Shown above: CEO Tibi Guzmán with NYS Senator and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

We were honored to welcome several New York State representatives for tours of our residences throughout their districts in Westchester County. We shared a visual map with each legislator highlighting the number of day service sites, preschools, and residences under their jurisdictions.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins visited our Yonkers home, where she met with staff and shared her commitment to the people we support.

Assemblymember Amy Paulin visited our Scarsdale home, beautifully decorated for Halloween. She toured the residence and the garden, and spoke with our leadership, house managers, and foundation board member Margaret Vogt, along with her daughter, who lives at the residence.

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky toured our Hartsdale home, where she met with staff and was impressed by the person-centered approach we practice in every aspect of the house.

We also welcomed Assemblymember Dana Levenberg to our Ossining home. She was pleased to see how the people we support are involved in the Ossining community.

During the visits, CEO Tibi Guzmán and  Foundation Executive Director Barry Clark discussed the challenges of staff shortages and funding cuts that we are facing as we work to maintain our homes and facilities.

We thank each of these representatives for taking the time to visit our residences, meet with our staff and the people we support, and for their continued support of The Arc Westchester and the people we proudly serve.

Looking ahead, we anticipate additional challenges next year. In partnership with NYDA and The Arc New York, we are once again launching a one-click campaign to advocate for the resources our community needs.

Tell Governor Hochul to Protect the Progress for the Disability Community!

• A 3.4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to keep funding in step with the rising cost of providing services
• A Human Services Careforce Worker Wage Investment to give direct care staff and other human services workers a lasting, recurring raise
• Restoration of the Healthcare Enhancement Program to help providers and staff afford. We need our representatives in Albany to hear from every person who supports our mission, vision, and values.