East Aurora Advertiser

Eight honored by Arc of Livingston-Wyoming




Danielle Rafferty

Danielle Rafferty

<p dir=”ltr”><span>The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming recognized eight Wyoming and Livingston County residents with disabilities for their contributions to the community at the agency’s annual dinner and awards ceremony, held Friday, June 2 at the Wadsworth Homestead in Geneseo.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Danielle Rafferty</strong> <span data-mce-mark=”1″>of Gainesville received the Ryan Helmer Bowling Scholarship Award, named in memory of a peer who shared her passion for the sport — and more.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”>”Like Ryan, Danielle grew up in a small rural community in Wyoming County and, well, everyone knows them,” says Cathy Sullivan, coordinator of intake services for The Arc. “Both Ryan and Danielle could have that mischievous look when they are probably doing something that they shouldn’t be, but when they bat that smile, you kind of forget about what they shouldn’t be doing.”

<p dir=”ltr”>When she’s not bowling, Rafferty works at The Arc’s Peterson Work Center in Mount Morris, and attends the agency’s Uptown Day Habilitation program.

Eliza Cox

Eliza Cox

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Eliza Cox</strong> <span data-mce-mark=”1″>of Perry earned the Jonathon Templeton Award for Special Olympics for her contributions on and off the field, where Cox often competes in track and field games. </span>

<p dir=”ltr”>”Eliza is popular with her teammates, and others look up to her,” Arc Recreation staff member Gary Buchanan says. “She epitomizes what a Special Olympics athlete should be, and upholds the mission of Special Olympics.”

<p dir=”ltr”>In addition to her passion for sports, Cox pursues academic and work skills. This fall, she’ll start her sophomore year in the LIVES Program, The Arc’s four-year college experience program with the State University of New York at Geneseo.  This summer and on school breaks, she assists the public relations department at the Arc.

Kim Deiter

Kim Deiter

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Jim Komonczi</strong> <span data-mce-mark=”1″>of Geneseo received the Hilltop Achievement Award.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span data-mce-mark=”1″>Komonczi started attending The Arc’s Open Roads Day Habilitation Program for Seniors in February of 2016. He has made many friends that he would not have met if he decided not to join the group.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>Staff members say that Komonczi was quiet when he began the program, and benefited from much encouragement to join into conversations and activities. Now, he is independent in initiating conversations and will start activities of interest to him.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>”Jim has a great sense of humor, and has really come out of his shell,” says Elyse Strom, coordinator for Open Roads. “All of the staff at Seniors would like to congratulate James on his achievements and to say that he is a pleasure to work with.”</span>

Raphael Campos

Raphael Campos

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Kim Deiter</strong> <span>of Geneseo was the recipient of the Randy Lakin Sportsmanship Award.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>Deiter has had many personal accomplishments this year, including moving out of an Arc-operated group home, and into her own apartment with a friend. She is also an active participant in Special Olympics and The Arc’s Recreation program.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>”For all the years I have known Kim through The Arc and Special Olympics, I have never heard anything negative from Kim,” Gary Buchanan said. “Kim is cheerful, considerate, and encouraging towards others. Kim wants to see others do well, and cheers them on.”</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Matt Barber</strong> <span>of Geneseo was honored with the Drew Moran Community Involvement Award.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>An avid sports fan, Barber enjoys spending time with his friends at Livingston Lanes, where he participates in several adult night leagues. He also enjoys playing pickup basketball at SUNY Geneseo or an outside park.</span><span><br class=”kix-line-break” /></span>

Sabrina Leschander

Sabrina Leschander

<p dir=”ltr”><span>Anyone who has seen Barber at work in the prepared foods area of Wegmans is well aware of his friendly manner, charisma, and infectious smile, The Arc said.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>”Peers are drawn to Matt because of his kind and fun-loving demeanor,” said David Hilts, a staff member at Matt’s house. “He’s a natural role model, and can often be found guiding a visually impaired housemate throughout the community.”</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Raphael Campos</strong> <span>of Retsof received the Eric Byrd Award of Inspiration.</span><span><br class=”kix-line-break” /></span><span>Campos was selected for the award for his exceptionally strong spirit of determination. He pushed through decades of hard work every day, maintaining his regular work routine until he recently retired from The Arc’s Hilltop work program at age 88.</span>

Robert Maplesden

Robert Maplesden

<p dir=”ltr”><span>”Ralph has persisted through different health matters to the point that the rest of us can hope we are in half as good shape as Raph when we reach his age,” said Eric Carson, site supervisor at Campos’ group home.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><strong>Robert Maplesden</strong> <span>of Varysburg earned the Hilltop Placement Award.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>Maplesden has worked continuously for Peterson Employment Center, and now at Letchworth Central School. Over the years, he has been through the LIVES Program, received pre-vocational services and moved on to receive Supported Employment services through The Arc.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>”Through all of these changes, Robert has retained the skills necessary to maintain a competitive integrated employment setting,” said Karen Almeter of Letchworth Central School. “He has become an expert at eventually putting a smile on the faces of everyone he works with even during trying, stressful times.”</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>Sabrina Leschander</span> <span>of Perry received the Community Services Achievement Award. </span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>Leschander has accomplished all of her goals since moving into an Arc-operated home one year ago, and is now working toward additional independence, including greater financial responsibility.</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>“She started a job at Letchworth School, and they absolutely love her,” Site Supervisor Dawn Ratigan said. “Sabrina requires very minimal job coaching.”</span>

<p dir=”ltr”><span>As with all of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming awards winners, Leschander continues to gain self-confidence and social skills, which have helped her to strengthen relationships with family, make new friends, and contribute positively to the fabric of our communities.</span>

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