To Live, Learn, Work And Play As Fulfilled

Vision
Mission
Partnerships create the power for people with developmental disabilities
to live, learn, work and play as fulfilled members of society.
Schenectady ARC is committed to helping people in the Capital
Region enjoy healthy, rewarding lives as members of their community.
Schenectady ARC brings staff, families and the community together to
encourage dreams and respond to each person’s life choices by offering
high quality services, resources and supports.
On the cover: Meet Julie Berard. Julie is a consumer at Princetown Ridge. A native of South
Korea, Julie came to the US in 1986. A smile can always be found on her friendly face.
Residences
Agnes House
100 Agnes Avenue
Rotterdam, NY 12303
Tel #: 355-1602
FAX#: 355-3228
Buzzo House
144 Snowden Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12304-1331
Tel: 518-372-1571
Fax: 518-372-1526
Connors House
256 Autumn Run Drive
Schenectady, NY 12306-6702
Tel: 518-356-7936
Fax: 518-356-9759
DeFelippo House
1955 Eastern Parkway
Schenectady, NY 12309-6014
Tel: 518-346-6590
Fax: 518-374-1722
Hertzman House
2211 Neil Street
Schenectady, NY 12306
Tel: 518-370-8616
Fax: 518-347-3556
Ketchum House
1132 Glenmeadow Court
Schenectady, NY 12309-2512
Tel: 518-346-5752
Fax: 518-374-0413
Kirvin House
2739 Myrtle Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12306-2206
Tel: 518-372-7087
Fax: 518-372-6062
Lewis House
344 Mohawk Ave.
Scotia, NY 12302-1822
Tel: 518-346-4753
Fax: 518-346-8031
Paul Christian House
14 Jane Drive
Glenville, NY 12302
Tel: 518-399-1290
Fax: 518-399-3559
Matricardi House
1319 Regal Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12309-1709
Tel: 518-374-6937
Fax: 518-374-1534
Minard House
Robin House
298 Gutha Road
Delanson, NY 12053
Tel: 518-864-7508
Fax: 518-864-5194
Ruzza House
998 Lilac Street
Schenectady, NY 12306
Tel: 518-355-5429
Fax: 518-355-4747
Schliff House
17 Bigwood Road
Glenville, NY 12302
Tel: 518-399-0535
Fax: 518-399-5852
Stiles House
1485 Mariaville Scotch Church Rd.
Pattersonville, NY 12137-9607
Tel: 518-864-5810
Fax: 518-864-7514
2215 Eastern Parkway
Schenectady, NY 12309-2206
Tel: 518-346-6731
Fax: 518-374-3943
500 Normanskill Drive
Duanesburg, NY 12056
Tel: 518-355-6152
Fax: 518-355-3629
1740 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12304
Tel: 518-372-1522
Fax: 518-372-0042
Normanskill House
Pahl House
125 Woodhaven Drive
Scotia, NY 12302-4817
Tel: 518-399-8946
Fax: 518-399-6614
Pauley House
238 Spring Road
Glenville, NY 12302-3706
Tel: 518-384-1652
Fax: 518-399-4081
Rakvica House
3 Yorkshire Court
Scotia, NY 12302
Tel: 518-395-9865
Fax: 518-395-5917
Stuart House
Westfall House
653 St. David’s Lane
Schenectady, NY 12309-4925
Tel: 393-4381
Fax: 374-1638
Agency Sites & Locations
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
214 State Street
P.O. Box 2236
Schenectady, NY 12301-2236
Tel: 518-377-2186
Fax: 518-377-2189
www.arcschenectady.org
RIDGE HEALTH SERVICES
214 State Street
P.O. Box 2236
Schenectady, NY 12301-2236
Tel: 518-372-8178
Fax: 518-372-8939
HUMAN RESOURCES
214 State Street
P.O. Box 2236
Schenectady, NY 12301-2236
Tel: 518-372-1160
Fax: 518-372-5261
Residential Services
214 State Street
P.O. Box 2236
Schenectady, NY 12301-2236
Tel: 518-377-2186
Fax: 518-377-2189
Maple Ridge Day Services
2999 Hamburg Street
Schenectady, NY 12303
Tel: 518-355-2390
Fax: 518-355-1929
Princetown Ridge Day Services
395 Becker Drive
Schenectady, NY 12306
Tel: 518-357-0129
Fax: 518-357-0137
Life Prep 1
136 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Tel: 518-428-3853
Fax: 518-688-1482
Life Prep 2
1760 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12309
Tel: 518-723-9133
Fax: 518-723-9135
New Directions Employment Services
2999 Hamburg Street
Rotterdam, NY 12303
Tel: 518-355-2390
Fax: 518-355-1929
Pine Ridge Industries
52 Market Street
Scotia, NY 12302
Tel: 518-372-1160
Fax: 518-372-1801
www.pineridgeind.com
New Directions Employment Services
214 State Street
P.O. Box 2236
Schenectady, NY 12301-2236
Tel: 518-372-1242
Fax: 518-377-2189
Ridge Transportation
1400 B Dunnsville Road
Schenectady, NY 12306
Tel: 518-356-0611
Fax: 518-356-0478
A message from our
Executive Director & Board President
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to review Schenectady ARC’s 2009 Annual Report including the detail
behind the activities that contribute to our many successes. During this tumultuous past year, we have continued to
focus on our deeply rooted, time-tested core values including quality services, community partnership and leadership.
