THE ARC JEFFERSON – ST. LAWRENCE FOUNDATION RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FROM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WATERTOWN

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence Foundation (www.thearcjslc.org/foundation) announced that it received a multi-year grant totaling $15,000 from First Presbyterian Church of Watertown.  The Foundation provides financial support to The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence and people with developmental disabilities supported by the agency. The grant was awarded through First Presbyterian’s Outreach Committee in support of The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s ongoing effort to renovate its community residences.

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence provides 24/7 residential services in 51 homes located throughout Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. Homes are aging, as are many of the 300 residents who rely on The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s residential program for support.  Modifications are needed at most locations in order to provide safe, comfortable, and accessible homes. This project will also prepare these residences for future generations that will require this type of accessibility.

Michelle Carpenter, Executive Director of The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence Foundation says of the donation, “We are so grateful to the First Presbyterian Church of Watertown for its generosity.  Donations from the community enable us to do more with the resources we have so can better focus on our mission critical programs and services.”

The project aims to increase accessibility for wheelchairs and other mobility devices, improve HVAC systems to maintain consistent temperatures, update appliances that are at or near end of service life, as well as replace generators and other life safety equipment.

“Most of our houses have been in use since the 80’s and although our facilities team works hard to maintain them, many are in need of updates to ensure their continued viability,” said Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer. “These vital upgrades will guarantee that the people we support have the opportunity to age in place and maintain their independence.”

First Presbyterian of Watertown has supported projects of The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence and its Foundation previously. In 2019, the church contributed $20,000 to the organization’s first campaign to fully renovate its 420 Gaffney Drive program facility.

The Reverend Dr. Andrew Long of the Frist Presbyterian Church of Watertown states, “We are honored to support The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence through a grant for needed repairs to its numerous residential facilities for people with disabilities in our community.  Funding for this grant comes from financial gifts given to the church to be used in perpetuity for causes, programs, and community-building projects that align with the church’s mission of spreading the love of God in Watertown and beyond. We believe these grants are more than just ‘giving money’; it is a concrete way to exhibit the best parts of our Christian faith. As the church undergoes significant physical restoration projects over the next year, we consider it a blessing to be able to help other organizations do the same.”

To learn more or donate, visit www.thearcjslc.org/foundation, find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

About The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence Foundation:
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Foundation was established to receive and administer funds through fundraising and other initiatives to support The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence in continuing to provide essential services for the children and adults with developmental disabilities in the community.