Since opening in 2010, the Herkimer ARC’s HARC Business Park has evolved into the leading example and model of what an integrated business might look like in New York State in the future. It encompasses both commercial and industrial space and provides jobs for workers with and without disabilities in a non-certified setting.
“HARC values encompass unity, integrity, compassion, advancement, respect, and excellence” says Kevin Crosley, President & CEO of Herkimer ARC, adding “receiving The Council on Quality & Leadership’s 2015 International Award of Excellence serves as a testament to how HARC continually incorporates our values into our innovative employment initiatives, as well as, embracing change and transformation, to continually strive to provide opportunities for people we support.”
The growth of the HARC Business Park has resulted in enhanced work opportunities for individuals supported while maintaining quality supports and service delivery in a non-certified setting. The HARC Business Park provides an environment of learning and growth while supporting people in overcoming employment barriers. People are exposed to and provided with various types of work experiences, ultimately leading to people making informed decisions regarding where they choose to work.
“HARC has incorporated the use of the three E’s – Education, Experience, Exposure, within the work environment to empower individuals.”
Lorene Bass, Herkimer ARC
As a result of the HARC Business Park, people are determining their work preferences, improving their self-esteem, realizing they have diverse skill sets, have the opportunity to make minimum wage rates, and develop and enhance their roles as valued employees. The principles surrounding the success of the HARC Business Park have the ability to be implemented within organizations throughout the field.
Throughout the years, The Herkimer ARC has embraced a mission to empower people and to enrich lives. Thanks to dedicated board members, staff, volunteers, and the community—for over forty six years, HARC has grown from a group of loving parents looking for programs for their children to 400 staff members providing vital and meaningful services to 680 individuals with disabilities.
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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
HARC Business Park Receives 2015 CQL Award of Excellence