Connection
 September 2019  

AIM's youth social skills programs return for fall
AIM's monthly youth groups feature a wide array of activities - and snacks, of course. 
Learn & Grow Playgroup features a "Music and Movement" program.
AIM will offer programs for children and young adults who have developmental disabilities - and their siblings - this fall.

Our offerings include Social Skill Clubs, monthly Saturday youth groups, and a Halloween dance. 

They are open to youths who live at home and have eligibility for services with the New York State Department of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Funding is provided by OPWDD Family Support Services.

- Social Skills Clubs are a fun, interactive way to build social skills that feature healthy snacks, crafts and games.

We offer a Teen Social Skill Club (ages 14+) and a Tween Social Skill Club (ages 9-13). These afterschool programs run from 4-6 p.m. on four consecutive days, and will be offered at both our Elmira and Corning locations.

Teen Social Skill Club will be offered Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Corning, Nov. 4-7 in Elmira, Dec. 2-5 in Corning, Feb. 3-6 in Elmira, March 9-12 in Corning, April 6-9 in Elmira, and May 4-7 in Corning.

Tween Social Club will be offered Sept. 16-19 in Elmira, Oct. 21-24 in Corning, Nov. 18-21 in Elmira, Dec. 16-19 in Corning, Feb. 18-20 in Elmira, March 23-26 in Corning, April 20-23 in Elmira, and May 18-21 in Corning.

- AIM offers four youth groups which gather once per month on Saturdays at the Elmira AIM office. 

These include Learn & Grow Playgroup for ages 2-8 and Growing Stronger for ages 9-13, held from 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m., respectively. At the same times, we offer Sibshops (ages 5-9) and Tween Sibshops (ages 10+), respectively, which are gatherings for the brothers and sisters of youths with disabilities. 

The Saturday programs will be held Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 7, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 21, April 18, May 16 and June 6.

- Also, we'll host a Halloween dance party from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 for teens ages 14 and up, featuring a DJ, food and games.

For more information or to register for any of these programs, contact OPWDD Youth Program Specialist Amanda Gitchell at agitchell@aimcil.com or 962-8225, ext. 210.
Halloween bowling party
at Crystal Lanes to benefit AIM 
Allies at the Alley, AIM's fall fundraiser, will be held Saturday, Oct. 26 at Crystal Lanes in Corning.

The Halloween-themed bowling party will begin at noon. The entry fee is $15 per person, which includes two games, bowling shoes and a goodie bag.

There will be prizes for best Halloween costumes and a 50/50 raffle, and the snack bar at Crystal Lanes will be open.

Wheelchair-accessible bowling is available at Crystal Lanes.

Register online here or call 962-8225, ext. 134.
AIM consumer stars in fashion show 
One of AIM's consumers modeled in a fashion show this summer in downtown Corning.

Chris Harper, of Corning, has a traumatic brain injury from a 2006 motor vehicle accident, and has vision loss connected to his TBI and is legally blind. He receives services through AIM's TBI Medicaid Waiver program.

He is a regular customer at the G.H. Bass and Co. outlet on Market Street. The store employees asked him to be a model for their men's summer and fall apparel at a fashion show that was part of Taste of Summer, an outdoor festival put on by Corning's Gaffer District in July.

The fashion show featured retailers in the Gaffer District such as G.H. Bass, Van Heusen and Tommy Hilfiger.

Harper was a bit apprehensive as the event approached, saying it was "out of his comfort zone," but it turned out to be a thrill, he said.

"Sometimes you feel like you can't do certain things because of your disability. People tend not to explore different avenues," he added. "But doing something like this can give you a boost."
Tompkins honored for her
advocacy for nursing home residents 
Taylor Tompkins, a specialist in AIM's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program,
is AIM's Employee of the Month for September. 
Congratulations to Taylor Tompkins, who was selected as AIM's Employee of the Month for September.

Tompkins is an Ombudsman Specialist in AIM's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which provides advocacy for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Steuben and Allegany counties. 

She helps the residents understand their rights; addresses issues that could impact health, safety and quality of life; and investigates complaints.

"Taylor goes above and beyond when advocating for the residents she serves," a letter nominating her stated. "I have personally witnessed her be courteous and respectful to every resident, staff and family member she comes in contact with. She has advocated for well over a dozen residents who needed assistance in the nursing facilities she visits, most of which were resolved to their satisfaction. Whether the issue has to do with resident food options, helping them stay in physical therapy, or honoring their right to be a part of their own care planning, Taylor follows through with all she does."

Promotions:

- Jessica Laughlin, NY Connects Independent Living Specialist

Current job openings:

- Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance Coordinator
- OPWDD Community Habilitation Coordinator
- Peer Independent Living Coordinator
- Peer Independent Living Specialist 
-  OPWDD Direct Support Professionals
- OPWDD Self-Hire Staff
- Consumer-Directed Personal Care Assistants

To view job descriptions and apply, click here. 

 

AIM Independent

Living Center

271 E. First Street

Corning, NY 14830  

Phone:  (607) 962-8225

Fax: (607) 937-5125

 
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