The Arc Westchester Honors Local Businesses and Employees at 30th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (PRWEB) May 17, 2018 -- The Arc Westchester, the County’s largest agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, recently hosted its 30th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast at The DoubleTree Tarrytown. The event celebrated the organization’s 250 business and community partners throughout the County who provide employment opportunities to those that The Arc Westchester supports.
“Today, we’re proud to salute employers who exemplify a commitment to inclusion in the workplace through meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as employees who continue to make us proud of their success on the job,” said Richard P. Swierat, executive director. “The Arc Westchester continues to maintain an employment rate for individuals with developmental disabilities of over 60 percent versus 33 percent nationwide.”
The morning’s top honor, the Share of Voice Award, was presented to Regeneron, which has participated in The Arc Westchester’s employer program for over seven years and currently employs eight individuals with developmental disabilities. Sally Paull, senior vice president, Human Resources, was on hand to accept the award and make special remarks.
“This is a special honor to accept on Regeneron’s behalf,” said Paull. “We are proud to be a partner and to have provided this great opportunity for individuals who are coming to us as employees through The Arc Westchester, and to help work with other local businesses in our community to encourage employers to do the same. We’re creating a profound partnership, regardless of organization or affiliation, for the benefit of our community. To fulfill Regeneron’s mission, we need to create an inclusive environment, where the value of diversity can be fully realized – a value where each and every employee is able to make a meaningful contribution.”
Additional awards presented at the event included:
Advocate Award: Shanna Krizan, Country Children’s Center
Bridge to Employment Award: Let’s Play It Forward
Continuing Partner Award: Lexington Square Café
Distinguished Partner Award: Digiscribe
New Business Partner Award: By the Way Bakery
Promoting Independence Award: Westchester Circus Arts
One of the ceremony highlights was the presentation of the Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Awards, which is bestowed each year upon two individuals who have surpassed their job expectations and set an example for all employees. This year’s honorees were Daniel Sturr, who works at Regeneron, and Arthur Farmer, who works at CHOP’T Creative Salad Company.
The Arc Westchester also welcomed several community and business leaders at the event, including Ken Jenkins, deputy county executive, Westchester County; Honorable Anthony Scarpino, district attorney, Westchester County; Tim Idoni, clerk, Westchester County; Honorable Akeen Jamal, deputy mayor, Yonkers; Laurence Gottlieb, president & CEO at Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation; and Dr. Marsha Gordon, president & CEO, Business Council of Westchester.
Swierat concluded the morning by announcing that Tibisay (Tibi) Guzmán has been named executive director and CEO of the organization, effective June 15. Guzmán, who currently serves as associate executive director/chief operating officer, will replace Swierat, who is stepping down after 35 years in the role. Guzmán has served on the leadership team at The Arc Westchester for the last 13 years and is the mother of award recipient Daniel Sturr.
The Arc Westchester’s employment services focus on helping individuals discover their interests, develop their talents and prepare for meaningful careers. Today, more than 600 individuals are currently in jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities throughout Westchester County.
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About The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. The organization’s 850 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
The mission of The Arc Westchester is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.
Kayleigh Lentz, Co-Communications Inc., +1 914-666-0066, [email protected]
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