The Arc Westchester, the largest organization providing services and support to people with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, successfully hosted its Phase II “Construction Kick-Off” for the Ann Manzi Center at 699 Main St., Mount Kisco, on June 20. Those in attendance included Pasquale DeBenedictis of Remus Industries, site work  contractor; Chris Murphy, founder and owner of Murphy Brothers Contracting; Kristin Springer, facilities director at The Arc Westchester; CJ Murphy, project manager at Murphy Brothers Contracting; Nicole Bernard, treatment coordinator at The Arc Westchester; Patty McGuire, Community Day Services director at The Arc Westchester; Steven Masket, president of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; Michael Briganti, member of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; Ian Mueller, architect for the project; Avery Valens, assistant director Day Services at The Arc Westchester; Joe Manzi, son of Ann Manzi for whom the center is named and a friend and supporter of The Arc Westchester and The Ann Manzi Center; and Elaine Masket, member of The Arc Westchester Foundation Board of Directors; John Barrett, member of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; J. Michael Cindrich, mayor of Mount Kisco; Karen B. Schleimer, Mount Kisco trustee; Abby Reuben, member of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; Karen Manzi, program participant at The Arc Westchester; Barry Clark, executive director of The Arc Westchester Foundation; Tibi Guzmán, CEO of The Arc Westchester; and Erika Pierce, Westchester County Legislator.
The Arc Westchester embarked on a significant renovation and improvement project at the Ann Manzi Center, a crucial day service hub in Mount Kisco. With Phase I interior renovations completed in 2018, the kick-off marked the commencement of Phase II, a larger and more comprehensive project that includes many additional elements on the interior and exterior. Funding for the project comes from donors such as the Manzi family, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, and other benefactors of The Arc Westchester Foundation. The Foundation continues to seek additional funding for capital improvements across the Arc Westchester’s various facilities, including day service sites, residences, the clinic and the preschool.
For people with developmental disabilities, the Ann Manzi Center holds a significant role beyond being just a facility. It’s a lifeline, providing vital daily support for them to flourish. As enhancements to the quality of care and medical progress make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to live longer and in better health, it is becoming increasingly important that spaces and supports are created specifically for the growing aging population. The improvements to the Ann Manzi Center will serve as a model for enriching the lives of seniors and others with developmental disabilities throughout Westchester County and beyond.
