Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence Employee Embodies Kindness, Perseverance
WATERTOWN — An Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence team member has been named the first recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Ann Renzi Haynes Award.
Allyson Robinson, a General Brown High School graduate who is employed at the Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence through its supportive employment program, was recently honored for the integral role she plays in helping the team fulfill its Impacto contracts at its Bradley Street facility.
Allyson’s team describes her as a joy to work with every day, someone who approaches each task with a smile, a positive attitude, and a deep sense of pride in her work. Her supervisors consistently praise her strong work ethic, team spirit, and her ability to uplift those around her.
“Allyson’s journey is a testament to resilience, positivity, and personal growth. She embodies the very spirit of this award — a spirit of kindness, determination, and joy,” Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence Chief Executive Officer Lynn Pietroski said. “We are honored to recognize her achievements and celebrate the bright light she brings to those around her.”
Given by Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Ann Renzi Haynes Award was established at the Community Foundation in 2023 in Ann’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. Ann passed away in July 2023 at the age of 61.
Ann was a loving mother who cherished her family and brought joy to the world around her. She was a leader in her profession whose grace and kind demeanor earned the respect and admiration of others. Ann worked for Teachers Insurance, now TIAA, before retiring to care for her daughter who lived with a seizure condition. She lived most of her life in Rye, N.Y., where she was active in her community.
“The Community Foundation is very thankful, together with the Renzi family, to be part of this enduring tribute and remembrance to Ann,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “It was clear to everyone at the presentation that Allyson is the perfect choice to be the first recipient, and that this award is a fitting way to honor Ann’s life.”
The award is presented annually to support Jefferson County residents with developmental disabilities and special needs and their families with assistance to enhance their quality of life.
Recipients will demonstrate a spirit of positivity, kindness, determination, perseverance and need. The award embodies respect for people, their abilities, and dreams. Through their example, it is hoped that it will provide inspiration and remind others to appreciate how precious life is and to always look for opportunities to make others better people with joy and gratitude.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.