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NYSARC INC ONONDAGA COUNTY CHAPTER

SYRACUSE, NY · EIN 150561718 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE P820 · Human Services · Large ($10M-$50M) · arcon.org
revenue
$32.6M
expenses
$31.8M
net assets
$12.7M
employees
610
volunteers
15
program ratio
88%
mission · from form 990

NYSARC WAS FOUNDED IN 1949 TO MEET A CRITICAL MISSION -- TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

profile · synthesized from sources

NYSARC INC ONONDAGA COUNTY CHAPTER, operating as Arc of Onondaga, provides comprehensive services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Central New York. Founded in 1951, the organization offers residential, day, employment, clinical, and recreational programs. It supports individuals in achieving independence and community inclusion through person-centered services and advocacy.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $9.34M
    DAY HABILITATION SUPPORTS PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WHO HAVE HIGHER NEEDS FOR MORE INTENSE TRAINING IN ORDER TO MAKE THEIR COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE, AND THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COMMUNITY, MORE POSITIVE. DAY HABILITATION PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN SKILLS TO ACHIEVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, A STRONGER AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNITY INCLUSION AND TO FEEL PRODUCTIVE IN THEIR LIVES AS UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS. 302 PERSONS SERVED.
  2. #2 $14.16M
    RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDES SUPPORT AND TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN VARIED LIVING ENVIRONMENTS. ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL FOR INDEPENDENCE AND INCLUSION IN THE COMMUNITY. 124 PERSONS SERVED.
named programs · 7 · from sources

What they call their work

Arc Contract Services
Outsourcing company providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through contract work with regional corporate partners.
Art Surge
Art program for ages 8-18 with developmental disabilities that fosters self-expression, communication, and socialization through diverse artistic mediums and projects.
Day Habilitation
Provides individuals with developmental disabilities opportunities to learn skills for greater independence, community inclusion, and productivity through structured daily activities and training.
Family Support Services (FSS)
Reimbursement program that helps families cover costs of respite care and essential goods for individuals with developmental disabilities living at home.
Horizons Clinic
Article 16 certified clinical program providing psychological, mental health, speech, physical, and occupational therapy services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Integrated Camp Support
Provides one-to-one support for youth ages 6-18 to participate in community camps and programs such as The MOST, Redhouse Arts Center, and YMCA.
Residential Services
Offers supported living in varied environments to help individuals achieve their fullest potential for independence and community integration.
activities · 12 groups

What they do

  • Residential Support for Developmental Disabilities 3 activities
    • Operating multi-site service programs across Central New York
      Operates over 30 service sites in Central New York offering residential, day, employment, clinical, and recreation programs for people with developmental disabilities.
    • Providing residential support and training
      Delivers residential services in varied living environments to promote independence, personal growth, and community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities. Served 124 individuals in 2024.
    • Serving individuals and families in Onondaga County
      Provides services to over 1,000 individuals and families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities in Onondaga County through quality programs across the lifespan.
  • Healthcare Compliance and Ethics Programs 1 activity
    • Conducting internal audits and incident reviews
      Investigates, reviews, and tracks all incidents and allegations, and conducts internal audits of all programs to ensure compliance with standards, policies, and applicable laws.
  • Self-Sufficiency Empowerment Workshops 1 activity
    • Delivering skill development and life skills training
      Provides individualized programming in personal living, choice making, vocational exploration, community survival, healthy living, and independent living skills such as household maintenance, personal hygiene, and financial management.
  • Direct Financial Assistance to Individuals 1 activity
    • Funding access to respite services and essential goods
      Provides financial assistance to families to help access respite services and goods for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • General Operating Support Grants 1 activity
    • Funding projects through grant awards
      Provides funding for projects and initiatives through annual grant awards; has awarded over $1 million since inception, including $12,500 to Project Connect, $10,000 to Redhouse Arts Center, and $8,900 in rental assistance in 2025.
  • Art Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
    • Operating art and creative programs
      Runs an art program for individuals aged 8–18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities that supports social, creative, and sensory needs through thematic activities culminating in an annual final project.
  • Respite Care for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
    • Operating respite care programs
      Provides short-term respite care for children (ages 8–18) and adults (18+) with developmental disabilities through evening and weekend programs featuring recreational, artistic, and social activities, including transportation.
  • Annual Impact and Evaluation Reporting 1 activity
    • Producing annual reports on program outcomes
      Produces annual reports documenting organizational growth, success stories, and measurable outcomes from initiatives.
  • Day Habilitation Services 1 activity
    • Providing day habilitation services
      Offers day habilitation programs at multiple locations in Onondaga County, including community-based Without Walls programs and Site-Based programs combining classroom activities with community outings. Served 302 individuals in 2024.
  • Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
    • Providing employment services and job placement support
      Supports individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining competitive community employment through pre-screened job applicants, on-site training, and long-term support for both individuals and employers.
  • Specialized Summer Camps for Disabilities 1 activity
    • Providing individualized community inclusion support
      Offers one-to-one support for youth aged 6–18 with developmental disabilities to participate in community day camps and programs during summer vacation and school breaks, for up to two weeks.
  • Specialized Therapy for Children with Disabilities 1 activity
    • Providing therapeutic and clinical services
      Offers mental health counseling (including telehealth), play therapy for children, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, sexuality assessments, and IQ and adaptive behavior testing for OPWDD eligibility. Will begin autism diagnostic testing in September 2025.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$32.60M
Contributions & grants$439K1%
Program service revenue$31.87M98%
Investment income$199K1%
Other revenue$93K
expenses
Total expenses$31.77M
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$22.95M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$19.98M
Cash$2.22M
Investments$5.94M
Liabilities$7.28M
Net assets$12.69M
Liquid reserves3.1 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +10.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 7
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
ELLEN GUTMAKER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 35 $312K
DANIEL SMITH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 35 $178K
DONNA LOVELAND CHIEF COMPLIANCE & QUALITY 35 $165K
SONJA GOTTBRECHT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICE 35 $157K
SORGOURNY GIVENS DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL 83 $127K
CAROL CLARK DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL 75 $121K
JOANNA JEWETT CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER 35 $120K
board members · 15
  • ALICIA MATHIS — DIRECTOR
  • AMY MECH — SECRETARY
  • CAROL STARK — DIRECTOR
  • CHRIS PARONIS — DIRECTOR
  • CHRISOPHER MASON — VICE PRESIDENT
  • CHRISTOPHER CENTORE — ASSISTANT TREASURER
  • CHUCK SEEREITER — DIRECTOR
  • DANIEL FERNANDEZ — DIRECTOR
  • GORDON EYER — DIRECTOR
  • JAMES CANNON — DIRECTOR
  • JAMES FLYNN — PRESIDENT
  • JAMES MORAN — TREASURER
  • MELANIE NAPPA- CARROLL — DIRECTOR
  • SUSAN SCHAROUN — FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
  • YOUNG LEE — DIRECTOR
relationships · 22

