Member News

ROCHESTER, NY - The Arc of Monroe is proud to announce it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Golisano Foundation to support the reconstruction of its Homewood residence, a transformational project within its Aging With Grace, Aging In Place initiative designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities age safely and comfortably in their community.

The grant will help fund the complete rebuild of an existing residence in Irondequoit into a fully accessible, single-story home designed to meet the evolving needs of eight adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new home will feature private bedrooms, universal design elements, modern safety enhancements, and smart technology that promotes both independence and dignity.

The existing Homewood residence had been expanded over time and was no longer equipped to meet the long-term accessibility needs of the people who call it home. Through this project, The Arc of Monroe is ensuring that people can continue aging in place — surrounded by familiar staff, trusted relationships, and community connections — without being displaced due to accessibility barriers.

Demolition and abatement of the original structure have already been completed, and construction is well underway, with interior work currently progressing. The new home is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

“This project is about dignity,” said Tracy Crosby, Executive Director of The Arc Foundation of Monroe. “We are deeply grateful to the Golisano Foundation for investing in a future where people can age safely in homes designed for their changing needs. Access to privacy, accessibility, and the ability to remain in your community should be the standard.”

“This home reflects the future of residential services,” said Tracy Petrichick, President & CEO of The Arc of Monroe. “As people age, their needs evolve—and our responsibility is to evolve with them. Private bedrooms, accessible design, and environments built around dignity and independence help ensure people can continue living lives of meaning in the communities they call home.”

The Homewood project is part of The Arc of Monroe’s broader Aging With Grace, Aging In Place initiative, which focuses on modernizing residential settings across Monroe County to ensure accessibility, privacy, and long-term sustainability. A major priority of this initiative is transitioning older homes to models that prioritize single-story living and private bedrooms, ensuring people have greater comfort, independence, and dignity as they age. The Arc of Monroe currently operates 29 residential homes and is working toward a future where every home is fully accessible.

“We are pleased to support The Arc of Monroe’s efforts to create a residential environment that allows people to age safely while remaining connected to their community,” said Erica Dayton. “This project aligns closely with our mission to improve opportunities and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.”

For 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has supported approximately 1,500 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually across Monroe County through residential services, employment supports, clinical services, recreation, advocacy, family supports, and more. With 43 locations and more than 800 employees, The Arc of Monroe remains one of the region’s leading providers of services for people with disabilities.

The total Homewood project cost is approximately $1.2 million, with additional support provided through individual donors, foundation partners, and community supporters who continue to help bring the vision to life.

To learn more about The Arc Foundation of Monroe and the Homewood project, visit arcmonroe.org.

About The Arc of Monroe

For 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live lives of meaning through residential, clinical, employment, recreation, advocacy, and family support services across Monroe County. The organization supports approximately 1,500 people annually across 43 locations and employs more than 800 people throughout the region.

About The Arc Foundation of Monroe

The Arc Foundation of Monroe advances the mission of The Arc of Monroe through philanthropy, advocacy, and community engagement. As the organization’s dedicated fundraising partner, the Foundation secures resources that strengthen programs, expand opportunities, and invest in critical initiatives like Aging With Grace, Aging In Place—helping ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to the support, services, and environments they need to thrive.

About the Golisano Foundation

The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes.

Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex—the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $100 million in gross assets, the Foundation awards approximately $5 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.