Access: Supports for Living Inc. adds new members to Governing, Foundation Boards

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – June 2, 2021 – Access: Supports for Living Inc. President and CEO Ron Colavito today announced new members to non-profit’s Governing and Foundation Boards of Directors.  The new members expand the expertise and geographic representation of the boards of one of the Hudson Valley’s largest and most diverse human services agencies.  They are: Melissa Arenas-Dewitt to the Governing Board and Justin Riccio, Laura Conte, and Michele Babcock to the Access: Supports for Living Foundation Board Inc.

“Each year, Access supports more than 11,000 people over nine counties in the Hudson Valley, and our services continue to grow to meet the changing needs of the communities within which we work,” said Ron Colavito, President and CEO of Access: Supports for Living. “Board members volunteer their time and expertise to support the organization to continue to be the vital resource for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those needing mental health and substance use treatment, and children and families with a range of needs, including housing and employment.”

Access: Supports for Living Inc. Chairperson Thomas Buchanan said, “We are fortunate to have a talented, dedicated Board of Directors, many of whom have served for decades.  Melissa brings a wealth of first-hand experience and knowledge about Access and, more importantly, the individuals and families Access supports.  Her insight and perspective will undoubtedly support Access’s continued growth and development.” 

Access: Supports for Living Foundation Inc. Chairperson Nick Preddice said, “It’s gratifying when community members dedicate their time and talents to advance Access’s mission of helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.  Justin, Laura, and Michele are fantastic additions to the Foundation Board, and their participation speaks to their commitment to Access and the thousands of adults and children impacted by its services.”

Melissa Arenas-Dewitt spent her career at Access: Supports for Living Inc. supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, culminating in her role as Director of Rehabilitation Services.  Ms. Arenas-Dewitt distinguished herself throughout her career as a staunch advocate for people with special needs to live healthy, full, and independent lives in the community of their choice. She joins the Access: Supports for Living Inc. Board of Directors after serving as a member of the Board’s Program and Human Resources Committee since 2018. 

Justin Riccio has over 20 years of Commercial Risk Management and Insurance experience.  As Senior Vice President for Alliant Insurance Services, Justin provides targeted insurance and risk management solutions to a broad range of clients, including the following industries:  nonprofit organizations, healthcare, municipalities, real estate, and manufacturing.  He joins the Access: Supports for Living Foundation Inc. Board of Directors after many years of support for the organization.

Laura Conte is Commercial Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  She supports Middle Market Companies and Real Estate Investors who are headquartered in the Hudson Valley.  Laura graduated from Marymount College of Fordham University with a BA in International Business.  She is a Board Member of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, a member of The Westchester County Association where she participates in their Women in Real Estate subcommittee and Real Estate and Housing Task Force.  Laura is a member of the Westchester Fairfield Chapter of the Urban Land Institute where she participates in the Women’s Leadership Committee.

Michele Babcock is Managing Partner at Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP.  She primarily practices Municipal, Land Use and Environmental Law and has represented local governments and private applicants in zoning, land use, and environmental permitting and in litigation.  Michele was admitted to the New York State Bar in March 2004, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties.  An active member of the community, Michele has participated in the Pattern for Progress Fellows Program (Class of 2011), Leadership Orange (Class of 2011), and Leadership Sullivan (Class of 2018) where she served as Vice President.  She also previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.  Michele is currently serving as the Vice President to the Women’s Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties and delegate to the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York. She also serves as a Board Member of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and as a member of the Business Advisory Council to the Mount Saint Mary College School of Business.

About Access: Supports for Living

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access is a $100 million non-profit organization mission-driven to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities and supports Access for All. For more information, visit the website: www.accesssupports.org or call 1-888-750-2266.