LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Hello Everyone!

July has been an amazing month here at ACHIEVE! 

As you will notice in the newsletter below, individuals, staff, and others have been taking full advantage of all of the beautiful weather we have been having lately – spending time outdoors swimming, picnicking, attending baseball games and summer camps, and much, much more! It is such a blessing to see the smiles on the faces of the individuals we support as they engage in meaningful and fulfilling activities of their choice.  I am proud of our Direct Support Professionals who make that happen each day here at ACHIEVE!

Planning is well underway for ACHIEVE’s 9 th Annual Savor the Summer Event which is taking place at our Cutler Pond Road site on Thursday, August 23 rd from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. I hope you’ll join us for this evening of local wine, craft beer and gourmet fare. We have several surprises in store for this year’s event so I hope to see you there! To purchase tickets, please click here !

Finally, ACHIEVE’s 2018 Membership Campaign is coming to a close next month and I would like to ask each of you, if not already a member, to join today!  You can do so by clicking here ! I thank you in advance, as the more members our chapter and The Arc NY maintains, the louder our voice becomes as we advocate for the critical issues that impact our field of work.

Wishing everyone a wonderful end of summer and month of August! 

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of ACHIEVE!
Amy Howard
Acting CEO
CAREER SUCCESS STORY
Submitted by: Debra Hofmann
Lance VanAlstine began working at Valley View Nursing Home in May 2018. Lance holds the position of Receptionist and has done exceedingly well. 
 
Lance has always held a strong desire to reside independently and obtain competitive employment within the local Norwich community. In 2015 Lance moved from family care into his own apartment.  In September 2016, Lance was asked to train in our plant 1 reception area to fill-in when our regular receptionist took breaks/lunch/vacation. Lance did exceptionally well with this opportunity, embracing the new responsibilities given to him, which included more independence, learning new job tasks, as well as following a specific dress-code. Lance surpassed our hopes in this position and in the latter part of 2017 was given added responsibilities at our dental clinic, scheduling/confirming appointments, typing up billing and answering incoming phone calls. 
 
Lance decided to utilize Supported Employment Services, specifically ETP (Employment Training Program), via ACHIEVE at the beginning of 2017, while continuing to work at CWS.  While enrolled in ACHIEVE'S ETP services, Lance initially began the "Discovery" process with his assigned Job Coach, followed by spending one-on-one time with his Job Coach in the community and at home, completing career and interest assessments. Lance excelled in the Discovery process, displaying enthusiasm, determination, and never missing appointments - so it was time to find Lance a job. With the assistance of his Job Coach, Lance was able to develop a resume, participate in mock application completion/interviews and explore assorted job opportunities.
 
In April, Lance's Job Coach was able to secure an interview with Valley View Nursing Home for a part-time receptionist. Shortly following the interview, the HR department contacted his Job Coach to offer Lance the position directly. Specifically, Valley View decided to forego ETP's paid internship program and hire him on their payroll directly. Lance was ecstatic and quickly agreed to work for them. Although Lance has only held the position a few months, he's exhibited exemplary service at his job. Valley View is very pleased with Lance's work ethics and attitude and often will ask him if he can work additional unscheduled hours.   
 
Lance has demonstrated extraordinary motivation and drive to succeed in living independently and working competitively in a job he is happy performing. His determination toward these goals has proven to be a real asset in making his dreams a reality.  
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
Submitted by: Samantha Griffiths
Pathway to Employment Provides meaningful job readiness activities to help build skills in communication, completing applications, resume skills. stress management, team work, and a variety of other topics based on the individuals needs. These job clubs are provided alongside community based vocational assessments to give individuals experiences in an assortment of work fields.
Vocational Services Professional George Getson facilitates a job club using a small group activity to learn and practice problem-solving skills
REST IN PARADISE
Kathleen Masteller
5/17/46 - 6/15/18

Kathleen (Kitty) was a long time ACHIEVE resident who also attended ACHIEVE's Day Habilitation Program at Cutler Pond Road for many years. Kathleen peacefully passed away on June 15 th 2018. Kitty had a smile that was very contagious and will tremendously be missed. Kitty’s laughter and love for music will live on through the one’s that loved her so much.. RIP Dear friend you will truly be missed.

