ARC of Rockland, the organization that provides services to county residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has purchased the Strawtown Jewelry store in New City.
ARC Executive Director Carmine Marchionda said as new owners, the organization will hire those both those with and without disabilities, adding it is the “first of a number of business ventures we intend to pursue.”
The store at 40 S. Main St. reopened under the new ownership Jan. 26. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“For many years, ARC of Rockland has been successful in encouraging members of Rockland’s business community to hire people with disabilities to work in shops, stores and other venues throughout the county,” Marchionda said. “Now it is time for ARC to lead by example.”
Ellen Arkin, who owned Strawtown Jewelry for more than 25 years, retired in 2015. Officials said she will stay on in an advisory capacity for several months during the initial stages of ownership change. Jessica Lowther, a job coach for ARC of Rockland, will serve as the store’s manager.
Congers-based ARC of Rockland, a 650-employee organization, provides schooling, residential housing, job placement services and training, health and family services, recreation and other programs to those with disabilities.
