The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence Foundation

02/23/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Catherine “Cathy” Burns Quencer on being named the recipient of the 72nd Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award by the Greater Watertown–North Country Chamber of Commerce.
Cathy was a founding board member of The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Foundation and has supported the mission of The Arc JSLC for decades. Her steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering commitment to our community have strengthened countless organizations, as well as ours.
This honor is so well deserved.
Please join us in congratulating Cathy! 💙

Catherine Burns Quencer has been named the recipient of this year’s Israel A Shapiro Award by the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce.

📰: https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/02/19/catherine-burns-quencer-receives-israel-shapiro-award/

02/18/2026

Did you catch Michelle Carpenter, Foundation Executive Director, on 7 News talking about this year's Autism Acceptance Walk? If not, visit wwnytv.com/2026/02/16/autism-acceptance-walk-coming-up-next-month/.

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Foundation is gearing up for its annual Autism Acceptance Walk.

02/16/2026

Our Gold Sponsors are Groovy!

Thank you to Alcoa, Community Bank, N.A., Haylor, Freyer & C**n, Inc, OneDigital, NYSID, and UFSO/Performance Food Group for their continued support of the Autism Acceptance Walk! You help make this event brighter, stronger, and more impactful every year. Thank you for helping kindness bloom across our community!

Join us on Saturday, March 14th, at SUNY Canton’s Roos House. Kindness is our vibe, and we hope it’s yours too!! Register today: thearcjslc.org/event/autism-acceptance-walk-1.

02/15/2026

Fun is officially on the agenda!

At this year’s Autism Acceptance Walk, we’ll have plenty of games and hands-on activities for all ages, and a can’t-miss photo op by Snapshots Photo Booth 📸

We’re especially excited to have the Carthage Bridge Builders join us to help with the games and activities. This amazing group of high school students brings energy, kindness, and a whole lot of heart to everything they do, and we’re so grateful for their time and participation.

Come play, create, smile, and celebrate acceptance with us. Because kindness is our vibe. Visit thearcjslc.org/event/autism-acceptance-walk-1

02/14/2026

We've been feeling the love and support from everyone! A very happy Valentine's Day to you. We've had a terrific time spending time celebrating the holiday.

02/13/2026

Dozens of members of Congress have shown their support for establishing a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for direct support professionals (DSPs). DSPs are essential supports for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. However, the direct support workforce is in crisis, and without a SOC, there won't be data to define why there is such a high turnover rate, so the shortage can be fixed. Use your voice today! Ancor.org/actions/tell-congress-to-cosponsor-the-recognizing-the-role-of-dsps-act/.

02/12/2026

Attention Nurses! We are now hiring for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants. Make a difference and assist people with disabilities in a supportive, team atmosphere at one of the strongest organizations in the North Country. Apply Today: www.thearcjslc.org/employment

New Sign-on Bonuses!
-RNs: Sign on Bonus: $5,000 (Paid in installments of $2,500 after 6 months and $2,500 paid after 1 year.)
-LPNs: Sign on Bonus: $3,000 (Paid in installments of $500 after 90 days, $1,000 after 6 months, $1,500 after 1 year.)
-CNAs: Sign on Bonus: $650 (Paid in installments of $300 after 3 months and $350 after 6 months.)

Sign-on bonus amounts above are for full time positions. Part time positions receive half the amounts noted. Start your new chapter by clicking here: www.thearcjslc.org/employment

02/09/2026

A big thank you to Casella Waste Systems, Inc. – our Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Autism Acceptance Walk! We are thrilled to announce that Casella Waste Systems is joining us for this year’s Walk, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their incredible support!

Because of generous community partners like Casella, the Autism Acceptance Walk continues to grow, bringing families, friends, and supporters together to celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and kindness for people of all abilities. Thank you, Casella, for standing with us and helping make a meaningful difference!

Join us on Saturday, March 14th, at SUNY Canton’s Roos Field House. Kindness is our vibe, and we hope it’s yours too!!
To register, please visit https://thearcjslc.org/event/autism-acceptance-walk-1.

02/02/2026

The countdown is on! ⏰ There are only 40 days left until this year's Autism Acceptance Walk. Get ready to groove with us on March 14th at the SUNY Canton Roos House. To learn more about this great way to spread Autism Acceptance in the community, visit thearcjslc.org/event/autism-acceptance-walk-1.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 SUNY Canton Roos House (Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center - CARC) Autism Acceptance Walk is a non-competitive walk to promote Autism Acceptance and raise funds to support local programs for people with Autism.Donate Online HereDownload Your Registration Form Here....

01/29/2026

Guess who’s helping us spread good vibes again this year? 7 News own Jeff Cole! We’re thrilled to have Jeff back as our host for the Autism Acceptance Walk. Come and celebrate acceptance, inclusion, and kindness with us on March 14th at SUNY Canton’s Roos House. Dress to impress in your best “flower power” costume and show us that Kindness is Your Vibe too! To register before the walk visit, thearcjslc.org/event/autism-acceptance-walk-1. To donate, visit http://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx...

01/22/2026

Kindness is Their Vibe – Alcoa Massena Operations joins the 2026 Autism Acceptance Walk as a new sponsor and we’re feeling all the good vibes as we welcome them to the team! Join us on March 14th, at SUNY Canton’s Roos Field House. To register, visit thearcjslc.org/event/autism-acceptance-walk-1.

We’re so grateful to have Alcoa helping us celebrate inclusion and acceptance throughout our community. Because of generous partners like them, we can continue creating meaningful opportunities and supporting children, adults, and families across the North Country. Thanks, Alcoa, for helping us keep kindness blooming!☮✌

01/21/2026

Printing is now even easier with The UPS Store on Bradley St. in Watertown. They can help you print anything from a business card to a full promotion. When you use The UPS Store on Bradley Street in Watertown, you are supporting integrated work for people with disabilities, as this store is operated by The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence.

Your projects deserve to look their best.

From a single print to a full promotion, we’ll help you bring your ideas to life with professional printing made for daily use and big moments alike.