The nonprofit Westchester Disabled On the Move Inc. (WDOM) held an open house on the evening of May 19 to welcome people to its new headquarters at One Executive Boulevard in Yonkers. The 4,304-square-feet space in Simone Development Companies’ four-story medical building was designed to provide a new, more modern facility for its employees and a fully-accessible location for its clients.
WDOM helps people with disabilities, the elderly, and low-income families live independent lives by providing them with access to health care, housing, and other assistance through social programs.
Among those attending a previously held ribbon-cutting to mark the headquarters’ opening were: Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; Joe Simone president of Simone Development Companies, Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy; Yonkers City Councilmen John Rubbo and Tim Hodges; Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr; Shari Rosen Ascher, director of policy & programs for small business and Chambers of Commerce for Westchester County; and Jeff Zitofsky, program administrator for the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities.
From left: Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins Bellamy; Ken Jenkins; Charlie Italiano, deputy executive director WDOM; Maria Samuels; Joe Simone; , President; John Rubbo; Tim Hodges.
“We are delighted to welcome Westchester Disabled On the Move to their new home at One Executive Boulevard,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies. “This property was specifically repurposed into a state-of-the-art medical building to suit the high-standard needs of organizations like Westchester Disabled On the Move, who require accessibility and convenience for the people they serve.”
According to Maria Samuels, executive director of WDOM, “The convenient location and accessibility for our clients made this the perfect choice. This next chapter in our continued growth marks our commitment to providing leading services and advocacy for all of Westchester’s disability community. We are delighted to remain in Yonkers.”
Jenkins characterized the opening of the new headquarters as representing continued progress toward a more accessible, inclusive Westchester County for residents of all abilities.
“For more than 40 years, Westchester Disabled On the Move has been a trusted advocate for individuals with disabilities, seniors and low-income families, helping connect residents to the services and support they need to live independently and with dignity,” Jenkins said. “This beautiful new headquarters reflects that mission perfectly. By creating stronger connections between healthcare providers, advocacy organizations and community services, we are helping ensure every resident has the opportunity to fully participate in an active life in Westchester.”
Barr saw the move as evidence of WDOM’s commitment to its clients.
“Under Maria Samuels’ forward-thinking leadership, Westchester Disabled on the Move is positioning itself for future growth, which will enable it to expand services and better represent the Westchester community of people with disabilities,” Barr said. “I look forward to continued collaboration with Maria and her staff and wish them success as they settle into their new space.”
