Day Habilitation

St. Lawrence NYSARC Celebrates a Year of Achievement and Growth within Our Communities

St. Lawrence NYSARC, (www.slnysarc.org) a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to working for and with people with developmental disabilities announced a year of success in 2005.  A few of the Agency's highlights include: a Showcase of talents featuring the creative works of people with disabilities, the opening of a residence, a commitment to volunteerism, and State-wide recognition for people served by St. Lawrence NYSARC.

In 2005, the Agency began the Community Arts Program, a program committed to offering people with disabilities the opportunity to express their talents in the areas of theater, dance, music, and visual art.  The individuals involved in the Program presented a live Spring Showcase production for the public at the SUNY Canton's Kingston Theater.

The Showcase featured the Program's acting troupe, "The Community Players" in a murder mystery play, monologues, musical performances and a visual art display of various works including pottery, jewelry, photography and drawings.  The Community Players also had the unique experience of taking an Acting 101 class at SUNY Potsdam.

St. Lawrence NYSARC reaffirmed the commitment to community involvement by the creation of Team NYSARC, a volunteer group dedicated to assisting others.  The Team is open to all members of the community and includes Agency staff, participants and families.  The group has been involved in projects including Canton 's Community Clean-up and The Hobble Gobble.  They look forward to planning a full range of volunteer activities for the Spring and Summer.

Additional achievements for the Agency in 2005 included the opening of a new residence in Canton that provides a home to five individuals.  The Seaway Industries Advisory Council, the advocacy group for participants of St. Lawrence NYSARC, won the Self-Advocacy Group of the Year Award from The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc.  An employee involved in the Career Opportunities program was honored as an "Outstanding Performer" by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID.)

During 2006, St. Lawrence NYSARC will work to implement an updated strategic plan to further promote lifelong opportunities that enhance the individuality, inclusion, independence and personal growth of individuals receiving services.  As part of this plan, the Agency will open a Community Center that will present a wealth of learning experiences for people with disabilities in St. Lawrence County.  The Center will feature a stage dedicated to the Community Arts Program, a classroom available for continuing education in partnership with local colleges, an area to create and display visual art, as well as an area for respite services such as Saturday Club.

St. Lawrence NYSARC has sites in 39 locations throughout St. Lawrence County and the main office is located in the Richard L. Laurin Center at 6 Commerce Lane in Canton .

St. Lawrence NYSARC's Board of Director's President is Patricia Campanella and the Executive Director is Daphne Pickert.  The Agency, which was founded in 1959, currently employs more than 600 people and serves about 650 people with disabilities.