Zaro’s Family Bakery Honored by The Arc New York for Excellence in Inclusive Employment

The Arc Westchester today announced that one of its outstanding employment partners, Zaro’s Family Bakery, has been honored with The Arc New York’s Employer Recognition Award. The Award was presented to Michael Zaro, Chief Operating Officer at Zaro’s Family Bakery, during a virtual awards ceremony on July 20th.

“The entire Zaro’s team, from the CEO to the production staff, has welcomed each and every one of our employees into their team, understanding that each person has different skills, abilities, and interests,” Tibi Guzmán, Executive Director/CEO of The Arc Westchester, said. “They continually look for new and innovative ways to ensure a successful employment experience, whether by modifying tasks, or encouraging employees to take on additional responsibilities, all with the mission to build the employee’s confidence and help them acquire vocational skills and to be successful. We are proud to have them as a partner and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

Zaro’s Family Bakery currently employs six people with developmental disabilities through its partnership with The Arc Westchester. These individuals work in a variety of roles including product packaging, popcorn making and maintenance. The partnership between The Arc Westchester and Zaro’s Family Bakery began in 2021 when the signature bakery moved its production facility to Westchester County. The bakery is a model for excellence in disability employment, allowing prospective employees to complete skills-based interviews, engaging them in social activities and consistently providing opportunities to take on new responsibilities. Their team is always looking for ways to strengthen its partnership with The Arc Westchester and recently donated a portion of the proceeds from it’s Bryant Park Pop-Up to the nonprofit.

The Arc New York Employer Recognition Award provides Chapters with an opportunity to recognize an individual, corporation, or business in New York state that has demonstrated outstanding support in providing services and job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Zaro’s Family Bakery was recognized alongside three other inclusive employers in New York. Of note, Zaro’s Family Bakery was also honored by The Arc Westchester with its Corporate Partner Award earlier this year.

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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 850 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.

The mission of The Arc Westchester is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests.

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