Tags Posts tagged with "People’s Arc Performing Arts Center"

People’s Arc Performing Arts Center

Leg. Stephanie Bontempi with Victoria Graham on April 8.. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi's office

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) recognized Victoria “Vicky” Graham as the 2025 18th Legislative District’s Champion of Diversity during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Riverhead on April 8.

Victoria Graham is the Senior Assistant Director of the People’s Arc of Suffolk Adult Day Services programs and oversees the Northport Program Without Walls (PWW) Performing Arts Center. People’s Arc of Suffolk, formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is to create person-centered communities where people of all abilities can thrive.

In October 2024, they launched the People’s Arc Performing Arts Center of Northport, which is home to the new Program Without Walls (PWW) that Victoria oversees. The center features a state-of-the-art Arc-TV broadcast studio, as well as theater, dance, and music classes, providing creative outlets for self-expression and inclusion. Victoria has been with People’s Arc for over eight years and has played a crucial role in various programs.

Victoria’s leadership skills have helped create a fun and motivating PWW program for all participants. She is committed to the quality of her programs and sets high expectations for herself and her team. Victoria’s kind and generous spirit is evident in her interactions with the individuals she supports, as well as in her support for her staff.

“Congratulations to Victoria on this well-deserved honor. I know I speak for many individuals who attend the programs, along with their families, including my own staff member Tyler’s younger sister, Lexi, who loves the program—when I say thank you for all that you do to enrich the lives of those with diverse abilities,” stated Legislator Bontempi.

 

Legislator Bontempi, center, visits with People's Arc of Suffolk employees and program participants at the Performing Arts Center in Northport. Photo from People's Arc of Suffolk.

People’s Arc of Suffolk was recently cited by Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi as the 2025 “Champions of Diversity” for the 18th Legislative District, for its new and innovative Performing Arts Center located in Northport. This accolade celebrates the center’s unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation through the arts.

During her visit to the Performing Arts Center recently, Legislator Bontempi experienced firsthand the center’s dynamic programs that integrate arts into the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Program Without Walls community inclusion opportunities.

Located at 51 Scudder Avenue in Northport, the People’s Arc Performing Arts Center offers a variety of programs, including TheatreAbility, MusicAbility, DanceAbility, and ARC TV, all designed to foster self-expression and community integration.

“The People’s Arc Performing Arts Center exemplifies how artistic expression can unite communities and celebrate diverse voices,” said Legislator Bontempi. “Their dedication to creating an equitable and integrated community is truly commendable.”

The official recognition ceremony will take place at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on April 8th at 9:30 a.m. in Riverhead.

“We’re grateful to Legislator Bontempi and her support of our programs that are truly life-changing for the people we support,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “Demonstrating the impact of what we do is essential to securing continued support and funding from the public and private sectors.”

Their innovative services promote inclusion and self-expression, enriching the cultural fabric of the community.

About People’s Arc of Suffolk

Formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and LinkedIn.