New initiative connects individuals with disabilities to real work experience across County departments while strengthening an inclusive talent pipeline
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that The Arc Westchester Foundation has been awarded a three-year grant totaling $816,627 from The Taft Foundation to launch the Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) Program for Westchester County Government. The grant will support The Arc Westchester Foundation, Westchester County Government, and AHRC New York City in expanding inclusive internship opportunities for individuals with disabilities, helping to build pathways to meaningful employment and long-term career success.
Jenkins said: “This investment represents a powerful step forward in our commitment to creating a more inclusive workforce in Westchester County. Everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents and build a career. Through this partnership, we are opening doors and ensuring that individuals of all abilities have access to real, meaningful opportunities.”
The three-year grant period will run through February 28, 2029. Funding will be distributed in three installments, supporting program development, county department partnerships, and direct services to participants. The Partnership for Inclusive Internships program will focus on connecting individuals with disabilities to structured internship experiences across a range of departments. The initiative will also provide support to participating departments, helping them build inclusive workplaces and strengthen their talent pipelines.
The program builds on Westchester County’s ongoing efforts to promote workforce development, equity, and economic opportunity for all residents. The County will continue to work closely with The Arc Westchester Foundation and its partners to implement the program and ensure its success over the coming years.
Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities Director Carin Horowitz said: “Our department looks forward to this incredible opportunity to partner with these highly regarded community service providers in collaboration with our County departments. This initiative empowers individuals with disabilities to build transferable workplace skills, while also enriching our workforce by highlighting the dedication and talent that people with diverse abilities contribute every day.”
The Arc Westchester CEO Tibi Guzmán said: “At The Arc Westchester, we believe that meaningful employment opportunities can transform lives and strengthen communities. We are proud to lead the launch of the Partnership for Inclusive Internships in Westchester County with the benefit of experience from AHRC New York City and the forward-thinking vision of Westchester County government. By working together, we are creating new ways for people with disabilities to contribute their skills and talents in public service while helping to foster a more inclusive and diverse employment landscape.”
The Arc Westchester Foundation Executive Director Barry Clark said: “We are grateful to The Taft Foundation for recognizing the potential of this program and providing the support to launch it here in Westchester. This is what strong collaboration looks like, when philanthropy, government, and experienced providers come together to create real opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute and be seen for what they can do. We at The Arc Westchester are excited to help build something that can grow and endure.”
AHRC NYC CEO Marco Damiani said: “The Partnership for Inclusive Internships demonstrates what becomes possible when government, employers, and community organizations work together to open doors to talent that has too often been overlooked. We are deeply grateful to The Taft Foundation for making it possible to expand this internationally recognized model to Westchester County. With Arc Westchester serving as the lead agency, AHRC New York City is proud to provide subject-matter expertise drawn from years of experience implementing the program across New York City and State government. Together, we are helping ensure that people with disabilities have meaningful pathways into public service and that government benefits from a broader, more inclusive workforce.”
The Taft Foundation Executive Director Nina Bershadker said: “Philanthropy plays a critical role in launching innovative models that can grow and be sustained over time. Having seeded the successful program in New York City, we are excited to bring the Partnership for Inclusive Internships to Westchester County. Through this collaboration, more individuals with developmental disabilities will have access to work-based learning experiences that are essential to securing competitive employment. We commend Westchester County for its leadership in building a more inclusive workforce and expanding meaningful civil service opportunities, and we are proud to partner with two exemplary providers, The Arc Westchester and AHRC New York City, to implement this proven model.”