The Arc, Oneida-Lewis

The Central Region of the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS - SANYS Statewide Page (SANYS) held its Regional Conference on Saturday, May 30, welcoming 87 self-advocates and allies, including members of the Utica Shining Stars self-advocacy group.

Attendees were moved to learn that the entire conference was dedicated to the memory of former Utica Shining Stars President Gary Burkle, who passed away in December.

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to self-advocacy, Gary was posthumously awarded the prestigious Sally Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award by a unanimous vote. Gary’s sister, Kristen, accepted the award on behalf of Gary's family.

The tributes did not end there. SANYS also announced that its Self-Advocacy Group of the Year Award has been permanently renamed the Gary Burkle Self-Advocacy Group of the Year Award in his honor.

The evening’s final surprise brought the celebration full circle when the newly renamed award was presented to the Utica Shining Stars, the very group Gary worked so tirelessly to build, nurture, and lead.

We are forever grateful to SANYS for honoring Gary in such thoughtful ways. These lasting recognitions will keep Gary’s memory alive and continue to inspire self-advocates for years to come.

📺 Check out the coverage of our School To Work programs' end of year ceremony from WKTV NEWSChannel 2.

The Arc Oneida-Lewis Celebrates Student Career Readiness at Utica University Students in The Arc's School-to-Work programs were honored for their achievements at a year-end ceremony.

📲 Visit the CNYhomepage website https://www.cnyhomepage.com/ to watch their coverage of our School To Work program's end of year ceremony!

📰 Outstanding media coverage of our School To Work programs' end-of-year ceremony today, including this excellent piece in the Daily Sentinel. We'll have much more to share from a day filled with celebration and achievement.

Arc celebrates student achievements at annual School to Work ceremony The Arc, Oneida-Lewis honored about 220 students during its 15th annual School to Work ceremony at Utica University, celebrating growth and achievement.

📢 Starting TODAY, you can support the Utica Shining Stars Self Advocates by donating your bottles and cans to their fundraiser at our Nickelback Redemption Center OR by contacting Germaine Robinson using the information below.

♻️Turn your empties into opportunities for local self-advocates! Learn more about the Utica Shining Stars here: bit.ly/UticaShiningStars

🥳 CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Atkinson, Office Manger in Community and Family Services, and the May Employee of the Month! The following was shared in her nomination:

🥰 Mary has been instrumental in onboarding new CFS staff. She made me feel welcome, has a wealth of knowledge, and is always kind and understanding. Because of her, my transition to The Arc was a fantastic experience.

🤘Mary is so efficient in getting work done for the department that it allows others to focus on their duties. We refer to her as “the glue” as she works amazingly with others in our department and agency-wide.

💛 Mary is a great ambassador for the agency as she fields many cold calls, always polite and helpful. Mary is always quick to help and her sense of humor is second to none. She’s an asset to the agency.

🫵 You can find employment success at The Arc, too. Take a look: https://bit.ly/DiscovertheRewards

🙌 May we take a moment to recognize the civic work of the Stowe Street Day Hab and Senior Day Hab Without Walls programs?

🌺 Participants recently volunteered at Walmart, Tops, and Tractor Supply Company in Lowville, collecting donations in exchange for veteran-made poppies.

🎖️Funds raised through this effort help support wounded and hospitalized veterans, active-duty military members, and military families by providing assistance with medical care, housing, and other financial needs.

🇺🇸 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated. Your gifts helps honor those who have served our country and keeps this meaningful tradition going.

⛳️ It was a beautiful day 'fore' some mini golf at Delta Knolls Golf Center enjoyed by people in our Kirkland Day Hab program.

Behind every flag is a name and a story of a person we never met, someone who chose to protect us and gave their life doing so. We owe them and their families our deepest gratitude. Our community stands because they stood first. 🇺🇸