Hobart and William Smith Colleges

11 November 2013 Mahoney 14 Interns with Ontario ARC

As Mimi Mahoney 14 was gearing up for her senior year, she was also dedicating her time to serving others through an internship with Ontario County ARC, a private, non-profit organization serving more than 900 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Ontario County.

The internship was the best learning experience for me, says Mahoney, a writing and rhetoric major with a minor in education. I was able to see just how amazing Ontario ARCs agency is and I have learned so much from all of the extremely impressive individuals that I was able to work with.

The opportunity arose out of Mahoneys close work with the ARC throughout the 2012-2013 school year. While volunteering at one of ARCs senior programs last fall, Mahoney was introduced to Ann Scheetz, ARCs executive director, and Donna Auria, the director of community relations at ARC.

Mahoney kept in touch and sought their help in the creation of the organization, Connecting Smiles a program that connects college students and individuals with developmental and intellectual challenges using art, music, and dance.

Earlier this year, Mahoney also brought Connecting Smiles to the Centennial Center for Leaderships second annual The Pitch entrepreneurial competition where she was one of four finalists. In addition, she organized the Connecting Smiles festival, an event that brought together more than 80 HWS student-athletes and 100 children with disabilities with developmental and intellectual challenges for a day of fun and games.

I am so grateful to have met and connected with so many influential people within this past year, Mahoney says. I would not have been able to put together the first Connecting Smiles festival last December if it wasnt for Donna and Anns consistent support and guidance.

Mahoney says she feels fortunate to have been introduced to slew of amazing opportunities through her time at HWS. A simple class requirement for community service led me to Ontario ARC, which led me to developing Connecting Smiles, which led me to the entire Pitch process, she says.

Pursuing her passion to teach and simply to make a difference in someones life, Mahoney jumped at the opportunity to intern with the ARCs communication and wellness departments. She played an integral role in several of the organizations major fundraising events, including The Cubby Chase, and Cruisin for a Cause. She also ran an exercise group twice a week.

This year, Mahoney plans to continue developing Connecting Smiles with the help of HWS and the Ontario County ARC.

I think connecting college students and individuals with disabilities can leave a positive impact on so many peoples lives, Mahoney says. It definitely has made an impact on mine!

At HWS, Mahoney is a member of the William Smith swimmingand diving team and the student-runArts Collective.

For informationabout Connecting Smiles, visit: www.connectingsmiles.net