THE ARC JEFFERSON – ST. LAWRENCE DEVELOPS INNOVATIVE OPTIONS FOR SERVICES AND EMPLOYMENT

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org) continues to develop innovative employment and service options for people with developmental disabilities, even amidst the continued challenges of a global pandemic. A few of the highlights from 2021 include: The completion of a successful capital campaign at the main services building in Jefferson County, the purchase of the facility located on Bradley Street in Watertown, and the creation of the Bridges program for young people.

The community and area businesses gave tremendous support to The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence through the capital campaign to renovate 420 Gaffney Drive in Watertown. The transformation of this state-of-the-art facility would not have been possible without assistance from the public. Purchasing the building on Bradley Street will provide immediate cost savings to the agency and enhance financial stability. The creation of the Bridges program provides new services and supports to children and youth with developmental disabilities starting at age three through to adulthood.

Between the counties, there are 51 residential sites, two work centers, seven Day Habilitation site-based programs, Federal contracts at the border stations and Fort Drum, two UPS stores, as well as many community-based work and educational programs for children, teens, and adults. Clinical Services such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and an Article 16 Clinic are available. The agency also has certified Applied Behavior Analysts to guide service plans.

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence employs 1,300 staff members and has an annual budget of $75 million. The agency is overseen by Howard Ganter, Chief Executive Officer and Jackie Sauter serves as the Board of Directors’ President.

“The past year has presented both health and staffing concerns, but The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence remains resilient and continues to flourish thanks to our dedicated workforce,” stated Howie Ganter, Chief Executive Officer for The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence. “We were able to purchase the manufacturing facility at 968 Bradley Street at a deeply discounted price due to the generosity of a longtime benefactor of the agency, which will result in annualized savings of close to $100,000. Now, we can put those additional resources towards activities and facilities for the people we support.”

In 2022, the agency’s foundations will merge from The Foundation of St. Lawrence NYSARC and JRC Foundation, to become The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Foundation. The two organizations have been working together successfully for years and the transition to one entity formalizes the partnership. The mission for the Foundation will remain unchanged as it funds projects, items, and events for people supported by The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence. This year, fund-raising efforts will be focused on improving and upgrading the residential sites for better accessibility. 

The vocational arm of the agency plans to increase their kitting and packaging business. This work is a cost-effective solution for business partners that gives people with disabilities the opportunity for employment suited to their needs. To learn more, visit www.thearcjslc.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.  

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.