New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc NYSID and The Arc Otsego to Celebrated Matching Grant to Support Employing Individuals with Diverse Abilities

The Combined $50,000 Investment will Improve Packaging Efficiency and be Used to Purchase a New Transport Van 

(Oneonta, NY) - New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) presented its Member Agency, The Arc Otsego, with a check in the amount of $25,000, which matches the organization’s own investment of $25,000. The funds will be used to purchase Unibagger II, which allows them to improve packing efficiency at Creekside Industries, a division of The Arc Otsego. The grant will also assist in purchasing a new transport van, providing reliable and safe transportation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Representatives from The Arc Otsego, NYSID, and local elected officials were on hand for the announcement. An employee with disabilities also shared their perspective on the importance of employment and what their job at The Arc Otsego means to them.

 “We are excited to work with The Arc Otsego on workplace solutions that allow employees not only to succeed but excel in their job roles,” said Maureen O’Brien, president and CEO of NYSID. “This also helps the local, regional, and state economies to thrive. It’s a benefit all around.” 

“We are incredibly grateful to NYSID for this generous support. This funding allows us to enhance our packaging operations and invest in safe, reliable transportation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access meaningful employment at Creekside—strengthening both our workforce and our mission,” said The Arc Otsego CEO Sara Hanlon. 

"The Arc Otsego continues to set a powerful example of how to empower individuals with disabilities. This grant will help them expand opportunities for meaningful work, personalized support, and community connection. Changing lives and strengthening the fabric of our region in the process,” said NYS Senator Peter Oberacker (R,C, -District 51)

“Investing in organizations like The Arc Otsego is an investment in people.This grant from NYSID will not only improve operations at Creekside Industries, but more importantly, it will empower individuals with disabilities by expanding access to meaningful employment and reliable transportation,” said Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,C,-New Hartford).“I’m proud to support initiatives that foster independence, dignity, and opportunity for every member

of our community.”

About New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID):

NYSID’s mission is to advance employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans. Its vision is to be the premier employment success entity for individuals with disabilities and eligible veterans through Preferred Source growth, business innovations, partnerships, job readiness, and advocacy in New York and beyond. NYSID works tirelessly on behalf of the individuals served by its statewide membership to discover new and to expand existing employment opportunities and other quality of life measures. In Fiscal Year 2024, individuals with disabilities working on NYSID contracts earned more than $82 million in wages that impacted the New York State economy. 

About The Arc Otsego:

A group of dedicated and caring parents, relatives, friends, and concerned professionals, formed the Otsego County Chapter of the New York State Association for Retarded Children on May 10, 1965. It served primarily as a support organization until 1974 when The Arc Otsego opened an employment facility, a day treatment facility, and a residential intermediate care facility, serving individuals 24/7. Today, The Arc Otsego offers comprehensive, community-based services, supports and programs to over 500 individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Otsego County, helping adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities fulfill their personal dreams and ambitions. Its person-centered approach is driven by the individual, focusing on gifts and abilities. This approach is visionary and future-oriented. For more information, visit www.arcotsego.org or call 607-432-8595.