The Arc Westchester, a not-for-profit organization supporting people with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, has been awarded $190,309 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc Westchester’s guardianship and recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain financial eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2023, NYSARC Trust Services fulfilled its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,697,980 to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.
This year, The Arc Westchester received $180,700 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by Chapter staff and community volunteers, The Arc Westchester’s Guardianship Program currently provides primary guardianship support and services to 30 people and assists 33 more as a standby or alternate standby guardian. An additional part-time staff advocate was added in 2023. Some funds were provided to hold an in-person celebration during the summer. In addition, guardianship staff continue to provide educational seminars to school personnel and families requesting information on guardianship, petitioning the Surrogate Court and Supported Decision-making.
NYSARC Trust Services also awarded The Arc Westchester $9,609 to support new recreational opportunities and enrich the lives of the more than 2,000 people it serves. The Arc Westchester used the recreation grant funds to develop additional wellness and fitness activities, explore the community through recreational day trips, and enhance programs at their summer college experience and camp excursions.
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life.
