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AIM finds a new home in Elmira
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AIM Independent Living Center has purchased a building in downtown Elmira that will soon become the permanent home of its Elmira office.
For many years, AIM has rented spaces for its Elmira office, most recently in the Economic Opportunity Program building at 650 Baldwin St., where AIM has been located since 2013.
AIM recently purchased the building at 350 W. Church St., two blocks west of Langdon Plaza and Wisner Park. The building formerly housed Valicenti Advisory Services. AIM will use 4,000 square feet of the building, and 1,200 square feet will be leased.
AIM is making some upgrades to the building, including a new HVAC system and a new, accessible restroom, and plans to move in by Sept. 1. Approximately 15 AIM employees will be located in the new Elmira office.
Check out a photo gallery on AIM's Facebook page.
AIM recently finished a renovation and 1,625-square-foot expansion of its main office at 271 E. First St. in Corning. The project began in September 2015 and the majority of the work was completed in February, with parking and landscaping done this spring. The project included a new conference room, a large room for workstations, several offices, a new restroom and new ramps. There are approximately 35 employees based in the Corning office.
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Courtney Tolbert finds a calling
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From a young age, Courtney Tolbert was cautioned to take care in the activities she participated in. Diagnosed with Hyper IGE Syndrome, an immunodeficiency disease, Courtney is susceptible to infections and prone to getting pneumonia.
In May 2016, Courtney was referred to AIM Independent Living Center through ACCES-VR for direct placement services. Having grown up in Corning, she had a few ideas about where she might want to work.
"She originally wanted a job as a cashier or waitress," said Tammy Scott, an employment specialist at AIM. "We had to keep in mind her diagnosis so we didn't put her in a situation that might exacerbate her symptoms."
Courtney worked with Tammy to complete her resume, and sent it out to a few grocery stores and fast food restaurants.
Not long into the process of searching for a job, Courtney and Tammy received word that All Metro Health Care was conducting open interviews. After completing a mock interview, Courtney felt confident to attend.
From the open interviews, things moved quickly. Courtney was accepted into the training program -- a rigorous few days -- and was then hired as a personal care assistant.
It didn't take long after being hired for Courtney to find joy in her job. She values the knowledge that her position helps people remain in their own homes, rather than going to nursing homes.
When asked what she enjoys most, she said, "Knowing that the people I work with are happy and taken care of means a lot to me."
A month into her new job, Courtney keeps busy working toward the goal of attaining her driver's license. She is also currently talking with her guidance counselor about applying to Corning Community College.
Working as a personal care assistant has sparked an interest in the medical field, and Courtney hopes to one day attend medical school.
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Allies in Disguise
Allies in Disguise, a 5K run and one-mile walk, will be held Saturday, Oct. 29 at Craig Park in Painted Post. It's AIM's fall fundraiser and awareness event. Last year's Allies in Disguise drew 76 runners and 100 walkers, many in costume, and raised $8,000. Registration for this year's Allies in Disguise will open soon, so keep an eye out.
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State Legislature OK's advanced home care aide program
The state Legislature recently passed legislation that would create a new classification of home health care aides who would be able to perform more advanced tasks, including administering routine or pre-filled medications. The advanced home aides would undergo training and be overseen by a nurse. Advocates say the program would ease the strain on family members who provide home care, and would help keep the elderly and people with disabilities in their homes. AIM Independent Living Center supports the measure, which is awaiting Gov. Cuomo's final approval. The state would develop regulations, and the program would begin in 2018.
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| AIM Independent Living Center 271 E. First Street Corning, NY 14830 Phone: (607) 962-8225 Fax: (607) 937-5125 Sorenson VP: (607) 215-7836 |
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