Dear Supporters,
It’s hard to believe that November, and the holiday season, are already here!
Halloween is always one of our favorite holidays here at ACHIEVE, and this year was no different, except that we were able to celebrate with a full reopening of all our programs across the organization! Throughout the reopening process, our staff continue to illustrate how creative they can be by bringing all kinds of fall activities to those we support; from visits to our local pumpkin farms, to parties and parades. I hope you’ll check out some of the celebrations in this month’s newsletter.
While we held out hope that our 3rd annual Half-K Classic – Walk & Roll fundraiser was going to be held in-person, I’m happy to report that we successfully transitioned it to a virtual event again this year. Thank you to all our corporate sponsors for their support, and to everyone who walked, ran, or even rode in a classic car to be featured in our Finish Line Photo Album!
We continue to evaluate and implement strategies to address our workforce shortage, including new starting rates for all frontline staff, ensuring that we remain competitive across all industries. I’m grateful to report that while we face these difficulties, we have successfully mitigated disruption to supports and services for any individuals at ACHIEVE.
As we start November and the holiday season, I want to take a moment and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for here at ACHIEVE. 2021 has certainly continued to be challenging, but our exceptional staff have faced those challenges head-on to ensure the best care for those they support. There’s been no shortage of outreach and support from our community during another difficult year, allowing us to continue expanding and reopen our services to all. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our agency, and cannot thank you enough.
From all of us at ACHIEVE, I wish you and your family a safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
Amy
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Amy Howard
Chief Executive Officer
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Half-K Classic - Walk & Roll |
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Thank you NBT Bank, Raymond Corporation, our other corporate sponsors, and everyone who walked, ran or rolled to participate in our virtual Half-K Classic – Walk & Roll over the last week!
It was a great opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather!
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month [NDEAM] is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions that people of different abilities bring to America's workplaces and economy. To honor NDEAM we want to highlight some participants in our Employment Services Program and the great work they are doing in our community.
To learn more about how ACHIEVE can help you find your next best employee visit our website.
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Earl - Over 25 Years of Employment at
the Owego Wendy's!
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Earl has worked at Wendy’s in Owego for over 25 years, with responsibilities that include receiving and putting away the truck shipments every week. Earl is in charge of counting each of the ordered items to make sure that everything was delivered. Once everything is inventoried, he ensures that the products are organized and stored away where they belong, either in the fridge/freezer or the dry storage.
Earl is proud to be a part of Wendy’s and strives to work hard every day. He enjoys working with his coworkers, supervisors, and seeing the customers. However, as the store has opened back up, a lot of customers have been returning, which has been complicated by a shortage of workers. With the supports and guidance from ACHIEVE, Earl has stepped up to the plate and started handling other job duties around the restaurant, including working the fryers and the grill. His coworkers and supervisors appreciate all the hard work and dedication that he has for Wendy's.
Earl continues to show a positive attitude and is gratified to see that everyone has a valuable role at his job.
By: Heather Jones
Employment Services Professional
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Employment Training Program -
Shari at IHOP
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Shari has proven that with hard work and determination, your dreams can be accomplished. She previously worked at Country Valley Industries in the Bates Troy unit from 1994 until they closed in 2017. Shari was still determined to work and wanted a job, so she enrolled in the Employment Training Program (ETP) in 2019.
ETP prepares individuals for integrated employment out in the community and assists them in learning job skills.
Shari’s journey to her current job began in June of 2021, where she completed a work assessment with IHOP. The managers were so happy with her performance that they welcomed her as a paid intern starting September 1st.
Shari spends her days bussing and cleaning tables, filling syrup containers, rolling silverware and completing other tasks that the managers need completed. She has made new friends, her managers love working with her, and she has been enjoying her paychecks that she's saving to buy herself a purple purse.
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Shari’s journey shows how ACHIEVE strives to bring the best out of the individuals that we serve, while also assisting them in continuing to maintain successful and meaningful employment. |
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Patrick Joins Pinkies' Family |
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If you’re looking for some inspiration, then let us introduce you to Patrick. Patrick is one of the most dedicated, happy, and hardworking people you’ll ever meet.
