Celebrating 75 Years of Impact: The Arc Westchester Honors Employers Championing Inclusive Workplaces at Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast

The Arc Westchester, the largest organization supporting people with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, hosted its first in-person Employer Recognition Breakfast since 2019 on Friday, November 15, at the Westchester Marriott. The event was attended by Westchester business leaders, board members, committee members, dedicated Arc Westchester staff, and members of the community.

“This year is especially significant as The Arc Westchester is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The breakfast honored over 100 business partners who have fostered inclusive workplaces and created meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to thrive, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. This represents remarkable growth from just three employers at our first breakfast 36 years ago,” stated Tibi Guzmán, CEO, The Arc Westchester.

Keynote speaker Steven Mines, President, The Mines Press, shared a deeply personal and inspiring message about the power of hiring people with developmental disabilities. He began his speech with a simple but thought-provoking question: “Have you ever had a great day at the office, one of those days where you found yourself talking about what you accomplished when you got home that night?” For Mines, this reflection sparked a greater understanding of the importance of meaningful work in everyone’s life.

Mines recounted his first experience with The Arc seven years ago, when he attended the breakfast to support an employee, Evan, who had been with his company for over 20 years. While sitting with Evan and his family, Mines listened to emotional stories from parents about the challenges their children faced before finding The Arc. Their words moved him deeply and opened his eyes to the critical role work plays in giving people a sense of belonging, purpose, and accomplishment, particularly those with developmental disabilities. Inspired, Mines committed to hiring more people and turned to The Arc for guidance.

He spoke about the process of partnering with The Arc and how their highly skilled job coaches make it possible for employees to thrive. From matching the right candidate to a position to addressing workplace logistics and providing ongoing support, The Arc handles the “heavy lifting,” ensuring that both the employee and the employer are set up for success. Mines emphasized that hiring through The Arc isn’t charity but a strategic decision that brings real value to the company.

Beyond the contributions of these employees, Mines described how this effort transforms the entire work environment. He spoke about the “kumbaya effect”—the ripple of positivity that occurs when staff come together to support their new colleagues. This collective effort fosters empathy,

teamwork, and a renewed sense of pride and purpose among employees. It strengthens relationships and creates a culture of compassion, making the workplace more unified and motivated. “It’s not just about helping someone else,” Mines said, “it’s about what it does for your team and your company as a whole.”

Mines concluded his speech with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “One of the greatest gifts life has to offer is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing.” He tied this sentiment back to the importance of giving people with developmental disabilities the chance to experience the pride and fulfillment of meaningful work. The Arc Westchester, he said, is an opportunity for employers to provide that gift while also enhancing their company culture in immeasurable ways. “Don’t pass it up,” Mines urged.

This year, The Arc Westchester honored several outstanding organizations for their dedication to providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Awards were presented to the Westchester Library System, the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at New York-Presbyterian, Harrison Meadows Country Club, Vivian Carbonell from Regeneron, Danielle Jabara from Cambria Hotels, Cortlandt Town Hall, Aramark, and Morrison Healthcare at Westchester Medical Center. The Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award was presented to Robert Marra who works at The Country Childrens Center. Anthony Cannata was a graduate from the BOCES program at Westlake High School, who worked as the utility clerk at the Food Emporium in Eastchester for nine years. He was a role model for all the hardworking people who believe in their abilities to make this a better world for everyone.

Honorees shared a common sentiment, highlighting the dignity, pride, purpose, and sense of belonging these opportunities bring. Many expressed that their efforts were “nothing special” compared to the remarkable contributions of the people they employ, who bring dedication, positivity, and value to their workplaces.

"The Arc Westchester’s 75th anniversary is a milestone that underscores the incredible impact of our mission and the power of inclusive employment. This year’s Employer Recognition Breakfast was a testament to the dedication of our business partners, who not only open doors for people with developmental disabilities but also transform their own workplaces through compassion and collaboration. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. We’re proud to celebrate this progress and look forward to expanding these meaningful opportunities in the years to come,” Barry Clark, Executive Director, The Arc Westchester Foundation

The Arc Westchester is committed to ensuring that people with developmental disabilities have access to inclusive employment and opportunities to be active members of the workforce. With a wide range of programs and services, The Arc Westchester supports over 2,000 people and their families throughout the county, fostering independence, self-determination, and community participation. For more information about Employer Opportunities, visit www.arcwestchester.org.