2 from Orleans County among Arc GLOW award winners
Provided photos: Heidi Wyant of Albion was named Arc GLOW’s “Employee of the Year” and Nathan Johnidas of Albion was named the “Self-Advocate of the Year.”
Information courtesy of Arc GLOW
BATAVIA — The Arc GLOW, a four-county organization serving people with disabilities, held its second annual awards banquet and annual meeting on Wednesday. Two of the award winners are from Orleans County.
Heidi Wyant, the Arc GLOW transportation director, was named “Employee of the Year.”
Wyant has been with the agency for almost three years, coming to Arc GLOW from Community Action of Orleans Transportation. So, although she has only been with the agency since 2021, her impact has been felt by the people we serve for over 30 years since CATS had a long-standing partnership with Arc of Orleans and later Arc of Genesee Orleans, Arc GLOW officials said.
“The impact that Heidi has on the agency is far more in depth than most people realize,” said John Prospero, vice president of transportation.
Wyant supervises over 30 employees, is responsible for the transportation of over 200 adults and children, all with some type of special need, on more than 25 bus routes.
“In addition, Heidi is responsible for managing our northern vehicle fleet of about 100 vehicles—which entails everything from fleet maintenance to fuel and oh by the way now is done in a NYSDOT certified facility,” Prospero said. “And here is one other tidbit that I am guessing most of you do not realize—Heidi’s operation transports people throughout seven counites. In the three years that Heidi and I have worked together, she has brought in new business, recruited drivers and literally doubled the number of bus routes and the people we serve.”
Nate Johnidas of Albion was named “Self-Advocate of the Year.” Johnidas was voted president of the Self-Advocacy All-Stars. As president, he led the group in preparing for the annual talent show and reached out to community members to invite them to speak at the 3rd Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day.
“This year was a big one for him,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of self-direction and community services. “Nate set many goals for himself this past year regarding his desire to be more independent. In an effort to facilitate this, Nate took the appropriate measures to become his own guardian and representative payee. His self-advocacy efforts paid off and he was successful in reaching these goals and now resides his own apartment in the community. Nate continues to work with staff and natural supports to maintain his independence in his new apartment.”
Other award recipients include:
- Community Services and Self-Direction Person of the Year – Brittany Murphy
- KidStart Employee of the Year – Margaret Putman
- Supported Employment Person of the Year – Elizabeth Padilla
- Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tammy Reimels
- Day Habilitation Person of the Year – James Gibbs
- Residential Person of the Year – Monica Mineo
- Direct Support Professional Person of the Year – Heather Taft
- Friend of Arc GLOW – Hoffman Hanafin & Associates
- Business Partner of the Year – Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop
- Volunteers of the Year – Kevin and Dawn Fisher
Over 300 staff, individuals, family members and community members came to the Batavia Downs to honor the 12 award recipients. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and representatives from Senator George Borello and Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office were also in attendance.
“October first marked our official three-year anniversary as Arc GLOW; we have accomplished so much as one agency,” said Martin Miskell, CEO.
Additionally this year, Arc GLOW launched Genesee IGNITE in partnership with Genesee Community College. This, and the LIVES program through SUNY Geneseo which celebrated 15 years in April, are Arc GLOW’s inclusive higher education and college experience programs.
Two other agency milestones which were celebrated this year were Hilltop in August which celebrated 50 years and Finders Keepers Thrift Shop which celebrated 15 years in June.
Over 137 Arc GLOW staff also celebrated longevity milestones ranging from five to 40 years of service in 2024.
“We completed our first phase of the strategic plan to examine where we are, where we want to go, and how we are going to get there. Our first major initiative resulted in a Brand Marketing Plan, and we will be working with Causewaves to guide us through,” Miskell said.
In the coming year, Miskell said Arc GLOW aims to:
- Look to expand the variety of our programming to meet every interest and ability.
- Roll out the Brand Marketing Plan to include a new mission and vision statement.
- Advocate for more funding and grants.
- Continue to make renovations to Arc GLOW homes and sites to accommodate the needs of the individuals it serves.
- Increase staff retention and recruitment to be the employer of choice.
- Increase community awareness in Arc GLOW.
Three Arc GLOW Board of Directors were recognized for their service: John Haugh, Susan Maha and Michelle Mahler.
Additionally, Arc GLOW recognized the Tuohey family of Medina and their commitment to Arc GLOW. Mary Lou Tuohey announced she will be retiring from her family business Case-Nic Cookies at the end of 2024.
“The Tuohey family is the true definition of a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision,” said Englert. “The Tuohey family always can be found volunteering at Arc events or organizing fundraisers to benefit Arc GLOWs programs and other communities. Mary Lou constantly provides cookies for our fundraisers and events, and her daughter, Nicole, heads her own fundraisers. Her Have a Heart Campaign raised over $2,300 this year that benefited many programs within the agency.”
