Nonprofit Professional Spotlight: Beckie Amidon-Austin

Beckie Amidon-Austin has been the program coordinator at the Arc of Steuben for the past five years.  She is a Hornell native and has been working to oversee the Contract services in the Community Supports Department, including Family Reimbursement, Family Member Training, and Autism Recreation and Our Lending Library.  In addition, she assists her co-worker in overseeing the Day Habilitation Program and StArcky University - a new program model offering people they support with a college like experience as they work towards the successful outcome of their goals.  Beckie also works with Donna Boyce, her director, to develop and monitor the budget for the department.  She also assists in the Direct Support Professional.  She is also very proud of her work with the service delivery committee in creating a person centered services culture at the Arc of Steuben and using the skills she learned in the 6 Sigma Course to become a green belt, which was held at the Institute for Human Services.

Beckie chose this profession because her mother was the Associate Director at Allegany Arc, a sister agency in Allegany county.  Beckie says that her mother’s “tireless advocacy for people with developmental disabilities was an inspiration”.  She has her degree in Education, which she says helps fit in nicely with her work with the StArcky University Program.

Beckie says that the biggest issue facing the Arc of Steuben is staffing.  She says that they are continuing to recruit and retain quality direct support professionals to provide vital frontline services. 

When Beckie is not at work, she enjoys being a photographer.  She says that she is thrilled to introduce some of the people her agency supports to this art and is even offering a regular class at StArky University.