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The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence |
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), recently held their Annual Meeting to elect officers and set terms for the Board of Directors, as well as honor employees, volunteers, and individuals supported by the agency. The 2025 elected officers for The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Board of Directors are as follows: Jackie Sauter, President; Jennifer VanReenen, Vice President; and Shawn Signor, Secretary/Treasurer.
Employees, people supported, and volunteers were recognized for their achievements during the past year. Patricia Jo Green received the David Brassbridge Staff Member of the Year Award. Green is a Residence Manager for homes in Massena. She works hard for the people we support, and makes providing high quality services and supports her highest priority.
Kristy Meeks received the Stephen Robarge Employee of the Year Award. Meeks was honored because she strives to find quality employment opportunities for the people we support as the Job Development and Vocational Rehabilitation Services Coordinator in the Career Solutions Department.
Scott Murphy was awarded The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s Kathy Hill Individual of the Year Award. Murphy is kind and empathetic, and is a role model for those around him. He is committed to personal growth and advocacy for himself and others.
The Self-Advocate of the Year Award was given to Marla Lalonde. Lalonde is known for her confidence and enthusiasm. She is involved in advocacy efforts and enjoys giving back to her community.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Community Spirit Award was presented to the Carthage High School Bridge Builders. This group of young leaders has worked with the school's administration and teaching team to create many opportunities for the people we support, including picnics, dances, and art activities. They have fostered many important relationships, and have grown to be a close partner of the agency.
The Career Solutions award for Employer of the Year was given to The Morning Ritual. Owner Paegan Thatcher and the Morning Ritual team have made accommodations to ensure a person employed through the Career Solutions program has good, meaningful work. They have helped this person to succeed in their dream job by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence provides lifelong opportunities that enhance the lives of people, so that they may achieve their goals and aspirations. To learn more, visit www.thearcjslc.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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In the photos:
1. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left); Patricia Jo Green, David Brassbridge Staff Member of the Year Award Recipient; and Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer
2. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left); Kristy Meeks, Stephen Robarge Employee of the Year Award Recipient; and Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer
3. Tara Lortz, Chief Operating Officer (left); Scott Murphy, Kathy Hill Individual of the Year Award Recipient, and Laurie McGrath, Director of Nursing Services
4. Marla Lalonde, Self-Advocate of the Year Award Recipient (left) and Steven Sauter, Past Award Recipient
5. Community Spirit Award Recipients (left to right): Carthage Bridge Builders: Bob Miller, Logan Jenkins, Sophia Simser, Wendy LaFave, and Lynn Pietroski
6. Paegan Thatcher, Owner of The Morning Ritual and Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer