The Arc New York

06/08/2026

Last week, The Arc New York's Executive Directors Association (EDA) organized a visit to the former Willowbrook State School campus, now home to the College of Staten Island.

For many of the nearly 30 chapter leaders in attendance, it was their first time walking the grounds where one of the most significant turning points in disability rights history unfolded. Led by Hal and Laura Kennedy, participants toured the Willowbrook Mile tribute stations and visited the campus archives, where they reflected on the painful legacy of institutionalization and the powerful advocacy that helped transform supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The conditions exposed at Willowbrook sparked national outrage, led to landmark legal action, and accelerated the movement toward community-based, person-centered supports. The Arc New York played a leading role in that change, serving as a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit that ultimately led to Willowbrook's closure.

As we reflected on our history, we were reminded of how far we have come and why our work remains as important as ever. The lessons of Willowbrook continue to guide our commitment to dignity, inclusion, opportunity, and the rights of people with disabilities.

We honor those whose experiences drove change and remain committed to building a future where every person can live a life of their choosing in their community. 💙

06/05/2026

At The Arc New York, we are committed to building communities where people of all identities, orientations, and abilities are respected, valued, and empowered to live the lives they choose.

This month and every month, we celebrate the diversity that strengthens our communities and honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who help make our world more inclusive, understanding, and vibrant.

Together, we can create a future where everyone is welcomed, supported, and proud to be exactly who they are. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

06/05/2026

Congratulations to The Arc New York’s Leadership Institute graduates! 🎉🎓

Earlier this week, 26 participants gathered to celebrate the completion of this 10-month executive development program.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in group learning, one-on-one mentorship, and meaningful discussions designed to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare them to guide our organization into the future.

The Arc New York created the Leadership Institute to cultivate leadership potential across our statewide network and invest in the next generation of leaders.

👏 Thank you to the Leadership Institute Workgroup, mentors, and presenters whose dedication helps make this program possible.

Please join us in celebrating this year's graduates:
🔹 Josephine Bailey, Division Director of Community Supports, Compliance & Quality Assurance, Lexington, Chapter of The Arc New York
🔹 Nancy Blair, Chief Human Resources Officer, Saratoga Bridges, A chapter of The Arc New York
🔹 Elizabeth Bridge, Corporate Compliance Officer, Liberty ARC
🔹 Josh Christiana, Director for Quality, Compliance & Chapter Relations, The Arc New York State Office
🔹 Amy Clark, Director of Programs and Admissions, The Arc Mid-Hudson
🔹 Petrea Delberta, Chief Financial Officer, The Arc Otsego
🔹 Lynn Fleming, Chief Financial Officer, Arc GLOW
🔹 Eddie Garcia, Director of Finance, The Arc Rockland
🔹 Sonja Gottbrecht, Chief Operating Officer, Arc of Onondaga
🔹 Vincent Heller, Senior Program Director, The Arc of Delaware County, NY
🔹 Alisa Hobb, Associate Executive Director for HR, Training and Safety, Lexington, Chapter of The Arc New York
🔹 Kareena Hoyt, Chief Financial Officer, The Arc Ontario
🔹 Kevin Larragy, Associate Executive Director, The Arc Greater Hudson Valley
🔹 Jennifer Leale, Chief Financial Officer, The Arc Mid-Hudson
🔹 Catherine Loomis, Vice President of Community Engagement and Career Development, Arc Herkimer
🔹 Tara Lortz, Chief Operating Officer, The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence
🔹 Keegan Ovens, Director for Quality and Compliance, The Arc Chemung-Schuyler
🔹 Carrie Redman, Development Director, The Arc Allegany-Steuben
🔹 Jeremy Ressing, Chief Financial Officer, Advocacy and Resource Center
🔹 Heather Richards, Chief Human Resources Officer, Coarc
🔹 Rowena Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Mountain Lake Services
🔹 Karen Stace, Compliance Officer, The Arc Madison Cortland
🔹 Paul Torres, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer, The Arc Westchester
🔹 Edith Weber, Vice President for Employment and Business Services, AHRC New York City
🔹 Kent Willingham, Vice President of Residential and Housing Solutions, AHRC New York City
🔹 Mike Zazzara, Chief Operating Officer, The Arc of Monroe

To our graduates: Congratulations on this accomplishment and thank you for your commitment to leadership, growth, and the people we support. We look forward to seeing the impact you make in the years ahead! 💙

06/03/2026

You raised your voice. Lawmakers listened.

When the budget process stretched nearly two months beyond the deadline, our community didn't stop advocating. Together, thousands of voices across New York called on state leaders to — and that persistence helped secure a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase for nonprofit IDD providers.

Read more about this advocacy victory and other stories from across our community in the latest issue of CONNECTIONS. 👇

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05/29/2026

Congratulations to Laura Kennedy on receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Staten Island!

A lifelong advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, Laura has dedicated decades to advancing inclusion, opportunity, and social justice. As a parent, educator, and leader, she has served at every level of The Arc —from her local chapter, AHRC New York City, to The Arc New York and The Arc of the United States — championing policies that strengthen supports, elevate the direct support workforce, and ensure people with disabilities can live full and meaningful lives.

From preserving disability history and the legacy of Willowbrook to mentoring future advocates, Laura's impact has been profound and far-reaching. This honor is a fitting recognition of her extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to the disability rights movement.

Please join us in celebrating Laura and this well-deserved achievement! 💙🧡

👉 Check out the commencement story & photos here: https://csitoday.com/2026/05/csi-honors-the-class-of-2026/

05/27/2026

Thank you to Arc of Onondaga for hosting The Arc New York’s Guardianship meeting and helping celebrate Erica Berman's lasting impact on guardianship services and the lives of so many across New York.

Congratulations, Erica, on an incredible career spanning more than 42 years! 💙👏

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Lisa Weller of The Arc Mid-Hudson on earning her BA in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University! 🎓👏

We love seeing employees supported through opportunities like tuition reimbursement as they pursue their educational goals. Congratulations, Lisa! 💙

Congratulations to Lisa Weller, SEMP Job Coach, on her achieving her BA in Psychology from the Southern New Hampshire University! Lisa was also a participant in the Arc Mid-Hudson's Tuition Reimbursement Program. It makes us so happy to be able to support our employees to achieve their educational aspirations!

05/26/2026

New York’s disability services system cannot afford uncertainty.⚠️

This Spectrum News 1 Rochester story, featuring The Arc of Monroe's CEO, Tracy Petrichick, highlights how ongoing state budget delays continue to impact providers, direct support professionals, and the people who rely on these services every day, as organizations navigate workforce challenges and rising costs.

Thank you to The Arc of Monroe for helping bring attention to the urgent need for stability and investment across New York’s IDD service system.

A late state budget poses challenges to a disability community trying to plan ahead for federal Medicaid cuts.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.💙

“Reflection on America,” photographed by Richard Clark of the Advocacy and Resource Center, and recognized with 3rd place in The Arc New York’s 2024 Art Contest, captures a quiet moment of patriotism, remembrance, and gratitude today.

05/21/2026

Congratulations to all eight of the 2026 LifePrep at Naz graduates! 🎓💙

We’re proud to see The Arc of Monroe and Nazareth University continue creating meaningful opportunities for students through this incredible program. Congratulations to the graduates on this amazing accomplishment; we can’t wait to see what’s next!