3 from Orleans to be honored by Arc GLOW
Pictured from left include Marlene Hill, Joe Barchet and Sienna Garcia Mathewson
Press Release, Arc GLOW
BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will hold its fourth Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting on Oct. 14 at Batavia Downs, and the honorees include three from Orleans County.
Taking place 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Batavia Downs, Rebecca LeClair, a former Rochester local news anchor, will be the emcee. Arc GLOW’s entertainment will be provided by some of the talented people supported. In August, Arc GLOW invited nominations of staff members, people supported and community members for a variety of different awards.
The 2026 award winners are the following:
• Volunteer of the Year – Marlene Hill, Arc GLOW’s board of director
Honors a volunteer who exemplifies Arc GLOW’s mission through dedicated service, compassion, and a commitment to helping individuals and communities thrive. This award recognizes a person whose contributions create positive and lasting impacts on those we serve.
• Self-Direction Person of the Year – Sienna Garcia Mathewson, Orleans County
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates initiative, leadership and active community involvement.
• Outstanding Citizenship Award – Joe Barchet, Orleans County
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates kindness, respect, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their community through their actions, relationships and involvement.
• Self-Advocate of the Year – Casey Reynolds, Batavia
Recognizes an individual who uses their voice to advocate for themselves and others, promote inclusion and inspire positive change in their community.
• Supported Employment Person of the Year – Adam Wapniewski, Yancey’s Fancy, Genesee
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, the ability to learn and apply new employment skills, and sustained success in community-based employment.
• Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tyler Heiman, Leicester
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates a commitment to learning new job skills, producing quality work, maintaining attention to tasks, and preparing for success in future employment opportunities.
• Residential Person of the Year – Sabrina Lechander, Sanford IRA in Perry
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who lives in an Arc GLOW IRA and has shown growth in independence, developed important life skills, and made meaningful progress toward achieving personal goals and greater self-sufficiency.
• Day Habilitation Person of the Year – Adam Russell, Uptown Day Habilitation in Mt. Morris
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning, consistent effort in Day Habilitation activities, and a commitment to building skills and meaningful connections within their community.
• Community Services Person of the Year – Kimberly Wallace, Wyoming County
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who embrace new experiences, contribute positively to their communities, and promote inclusion through their actions and engagement.
• KidStart Employee of the Year – Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children’s Services
Honors a KidStart employee who demonstrates outstanding support for children and families, a commitment to early childhood education, and a dedication to nurturing growth, learning, and success in all areas of development.
• Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP) – Dan Crofts, direct support professional at IGNITE program in SUNY Genesee Community College
Honors a Direct Support Professional who provides outstanding support to individuals with developmental disabilities through person-centered services, skill-building opportunities, community inclusion, and a commitment to helping people achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
• Employee of the Year – Ashely Coe, residential manager at Garibaldi IRA
To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.
• Exceptional Leadership Award – Cathy Sullivan, program quality assurance coordinator
Honors an employee who exemplifies exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to Arc GLOW’s mission. This award recognizes a person who inspires others, promotes teamwork, and consistently demonstrates integrity, vision, and excellence in their work.
• Friend of the Year – Livingston County Office for the Aging
Honors a community friend and supporter who demonstrates a strong commitment to Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through advocacy, partnership, volunteerism, or philanthropic support that positively impacts those we serve.
• Business Partner of the Year – Bob Johnson Auto Group
Honors a business partner that supports Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through exemplary customer service, strong community partnership, and the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for the individuals we serve.
Reservations are open until Oct. 2. at ArcGLOW.org/Event/2026-Annual-Awards-Dinner-and-Meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.
