Description
A group of parents founded Saratoga Bridges (formerly Saratoga County ARC) as a chapter of the New York State Association for Retarded Citizens (NYSARC, Inc.) in 1954 to create a rightful place in society for their children with developmental and other disabilities. From the beginning, the concentration was to develop educational opportunities, increase physical, verbal, communication, daily living skills and promote better personal and social opportunities.
Since our beginnings, family members, staff and volunteers have been committed to ensure and promote that the people we serve are able to realize their goals, hopes and dreams. As an agency we are proud of our ability to meet their needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The people who access our programs have cognitive skills, of less than 70, constitute every race and ethnicity and 1/3 use adaptive equipment to enhance mobility. Our person-centered philosophy is addressed in our mission statement.
We focus on the person, helping them live full active lives and allowing them to achieve their personal aspirations. This life-planning process focuses on the gifts and talents of each individual and has a goal of encouraging staff to discover new ways to strategize future visions. Every person receives an individualized program designed to help them conquer the challenges of everyday living and realize their dreams - to work, to learn, to volunteer, to socialize and have fun, to live independently and to participate in the community. Our aim is to promote and enhance each person’s life by providing leadership, working with others in addressing their needs and aspirations, while simultaneously encouraging understanding, acceptance, and assimilation. We believe the care we give increases immeasurably to the quality of life for every citizen and that every day is full of possibilities!
Today, Saratoga Bridges is a major presence in Saratoga County due primarily to the successful full range of professional services we offer to over 832 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families including:
Advocacy & Outreach
Clinical - Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies, Nursing, Nutrition, Psychology and Program Coordination and Social Work
Community Opportunities are blended Pre-vocational, Day Hab and Supported Employment Programs
Day Habilitation (Hab) - 450 people receive daily services at 13 Program sites
Employment - 115 people are employed in the community through Alpha Career Options, our Supported Work Program. 68 individuals work at Alpha Industries doing hand assembly, the Corinth Pallet and Production Facility and Fire-Bag Woodshop
Family Support - 259 family members access Adult Social Club, Clinical Consultation, Community Habilitation, Community Referral, Dinner & Discussion group, Educational Advocate, Family Education and Trainings, Family Reimbursement, Guardianship, 'McDonald Family Resource and Discovery Center’, Respite, Sibshops, Social & Recreation Program, Specialized Autism or Support Services for Individuals and their Families (SASSI)
Legislative Advocacy
Recreation and Social opportunities
Residential - 114 people live in 19 homes, 7 people live in Family Care and 6 women and 1 man live in 4 Supportive Apartments
Service Coordination - 303 persons are assisted
Transportation - 500 individuals are transported daily to and from employment or programs
As an agency we pride ourselves on --
Being the 3 rd largest human service organization and 1 of the top 15 largest employers in the county
Making an impact on the community as our consumers provide hundreds of hours every day volunteering at numerous sites that showcase their many abilities
Having family members and local business leaders on our Board of Directors and the Foundation Board being affiliated with state associations, area business & professional organizations and Chambers of Commerce
