As we approach the 75th year of serving our community, Arc of Onondaga continues to be one of the largest provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Central New York. Arc of Onondaga supports people to lead meaningful lives through a variety of services like our employment program that helps people find work that matches their abilities and personal goals leading them to live independent lives. Your support is critical to that mission.

My sister Laurie had Down syndrome. She was the oldest child, an avid Yankees fan, a weekly churchgoer, Daddy’s girl, and a big sister. Arc was important for my parents learning how to raise a child with Down syndrome. That journey involved navigating a unique set of challenges and joys. Arc helped them get the resources and support networks they needed, and helped tailor strategies for Laurie’s development – helping her to reach developmental milestones and societal engagement. Arc was critical for my sister, learning to work and live independently and to enjoying her life as we all do, often remembering fondly the activities that Arc’s support helped her experience, most notably a couple trips to Yankee stadium.

I am not a native of Syracuse, but when I became engaged and more acquainted with this community, I wanted to be involved in an organization that I knew about, that was important to me and my family, and that I know would be impactful in our community. I have now been a member of the Board of Directors for Arc of Onondaga for several years, recently becoming President. I have experienced firsthand the support that our staff provides for people with all abilities and how they celebrate success – big or small – equally. When people find jobs, when they advocate for themselves, or simply accomplish a developmental milestone, Arc is there supporting their journey to accomplishing any goal or dream.

The Arc Foundation supports Arc’s mission of assisting individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their fullest potential. Your generosity enables the Foundation to provide assistance that makes a positive impact upon the people who receive supports from the Arc of Onondaga, helping them to achieve their ambitions and goals. Please join me in giving a gift to the Arc of Onondaga Foundation to help ensure access to the programs and services arc provides to those who are in need to this critical assistance.