Patrick Works at Pinkie’s BBQ on Upper Front Street in Binghamton. Patrick arranges his bus route in order to make sure he has transportation to work every Friday, giving himself a little extra time before his shift to say good morning to everyone. He begins his shift by filling two trays of Pinkie's Special BBQ Sauce in the dining room, where he welcomes customers as soon as they walk through the door, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Once finished with that, Patrick reports to his wonderful supervisor Amy, and starts his other tasks, which include breaking down boxes and taking them to the dumpster and assessing the parking lot to see if it needs to be cleaned, grabbing trash bags if he finds garbage. He finishes each shift by washing dishes in the kitchen with his fellow coworkers.
Patrick loves to make jokes and puns throughout his shift to see his coworkers smile. He also loves to talk about funny SpongeBob moments with his coworker Lenny. If you get the pleasure to speak to Patrick, he will tell you that he thinks of Lenny as his real brother and he loves working with him, as well as the rest of the staff. Patrick doesn’t only feel like he is an employee; he feels like he is part of a family.
By: Kyle Grose
Employment Service Professional
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Kathy's Return to Cutler Pond |
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Kathy has been proud to be part of the ACHIEVE family since 2012. Kathy is part of the Supported Employment program and enjoys her work every day.
Kathy was so excited when she received the news that she was returning to work after extended time off due to the pandemic. On Kathy’s first day back, she shared that she enjoys her work and feels like it is Christmas morning, and that she has really come back home.
Kathy prepares for her shift by stocking her cart with all the supplies she needs at the beginning of her shift to ensure she isn’t wasting any time going back and forth to the supply room. Kathy is always receptive to prompts and supports, asking questions to make sure her job is completed correctly. Kathy is always open to change and does what needs to be done because it is important to her that she completes all her tasks when she is working. She doesn’t feel like it's work because she really enjoys what she does and is thankful she has the position and responsibilities.
Kathy's work entails keeping ACHIEVE at Cutler Pond safe and sanitized, cleaning, stocking paper towels, toilet paper, soaps, sanitizers, sweeping, mopping and any janitorial tasks that needs to be completed. Kathy’s supervisor Leonard McBride said he is really happy to have Kathy back at work. She brings warmth and joy through her deep genuine care for her job and for all the individuals and staff she interacts with during her work day. Kathy is a hard worker who goes above and beyond to ensure safety and sanitation is always the number one priority.
If you're walking down the halls of Cutler Pond, you may think you're hearing the voice of an angel; that would be Kathy. Kathy has perfect pitch and she loves to sing while she works. Kathy is extremely proud of the fact she can tell you exactly what note is played in any song, and is extremely knowledgeable about many artists and the years of albums' releases.
Kathy is a happy, productive, hardworking employee who is extremely proud to work for ACHIEVE, and is a true asset to the ACHIEVE family!
By: Jourene Coolidge-Cardoza
Employment Services Professional
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Nicole Is Keeping History Alive |
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Nicole has the opportunity to keep an important local monument alive through her employment experiences with Community Prevocational Services every Thursday morning at the Phelps Mansion in Binghamton.
With the help of staff at the Mansion and her Job Coach, Nicole has worked on important skills including dusting, vacuuming, helping to organize items in the gift shop and completing mailings.
The Mansion's Manager, Joe Schuerch, says that the tasks that Nicole and other individuals from ACHIEVE complete each week are a big help in getting the mansion ready for the weekly tours that are hosted every Friday and Saturday.
Great job Nicole!
By: Lynne Majewski
Director of Vocational Services
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Find Your Next
Best Employee at ACHIEVE
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Sometimes all someone needs is an opportunity to succeed!
As we recognize October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the dedication and quality of work that those of varying abilities bring to their workforces.
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Thanks to the businesses who work with ACHIEVE's Employment Services
to provide supportive employment, internships and support our
Employee Training Program!
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Attention area business owners: are you interested in diversifying your workforce?
