The Arc Erie County New York

09/08/2026

While patiently waiting for a com hab or supported employment opportunity to cross his path, DJ, a resident at the Lakeview IRA, is making the most of his time. He is involved with 3 local charity organizations. In these pictures he's preparing winter clothing packs for a local church who distributes on Black Friday. He also prepares snack packs and personal hygiene packs for distributed by 2 local groups during their downtown outreaches 3 nights a week. Skills he's working on include labeling, reading, inventory, sorting, packing, following directions, time on task, speed and efficiency.

If you need a sorting or packing task done HE'S your guy. He also completes simple baking and cooking tasks especially homemade Chinese food!!

09/05/2026

What’s the BUZZ?! ⁉️

Wildflowers! 🌼

Our wildflowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and the people we support are enjoying it all at Black Water Acres! 🤗

From exploring the fields to gathering flowers, it’s another beautiful way to learn new skills, connect with nature, and have fun along the way. 🧡

Sometimes the best surprises are the ones nature grows all on its own! 💐

09/04/2026

Learning. Growing. Connecting WithOut Walls! WOW! 🧡

At The Arc Erie County, our Day Habilitation Without Walls (WOW) program takes learning beyond four walls and into the community! Participants learn new skills, build friendships, volunteer, and take part in meaningful activities throughout Western New York. 🛣️

Every WOW experience is based on each person’s goals, interests, and strengths. This helps them build confidence, become more independent, and stay connected to the community. 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️

Sometimes the best way to learn, grow, and connect is to get out there and experience it! 🚘

Interested in learning more about WOW? ❓

Contact our intake department 💻

[email protected]
833-272-3743

09/03/2026

Join us in wishing a very Happy 70th Birthday to our incredible CEO, Douglas DiGesare! 🎂🎉

Today, we are celebrating a monumental milestone for a leader who has dedicated nearly 40 years of service to The Arc Erie County New York. Doug’s unwavering compassion, visionary leadership, and commitment to purpose have transformed thousands of lives across Western New York, creating a community filled with opportunity and inclusion for individuals of all abilities.

As Doug prepares for his well-deserved retirement at the end of this year, we couldn't be more grateful for the legacy of kindness and innovation he has built.
Please join the entire Arc Erie County team in leaving your warmest birthday wishes for Doug in the comments below! 👇✨

09/03/2026

This is a great opportunity if you need new ID's or other DMV documents. You can also register to vote!

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns and the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities cordially invites you to a special DisABILITY Awareness FALL OUTREACH at the Erie County Auto Bureau Saturday, October 17th 9:00 - 1:00, Urbandale Plaza 2122 George Urban Blvd., The Erie County Auto Bureau and Erie County Office for People with Disabilities will be on hand to assist individuals of all ages and their family members obtain state issued picture identification and other matters pertaining to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Be sure to bring the following for Standard NYS document: Original birth certificate (or certified copy) Social Security Card. Please visit erie.gov/clerk/autobureau for a complete list of required documents or call the Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.

09/01/2026

Does your child have OPWDD and need an after-school program? 🚌
Do you live in West Seneca or the surrounding area? 🏡
Did you know that The Arc Erie County can help? ❓

Who: Students ages 5-22 with developmental disabilities
What: A super fun after-school program with caring providers
Where: West Seneca East High School
When: Monday - Friday from 2-6pm

ENROLLING NOW! Space is limited!
DM with any questions or visit https://www.arceriecounty.org/intake

08/31/2026

Direct support professionals (DSPs) help people with disabilities with everyday things that many of us take for granted—things like getting dressed, taking medication, preparing meals, and so much more. That support allows many people to live in their own homes and communities, stay connected to family and friends, and live the lives they choose.

But this kind of support only works when there are enough DSPs to provide it, and right now, there aren't.

Every year, about 41% of DSPs leave their jobs, and low pay is a big reason why. When a DSP leaves, it's not just a staffing problem. It's someone losing the consistent support they rely on daily.

Congress can take a big first step toward fixing this problem by creating a federal Standard Occupational Classification for DSPs. This would give policymakers the data they need on wages, turnover, and job vacancies, so they can solve the problem.

Take action now and tell Congress to pass the bipartisan Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act. Share what DSPs mean to you or someone you care about.

https://act.thearc.org/campaign/168248/?utm_term=2026-0828&utm_campaign=advocacy&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--UPEW68RnN8EBzD07fhvDnFlEqSVx_0bpqy1z_LQ5f7agPkWBoFSmS4AC2dkpxEyGdYeyXWMJNBnJgsvfSW5PcwCjDrUoNIRGrTqp0tNzGWl7mpg4&_hsmi=435663456&utm_content=email-2026-0828&utm_source=hub

08/28/2026

What’s the Buzz?! ⁉️

Brood! 🐝

The hives are buzzing with new life! Our frames are packed with bee brood—baby bees developing inside their cells and getting ready to join the colony. 💛

Look closely at all those colors! The golden/yellow capped cells are developing baby bees, while the lighter, creamy areas can include freshly drawn wax and stored food surrounding the brood. The solid, consistent pattern of capped brood is exactly what beekeepers love to see—it tells us the Queen has been busy and the colony is successfully raising its next generation. A strong brood pattern is a great sign that our colony is healthy and growing. 💪🏻

Before long, these little bees will be out helping keep Black Water Acres blooming! 🌻

08/27/2026

We had some unexpected visitors at Black Water Acres — a swarm of bees that came from a wild hive in the area! 🐝

Luckily, our Farm Manager Teresa and Ed from Lady Lea's Apiary were able to capture the swarm by identifying the Queen, putting her in a cage to keep her safe, and then placing her in a bee box made for tiny colonies. 👑

Once she was in her new box, the rest of the bees followed her scent. A frame of bees from one of our hives was added to help the colony thrive. Now these busy little pollinators have a new place to call home at Black Water Acres. 🏡

Just another bee-autiful adventure on the farm! 🧡

08/27/2026

🍺🍷🍁Ale Trail & More is Coming Up! 🍺🍷🍁
Sept 24th 4:30-9pm. 30 Wilson Road, Williamsville NY 14221.
Text your friends. Start the group chat. Don't miss a great night out.

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS!

Tag your crew - Tag at least 3 friends in the comments and be entered to win!

Who's your:
🍺 Beer buddy?
🍷 Wine friend?
🍎 Cider fan?
🥃 Spirits enthusiast?
🍔 Foodie?
🎶 Live-music-loving friend?
🔥 Person who is always up for a good night out?

And if someone in your crew isn't drinking, that's easy too - Designated Driver/Non-Alcoholic tickets are just $10. (Alcohol Tasting tickets $40).

Winner to be chosen on September 4th at 12 noon.

More info at: ArcErieCounty.org/AleTrail