Thursday, January
8, 2004
VanDerhoof to be honored at Golden Anniversary Arc gala
Utica, New York -
Angela VanDerhoof of Utica will be honored at the Golden Anniversary Arc
Gala scheduled for January 31, 2004 at the Yahnundasis Golf Club, for her
25 years of service to The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter NYSARC.
VanDerhoof was appointed
executive director of The Arc in 1979. During her 25-year tenure, the
agency has grown into one of the largest human service organizations in
the region, with 750 employees serving 1,500 individuals with
disabilities, as compared to 1979 when The Arc had 60 employees and served
approximately 250 individuals.
Under the accomplished
leadership of VanDerhoof, The Arc's programs and services have expanded,
while resources to support these have been developed. The Arc's
person-centered approach to the individuals it serves has grown to include
community and family services, recreational activities, residential
options, clinical, day services and competitive employment in the
community. New children's programs were initiated, including 'Saturday
Friends', which offers recreational activities for children with autistic
spectrum disorders, and 'PRIDE', which works with students in jr. high and
provides a linkage between the home and the school and the community.
Angela and her husband
Thomas live in Utica and have two daughters Heidi and Rebecca, both of
Utica and a son Scott who lives in Texas.
The black-tie optional
event has been held for the past 18 years. Past honorees include Dr.
Anthony DeIorio, Ronald Cucarro, Jane Halbritter, Frank and Joanna Basile,
Jeri Cayan, and Jim Ellis.
The gala is a major
fund-raising activity for the Friends of the Arc Foundation, sponsor of
the event, which provides support for The Arc, a local non-profit agency
providing advocacy and services to people with disabilities.
