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KeyBank Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Oswego Industries, Inc. for Virtual Reality Career Exploration Program

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Fulton, NY – Oswego Industries, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to individuals with disabilities, is thrilled to announce it has received a generous $10,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation. This funding will support the organization’s innovative Virtual Reality (VR) Career Exploration program, part of its Employment Support Services, which helps individuals explore various career paths in a safe, immersive environment.

The VR Career Exploration program, powered by Transfr VR technology, allows participants to engage with job roles across multiple industries—from healthcare to manufacturing—through realistic, hands-on experiences. By simulating real-world tasks in a risk-free setting, participants can explore their interests, develop job-related skills, and build confidence in their career pursuits.

“Key is committed to the communities it serves and makes philanthropic investments in organizations and programs that advance social, racial, and environmental equity by investing in low-to-moderate income individuals and families. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through its three funding priorities – Neighbors, Education, Workforce – and through Community Service,” said Eric S. Brown, Vice President of KeyBank Foundation, in an email announcing the grant. “Your program reflects this mission, and we wish you well in your endeavor.”

“With the support of KeyBank Foundation, Oswego Industries is expanding its mission to empower individuals with disabilities by giving them the tools to explore a variety of careers in a meaningful, risk-free way,” said Su-Ann Howard, Employment Services Manager at Oswego Industries, Inc. “This cutting-edge VR technology enables us to deliver immersive career experiences that foster growth, build independence, and provide a path toward fulfilling and sustainable employment.”

The program has already made a significant impact, providing over 80 minutes of VR training to participants, many of whom rated their experiences highly as they discovered new job possibilities. This technology-driven program not only aligns with Oswego Industries’ goal to foster independence and productivity among individuals with disabilities but also supports workforce development throughout Central New York.

For more information about Oswego Industries, Inc. and its VR Career Exploration program, please visit www.oswegoindustriesinc.org or contact mkt@oswegoind.org

About Oswego Industries, Inc.
Since 1968, Oswego Industries, Inc. has been dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives of their own choosing. Through a range of vocational, educational, and recreational services, the organization helps people build skills, develop independence, and achieve their personal goals.

About KeyBank Foundation
KeyBank Foundation, a nonprofit charitable foundation funded by KeyCorp, supports organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. Our funding priorities focus on neighbors, education and workforce. Through grants and sponsorships, we make dreams a reality.

Oswego Industries Inc. and The Arc of Oswego County Announce Multiple Promotions

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Pictured L to R  Kristen Caruso, Michelle Petrie, Sara Becker, Avery Sanders

FULTON,  June 10, 2023 – Oswego Industries Inc. and The Arc of Oswego County are excited to announce the promotion of five exceptional individuals within their organizations. Avery Sanders has been promoted to the position of Plan Coordinator for Programs and Services, Michelle Petrie as the new Seniors Team Lead, Sara Becker as the Group Day Hab Team Lead, Christina Bort as the LIFE Team Lead, and Kristen Caruso as the Designate Trainer. These dedicated professionals have consistently demonstrated their commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their promotions reflect their outstanding skills and contributions.

Avery Sanders, in his new role as Plan Coordinator for Programs and Services, will oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive plans to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services. Sanders’ experience and deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities make him an excellent choice for this pivotal position. “Avery has consistently advocated for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, and his promotion reflects his dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for our supported individuals.” Said Lee Sullivan, Director of Programs and Services for the two agencies.

Michelle Petrie’s promotion to the role of Seniors Team Lead highlights her leadership skills and her passion for supporting the aging population with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the community. In her new position, Petrie  will lead a team dedicated to meeting the specific needs of seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Petrie has spent more than 15 years in eldercare with the last five  years as a DSP with the Arc of Oswego County,  “Michelle’s experience in senior care, combined with her compassion and commitment, will further enhance the support provided to seniors and their families,” said Sullivan.

