Connection
December 2016  

CDS, AIM partner on Elmira senior-housing proposal
A CDS Housing building in the Rochester area. A similar project is proposed on Maple Avenue in Elmira, with apartments for seniors and people with developmental disabilities.

Developer CDS Housing is proposing to build an affordable senior-housing complex on Maple Avenue in Elmira that will also include apartments for people with developmental disabilities.

The plans have received all necessary regulatory approval, but the project hinges on funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. CDS Housing, based in the Rochester area, expects to find out if it will get the funding in spring 2017. If the project is funded, construction would take about a year.
 
AIM would staff an office at the apartment complex to coordinate supportive services for residents to help them live independently. There would also be an on-site property manager.
 
There would be 40 units for seniors age 55 and over. Monthly rent would be based on income, and the rent would include heat, water and trash pickup. Amenities would include off-street parking, green space, a community room with a kitchen, a computer center and a fitness room.
 
Priority for the 40 senior apartments would be given to veterans. Ten apartments would be set aside for people with developmental disabilities.
 
The two-story, L-shaped building would be located at 910 Maple Avenue on the city's Southside, at a former Elmira school district athletic field known as McNaught Field.
 
CDS Housing has already built similar senior-housing units in the Rochester area.  
AIM adding NY Connects staff
AIM will soon offer NY Connects services to help area residents access long-term care supports and services, and help them live independently in their homes and communities.
 
Established by the New York State Office for the Aging, NY Connects is a "locally based 'No Wrong Door' system that provides one-stop access to free, objective, comprehensive information and assistance for people of all ages needing long term services and supports," according to the NYSOFA website.

AIM and several other independent living centers recently received a grant to help expand and enhance NY Connects services in western New York.  
 
AIM is currently seeking two Independent Living Specialists, who will work with NY Connects programs in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler and Livingston counties to build capacity and awareness.
 
Candidates interested in the position can apply online.

AIM offices to close for holiday weekends
AIM's offices will close at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, for a staff holiday party. Offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23; Monday, Dec. 26; Friday, Dec. 30; and Monday, Jan. 2 for long holiday weekends. Happy holidays!

Consumer Story: Meet Christopher Carlson
 
Q: How were you introduced to AIM?
 
A: I had been a volunteer EMT for eleven years, but was looking for a part-time job in the area. I had applied at a few places without any luck, and was struggling with filling out my resume, as well as filling out applications for different places. I was working with ACCES-VR, and they recommended that I get in contact with AIM. I called, and they set me up to start working with Tammy in Supported Employment Services.
 
Q: How did you find the process of looking for a job?
 
A: Having searched for jobs in the area on my own with no luck, it was nice to work with Tammy on my resume, and get her help filling out applications. We also did practice interviews so that I would be prepared for the real thing. After applying at a couple different places with nothing panning out, I approached someone I know at EDC Management to ask if they had any available jobs. They were looking for a temporary maintenance worker for three months, and so called me in for an interview. They gave me the job right after the interview was over as maintenance worker at the Badger Creek apartments.
 
Q: What do you like about your job?
 
A: Everyone I work with is very nice and accommodating with my schedule. I'm able to work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but they're very open to me switching days if I need to. I work outside a lot on lawn care, and help out with anything they need me to inside. Everyone is very positive and encouraging; they're always telling me how helpful it is to have me around. The vice president of EDC even shook my hand and thanked me for working so hard.
 
Q: What are some goals you have for the future?
 
A: The position was originally intended to be a temporary position, and I was planning on having to go on the hunt for another job three months after starting. Recently my three months was up, though, and they asked me if I would be willing to stay on more permanently. For the future I just plan on continuing to work hard at Badger Creek helping wherever they need me. 

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