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The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence |
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), announced that they joined people with disabilities, staff and families across the state to celebrate The Arc New York's 75th Anniversary with 75 Acts of Service. The Week of Service, as a commemoration of the organization's historic achievements for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), a celebration of inclusion, and a call to action for continued engagement from communities across New York.
Local Chapters of The Arc New York provide supports and services to more than 60,000 people with I/DD in every county of the state, including The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence. Together, they’re mounting 75 service projects in a single week to improve parks, neighborhoods and communities across the state.
People supported by The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence were assisted to participate in two activities that they selected and planned. A group of people in St. Lawrence County created a float and participated in the recent Dairy Festival Parade. People in Jefferson County gave back to their community with cheerful signage and sharing donuts and lemonade.
"We are thrilled to join The Arc New York in celebrating 75 years of service with 75 acts of service," said Lynn Pietroski, The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s Chief Executive Officer. "75 years ago, the people we support today would often have been isolated or institutionalized. These projects showcase their contributions as active and engaged members of their community, and serve as a reminder that opportunity for people with disabilities benefits us all.”
“This statewide effort is a reminder that we are stronger together,” said Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York. “We can each make a difference in our own community. Together we’re rallying hundreds of people to make positive change together. That’s how the parents who founded The Arc New York drove progress, and we best honor their legacy by continuing their work.”
Celebrating 75 Years of Advocacy & Opportunity
One mother’s three-line ad in the New York post ignited our entire system of support for people with disabilities
In 1949, Ann Greenberg placed a classified ad in The New York Post, seeking other parents in need of support for their children with disabilities. Her son Jerry had been denied admission to public school due to his intellectual and developmental disabilities. A handful of parents responded to the ad and started meeting in Ann’s NYC apartment. Within just a few months, hundreds of parents got involved. There were virtually no supports or opportunities available at the time, and it was common for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. But these parents wanted more for their children.
The organization they founded evolved to become The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York state. Today, 35 local Chapters of The Arc New York provide supports and services for more than 60,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in every county of New York state, and The Arc’s full reach extends nationally.
In the 75 years since its founding, The Arc New York has driven transformation and progress in the lives of people with disabilities, fought and ended the abuses of institutionalization, and developed a robust system of community support in our mission “to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.”
In the photos:
People supported by The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence in St. Lawrence County participated in Canton’s Dairy Festival Parade.
People supported by The Arc Jefferson in Jefferson County spread community cheer.
About The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence:
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence seeks to be the premier provider of services for people with diverse needs through the continuum of life.