Greetings Supporters,
Fall is in full swing here at ACHIEVE! It’s hard to believe that the holiday season will kick off in just a few short weeks and that 2023 is just around the corner.
Halloween is always one of our favorite holidays here at ACHIEVE, and I hope you’ll enjoy some of the festivities and celebration that are highlighted in this month’s newsletter.
I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us for our fourth annual Half-K Classic - Walk & Roll on Saturday, October 22nd, presented once again by NBT Bank. It was a beautiful morning in Norwich for a 0.6 mile walk, run or ride in a classic car to a lunch reception at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, and I’m happy to report that with the support of attendees, our corporate sponsors and volunteers, the event was a massive success! Thank you again to everyone who made the return of this event successful after three years apart!
October also marked National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to highlight the valuable contributions of those of varying abilities and the opportunities they bring to their workforce. A couple of our ACHIEVE success stories are featured in this month’s newsletter, and I’d like to send my gratitude to ACHIEVE’s many business partners in our community who see the mutual benefits of providing meaningful employment to those of differing abilities.
Finally, in October we launched our inaugural ACHIEVE Foundation Appeal campaign, to benefit the ACHIEVE Foundation, whose Mission is to ensure the longer-term sustainability of the agency and foster the growth of the services we provide. One example of the Foundation's past support was their $300,000 lead gift for the On the Pond ~ At Cutler renovation in 2018. Thank you to all who've donated to the future of ACHIEVE with a gift to the Foundation, and if you're interested in supporting the ACHIEVE Foundation, you can do so on our Donation page.
With Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season just weeks away, I have to take a moment and reflect on everything that we’re thankful for here at ACHIEVE. The last couple years have certainly been challenging, and as we stabilize and start realizing growth again, I want to thank everyone who has been there to support us, from our community supporters, donors, corporate sponsors, legislators, all the way to our incredible and unwavering staff. I cannot thank all of you enough.
From all of us here at ACHIEVE, I wish you and your families and safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
Best regards,
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 to our Presenting Sponsor, NBT Bank, all of our other corporate sponsors, and everyone who walked, ran or rolled to participate in our Half-K Classic – Walk & Roll, on Saturday, October 22nd!
It was a great opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather in beautiful downtown Norwich!
The Finish Line Photo Album with all the pictures from the morning can be found on our Facebook page. Check it out!
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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 or contact Debra Carson, Director of Employment & Vocational Services, at (607) 723-8361.
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As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a special ceremony dedicated to the businesses who employ people of varying abilities was held in downtown Binghamton. Friends and colleagues gave highly-deserved recognition to Vestal Park for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Central Staffing Solutions, Weis Markets, IHOP, and Price Chopper Supermarkets for all the hard work, success, and value they bring to ACHIEVE and other organizations by offering those they serve opportunities for meaningful employment!
Thank you to everyone involved and the impact you make in our community.
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Trisha's Employment Story! |
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With October serving as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it seems only right to highlight a story about Debra Preston, an Employment Training Specialist, and Trisha!
Debra has been working with Trish for the past two years in pre-vocational services. