By Sristhi Bhatia

As part of our Industry Insights: Employer Spotlights from the Field series, we connected with Luke Kantor, Director of Marketing & Development at The Arc Erie County New York, to learn more about the organization’s role in shaping the future of healthcare and social assistance in Western New York. 

The Arc Erie County New York’s core mission is to support children and adults with disabilities and their families. This is achieved by creating opportunities that help them reach their desired quality of life through comprehensive and high-quality services. The organization is deeply dedicated to helping individuals discover and access lifelong educational, employment, vocational, residential, and other support programs, with the ultimate goal of fostering independence and helping them achieve their greatest potential. 

Sristhi Bhatia (SB): How does your organization differentiate itself from others in this field? 

Luke Kantor (LK): What sets The Arc Erie County apart is its person-centered approach. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, the organization focuses on customizing programs to fit the unique wants, needs, and interests of each individual. This allows for greater independence and the pursuit of personal goals. It also differentiates itself through its long-standing presence and advocacy in Western New York, which helps build and strengthen the community as a whole. 

SB: What are the primary services or programs that define your organization? 

LK: The Arc Erie County New York offers a wide range of services, including: 

• Residential Services: Providing housing opportunities like Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA) and supported apartments tailored to the needs of the residents. 

• Employment Services: Assisting individuals with career discovery, work readiness, job placement, and supported employment in the community. 

• Educational Programs: Offering preschool and school-age education for children with disabilities, with a focus on self-contained classrooms and various therapies. 

• Community Support Services: A variety of in-home and community-based services such as respite care, recreation, and community habilitation. 

• Clinical Services: Providing a range of therapies, including speech and occupational therapy. 

SB: What essential skills are most important for young or emerging leaders in this field? 

LK: For emerging leaders in this field, essential skills include: 

• Empathy and Compassion: A genuine desire to understand and connect with the individuals and families you serve. 

• Problem-Solving: The ability to develop creative and individualized solutions to complex challenges. 

• Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of the people you support and the changes in the healthcare landscape. 

• Collaboration: The capacity to work effectively with diverse teams and community partners to achieve common goals. 

• Advocacy: The confidence and passion to be a strong voice for individuals with disabilities and their rights. 

SB: What role does interdisciplinary collaboration play in your organization’s work? 

LK: Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to the work of The Arc Erie County. By working with professionals from various fields—including clinical staff, educators, residential coordinators, and employment specialists—the organization can provide a holistic and comprehensive level of care. This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of an individual’s life are considered, leading to better and more integrated support. 

SB: What emerging trends will transform healthcare in the next five years? 

LK: In the next five years, several trends are likely to transform healthcare: 

• Telehealth and Remote Care: The increasing use of technology to provide services remotely, which can improve accessibility for individuals who may have difficulty with transportation or mobility. 

• Personalized Medicine: The shift toward treatments and support plans that are highly customized to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and unique circumstances. 

• Focus on Mental Health and Wellness: Greater recognition of the importance of mental health and the integration of mental health services into all aspects of care. 

• Data-Driven Care: The use of data analytics to inform decision-making, improve outcomes, and enhance the quality of services. 

SB: What challenges is your organization currently facing, and how are you addressing them? 

LK: A key challenge for The Arc Erie County and similar organizations is the workforce shortage, particularly for direct support professionals. The agency is addressing this by emphasizing the rewarding nature of the work and actively recruiting for these vital roles. They also work to provide a gratifying work experience for all staff, which includes offering competitive benefits and creating a supportive work environment. The organization also faces the challenge of funding and has a dedicated team for development and fundraising. 

SB: In what ways does your organization contribute to public health outcomes? 

LK: The Arc Erie County New York contributes to improving public health by providing services that enable individuals with disabilities to live healthier, more independent lives. This includes offering clinical services, promoting community integration and social connection, and supporting individuals in finding meaningful employment, all of which are recognized as key determinants of health. By reducing barriers to care and promoting inclusion, the organization helps to build a healthier and more equitable community. 

SB: How does your work directly impact the local community? 

LK: The work of The Arc Erie County has a direct and tangible impact on the local community. It provides essential services that allow families to stay together and thrive. The organization also serves as a major employer and a community partner, collaborating with local businesses to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This not only benefits the individuals but also enriches the entire community by fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. 

SB: What qualities or experiences do you look for when hiring? 

LK: When hiring for healthcare-related roles, The Arc Erie County looks for individuals who possess a strong sense of compassion, patience, and a positive attitude. Candidates should be reliable, adaptable, and team players. Having a deep commitment to the mission of the organization is also highly valued. Experience working with individuals with disabilities is a plus, but the most important qualities are a genuine desire to help others and a willingness to learn. 

SB: Which internships, certifications, or volunteer experiences do you value most? 

LK: In potential hires, the organization values internships, certifications, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate a hands-on commitment to working with people. Specifically, experiences in direct support, special education, or therapeutic settings are highly regarded. Certifications like CPR/First Aid or specific disability-related training are also beneficial, as they show a proactive approach to professional development. 

SB: How can students make their applications stand out? 

LK: To make your application stand out in this competitive field, students should: 

• Highlight Relevant Experiences: Clearly articulate how past experiences, even if they are not directly in a formal healthcare setting, have prepared them for a role at The Arc Erie County. 

• Showcase Passion: In your cover letter and interviews, express a genuine passion for the organization’s mission and a desire to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. 

• Connect to the Mission: Research the organization’s specific services and programs and explain how your skills and goals align with their work. 

• Be a Team Player: Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. 

SB: On a lighter note, what keeps your team motivated? 

LK: What keeps our team motivated is seeing the daily victories and personal growth of the people we support. From a young child in our preschool program who through additional support with OT/PT/Speech is able to go back to their home district’s special education program, to a young adult receiving career training and then obtaining meaningful employment, to seniors thriving as a community and family style unit in one of our residential sites… these moments are what fuel our passion. The strong sense of community and the knowledge that we are making real, tangible differences in people’s lives is a powerful source of inspiration. 

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The Arc Erie County, New York, continues to be a cornerstone in building inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and its team remains deeply committed to creating meaningful change in both individual lives and the broader community. For students, this is a reminder that your future career can be more than a job; it can be a chance to contribute to a lasting impact on people’s lives. 

Want to connect with The Arc Erie County New York? Stop by the Rehabilitation Sciences Career Fair, tomorrow, October 17th, 2025 from 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m.