The Arc Westchester Awarded $197,688 in Grants from NYSARC Trust Services

The Arc Westchester, a not-for-profit organization supporting people with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, has been awarded $197,688 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc Westchester’s guardianship and recreation programs.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain financial eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2024, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,697,508 to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.

In 2024, The Arc Westchester's corporate guardianship program received $183,650 from NYSARC Trust Services. The funding is used for program operations including dedicated staffing and training opportunities for staff and members of our guardianship committee. Currently we are assisting 60 individuals in the role of guardian and successor guardian. We returned to in-person events and celebrated together for an annual BBQ held at Macy Park in June. In December, we hosted a holiday party with dancing and a photo booth to capture our memories. Individualized gifts were purchased for all in attendance.

The guardianship staff continue to be a resource to local school personnel, care coordinators and families seeking assistance with future planning including guardianship and supported decision-making. Periodic seminars are offered to assist with the completion of guardianship petitions for the Surrogate Court.

NYSARC Trust Services also awarded The Arc Westchester $14,038 to support new recreational opportunities and enrich the lives of the people it serves. The Arc Westchester used the recreation grant funds to develop additional wellness and fitness activities, explore the community through recreational day trips, and enhance programs at their summer college experience and camp excursions. These opportunities provide independence, happiness and education for the people the organization supports. The popular “daycation” program including aquarium visits, art centers, paint classes, bowling, baseball, football, basketball games and pizza nights are just some of the activities that support a full and happy life. To learn more about The Arc Westchester, visit their website at http://www.arcwestchester.org.

About The Arc Westchester

The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. The organization’s 700 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.

Their 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.

The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.

About NYSARC Trust Services

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. Our trust programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to maintain comfort and independence in the community while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services provides administration of first- and third-party pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care needs, and protect unexpected windfalls of money. For more information, please call (518) 439-8323 or visit us online www.nysarctrustservices.org.