History

In 1953 in Fulton County, NY, a small group of parents with children with developmental disabilities came together with a common goal. They wanted to ensure their children would be able to remain in their homes and receive the same educational services that were provided to all children. Using donated space and funds that the parents raised, they established a small school that initially served five children.

The founding parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Madnick, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hermon, Mr. and Mrs. James Abbott, and Mr. and Mrs. John Hladik, joined with others in 1953 to form the Fulton County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc., now known as Lexington. What began as a support group for children and families has grown over six decades to become one of the most comprehensive, mission-driven, and well-managed agencies of its kind.

History was indeed being made in Fulton County in 1953 and these parents were true pioneers. At the time, they were considered by many to be radicals, going against the prevailing wisdom that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be placed in institutions, segregated from the rest of society. So they defied conventional wisdom and joined with other parents around the state to become members of NYSARC, Inc. They shared ideas, networked, and advocated for their children.

As Lexington grew, so did the need for additional resources. Spearheaded by George Madnick in 1984, the Lexington Foundation was created to ensure that Lexington’s commitment to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families would be sustained through long-term financial support. Funds raised by the Foundation are used to support Lexington's programs and services, purchase specialized equipment and sponsor educational and recreational programs.

In 2015, the Foundation board, in collaboration with The Arc Lexington leadership, developed two new programs, that would be run by the Foundation in partnership with Lexington support, that would greatly expand the services and opportunities offered to the men and women Lexington supports. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts was created to offer access to the arts, music, painting, theater, dance and culinary arts. We wanted an accessible and inviting facility that offered classes, instruction and viewing opportunities without barriers and was inclusive of everyone regardless of ability or disability. Today the Lexington Foundation operates in collaboration with The Arc Lexington, to ensure the Paul Nigra Centr is available to everyone in our community. (See www.pncreativearts.org).

Transitions (www.transitionsusa.org) also opened in 2015 and is a premier college and career program uniquely designed for young adults with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, nonverbal learning disabilities and other learning differences. Crafted from evidence-based programs, our curriculum is grounded in internationally recognized approaches that will set students on the path toward college and career success. Our curriculum and learning environments are specially tailored to give all students equal opportunities to learn and thrive, helping young adults as they transition to college, careers and independent living.

These two programs expand the offerings of The Arc Lexington and allow us to provide supports and services to a larger population of underserved individuals in our community and beyond.

The Foundation’s ability to fund these services is dependent on private donations.

The Lexington Foundation 501(c)(3)is registered with the NYS Department of Law, Bureau of Licensed Charities. Contributions to The Lexington Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowable under the law. The Lexington Foundation is audited by Bonadio & Co., LLP – Certified Public Accountants.