The 2009 year marked a triumph for our legislative advocacy; we were thrilled to have so many families demonstrate
their support for Schenectady ARC by letting our local and state legislators know the importance of our services.
We advocated for several changes in the Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan and emphasized the importance of the
inclusion of the Trend Factor for 2009 and 2010. Despite these victories there is still a great deal of work to be done on
our legislative platform.
Schenectady ARC continues to develop lasting and rewarding partnerships with many local businesses and nonprofits in our community. We have made tremendous strides in further developing our employment services, and
providing collaborative training and administrative services to other disability service agencies in the Capital Region.
Employment at Schenectady ARC continues to be a point of strength. We have an exceptionally diverse, educated and
caring and hard-working staff that are prepared to serve our families with the highest quality of care. These are just a
few of the many accomplishments the agency has made as we continue to expand on opportunities that will best serve
our families.
As we move forward we must not forget the support we have received from the individuals we serve and their families
without their support we would not be here today. It was our families that created this agency and it is their motivation
that continues to ensure the needs of their family members and the individuals we serve are available.
As in years past, our Annual Report will introduce you to individuals who are served by Schenectady ARC. These
people are wonderful examples of how individuals with developmental disabilities influence those around them, and
are an important part of our community. Like all of us, they have accomplishments that they are proud of, a variety of
interests and many goals that they are working toward. We know that you will enjoy getting to know them just as much
as we have.
Thank you again for your support of Schenectady ARC and we encourage you to contact our offices if you would like
any additional information about the services we offer.
Sincerely,
Linda Lahaie
Executive Director Mary Otter
Board President
2009
Board of Directors
& Administration
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Otter,
Barbara Kania,
Adrienne Westfall, Vernon Ketchum, Thomas Rice, Bella Stuart, Richard Bonaker, Karl Horstmann, Jesse Koepp, Angelo DeFelippo, III,
Patrica G. Ross, Holly Gray,
Linda Churchman, Noreen Zido,
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
1st Treasurer
2ndTreasurer
Recording Secretary
Financial Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Linda Lahaie Steve Klein
Kirk M. Lewis
Brian Dwyer
Suzanne Pinto
Jennifer Cole
Executive Director
Associate Executive Director
General Counsel
Controller
Assistant Executive Director for Residential Services
Assistant Executive Director of Day Services
Financials
CURRENT ASSETS
LIABILITY & NET ASSETS
Cash and equivalents
Investments
Accounts receivable, net Inventory
Prepaid expenses
Current portion of debt service reserve
funds and due from funder
Cash held in trust for participants
Total Current Assets
$
1,285,862
2,052,232
3,273,443
2,648
206,251
604,210
59,634
7,484,280
PROPERTY, BUILDINGS & EQUIPMENT
Land and improvements Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixture and improvements
Leasehold improvements
Vehicles
1,506,221
11,597,958
3,480,348
2,666,524
3,762,944
23,013,995
Less: Accumulated depreciation and
amortization
(14,208,648)
8,805,347
OTHER ASSETS
Deposits and advances
Debt service reserve funds and due from
funder, net
Deferred compensation investment
Deferred financing costs, net
75,838
429,308
124,064
343,355
972,565
$
17,262,192
Current Liabilities
Line of Credit
Current Installments of long-term debt
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
Current portion of due to funding sources
Participants’ trust liability
$
558,538
1,126,567
333,816
2,045,447
934,886
59,634
Total Current Liabilities
5,058,888
OTHER LIABILITIES
Long-term Debt, net of current portion
Due to Funding Sources, net of current portion
Deferred compensation liability
Reoffering premium, net
7,214,062
749,148
124,064
46,778
Total Liabilities
13,192,940
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted:
Operating
Board designated
2,017,020
2,052,232
Total Net Assets
4,069,252
$ 17,262,192
______________________________________________
SOURCES OF FUNDS
Waiver Related 93.10%
Deficit
funding
(OMRDD/OMH)
2.40%
Fee for service 2.40%
Gross profit from sales 0.70%
VESID
0.50%
All other 0.90%
USES
OF FUNDS
______________________________________________
Salaries
62.50%
Benefits
16.40%
Plant, property & equipment
8.30%
Food, supplies& materials
3.20%
Utilities, telecommunications & taxes 2.80%
Transportation-related
1.80%
Professional fees
1.10%
All other 3.90%
Program
Descriptions
DAY SERVICES
Maple Ridge, Princetown Ridge, Life Prep
Individuals served: 236
Therapeutic dance, horticulture, cooking, music, relaxation,
math, computers, art and physical fitness are just some of the
different special interest groups that individuals can choose to
participate in while attending one of our day service programs. We
offer countless opportunities to volunteer within the community
at places such as the Schenectady and Albany City Mission,
Bethesda House, Salvation Army, Regional Food Bank and the
Ronald McDonald House. In addition, individuals may choose
to attend college or work on skills that will enable them to obtain
employment. Our agency’s staff is on hand to assist individuals
18 years and older explore new interests and identify goals. Our
programs also have the convenience of clinical services and full
service transportation.
