Nov 04, 2021
1 Executive Drive
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Arc/Morris Honors Former Executive Director Testa with Dedication of Garden
MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. – The Arc/Morris honored former Executive Director William R. Testa by naming the traffic circle and garden in front of the organization’s headquarters in his name.
Testa, of Kearny, N.J., retired at the beginning of the year after 38 years with Arc/Morris helping people with developmental disabilities and their families lead more fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities.
“People like Bill come to an organization like Arc/Morris with a genuine and heartfelt desire to help, to make a difference,” Salvador Moran, Testa’s successor as CEO and Executive Director of The Arc/Morris, told the audience at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 4 in front of the building in Morris Plains, N.J. “I could not forget the concern he showed as he was talking about fighting to save people’s lives during the Pandemic. I was so impressed with the work he has done for so many years.”
More than a half-dozen speakers talked about Testa’s dedication to county residents with disabilities and how he helped make their lives more rewarding.
“Bill’s vision and Bill’s leadership has brought us a long way,” State Sen. Anthony Bucco told the gathering of about 50 people. As an example of Testa’s accomplishments, Bucco cited the creation of a state legislative caucus dedicated to the concerns of those with developmental issues and their families.
Speaking directly to Testa in the audience, Bucco said, “Bill, the Arc is what it is today because of your leadership.”
Testa, for his part, gave thanks to the many people in the organization and on the board who helped him over the years. He said that he hoped when workers drove by the circle that they didn’t think of him as much as what they themselves have contributed to the cause.
“It was 'we' that accomplished as much as we accomplished,” he said. He also thanked the mentors he had over the years and his wife for their inspiration. “I am overwhelmed with this.”
The Arc/Morris is the largest provider of services for people affected by intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in Morris County. Incorporated in 1953, the non-profit agency serves people with intellectual disabilities and their families through residential and day programs for adults; therapeutic recreation for all ages; and support and respite for families.
A replay of the ceremony can be found here: https://bit.ly/3wzEtD4