We are offering day camps this summer for youths who have developmental disabilities, and registration is now open.

We offer camps in three locations for ages 14-21. The Steuben County camp is July 15-19, the Schuyler County camp is July 29-August 2, and the Chemung County camp is August 12-16. These camps are based at AIM's Corning, Watkins Glen and Elmira offices, respectively. 

We'll also offer a tween camp for ages 9-13 in Chemung County (Elmira AIM office) the week of August 26-30.

The camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and include lunch and snacks. They feature many educational activities in the community. This year we're planning to visit police or fire departments, do activities involving nature and wildlife, visit businesses to experience what workplaces are like, and do travel training on public transportation systems, among other outings. The camps always end with a picnic with fun games.

These camps are open to youths who live at home and have eligibility for services through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. 

Participants should live at home and be independent with personal care needs or escorted by a caregiver or self-directed staff. The camps are either free or billed to OPWDD self-directed budgets.

For more information or to register, contact AIM's OPWDD Youth Specialist Amanda Gitchell at [email protected] or 962-8225, ext. 210.

AIM has added a new service for people with substance use disorders.

We recently joined the Chemung Peer Network, which is a partnership between six agencies: AIM, Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler, Aspire Hope NY, Capabilities Inc., Family Services of Chemung County and CASA-Trinity.

These agencies are hiring 12 peer advocates. Eight of the 12 positions will be Peer Empowerment Specialists who have personal experience in recovery from mental illness.  

The other four will be Certified Recovery Peer Advocates who have personal experience in recovery from substance abuse. Two of these will be employed by AIM. We've hired one advocate already and are in the process of adding another. Both will receive training to become a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. 

The Chemung Peer Network is funded by a grant from the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, and Catholic Charities is managing the project. 

The new service at AIM complements our Family Support Navigator Program, which we added in 2018 and is funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to help families navigate the treatment and recovery process.

For more information or to set up a free appointment with a recovery peer advocate or a family support navigator, contact Director of Peer Supports Nick Moffe at [email protected] or 962-8225, ext. 230.

AIM is seeking volunteers for its Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which serves Steuben and Allegany counties.

Ombudsmen are advocates for people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult care homes.

Volunteer ombudsmen visit long-term care facilities, build relationships with residents, and give them a voice. The volunteers help people understand their rights; address issues that could impact health, safety and quality of life; and investigate complaints.

A state certification training will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 18, July 19, July 22, July 23 and July 24 at the Corning AIM office.

After completing training, volunteers can expect to spend about two hours per week on visits. Mileage is reimbursed. 

For more information, contact Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Coordinator Taryn Roloson at  [email protected] or 962-8225, ext. 112.

To view job descriptions and apply, click here.