Friday, January 31, 2014

Values = Strength

Every day, employees at Ontario ARC are focused on our core values: Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Quality, Commitment, Person-Centered, Quality of Life.  As I look back on 2013, I believe we have grown stronger as an agency because of this strategy and in 2014 this strategy will not be different; Values = Strength!

This past year we added new and innovative services to meet the needs of our growing community.  For families who have children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, we introduced programs like Feel the Beat and Ryuu.  We increased our community partnerships to encourage greater opportunities for people in our Community Experience and Employment programs.  Our College Experience program had four graduates!

One of our newest programs, Project SEARCH, was a huge success.  To culminate the year, the individuals in the program presented at an international conference and four have gained employment!  I am excited to say that the plan for Year Two includes an expanded program. 

In residential, four individuals made life changing decisions to move into the community with the support of caring staff and families.  We are on the cusp of new changes in our residential program, putting a greater focus on the community and working on the specialization of our homes in the coming year.

As an agency we faced a challenging year as we saw significant uncertainties in funding at the state level.  I am proud to say throughout it all, our staff never missed a beat!  They continued to provide quality services on a daily basis and kept the best interest of the people we support first and foremost.  I have no doubt that in 2014 Ontario ARC will continue to be strong as an organization because of our dedicated staff and the values they uphold.

Enjoy the day!
Ann Scheetz
Executive Director, Ontario ARC

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Creative Expressions at Ontario ARC

Our Creative Expressions Team has been busy!  In December we were able to enhance our annual board dinner by having our Creative Expressions group involved with making the centerpieces, displaying artwork, and our bell choir performed!  We will also have an art show at the upcoming Spelling Bee for Literacy Volunteers.

Our Art and Music program has been combining to create large masterpieces on canvas….look for them to be displayed throughout the agency soon!

The Horticulture program had a very successful wreath and centerpiece sale this holiday season.  Now we are is busy getting our brand new, state of the art, hydroponics system up and running.  We are looking forward to a bountiful growing season again this year!


Michelle Jungermann, Director, Day Services at Ontario ARC

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Save the date for Open Our Bottle Night 2014!


Join us on April 26 for Open Our Bottle Night 2014!  Experience a wonderful evening at the New York Wine & Culinary Center with Ontario ARC!

Stay tuned for more information on ticket sales, entertainment and so much more!  We look forward to seeing you in April!


Open Our Bottle Night is a fun filled night of great entertainment, great food and great company ... all for a great cause!

Check out some photos from past years and mark your calendar for Open Our Bottle Night 2014 on Saturday, April 26!





Friday, January 3, 2014

Gift Wrap Results!

We are thrilled to announce that this year's Gift Wrapping Booth fundraiser at Eastview Mall raised over $30,000 for Ontario ARC!  The proceeds from the Gift Wrapping Booth will support our growing menu of innovative programs and supports in Ontario County.

All of us at Ontario ARC would like to say a very big thank you to the 600 volunteers who gave their time to help this holiday season.  We wrapped close to 5,000 gifts, and we couldn't have done it without you!



We look forward to spreading more holiday cheer in 2014!  We hope you had a pleasant holiday season and a very happy new year!