Arc of Onondaga’s 2024 William B. Joslin Outstanding Work Performance Award Winner

Roy Gibson has worked for Arc Contract Services for two years, the entirety of which has been at the same site.  The Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) West Genesee Day Hab site was desperate for a worker that could be depended upon to not only do a good job, but be able to work independently and show up regularly.  The previous custodian was asked to leave, and Arc’s Contract Services needed to get a van and crew there on a regular basis.  Arc and West Genesee Day Hab needed someone responsible, reliable, ready and willing to do a good job, and someone who could work independently without the need for a crew or constant supervision.  They found all of that and more in Roy.

Before working for Contract Services, Roy worked in many different fields.  He worked in the food industry at a pizza shop as a prep cook, he worked with animals at a doggy daycare, and he worked in retail at the furniture warehouse, China Towne Furniture.  Roy has maintained such a good relationship with his previous employer, that he still goes back to China Towne to help out during the days when needed.  Roy said that out of all his jobs, he really likes working custodial for West Genesee Day Hab.  He said he likes seeing the immediate results of his work, and likes knowing he is contributing to helping other people, even if it is behind the scenes, because every job matters.  Craig Dickinson, Enclaves Manager for Arc Contract Services, says; “He takes pride in his cleaning and is always looking for ways to improve what he has already done.”  Roy works five days a week in the evenings.  He is trusted with his own key to the site, and the staff know him and love him.  “He is dedicated and reliable, and the only time he ever takes off is when he goes on vacation,” said Craig.  Roy likes to travel to the Florida Keys and St. Pete’s Beach in Tampa to visit family.

Roy was born and raised in Wayland, NY and moved to Syracuse to be closer to his sister.  He lived alone for eight years, and currently lives with his nephew, which he very much enjoys.  He likes to save his money and enjoys the independence having a job affords him.  He lives close to a park and likes to go biking and walking in the park when he is not working, particularly noting that he enjoys being outside with the trees and squirrels.  He also enjoys going to concerts and loves classic rock.  He has seen concerts at the JMA Dome and at the Lakeview Amphitheatre with some of his favorite performances being ZZ Top, Hootie and Blowfish, Bryan Adams and Billy Idol.