SCHOOL TO WORK SERVICES
Individuals served: 71
Over 75 local businesses have collaborated with Schenectady
ARC to provide internships to students with special needs,
giving them an opportunity to gain hands-on work experience.
Students learn appropriate work, social and job seeking skills
from Schenectady ARC staff that will assist them in obtaining
and maintaining employment in the future. The Student Work
Experience Program (SWEP) currently serves students in the
Schenectady, Mohonasen, and Niskayuna school districts. The
Community Transition Program (CTP), a special education GED
program with an employment component, serves the Mohonasen
and Schalmont School Districts. Transportation to and from job
sites is provided by the participating school district.
NEW DIRECTIONS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Individuals served: 175
For more than 20 years our staff has been committed to assisting
individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment
within the community. We identify people’s strengths as well
as their interests and assist in the job search process. Once an
individual has been hired, Schenectady ARC continues to provide
support with additional training and follow-up visits. Group
placements are also available for individuals who benefit from
more structure and increased supervision. Over the last 20 years
we have helped hundreds of individuals find jobs that they love
at businesses such as the Navy Depot, Union College, Valvoline,
Lowes, Schenectady County Library and Price Chopper.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Individuals served: 160
Summer vacations, family dinners, gardening, movie nights and
trips to the library, disco, bowling, and skiing are just a few of
the activities in which individuals in our residential program
may choose to participate. Schenectady ARC operates 20
community residences that provide 24-hour personalized care
and 33 apartments where individuals live more independently
while receiving necessary support services including money
management, grocery shopping and residential habilitation.
One of our newest homes is a residential apartment home that
provided independent living with 24-hour support if needed. In
addition, individuals have the option to join a variety of special
interest clubs including art, fishing, photography and crochet.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Individuals served: 72
RIDGE SERVICE TRANSPORTATION
Individuals served: 500+
Schenectady ARC provides a wide variety of services that support
families of individuals with developmental disabilities who live
at home, including in-home respite and in-home residential
habilitation, which give caregivers temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Our respite/recreation services give
individuals the opportunity to participate in various activities,
including volunteering in the community, attending local plays
and participating in groups such as creative arts and cooking.
Our collaboration with the YMCA allows children to attend an
integrated after-school program in the Scotia-Glenville school
district that is made up of children of all abilities. In addition,
parental support groups are available to bring families together
to discuss common issues.
RIDGE HEALTH SERVICES
Individuals served: 552
PINE RIDGE INDUSTRIES
Individuals served: 173
Schenectady ARC’s clinic offers a full range of comprehensive
services monitored by a board-certified physician, including
primary medical, nursing, podiatry, nutrition, occupational therapy,
physical therapy, speech therapy, vocational rehabilitation, social
work, psychiatry, and psychology. Our staff of caring, licensed
health care and clinical professionals is committed to meeting
the specialized needs of individuals with disabilities and their
families. In addition, we offer our consumers the convenience
of receiving many of our clinical services at select ARC sites as
well as in the home.
MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATION
Individuals served: 390
Schenectady ARC has 26 handicapped-accessible buses and
over 100 vehicles that provide transportation to individuals who
attend our programs. The agency’s full-service repair facility
ensures the safety and efficiency of all agency vehicles, as
well as many vehicles for other non-profit agencies including
Rotterdam EMS, Catholic Charities, Northeast Parent and
Child, Schenectady Head-Start and the Eddy. Certifications in
Defensive Driving and 19A are also provided through Ridge
Service to Schenectady ARC staff as well as individuals from
other agencies. Ridge Service also provides transportation for
Medicaid medical transports and the Seniors for Rotterdam
group and has volunteered for the Schenectady City of Lights
Tour and the Chamber of Schenectady County.
Schenectady ARC’s staff of 16 service coordinators works with
families and consumers to select and coordinate appropriate
services. Service coordinators assist individuals from the age
of three and up in developing individualized service plans that
are based on their needs and interests. In addition, they can
identify resources and supports within Schenectady ARC and in
the community to ensure that each person is given a variety of
options to fulfill their life goals.
Schenectady ARC’s work center located in Scotia, NY is home to
over 130 employees with disabilities. Our workforce performs
a wide variety of tasks including assembly and packaging, light
manufacturing and document preparation. Our customer base
consists of state, national as well as international businesses
including; Transworld, Applied Robotics, Comfortex, Mohawk
Paper, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and MapInfo.
Schenectady ARC also provides any supportive services that
may be necessary to maintain employment as well as on-site
clinical services.
TRAINING SOLUTIONSNOW
Training Solutions Now, Schenectady ARC’s growing training
department, offers customized training for all SARC employees
as well as outside companies and agencies. In 2006, we trained
1,917 employees and 300 individuals from outside organizations.
Our past customers include: the YMCA, the City of Schenectady,
Burnt Hills School District, Ellis Hospital, Day Haven as well
as other ARC chapters. With over 450 training opportunities,
Training Solutions Now is a cost-effective alternative to ensure
that Schenectady ARC employees receive the best training
available.
MichaelBolevice
No matter where you see Michael whether you see him at
work, at home or out in the community the pleasure will
always be yours. This gentle and kind man always greets
new friends and old with a proper introduction and a
polite how do you do.
Although being polite and using good manners are
things Michael’s mother found important to teach him
growing up, she also found importance in developing
Michael’s art skills after noticing at a very young age
he had a natural talent and love for art. Michael began
taking art classes as a child and has since blossomed into
a phenomenal artist taking a special liking to painting
and drawing landscapes, birds, animals and vintage cars.
Michael has proudly displays his artwork and awards that
he has won on the walls of his room at Connors House.
He continues taking art lessons on the weekends when
visiting his mother.
Another favorite pass time of Michaels is participating
in Special Olympics Golf & Bowling where he has also
won some medals. Michael recently went to a bowling
tournament in Menands and is looking forward to the
next tournament scheduled to take place in Schenectady.
Of course, there are many other things important to
Michael including going to work! Michael works at
Schenectady ARC’s Pine Ridge Industries Monday
through Friday and he is reluctant to miss one day
of work even if there is a good reason. He is also a
Schenectady ARC Self Advocate.
“Looking good Willy!”, “High five Willy!” If you walk
through the halls of the New York State Capitol or Legislative
Office Building with Bill Faulkner, you will not make
it far before a NYS employee greets him. An ear-to-ear
smile, followed by a witty reply from Bill is just the kind of
exchange that people look forward to hearing.
For the last 30 years, Bill has worked in the Messenger
Service department for the New York State Assembly,
making deliveries to more than 600 offices throughout the
NYS Capitol complex. According to his supervisor, “Bill’s
commitment once involved a 7 hour bus ride during a
blizzard”, adding “but it is his constant positive attitude and
sense of humor that is valued just as much as his work ethic.”
Bill travels from his Schenectady, where he has lived for over
20 years and despite the lengthy commute; he would not
change a thing and has turned down the opportunity to live
closer to work. “My job is great and I love the services and
staff at Schenectady ARC, so the travel is worth it to me.”
At home, Bill enjoys reading books from his favorite author,
James Patterson, taking walks and meeting with friends from
Schenectady ARC to go out to eat, attend concerts and travel.
As an active member of his parish, Bill attends church nearly
every Sunday, where he is a Deacon. He also looks forward
to his annual trip to New Mexico, where he visits his parents
and sister who recently retired and moved there. When
asked if he would ever consider moving to New Mexico after
retiring Bill pauses for a moment and smiles “I love visiting
and I miss my parents, but I also like my life here. I guess
you could say that I am very happy just the way things are for
now.”
