It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Angela VanDerhoof, former longtime Executive Director of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis. We extend our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Angela's family and friends. They remain in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Angela began her career as a teacher in the Utica City School District and later served as Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Utica before joining The Arc, then known as the Oneida County A.R.C., as Executive Director in 1979. Angela deeply believed in the potential of every person. She worked tirelessly to create a culture of acceptance, opportunity, and belonging, both at The Arc and throughout the community.
During her storied tenure at the helm, Angela propelled the agency forward by developing new and innovative programs, expanding residential opportunities, opening administrative facilities, and evolving children's and family services. In 1996, she oversaw the comprehensive merger of The Arc of Oneida County and the Lewis County ARC organizations, forming The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter as it is known today. Guided by the tenet that people with disabilities bring unique strengths and perspectives to the workplace, Angela cultivated lasting collaborations with area businesses to create meaningful, contracted employment opportunities.
Under her leadership, the newly formed agency expanded to serve more than 1,700 people with disabilities and their families across two counties, employing more than 750 staff members, and ensuring that services were continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of the people we support.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Angela VanDerhoof, our beloved former Executive Director," said Karen Korotzer, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis. "For more than 32 years, Angela's pioneering vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication helped shape our agency into the caring and impactful community it is today. Her leadership touched countless lives and left a legacy of inclusion, integrity, and commitment to our mission that will continue to guide us for years to come."
In 2009, the Kirkland/Venture Day Habilitation building in Clinton was renamed The Angela Z. VanDerhoof Building in recognition of her many years of dedicated service. Following her retirement in 2011, Angela continued to be a steadfast advocate and tireless champion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Those who were fortunate to know Angela are no doubt better people for it. Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing that Angela's spirit, her decades of dedicated service, and her lasting legacy will continue to live on through The Arc and in the countless lives she touched. Everyone associated with our agency will work to honor Angela by continuing to carry out her vision that all people with disabilities live and thrive as fully included members of their community.
