The Arc Rockland

11/07/2025

This week, our community service groups joined the Regional Food Bank’s direct distribution pop-up at Clover Stadium, assisting with boxing, organizing, and handing out food to local families.

With recent SNAP benefit cuts putting thousands of Rockland residents at risk of food insecurity, individuals from The Arc Rockland stepped up to help their neighbors in need.

We’re proud to be part of a community that looks out for one another—especially during challenging times. 🧡



What you should know:

As of now, because of the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be issued at this time. For information from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: https://www.otda.ny.gov/snap-benefits-shutdown.asp

Local resources in Rockland County for food assistance:

If you experience a shortfall in food access, Rockland County offers a strong network of food-pantries and meal-programs. Below are a few trusted options:

Rockland Community Against Hunger (RCAH): Collaborative of food pantries & meal programs covering over 40 sites across Rockland County.
Website: rocklandhunger.org — use their “Find Food” tool to locate a pantry by town or ZIP code.

People to People Food Pantry: One of Rockland’s largest food-pantries, serving thousands of local households each month. peopletopeopleinc.org
Location: 121 W. Nyack Rd., Nanuet, NY 10954 Phone: (845) 623-4900

Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland – Food Pantry: 78 Hudson Avenue, Haverstraw, NY 10927. Registration required for first visit. ccrockland.org
Phone: (845) 942-5791

Rhoda Bloom Kosher Food Pantry: A kosher-food pantry open to all in Rockland County. rjfs.org

These resources are available to ANY county resident experiencing food insecurity, regardless of participation in SNAP.

11/01/2025

Mark your calendars — November 18, 2025!

Join The Arc Rockland and advocates from across New York State in Albany for the NYDA Capitol Rally — a powerful call to action to invest in the future of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and the dedicated workforce who support them. Register here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxMexYrYq34Ev6VOhlUUQzRC1SRYtmHFuy6Al_mnMTjLapxQ/viewform

We’re showing lawmakers that we stand united in our demand for:
✅ A 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase
✅ Workforce support and sustainability
✅ Infrastructure investment

Wear orange to show your support and solidarity! 🧡

We've launched a one-click campaign to inform the governor of our budget requests. We urge you to add your voice here. By participating, you will quickly send a letter to Governor Hochul and tell her support for New Yorkers with I/DD must be a priority in this year's Executive Budget.

https://arcny.quorum.us/campaign/FY27-NYS-Budget/

10/31/2025

From costumes and pumpkins to decorations, “dirt” desserts, and a Halloween parade — our programs went all out today! 🎃🧡
What a wonderful day celebrating creativity, community, and fun across The Arc Rockland!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from the front desk of HVCH!

10/31/2025

The Halloween spirit is alive and well at PTFK, Phillips Hill, and Nyack Day Programs! 🎃🕸
Check out these spooktacular costumes and all the fun happening across The Arc Rockland today!

10/31/2025

👻🎃 Halloween Greetings from The Arc Rockland!
Our South Mountain House residents kicked off the celebrations in style - festive fun, creative costumes, and plenty of spooky smiles! 🧡
Stay tuned throughout the day as more of our locations join in the Halloween spirit!

10/29/2025

We’re so proud to share that Josh Cohen has been named The Arc New York’s 2025 Self-Advocate of the Year! 🧡

This statewide honor celebrates individuals whose leadership, courage, and advocacy help shape services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across New York.

Over the past three years, Josh has grown into a true leader—serving as Mentor in 2024 and now as Vice President of The Arc Rockland’s Self-Advocacy Board. His passion, confidence, and compassion continue to inspire everyone around him.

During The Arc New York’s annual conference in Albany, Josh was recognized for his remarkable impact—and we invite you to watch two special videos- one featuring heartfelt messages from his peers, friends, and colleagues who have been inspired by his journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APJQe9L6i-I and the other of Josh accepting his award. https://youtube.com/shorts/dOopgfqTdRY?si=ElAf8lCzEMT9ftr_ 👏

10/28/2025

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate Mike Hatley, who retired this month after nearly 20 years with Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.

Mike began his career on January 19, 2006, and quickly became a valued member of the team. When we visited on his last day, he spent time reminiscing with coworkers, sharing stories, and lots of laughs about the memories they’ve made together.

Mike said he’s excited to spend more time with his family, his girlfriend, and stay active in the community through our day programs.

Congratulations, Mike, on a remarkable career and a well-earned retirement!

10/24/2025

🌟 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Spotlight 🌟

We had the pleasure of visiting Jaison at the Rockland County Department of Social Services, where he works in the Mail Room. Jaison proudly shared the details of his role - from sorting and delivering mail to keeping operations running smoothly. His coworkers praise his exceptional attention to detail, and his manager can already see him taking on more responsibility in the future. But for now, Jaison is happy right where he is - thriving in his position and taking pride in his work.

With the support of his SEMP job coach, who visits monthly, Jaison continues to grow in confidence and independence.

“I was hired at Rockland DSS Building to work in the Mail Room. So far, I like it a lot and have gotten support from my SEMP provider… I make competitive minimum wage employment and work an average of 30–35 hours per week. I sort the mail and deliver it. I don’t need constant job coaching, but my job coach checks in on me and assists me with speaking to my manager about concerns or issues.”

Outside of work, Jaison enjoys going to 24 Hour Fitness with his brother and exploring Rockland’s parks and community events with his Com Hab worker.

This year, The Arc Rockland proudly nominated the Rockland County Government Department of Social Services for a National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Award- in recognition of their ongoing commitment to inclusive employment and the meaningful opportunities they create for individuals with disabilities.

10/23/2025

10/22/2025

Thank you to NYS Senator Bill Weber and New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Willow Baer for convening a thoughtful roundtable yesterday with OPWDD provider agencies across Rockland including Jawonio Venture Together BRIDGES. Together, we tackled pressing issues—workforce challenges, access to services, sustainability—and exchanged ideas to strengthen supports for the people we serve and the teams who make it possible.

Save the Date: Rally in the Valley is back on March 13, 2026 at 11 AM at Rockland Community College—we’re stronger together!

10/22/2025