Impact on Arc Westchester COVID-19
Coronavirus is having a devastating impact on all of us at The Arc Westchester. We are experiencing one of the most difficult times our organization has ever experienced in our 70-year history. With all of your help and support, we will get through this and all of us will be stronger because of it.
Unfortunately, we have now lost four beloved individuals who lived in our residences and a long-time Foundation Board member to Coronavirus. Several of our staff and friends have been personally impacted with the loss of loved ones. We have several confirmed cases among our staff and have had several people return to work COVID-19 free, so we also have encouragement that following infection control guidelines and practicing social distancing are working. The entire Arc Westchester family is grieving the loss of these very special people and we wish all those with the virus to recover soon.
We are seeing that our consistency in taking all the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus within our homes and facilities is helping our residents and staff be safe. Our Board members and leadership are of great support and extend their sincere appreciation to each one of our brave staff returning to work in support of our mission. Our board approved a Temporary Supplemental Payment for our Direct Support Professionals through June 14, 2020. This is one way we are able to thank our front line workers for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the people we support.
The financial impact on The Arc Westchester has been huge and the proposed cuts in reimbursement for IRA and ICF residential programs will have a devastating impact on our programs and services. We need to let OPWDD and our legislators know that these cuts will have a long-term effect on the people we support.
Click here to learn more →
The challenges and sadness we feel will not go away any time soon, however, we are deeply inspired by the commitment and ongoing dedication of our front-line staff who continue to support Arc Westchester in each of our residences. Every direct support professional and nurse have one of the most difficult jobs in our organization right now. Their ability and desire to keep nurturing and caring for the people they support is nothing short of heroic. We have a shared mission and we are committed to do everything in our ability to make sure they are safe and the needed resources are available to them.
We are working diligently on making sure PPE supplies are constantly being ordered and distributed. We will get through this pandemic, and we will come out as a strong united organization and workforce with a shared humanity in making sure we support each other and our communities. Together we are stronger.
← Back to COVID-19
We held a Family Forum for families on June 27, 2020 that discussed how The Arc Westchester is Moving Forward in a COVID-19 Environment. Presenters were Tibi Guzman, Executive Director/CEO and Deborah Mondello, Senior Assistant Executive Director.
View the presentation here →
