LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Arc of
Steuben on May 13, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Arc of Steuben, to be celebrated at
their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Steuben is a chapter of the New York State Associ-
ation for Retarded Children (NYSARC), Inc.; for the past fifty years it
has faithfully supported people with developmental disabilities and
their families in the Steuben County area; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed partnership of residential, habilitation and
vocational programs and services has committed itself to helping provide
personalized opportunities, advocacy and assistance for people with
disabilities, helping them to realize their full potential in a positive
atmosphere of encouragement and achievement; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Steuben was founded in 1964, when local parents
advocating for the education of their children, each of whom had a disa-
bility, organized the formation of the Steuben County Chapter of NYSARC;
due to the advocacy efforts of this newly founded organization, the
first class for children with developmental disabilities was held in
September 1965 through BOCES; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, this pioneering organization inaugurated its first
Day Training program, open to any child who was labeled as "retarded";
these classes were offered to the public until 1980, when BOCES began
offering programs for students with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, the Arc of Steuben initiated its residential and
vocational programs with the goal of teaching people daily living
skills, job skills and social skills; its first such program was
Services East in Bath, New York, followed by Services West in Hornell,
New York; the two were combined in 1977, and moved to its present
location in Bath; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, the Arc of Steuben created its renowned transporta-
tion division, which currently operates a fleet of 100 vehicles that
provides transportation services to approximately 400 people daily; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, this remarkable organization continued to
embody its vision by exploring new ways of serving the public and creat-
ing an environment in which people of all abilities are welcomed,
involved, and valued; and
WHEREAS, New residences in Wayland and Corning were added in 1979, and
the Family Support Program was started in 1985; furthermore, the Service
Coordination Division was created in 1993, to provide individualized
advocacy, referral and early intervention service coordination; and
WHEREAS, The Arc of Steuben Foundation was established in 1998, help-
ing the group enter the 21st Century with a plan for sustaining its
worthy work in the future; its outstanding board of directors, experi-
enced in finance, law, marketing, public relations, and community
service, oversaw the establishment of an endowment fund in the founda-
tion's first year; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Arc of Steuben's services were further
expanded to include a satellite clinic offering speech therapy, occupa-
tional therapy, physical therapy, and social work; StArcky U was created

in 2011, offering classes for those seeking to pursue new interests and
continue their education; and
WHEREAS, This fine institution has received numerous awards and acco-
lades for its lifetime of service to the developmentally disabled; the
Arc of Steuben was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of
Commerce of the Greater Bath Area and also achieved Gold-level recogni-
tion in the Empire State Advantage program; and
WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Arc of Steu-
ben has demonstrated the value of helping people with disabilities
achieve their dreams and lead happy and fulfilling lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Arc of Steuben; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Arc of Steuben.