 individuals and their families throughout the county, fostering independence, self-determination, and community participation.

For more information about the Employer Recognition Breakfast, including sponsorship opportunities which help The Arc Westchester educate potential employers about Career Services, and ticket information visit https://arcwestchester.org/ERB2024/