The Arc Westchester to Honor Businesses Supporting Inclusive Employment on Oct. 23

The Arc Westchester, the largest organization supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families in Westchester County, will host its Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel in Tarrytown, NY. The event, which runs from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, will honor local businesses that have demonstrated outstanding support and dedication to employing individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Employer Recognition Breakfast brings together business leaders, community members, and advocates to celebrate the partnerships between employers and The Arc Westchester. These partnerships have helped create meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. The Arc Westchester has over 100 business partners and more than 150 people working in the community.

This year’s keynote speaker is Ellen Bloom, MPH, Director of Community Affairs for New York-Presbyterian Westchester, New-York Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health, and New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital.

The 2026 Award Recipients:

• Distinguished Partner Award – City of Yonkers Office for the Aging
• Impact Award – Compass Group
• New Partnership Award – Grapes the Wine Company
• Continuing Partnership Award – Cintas
• Employer Excellence Award – New York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health
• Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award – Jack Lambert, Administrative Assistant, South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc.

“The Arc Westchester is dedicated to identifying opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work and thrive as valuable employees. We believe that diversity of talents, voices, skills, and personalities makes for a stronger workplace. We are grateful that this belief is shared by over 100 companies who actively employ people we support,” states Tibi Guzmán, CEO, The Arc Westchester.

At the breakfast, attendees will have the opportunity to hear inspiring stories about the positive impact of inclusive employment, learn about the work of The Arc Westchester, and celebrate the achievements of both the people served by the organization and the businesses that support them.

“We are proud to say that The Arc Westchester has a 75% employment rate for people with developmental disabilities who are seeking employment, compared to the 38% nationwide average. We offer opportunities to achieve employment, earn an income and build a meaningful career,” states Barry Clark, Executive Director of 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 individuals and their families throughout the county, fostering independence, self-determination, and community participation.

For more information about the Employer Recognition Breakfast, including sponsorship opportunities which help The Arc Westchester educate potential employers about Career Services, and ticket information, visit https://arcwestchester.org/ERB2026/

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