Are you seeking dependable, quality employees?
Please consider a partnership with ACHIEVE as we look to place individuals of varying abilities into meaningful employment positions. We currently have a large pool of available applicants ready to meet your business needs.
For additional information, please contact Laura Thompson, Vice President Programs at lthompson@achieveny.org or 607-427-2518.
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October 2021
Rita Giangarra
Day Habilitation Trainer
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Congratulations to our October Employee of the Month, Chenango Day Habilitation Trainer and Residence Aide Rita Giangarra!
Rita has become a true asset to the staff and individuals at Sterry Drive, remaining positive in the face of adversity. She's flexible and always willing to pick up extra hours and responsibilities to ensure things run smoothly, even during times of crisis.
Rita has become the embodiment of everything that ACHIEVE stands for, and is truly appreciated because everyone at Sterry Drive would be lost without her.
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Promotions
Congratulations to the following employees for receiving a promotion in September!
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Maritza Tolentino - Program Manager
Brittinee Quillan - Program Manager
Terri Stauder - Program Manager
Natasha Stauder - Program Manager
Mackenzie Cafferty - Program Manager
Margaret Murphy - Assistant Residence Manager
Carol Lewis - Assistant Residence Manager
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In this installment of #WhyIACHIEVE, we're excited to feature Broome Day Habilitation Trainer, Mike Senchak!
Mike has been with ACHIEVE for over five years, and he enjoys helping those he supports achieve their goals and improve their lives. To Mike, seeing smiles every day, taking the time to talk with individuals, giving them hugs or even just hanging out with them makes for a great day.
The highlight of Mike's day is the time that he gets to spend with individuals, seeing them happy, while working alongside a great team!
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Giving Tuesday
Join us Tuesday, November 30th as we take part in the global day of giving and participate in Giving Tuesday.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information on how your donation this Giving Tuesday will help our agency!
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Is there a more perfect time of the year to be outside than when the leaves are changing? Core Rooms 3, 8 and 10 visited Chenango Valley State Park for a nice walk and enjoyed their lunch on a beautiful fall afternoon! |
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Donnie is a bit reserved when it comes to new people, but was overdue for a haircut, with the staff member who usually helps him out for a few weeks.
Jack, of Jackie Boy Barbering in Sidney, took the time to get to know Donnie and did a great job! Now all the guys in the house are excited to let their hair grow out so they can go back!
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Everyone celebrated the spookiest season at Chenango Day Habilitation with a Halloween party and parade!
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Day Habilitation Visits Iron Kettle Farm |
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Core Room 8 got busy making Apple Crisp Cheesecake! They did an amazing job and it ended up being so, so yummy!
Everyone in Core Room 8 loves cooking, and this gave them the chance to show off their inner chefs!
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Candy Apples at Courtly Circle |
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Courtly Circle Makes Crepes |
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Get Out & Vote!
November 2nd is Election Day. While there aren't as many high profile races this year, issues and legislative proposals that directly affect the intellectually and developmentally disabled are brought up all the time at local, state and federal levels of government. Voting gives everyone a voice in these decisions.
Please make a plan to exercise your voice safely tomorrow.
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Your Legacy, Our Future
Planned Gifts to ACHIEVE
The ACHIEVE Foundation seeks to support ACHIEVE’s mission to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The growth of the Foundation is determined by planned gifts from our community and family members. These gifts are the cornerstone of our Foundation and allow us to continue to offer a wide range of programs and services.
Every year, more donors are discovering the benefits of supporting ACHIEVE through their estate plans. These planned gifts are the cornerstones to the ACHIEVE Foundation and support the programs and services of our organization.
Charitable Bequest through Last Will or other Estate Plan
Individual Retirement Account
Stock and Securities
Real Estate
To learn more about Planned Giving, or to make a donation, please contact Preston Evans, Vice President Development and Donor Relations, at (607) 352-3280 or pevans@achieveny.org
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Thank you to our 2021 Platinum Partners! |
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Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay
up-to-date with all that ACHIEVE is doing!
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