-Shawnta Smith
Marcia Kane
3/7/53 - 6/25/28

Marcia Kane passed away peacefully June 25th. She was surrounded by music, laughter and love. I am extremely honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to know her and her family as well as support the amazing staff that we have here at ACHIEVE. Although, we mourn her loss – we know that she is no longer suffering and the life that she had here at ACHIEVE was surrounded by people who truly loved her. It brings me great peace to know this for a FACT! ACHIEVE is more than a “job”, we are a family and the work that we do collectively matters. Please take a moment to listen to the birds chirping…birds were Marcia’s favorite!

Fly high sweet angel…

-Tanisha Arroyo
David Muller
9/28/43 - 7/1/18

David was a beloved individual that received a variety of services throughout the years in Chenango County. He absolutely loved listening to music and watching old movies. For his birthday 2 years ago all he wanted to do is watch a western movie in a movie theater so the program rented out an entire movie theater and all of his friends were invited to join him for a western movie.  In this time of sorrow I feel so fortunate that I work for an organization that has been committed to serving people through every stage of adulthood. David was able to pass peacefully in his home with his housemates who were like family and his staff that loved and cared for him. He was able to have services from nurses that knew him and about his life and behavior supports that were continuously working with staff to help understand and support him as his needs changed. It is the work of the entire team that allows us to provide the level of care that we do.  

-Laura Thompson
4th OF JULY
Submitted by:Victoria Studer
Our amazing staff members helped our individuals celebrate 4th of July with some fun crafts! This core room even made red, white, and blue star hats!
70th ANNIVERSARY
Submitted by:Victoria Studer
70 years ago on July 9th, Ann Greenberg placed a six-line classified ad in the New York Post that read, “To mothers of retarded children, ages, 4-8: Are you interested in helping to start a day nursery for your children?”

That  #OneSmallAd  brought together so many people - that it soon became the catalyst of what our organization is today-  The Arc New York .
In order to celebrate the anniversary, individuals and staff of ACHIEVE made  #ACHIEVEProud  hats and danced to "Wonderful" by Kesleah Hall.
HIGHLAND PARK
Submitted by:Melissa Ellis
Individuals from the Hamilton house went to Highland Park and enjoyed the carousel. It took lots of team work getting everyone on, but the look of joy on their faces was well worth the work!
VISIT FROM SENATOR FRED AKSHAR AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE MARC MOLINARO
Submitted by:Victoria Studer
It was our pleasure to provide  Marc Molinaro  and  Fred Akshar  with a tour of our Cutler Pond Road facility on Friday, July 13th! They visited our core rooms to spend some time with individuals in our program, and received a tour of our new Adult Social Program - opening this Fall! 
HANDY MAN
Submitted by:John Adams
Handy Man, Doug Lidell, is the Delivery Man with supplies, a smile and a joke. For the past year, Doug visits each Core Room on a Friday and asks the staff what supplies they need. As part of his communication goal, Doug uses a greeting, asks what is needed, asks staff if they want to hear a joke and then uses a good closing of “have a nice day.” On Mondays, he delivers toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, spoons, etc. and uses his good communication skills while talking to staff. July 16th, he was presented with his official Handy Man uniform jacket. Matt Blazey officially declared that Doug Lidel is the Handy Man of 2018 for ACHIEVE at Cutler Pond.  
NEWTON BATTLEFIELD
Submitted by: Caitlin Ropp
Mondays are devoted to visiting state parks within NY State, and Monday the 16 th of July was no different. Kayla, Kurtis, Ashley and Vickie ventured off to Newtown Battlefield near Elmira NY, and enjoyed the sunshine, lunch and a lesson on the history of the park. 

