OurHistory
About The Arc of Monroe and its History
The Arc of Monroe, a chapter of The Arc New York, has been providing a variety of programs and services for over 1,500 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families in the Rochester community for nearly 70 years. The Arc works to enhance the quality of life and self-esteem of people in our programs, providing them with meaningful social development, supported employment, residential community living and enrichment opportunities. The Arc is funded in part by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The Arc also receives funding from Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR).
The Arc of Monroe has 42 locations in Monroe County that assist people with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities that include Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders among others.
A wide array of services are offered through The Arc for people with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities such as living opportunities in our group homes and residences, volunteer opportunities in the community, unique and creative individualized day services programs, job training is offered through our ArcWorks facility and placement through our Job Path Program.
The Arc Foundation of Monroe raises and manages funds to enhance the quality of life for people who are part of The Arc of Monroe. A variety of important enjoyable fundraising efforts provides financial support for programs vital to The Arc’s social, recreational and organizational activities.
At The Arc of Monroe, we are proud of our history of helping others, but we are just as proud of our commitment to the future, ensuring that people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families will continue to be offered the highest quality, most innovative programs and services available.
Our Founding
When Judge Robert Wagner, his wife Winnie, and several other Rochester-area parents met for the first time in the mid-1950’s to discuss possible services for their children and others with developmental disabilities, the landscape was markedly different from today. There were no services. Public knowledge of the issue was minimal. There was no funding. They not only had to build a non-profit organization from scratch, but raise awareness and funds for a previously “hidden need,” since persons with developmental disabilities were usually institutionalized.
Today, our founders still marvel at the changes they helped bring about. It took years of hard work and an unceasing commitment to bring radical change in how people with developmental disabilities were looked upon and supported. And these parents did this not just for their children, but for others in their community with developmental disabilities. Their unselfish commitment helped transform Monroe County into a more diverse, accepting and caring community.
Milestones
Pioneers of Change
In early 1950s, parents from Monroe, and surrounding counties formed the Sunshine League for Retarded Children of Western New York to support both children and parents. In 1956, The Sunshine League became the Monroe County Chapter, Association for the Help of Retarded Children, Inc. (AHRC) and The Honorable Robert Wagner was elected president of the Board of Directors. They organized the first major fund drive with volunteers, parents and siblings going door-to-door to solicit donations. They raised $50,000, the equivalent of $250,000 today.
Opening Doors
Moved administrative offices to the Al Sigl Center with other agencies for people with disabilities. Opened the first community residence in Rochester on East Henrietta Road. The 3-story house was completely renovated to create a more accessible ranch style home for 15 people. Its distinctive entrance gave it the nickname “Green Door.” Three more community residences on Brooks Avenue, Austin Street, and Denise Road were opened as well as supervised and supported apartments at Southview Towers on South Avenue. During this time period, the Arc of Monroe became standby guardian for four individuals, beginning one of the first Guardianship programs for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
New Homes and Jobs
Opened four residences on Church Street, Driving Park, Homewood Lane, and Gorsline Street, providing services for 37 individuals. Ridgemont Day Training became Ballantyne Day Treatment Program — serving 110 individuals. Crittenden Day Treatment Program opened — serving 90 individuals — later becoming Southwest Day Program. Established Job Path, placing individuals in competitive jobs in the community. It was the first of its kind in Western New York, and continues to be the largest in the region. Opened our 1st Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) on Ward Hill Road for 10 people.
A Decade of Firsts
Started Arc DeliWorks, a small food services program in the Al Sigl Center cafeteria. Opened our first Jewish culture residence on Shaftsbury Road. This was the first one in the state outside of New York City. Formed the Arc Foundation of Monroe. Opened the first Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) in New York State on Rockingham Street. IRAs provided smaller, more family- like living environments. Opened three more on Homestead Drive, Crescent Road, and Village Lane. Began the RIT Enrichment Program, a one week summer college experience that allowed 30-40 individuals to spend a week on campus taking classes of interest to them. This was the first, and now, the longest running program of its kind in the state.
An Arc for All Ages
“Day of Champions” Golf Tournament first teed off. Started ArcWorks, our 3rd Sheltered Employment Program on Mustard Street, for 50 adults. Began providing Service Coordination for all ages, which gave adolescents transitioning from high school a seamless transition to adult services. Opened the first IRA for individuals under the age of 21 on Middle Road in Rush. Formed the Gregory Street Blues Band at our Community Arts Connections.
Community Partnerships
Launched Rochester’s first Project SEARCH® job training program at URMC with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, ACCES-VR, Finger Lakes DDSO, and Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities. High School Project SEARCH® at the City of Rochester followed a few years later with the Rochester City Schools in 2015. Kicked off the Arc’s first capital campaign, “In the Name of Love.” raising $4.5 million to renovate our center on W. Henrietta Rd and renamed it the James V. C. and Anita Lambert Enrichment Campus, thanks to a generous leadership gift from Anita Lambert, whose daughter receives services there. Started LifePrep@Naz, a four-year college experience with Victor School District and Nazareth College. Established the Tim Rothschild Legacy Society in 2011 in memory of Tim Rothschild, a person The Arc supported through many programs and who lived in The Arc’s residential home in Penfield. Tim was known for his generous spirit and concern for others, and when he passed away he made the largest legacy gift in the history of the Foundation.
