WATERTOWN, N.Y. — An Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence employee has been named the first recipient of the Northern New York (NNY) Community Foundation Ann Renzi Haynes Award. Allyson Robinson, a General Brown High School graduate who works at the Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence through its supportive employment program, was recently honored for the integral role she plays […]
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — An Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence employee has been named the first recipient of the Northern New York (NNY) Community Foundation Ann Renzi Haynes Award.
Allyson Robinson, a General Brown High School graduate who works 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, the NNY Community Foundation said in an announcement.
Robinson’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 strong sense of pride in her work. Her supervisors consistently praise her strong work ethic, team spirit, and 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 CEO Lynn Pietroski said in the announcement. “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 NNY Community Foundation in 2023 in Ann’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. Ann Renzi Haynes died 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 Ann Renzi Haynes Award will be 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, the NNY Community Foundation said.
