The Arc Otsego Recognizes Bassett Healthcare Network with Supported Employer of the Year Award

Bassett Healthcare Network has been recognized by The Arc Otsego as its 2025 Supported Employer of the Year. According to The Arc Otsego, this annual award honors employers who go above and beyond in supporting employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Five individuals who receive support from The Arc Otsego are currently employed on Bassett Healthcare Network's Environmental Services (EVS) team. EVS professionals are responsible for keeping hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, operating rooms, and all other patient care areas clean and safe by adhering to infection control procedures.

"Individuals supported by The Arc Otsego are valued members of our EVS team. They are hard workers who not only collaborate wonderfully with their colleagues, but bring new perspectives and positive attitudes to their workplaces," said Mara Clark, System Director for Environmental Services and Linen at Bassett Healthcare Network.

"We appreciate The Arc Otsego recognizing Bassett Healthcare Network with this award. We strive to be a welcoming and uplifting work environment for each of the team members who join our network. All our employees contribute in their own way to the high-quality care we provide to patients," said Cailin Purcell, MA, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE, Vice President of Operations at Bassett Medical Center.

The award was presented at The Arc Otsego's annual awards night, which was held on Wednesday, June 10, at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, NY.

The Arc Otsego's mission is to provide support, services, and advocacy to assist individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives. The Arc Otsego's Employment Services can include vocational support, job readiness training, and assistance developing a résumé or completing applications. Once an individual is hired, The Arc Otsego's employment specialists can also provide additional support, on or off the work site, as the individual gains experience and develops skills.

"As an employment first state, we pride ourselves on the notion that all individuals supported by The Arc Otsego are provided the opportunity to explore competitive and integrative employment, regardless of their disability. It is because of business partners like Bassett Healthcare Network that we are able to break down stigmas surrounding the I/DD community, improving inclusivity and success for the individuals employed, the businesses supporting them, and society as a whole. Our business partnerships allow individuals supported by The Arc Otsego to achieve their goals, learn new skills, and contribute meaningfully to their community," said Sarah Paulino, Assistant Director of Employment Services for The Arc Otsego. "When we work together, everybody wins!"

"Partners like Bassett are what make our work at The Arc Otsego even more impactful. Being able to work together with a focus of inclusion and employment in our community is key to people with disabilities reaching their goals, and we look forward to this continued partnership," said Faith Tiemann, Chief Marketing Officer for The Arc Otsego.

Bassett Healthcare Network is proud to be an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more about career opportunities, visit bassett.org/careers.

Bassett Healthcare Network is presented with a plaque honoring the organization as The Arc Otsego's 2025 Supported Employer of the Year. From left to right, Cailin Purcell, Vice President of Operations at Bassett Medical Center; Sarah Hanlon, CEO at The Arc Otsego; and Mara Clark, System Director for Environmental Services at Bassett Healthcare Network.