Shaping the Future
Established The Heilbronner Society in 2013 to honor donors who commit annually to support the Foundation. The Society is named after long-time supporters, Warren and Joyce Heilbronner, and their outstanding commitment to The Arc of Monroe. It recognizes individuals who make a pledge of $250 or more over four consecutive years. Began ROC Your Flight, a partnership with TSA and the Greater Rochester International Airport to help prepare individuals with IDD for flying. Opened Culinary Career Prep, a hands-on pre vocational and vocational service at the ArcDeli on Lyell Avenue. Established The Steve & Debbie Chartrand Scholarship Fund in 2015 to honor the retirement of Steve Chartrand, long-time Arc Foundation CEO. This endowment fund provides educational opportunities for The Arc of Monroe staff who are interested in furthering their career in the field of developmental disabilities.
Lifelong Connections
Began The Arc's Silver Lining program, enrolling 21 people into the service. The retirement service provides support for people while they participate in activities our in the community. Purchased a 5-bedroom ranch home, allowing five gentleman to move into a fully accessible home. This was made possible by a lead gift by a generous donor and for donors like you. Hosted our first Sporting Clays Tournament where participants enjoyed an afternoon outdoors sport shooting clays at 12 different stations as well as a raffle, silent auction and BBQ dinner.
Work Opportunities
Launched Adult Project SEARCH, a collaborative with the DelMonte Hotel Group, University of Rochester Medical Center, ACCES-VR and OPWDD. This is an extensive one-year internship program where people learn important skills to be competitive in the workplace. In 2018, we launched the SELF at the Strong program, an employment readiness service located at The Strong National Museum of Play, a collaboration with AutismUp, Monroe One BOCES designed specifically for people with autism. Transitioned ArcWorks into a community pre-vocational service designed to offer career exploration to people interested in obtaining competitive employment in the community in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, food service, hospitality, and more. Expansion of our supported employment opportunities at Job Path, including an Employment Training Program (ETP). Launched Health
Homes program, connecting people with the right resources for their health and well-being. This can involve scheduling regular care
appointments with doctors, locating a
safe place to live, or finding a way to get
to and from medical appointments.
A New Era of Excellence
Dedicated The Chartrand Training Center in honor of Steve & Debbie Chartrand, outfitted with 20 brand new mini laptops and a state-of-the-art smart board. Bid farewell and happy retirement to longtime CEO Barbara Wale. The Arc's CFO, Tracy Petrichick took on additional responsibilities as Acting CEO during the search for this important role. She would later go on to remain The Arc of Monroe's President & CEO. Celebrated our Fairport Day Services Program's 20th anniversary, hosting dignitaries, dancing and memories during the festive summer event. Committed to meeting the need for fully accessible living by prioritizing "forever homes" and building infrastructure with our Aging With Grace, Aging In Place initiative. The $1.3 million campaign allowed us to construct two, 7-bedroom ranch-style homes.
Growing Our Own
Opened our third ArcDeli location on Elmwood Avenue in the Al Sigl Community of Agencies complex. The Elmwood branch joins a successful deli franchise including ArcDeli on Lyell, our ArcDeli Cafeteria inside our ArcWorks manufacturing facility, along with our highly respected ArcDeli catering operation. Celebrated the 60th anniversary of ArcWorks, welcoming Rochester Mayor Malik Evans to deliver the proclamation declaring September 29th as ArcWorks Day in the City of Rochester. Held our first-ever Dancing with The Arc at Innovative field, pairing five people supported with five Rochester celebrities to learn and perform a dance before a packed house. Partnered with Bryant and Stratton College to "grow our own" workforce, kicking off our DSP-in-Training program. Purchased a nearly 3,000 square foot, one story home on Hitree Lane in Chili to accommodate more people supported the option to live in a one-story home. Opened two homes on Long Pond Road, each including 7 first-floor ADA-compliant beds and making a profound difference in the lives of the people and families we support as they age gracefully in place.
Blazing the Trail to Better Care
Launched our Arc Advance training program and Arc Advance Academy, the first of its kind in New York State. The Arc Advance Academy is a functional training center created to ensure all Direct Support Professionals are fully skilled to empower the people they support to lead fulfilling and independent lives. The interactive training center features all the amenities of an actual home: kitchen, laundry room, bedroom, and bathroom, along with classroom space, state-of-the art technology and a virtual reality lab.
Currently in the process of transforming our existing Homewood residence into a fully accessible home through our Aging With Grace, Aging In Place initiative. This new space will include 8 private bedrooms for 8 people supported by The Arc of Monroe.