Support our efforts to ensure that The Arc Westchester's facilities, infrastructure and technology are modern, strong and last a lifetime
Building Innovation: Renovation At Our Ann Manzi Center
The Arc Westchester is the oldest and largest organization in Westchester County providing services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have multiple locations throughout Westchester, including our day services hubs in Yonkers, Hawthorne, and Mount Kisco. We offer a wide range of youth and adult programs that provide a continuum of services to individuals, from birth to death. Our person-centered philosophy supports people to contribute, participate, and become valued members of the community.
Nestled on three acres of picturesque greenspace in Mount Kisco, the Manzi Center is named in honor of the late philanthropic matriarch Ann Manzi (whose aging daughter still receives services there). It stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing life for the people in our care, particularly our population of older individuals.
The building underwent Phase I renovations in 2018, giving rise to the Senior Connection – an innovative day program fostering intergenerational activities with another of our programs, the Youth Connection. The Youth Connection helps individuals who are completing high school make a smooth transition to adulthood. Providing an integrated setting for these two groups promotes social, mental, and physical health. The results of the renovations were profound, offering a welcoming and modern space with amenities designed for comfort and accessibility to both populations.
Now we embark on Phase II, the next chapter of expansion and enrichment that will take the scope of our services at this location to another level. This phase aims to double capacity, enabling many more individuals to engage in age-appropriate activities promoting health, wellness, and social connectivity.
This phase will include an accessible nature walking trail, a natural sanctuary within our grounds that facilitates health and well-being for our participants. Also in the plans are a multitude of other upgrades and renovations including updated bathrooms, a better awning/entrance area, improvements to structure and drainage, and renewal of the parking lot.
We are continuing to seek funding to offset unfunded portions of the cost.
As enhancements to the quality of care and medical progress make it possible for people with developmental disability to live longer and in better health, it is becoming increasingly important that we create spaces and supports specifically for the growing aging population. Over 40% of the people we support in our Day Services are over the age of 50. At the Arc Westchester we have always been on the cutting edge of person-centered care, and the improvements to the Ann Manzi Center will serve as a model for enriching the lives of seniors with developmental disability throughout Westchester County and beyond.
In June 2024, The Arc Westchester hosted a Construction Kick-Off event at The Ann Manzi Center, celebrating the progress achieved so far. This event was not only a milestone in our journey but also coincided with the 75th Anniversary of The Arc Westchester, marking decades of transformational support for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Center serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
Attendees included individuals we support, their families, dedicated staff, and members of the Mount Kisco community. Joe Manzi, son of Ann Manzi and brother of Karen Manzi who frequents the center, reflected on the occasion, emphasizing the organization’s remarkable growth over the years: “I’ve seen this organization grow since I’ve been six, seven years old…It’s a tremendous evolution since the early days of this organization when my mother was very involved.”
Building Innovation Through Technology
Throughout our 75 years, The Arc Westchester has made strong strides in ensuring that our staff and those we support are up to date with the latest technology. From specialized equipment that enhances accessibility to advanced communication tools that foster independence, our cutting-edge tech plays a crucial role in transforming lives every day. By supporting the technological infrastructure of The Arc Westchester, you directly contribute to maintaining and enhancing these essential resources.
Your generosity ensures that our programs and services remain at the forefront of innovation, enabling our staff to deliver the highest level of care and support to the people we serve. Together, we can continue to build a future where technology creates opportunities and breaks down barriers, allowing our staff to empower our community members to thrive and achieve their full potential.