BillFaulkner
JillCarr
When we met Jill Carr at her Schenectady ARC residence,
you would never have guessed that the smiling young woman
who answered the door had just moved in less than six months
earlier. Perhaps her level of comfort and confidence is because
she has been a co-worker, friend and fellow athlete to nearly
everyone in the house prior to moving in through her job
at Pine Ridge Industries, agency social events or the Special
Olympics. Therefore, at 32, the decision to move out of her
family’s home was an easy one for Jill; her mother on the other
hand had a more difficult time watching her little girl leave.
“I love it here!” Jill says when asked how she feels about her
new home. She proudly shows off her new bedding that she
picked out; along with some of her favorite things, she brought
from home in her new bedroom. Much to her Mom’s delight,
Jill still looks forward to spending plenty of time with the
family. Jill’s grandfather watches her bowl every Thursday and
they all go out for breakfast and attend church each Sunday
together.
As a long-time Special Olympian, Jill competes in swimming,
bowling and softball. Over the last 15 years, she has won more
than 40 medals, many of which are gold and countless ribbons.
Jill’s athleticism is not the only thing that makes her a winner;
it is her positive attitude and great sportsmanship. When asked
about her Olympic successes, Jill replies, “Special Olympics isn’t
about winning, it’s about having a good time.”
Jill also enjoys playing the Wii, going to Siena Saints basketball
games, cooking and shopping. She has already made plans
to attend a weeklong stay at Sky Farm Camp for the second
summer, where she goes canoeing, swimming and participates
in a variety of project adventure activities.
Sixty-four years is an achievement for any person, but for
Alexis Peper it is slightly more. Alexis is a busy woman.
She looks forward to a day off, from her job at Pine Ridge
Industries, to relax at home and knit, or work on word
puzzles and have a quiet lunch with her housemates.
Since 1997, Alexis has called Schenectady ARC’s Westfall
House home, where she lives with four other adults
with intellectual disabilities. On her birthday night, her
housemates chipped in with a gift, they took care of Alexis’s
responsibilities in the house. They set the table for dinner
and it was all smiles as they gathered for the birthday girl’s
favorite meal of chicken parmesan and ziti. Alexis’s smile
beamed as her ARC family, friends began to sing, and her
birthday cake made it to the table. As she blew out the
candles, her expression said it all – 64 never felt so good!
The following day Alexis boarded her ARC bus that shuttles
her to and from work, a daily routine that she loves. Alexis
completes manufacturing jobs for ARC partner companies
at Pine Ridge Industries, she has also worked with ARC
clinicians to assemble kitchen safety booklets and helps
operate a snack shop during employee breaks. Each day
after work, she looks forward to having Scotia-Glenville
GIVE students come over for their weekly social visit. The
student volunteers from GIVE work on crafts play games
and chat with Alexis and her housemates. On top of all this
Alexis participates in a weekly exercise class and attends a
monthly Self-Advocacy meeting. She keeps her work weeks
packed with activities, as do so many working families these
days.
When the weekend rolls around, Alexis’s schedule is just as
busy. She bowls in her Special Olympic bowling league,
goes on shopping trips, eats out and gets her hair done with
her sister. Alexis loves her active life and would not have it
any other way!
AlexisPeper
Cooper,
Logan
& LauraPhillips
Receiving services at Schenectady ARC is not the only thing
the Phillips family children have in common. They each
share their parents love for animals, nature and the outdoors.
The Phillips house is home to several pet goats, guinea hens
and chickens that all of the children enjoy helping mom take
care of. And let’s not forget Amos, the family dog that is just
as much a member of the family.
The Phillips children all have a very strong connection to
their church and are very actively involved. They all attend
school in the Schalmont school district and upon coming
home each child has some of their own special interests as
well.
Laura is 15 and like most 15 year old girls she loves spending
time with friends, hanging out in her room and boys! Laura
loves horses and going horseback riding horses. Laura also
likes sports, camping, and watching her favorite Disney
Channel show Zoey 101.
Next up Cooper who is 11. Cooper is very physical and a
hands on type of kid. He enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities
including jumping on his trampoline, fishing, riding his
bike, and more. Cooper has a wonderful imagination and
enjoys making up his own games. He also loves music and
really looks forward to singing in the church Christmas
Pageant each year.
And then there’s little 7 year old Logan! Logan likes playing
in the mud, or with monster trucks, and
catching bugs. He also really enjoys bird
watching which interesting enough has
helped Logan with his speech as he learns
the names of birds, and their colors.
214 State Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
518.372.1160
Fax: 518.377.2189
www.arcschenectady.org
Schenectady ARC
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Schenectady, NY
Permit #389
Providing services for people with
developmental disabilities since 1952
2009
Annual Report