John H.
ARC of Onondaga
Syracuse/Onondaga County
John is a veteran with disabilities who has overcome mental illness to become the custodian at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ (OPWDD) Westcott Day Habilitation Center. He bicycles to and from work, missing just one day of work in four years. “Don’t let your disability be an absolute barrier…you never know what you can achieve unless you try,” he says.
Crystal H.
ARC of
Ulster-Greene
Kingston/Ulster County
Crystal initially lacked confidence in her employment capabilities. After becoming involved in the Arc’s drug test kit operation for Preferred Source customers, she’s now the key individual handling invoicing and quarterly inventory and also fills in for the line supervisor. Work has empowered Crystal’s employment range and confidence. She says, “When I first walked in, it felt like I was in the right place to work.”
Richard W.
ARC of Allegany
Wellsville/Allegany County
Rich persevered through Allegany Arc’s support programs and employment opportunities. As his work ethic and skills improved over the years, so have his opportunities to become independent. Today, Rich uses his enhanced wages to maintain an apartment with his twin brother in the community, where he enjoys walking to improve his health. “I am proud to pay my own bills,” he says.
Thomas F.
TRI Business & Career Center
Westbury/Nassau County
Tommy is proof positive of how Preferred Source employment opportunities change lives. Jumping into an intensive training program in custodial maintenance over several months, Tommy built up both his capabilities and soft skills. Tommy is considered a leader among his peers, and says, “TRI saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Because of that, it opened up doors for me as a person.”
Wendy G.
eBizDocs
Menands/Albany County
Wendy brings exceptional capabilities to her job as a document imaging specialist through a partnership with The Arc of Rensselaer and eBizDocs, a NYSID corporate partner. Work is therapy to her, and she also volunteers at a peer support program for individuals receiving mental health services. Wendy likes her job because “it gives me an opportunity to be an outstanding employee who is valued for my hard work and dedication.”
Justine O.
Arc Herkimer
Herkimer/Herkimer County
Justine’s attention to detail is an invaluable asset to the Preferred Source products sourced at Herkimer Industries, from hardhats to LED lighting products. When a job requires thorough quality control, she can be counted on to do her best. The right job in a positive environment has helped Justine open up to her co-workers and become a key player to the team’s success.