Newtown Battlefield was the site of the “Battle of Newtown” fought in August of 1779, during the American Revolutionary War. Led by General John Sullivan, the purpose of this battle was to end the threat of the Iroquois who had sided with the British in the American Revolutionary War. The Iroquois were defeated, and the park stands as a remembrance today.
GUARDIANSHIP PICNIC
Submitted by: Mellissa Ellis
On July 17 th the Guardianship Committee held their Annual Guardianship Picnic at Otsiningo Park. This event gives the Achieve Board, Guardianship Committee, individuals, staff, and interns a chance to eat some delicious food grilled by Eric Yetter, Guardianship Coordinator, and socialize about what the year has brought. While the weather was a little rainy, everyone brought their smiles and had a great time. 
ACHIEVE INTERNAL JOB FAIR
Save the date! There will be an internal job fair on Wednesday, September 15th, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at 47 Riverside Drive, Johnson City, NY 13790
A SWEET DAY INSIDE
Submitted by: Shawnta Smith
What is there to do on a random Friday afternoon? Why, make chocolate covered strawberries, of course! Core Room 10 had an absolute blast dipping fresh strawberries into delicious chocolate - and then garnishing them with sprinkles. After tasting their creations, they even shared them with others at Cutler Pond Day Habilitation!
ROSAMOND GIFFORD ZOO
Submitted by: Caitlin Ropp
A group of the Tioga crew ventured to Syracuse NY and visited the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. They enjoyed seeing and learning about various animals, including the Asian Elephant. Pictured to the right is Timmy with the Elephants!
SUCCESS AT TIOGA DOWNS
Submitted by: Renee Heaney
Lauren Farwell has proven that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible. Lauren suffered an Anoxic Brain Injury five years ago, and has since had to re-learn many basic skills and functions. Lauren had previously received a degree in culinary arts prior to her injury, and expressed to her job coach at their first meeting that she would really like to pursue a career in culinary again. After only two appointments with her job coach, Lauren was called in for an interview, and then hired by Tioga Downs to work in the buffet as a prep cook. Lauren has now been there since April of this year. She works sixteen hours a week, and makes more than minimum wage. Keenan Brown, The executive chef, has been very understanding and continues to help her move forward with her career goals of working the hot food line, and becoming a line cook. He also loves that Lauren addresses him as “the big boss applesauce.”
 
The kitchen manager, Ed, has also been very understanding. Ed has assisted Lauren with many of her tasks in the kitchen. Lauren spends her shifts preparing various foods, such as cutting up fruits and vegetables, prepping shrimp, and making a wide variety of desserts. Lauren also occasionally works the salad bar, where she maintains the pans of food and assists customers with their needs. Lauren is a diligent worker and is working hard to move up to the position of line cook. She interacts with several kitchen staff and customers. Since beginning her employment with Tioga Downs, Lauren is happy to be working within the kitchen again and also to be making new friends with the people that she works with.
 