Who they work with

  • Arc of Onondaga Foundation Network — Foundation established to ensure the financial future of Arc of Onondaga and support its services.
  • Crouse HelpPeople Partner — Provides employee assistance program and counseling services to Arc of Onondaga staff.
  • Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Partner — Represented by Aida Byrne on the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Fulton City School District Partner — Represented by Sean Broderick on the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • JJL Mediation & Consulting Partner — Represented by Jennifer Lovell, Treasurer of the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation Partner — Foundation Board member organization represented by Juli Boeheim on the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Government — Provides oversight for certain Arc of Onondaga programs and investigates allegations of abuse and neglect.
  • Mackenzie Hughes LLP Partner — Represented by James Nicoll on the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Mooney Marketing Group Partner — Represented by Steve Vasick on the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities Government — Certifies Horizons Clinic as an Article 16 provider and establishes eligibility criteria for services.
  • Office of People With Developmental Disabilities Government — Oversees incident review processes and regulatory compliance for Arc of Onondaga programs.
  • OneGroup Partner — Represented by Brian Hurley, Vice President of the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Project Connect Partner — Receives grant funding from the Arc of Onondaga Foundation to support recreational experiences for people with developmental disabilities.
  • Redhouse Arts Center Partner — Collaborates with Redhouse Arts Center to provide theatrical training and live production experiences for people supported by Arc.
  • Redhouse Arts Center Partner — Partner site where youth receive one-to-one support through the Integrated Camp Support program.
  • Sarah Clark Partner — Point of contact for enrollment and coordination of the cooking class program.
  • The Arc New York Network — Arc of Onondaga is a chapter of The Arc New York, part of a statewide network of 53 chapters providing services and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • The MOST Partner — Collaborates with Integrated Camp Support program to provide inclusive camp experiences for youth with disabilities.
  • The Redhouse Arts Center Partner — Collaborates on acting programs for adults with developmental disabilities as part of respite services.
  • UPS Partner — Represented by Brian Speller, President of the Arc of Onondaga Foundation Board of Directors.
  • YMCA Partner — Partner organization where youth with disabilities are supported to attend day camps through the Integrated Camp Support program.
  • local businesses Partner — Partners with local businesses to place pre-screened individuals with disabilities into jobs and provide on-site training and long-term support.
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Community-Integrated Model
    methodology: community_integration
    By embedding services in community settings rather than institutional ones, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve greater independence, inclusion, and personal growth because participation in everyday community life fosters natural skill development and social belonging.
  • Person-Centered Planning and Support
    methodology: person-centered_care
    By tailoring services to individual goals through personalized plans and one-to-one support, the organization increases engagement and outcomes because autonomy and choice are central to dignity, motivation, and sustained progress in skill development and community integration.
  • Scaffolded Skill Development
    methodology: scaffolded_learning
    By breaking complex tasks into incremental components and building mastery progressively, individuals develop competence and confidence because structured, step-by-step learning aligns with cognitive needs and promotes retention and independence.
  • Supported Employment with Individualized Assistance
    methodology: supported_employment
    By providing ongoing, customized support, individuals with disabilities secure and maintain competitive jobs because long-term success in employment depends on adaptive, person-specific interventions that address evolving workplace challenges.