Arc of Onondaga

We are pleased to announce that Sonja Gottbrecht has been appointed Arc of Onondaga's incoming Chief Executive Officer! Over the past three years as Chief Operating Officer, Sonja has helped lead major areas of Arc's operations, supported collaboration across teams, overseen service delivery and clinical integration, guided strategic planning, and worked to ensure the organization stays fiscally strong and responsive to community needs. Sonja will assume her new position in September following the retirement of Arc of Onondaga's longtime CEO, Ellen Gutmaker, who will be retiring after a 45-year career in the human services field.

Congratulations, Sonja!

Happy Juneteenth!

In case you haven't hear, Arc of Onondaga is celebrating 75 years!

In honor of this milestone, Arc of Onondaga Foundation is kicking off its 75 for 75 campaign! Donors who give $75 or more will receive this commemorative tote bag as a token of our appreciation, just in time for summer!

Visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/Dtmdkg?vid=1r0cv3 to help us celebrate!

Thank you to Mackenzie Hughes, LLP for being one of our 2026 Arc Race Corporate Team Sponsors!

If your company would like to get involved, contact Joanna Jewett at [email protected] or visit https://www.arcon.org/event/arc-race/ for more information.

Congratulations to our CEO, Ellen Gutmaker, on her upcoming retirement!

Longtime leader of Arc of Onondaga to retire this summer Ellen Gutmaker has been at the helm of Arc of Onondaga for more than a decade.

When they heard about the free fishing at Onondaga Lake Visitors Center for Get Outdoors and Get Together Day, Tim, Jamikia, and Charlie changed their Saturday plans and took full advantage of a beautiful day by the lake!

Thank you to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for providing accessible opportunities like this for people all over the state!

We are proud to partner with Onondaga Community College, New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals - NADSP, and SUNY to provide opportunities for Direct Support Professionals to become nationally certified.

Today we hosted representatives from OCC, who shared an overview of the micro-credential program, and the benefits our employees will enjoy with certification, including college credits, financial incentives, and on-site academic support.

Ismari and Barbara worked together to plant flowers in the hanging baskets for Hampton Day Hab as part of their beautification project! Great teamwork, ladies!

Thanks again to Vollmer Farms for helping the Arc of Onondaga Green Team continue its mission to bring beauty to all of our sites!

The weather was perfect on Saturday for the ladies from Kaymar to get out and enjoy the Get Outdoors and Get Together Day festivities at the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center! Thank you to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for providing accessible events for all!

Thanks to the good folks at Vollmer Farms, Hampton Day Hab has new flowers for their hanging pots to beautify their entryway! We think it's safe to say Francis, Heather, and Mario approve!