The Arc Westchester Program Participant Honored at Volunteer New York’s 2021 Volunteer Spirit Awards
Joseph O’Campo-Petras, member of the organization’s Choices group, celebrated for his dedication to Westchester Parks Foundation
Westchester County, N.Y. (April 5, 2021) – The Arc Westchester is pleased to announce that Joseph O’Campo-Petras, a participant in the organization’s Choices program, has been honored for his dedication at Volunteer New York’s 2021 Volunteer Spirit Awards. Joseph received the Going Green Award for his volunteer action with the Westchester Parks Foundation alongside his fellow Choices participants.
“Each year, our volunteers donate tens of thousands of hours of their time to Westchester County nonprofits and businesses, truly making a difference in their community. We are so proud of Joseph and all of the individuals that participate in our volunteer program, and are thankful for this recognition from Volunteer New York,” said Tibi Guzmán, Executive Director/CEO of The Arc Westchester. “The Westchester Parks Foundation has been a great partner to our organization. In addition to helping the environment, participating in these activities provides important job preparedness and social skills to the individuals that we support.”
During his time volunteering with the Westchester Parks Foundation, Joseph has worked on several projects, including: working with the Green Squad to remove invasive species from local parks and helping keep the park clean by removing trash from Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers and Edith G. Read in Rye/Playland Park; and removing golf balls from the range during the pre-season at Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers.
“We nominated Joseph for everything he brings to our organization. His enthusiasm and positivity overflows encouragement to all other volunteers, influencing them to jump in with his can-do attitude, consistently improving the experience for everyone,” said Erin Cordiner, Director of Volunteer Programs, Westchester Parks Foundation. His enthusiasm and volunteer spirit even seeps into our staff’s mind-set, reminding us why we’re here and inspiring us to reflect this same energy back. Everything Joseph portrays represents the meaning of our organization and his hard work significantly furthers our mission. If you’re ever having a difficult day, spend one hour working alongside Joseph, you will not be disappointed.”
Joseph and his fellow nominees will be honored at Volunteer New York’s 2021 Volunteer Spirit Awards on April 9.
For more information, visit www.arcwestchester.org.
About The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, established in 1949, is the oldest and largest agency in the county supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 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.
Our mission is to provide innovative supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, to build independence, achieve personal goals and strengthen community participation.
Our vision is a world of opportunity where people with developmental disabilities live, work, learn and contribute. The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc New York and The Arc of the U.S.
###