Sara Becker’s promotion to Group Day Hab Team Lead is a testament to her leadership abilities and her dedication to person-centered planning. Sara will guide her team in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for participants enrolled in group day habilitation. “Sara’s deep commitment to ensuring individuals with disabilities achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives, Sara’s expertise will strengthen the program and the experiences of those involved,” said Kassandra Kearns Group Day Habilitation Program Coordinator for Oswego Industries

Christina Bort’s appointment as the LIFE Team Lead demonstrates her commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her new role, Christina will be responsible for leading a team that provides person-centered services, enabling participants to live fulfilling lives within their communities. “Christina’s passion for fostering independence and her dedication to advocacy will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of those she supports,” said Nicole Ames Oswego Industries Services Manager and Therap Administrator.

Kristen Caruso’s promotion to Designate Trainer signifies her exceptional skills and expertise in training and development. Caruso, has more than 5 years as a DSP at Oswego Industries and other area agencies, will be responsible for designing and delivering training programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of staff members within Oswego Industries Inc. Sullivan went onto say, “Kristen’s  commitment to professional growth and her ability to cultivate a supportive learning environment make her an invaluable asset to the organization.”

Oswego Industries Inc. and The Arc of Oswego County congratulate Avery Sanders, Michelle Petrie, Sara Becker, Christina Bort, and Kristen Caruso on their well-deserved promotions. Their exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to the individuals they serve reflect the organizations’ shared vision of empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity.

About Oswego Industries Inc: Oswego Industries is a private, not-for-profit agency located in Fulton, New York which has been dedicated to the provision of services to individuals with disabilities since 1968. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives of their own choosing. We accomplish this by striving to be a leader in the field of developmental disabilities, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity and independence through education, advocacy and increased community acceptance and participation. Find more information at www.oswegoindustriesinc.org.

About The Arc of Oswego County: The Arc of Oswego County is a private, not-for-profit organization which has been providing programs and services to individuals with disabilities since 1953. Services include recreational and respite activities, senior day habilitation programs, planning assistance, and more. Its mission is to be a leader in the field of developmental disabilities, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity, and independence through education, advocacy, and increased community acceptance and participation. Its sister agency, Oswego Industries, Inc., provides services to children and adults with disabilities: together, they create a comprehensive support system for Oswego County residents with disabilities. Find more information online at www.arcofoswegocounty.org.

Oswego Industries Recognized by the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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Community First

March 15, 2023– During the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center, Oswego Industries was presented with the Impact Award.

The Impact Award, announced by CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Member and Business Experience Andrew Fish,  recognizes a nonprofit that demonstrates excellence and has driven significant impact to Oswego County.

“This event, who’s theme was Community First,  celebrates the companies, small businesses, institutions, organizations and local officials that make Oswego County a unique and welcoming place to live and work,” said Sarah Broadwell, the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director. “We know small businesses are our community’s economic drivers, and together with our large employers, they create an ecosystem that moves the community forward. Now, as we prepare for a bright future with exciting new opportunities on the horizon, we must lean into what makes Oswego County an exceptional place to continue our upward growth trajectory.”

About Oswego Industries

Oswego Industries is a private, not-for-profit agency located in Fulton, New York which has been dedicated to the provision of services to individuals with disabilities since 1968. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives of their own choosing. We accomplish this by striving to be a leader in the field of developmental disabilities, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity and independence through education, advocacy and increased community acceptance and participation.

Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives of their own choosing. We accomplish this by striving to be a leader in the developmental disabilities field, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity and independence.

Picture L to R Sara Broadwell, Darcy Antonucci, Laurie Davis, Michael Egan, Richard Rima
Pictured, from left to right, GOFCC Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sara Broadwell, Oswego industries Senior Director of Administration Darcy Antonucci, Executive Director Laurie Davis, Oswego Industries Board President Michael Egan, and Oswego Industries Board Vice President Richard Rima

Only 1 Week Left to Order Flowers!

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Order hanging baskets through our partnership with Oliver Paine’s Greenhouses and brighten up your front porch just in time for summer!

Details: Orders are being accepted until May 10, and flowers will be available for pick-up at Oswego Industries on May 20 between 3pm and 5pm. Send orders to Stephanie Wallace or mail the completed order form with payment to Oswego Industries at 7 Morrill Place, Fulton, NY 13069.

Baskets are $22 each or 3 for $60.

View available flower varieties and order form.

Print our order form.