ARC’s years-long renovation of Ann Manzi Center is complete

Patty McGuire, day services director at The ARC Westchester.

By HERB FOSTER

Set back in the woods off Main Street in Mount Kisco, a commercial building appears much like a normal business, but it is far more — home to the Ann Manzi Center, a day services location for The Arc Westchester.

The center provides services and support for people with developmental disabilities. 

“The Ann Manzi Center is a lifeline, offering vital daily support where people thrive and have a genuine connection with the Mount Kisco community,” said Tibi Guzmán, CEO The Arc Westchester  

Work has been under way at the site since 2018, when the initial phase of renovations began, mostly to the interior spaces. The second phase, upgrading and adding to its outdoors offerings, was recently completed. A ceremonial ribbon cutting was planned for Thursday evening.

The center is one of many locations of The Arc Westchester, the largest organization providing services and support to people with special needs in Westchester County. 

Activities at the day center. 

“The organization’s 700 employees provide nearly 2,000 people and families throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life,” Arc’s website states.

The first phase, primarily interior improvements, was completed in 2018. The work just finished includes a new accessible walking trail, an expanded car park, ADA compliant bathrooms, improved security and lighting, and a number of other upgrades, many beneficial to senior citizens.

The Ann Manzi Center in Mount Kisco.

Like everyone else, people with developmental disabilities are living longer and it is becoming increasingly important to create environments that meet the needs of an aging population. The renovations at The Ann Manzi Center will provide an accessible connection from indoors to outdoors, creating a deeper appreciation with nature that will be shared by younger and older adults,” Guzmán said.

The center has a series of different rooms, organized by age and ability levels. Staff organize activities and social gatherings throughout the day.

Trips are organized to various locations including the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Conn., Grand Central Station in Manhattan, and West Point. Four times a week, a group from the Center volunteers at County Harvest, picking up boxes of food from grocery stores and distributing it to food pantries. A therapy dog, Rosa, comes with her handler, Barbara, from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs while some are volunteers at Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

“We try to offer a lot of different activities at our program so individuals have choices, can be more independent, and be contributing members of society,” said Patty McGuire, day services director at the Ann Manzi Center. “We’ve been a part of the Mount Kisco Community since the late ‘70s and we’d like the members to recognize us for the value we bring to Mount Kisco. We patronize local businesses, use the local library, post office, banks, restaurants, and volunteer throughout Westchester County. We want the people we support to live full lives, fulfill their dreams and live the lives they want to have.” 

McGuire continued, “We volunteer daily; other places include 914 Cares, Sharing Shelf (putting together hygiene bags), Adopt-a-dog, Granite Knolls Park. We have taken horsemanship classes at Pegasus Equestrian Facility. We participate in Miracle League, an interagency softball program. We have a laughter yoga specialist, aerobics instructor and art therapist come weekly.”

What makes the Ann Manzi Center so special? 

”We have dedicated staff, many of whom have worked here for numerous years,” McGuire said.

Some of the people coming to the center live in group homes and some from their private residences. The cost of the center for most participants is covered by Medicaid, but a few participants pay directly. The attendees cover the range of ages. One participant is 80 years old, and some have ongoing jobs outside of the center. One woman worked at Starbucks for 35 years and the company flew her to Las Vegas to recognize her service.

The renovation received no government funding.

“Private support was instrumental in ensuring that this project would come to fruition as government funding for capital improvements typically covers only basic maintenance,” said Barry Clark, executive director of The Arc Westchester Foundation. “Benefactors include the Manzi family, the Masket family, the Phelps Community Foundation, and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funded Phase II of the renovation.”

“I enjoy working here — it gives you some satisfaction as you’re making somebody else’s life better,” said LeAnn, a supervisor who has worked at the center for 35 years. “I like connecting with them, and making their days a little bit brighter.”