Lauren’s experience shows how ACHIEVE strives to bring out the best in the individuals that we serve, and also to assist them with continuing to maintain successful and meaningful employment. 
ART SHOW
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
ACHIEVE is full of many talented artists - so talented, in fact, that the Cutler Pond Day Habilitation displayed an art show! Two tables were proudly displayed in the facility, decorated with art work created by our very own individuals. Whoever walked the halls were able to stop for a moment and admire the pops of color. Great job, everyone!
ROAD TRIPPERS
Submitted by:Melissa Blakeslee
On July 13th, some participants from Recreation Respite's "Road Trippers" summer program went to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown!
BROOME COUNTY FAIR
Submitted by: Amy Pello
Our individuals had a blast attending the 114th Annual Broome County Fair in Whitney Point. The fair provides a unique educational opportunity for all festival-goers. The fairgrounds are home to an impressive lineup of entertaining events, deliciously sweet and savory foods, contests, and livestock auctions. They were able to ride a mini-roller coaster, the merry-go-round, visit with the animals, and then sit down for a delicious lunch. Thank you to everyone for making this fun day in the sun happen!
CHENANGO SUMMER PICNIC
Submitted by:Laura Thompson
On Friday, July 27th, the Chenango County Day Habilitation enjoyed their annual summer picnic. This year the people who attend the program voted on a Hawaiian Luau theme and all of the rooms worked hard throughout the month to bring Hawaii to Norwich, NY. The event kicked off with music provided by SpynMastaz Entertainment who graciously donated their services for the afternoon to help us make this event the best one yet. We were joined by people from Broome and Tioga Counties from the Day Habilitation programs and Residential programs and everyone had a great time playing games, dancing, meeting new people, connecting with old friends, and of course eating some great food. One of the most popular Hawaiian attractions was the Tiki Bar which offered frozen beverages and the traditional Hawaiian Mai Tai. The people who attend the Day Habilitation program, with help from their staff, made the whole building, inside and out, come to life. The Chenango County Day Habilitation would like to thank the ACHIEVE Leadership team for always supporting our program which allows us to host these amazing events each year.  
9th ANNUAL SAVOR THE SUMMER EVENT
Please join ACHIEVE as we host our 9th Annual Savor the Summer fundraising celebration. We offer an evening of local wine, craft beer, and gourmet fare. This is a tasteful evening outdoors with stunning views that overlook Cutler Pond, hosted by ACHIEVE's Agency and Foundation Board of Directors. There will be live entertainment, a silent auction, and then a firework display!

All Savor the Summer ticket proceeds support ACHIEVE - which advocates for an enhanced quality of life through skill advancement, inclusion, integration, and independence of persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through services provided in Broome, Chenango, and Tioga Counties.
JOB OPENINGS
Submitted by:Jamie Striley
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? ACHIEVE offers a variety of direct support and professional positions. If you’re a caring individual who enjoys working with people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, we want to talk with you about great career opportunities.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Submitted by:Jamie Striley

ACHIEVE is proud to announce the following promotions for the month of June

  • Michael Tiffany - Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
  • Jason Wales - Shipping & Recriving Coordinator
  • Kasey Taylor - Quality Care Coordinator
  • Jessica Stauring - Day Hab Specialist

2018 ACHIEVE MEMBERSHIP
Submitted by: Christa Reese
We are fortunate to have so many opportunities in our community through the programs we offer and the partnerships we have created. But there is always more we can do. We ask you to encourage local businesses to hire a person with a disability, invite people with disabilities to participate in your civic organization or community activity, or to give time or money to an organization supporting people with disabilities. Our membership campaign is an important part of our year and support helps us to continue our mission to advocate for an enhanced quality of life through skill advancement, inclusion, integration, and independence of persons with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities through services provided in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties.

What is ACHIEVE’S Annual Membership Campaign?

·Each year ACHIEVE runs a membership campaign in which we ask our staff, families, people we support and the community to become a member of the agency.

·It is only $5.00, per person, to become a member!

· Membership lasts one full calendar year.
 
Why is ACHIEVE’S Annual Membership Campaign So Important?

·Your support and inclusion in the agency helps people with disabilities become more independent, productive and integrated in our local community. Without your help there is less opportunity for personal growth and achievement.

·Membership provides our agency the ability to advocate legislatively at the state and national levels. As we move forward, our agency continues to face enormous challenges given the current economic climate of our state and nation. It would be helpful for our advocacy with legislative and government officials to have the largest membership ever.
 
We hope you'll join ACHIEVE. Together, we will keep the vision alive of creating opportunities for individual successes.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Submitted by: Christa Reese
Here at ACHIEVE we are busy planning the 9th Annual Savor the Summer and the 2018 Binghamton Devils Charity Golf Classic. As you may know, ACHIEVE provides programs and services to 2,200 individuals with disabilities in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties. Our organization is growing physically and programmatically and we are asking for sponsorship to help support our organization and the individuals that we serve. Sponsorship opportunities come in in many sizes and provide you with recognition as a business that supports individuals with disabilities in our community. 
8th Annual Savor the Summer
UPCOMING EVENTS
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ACHIEVE
607.723.8361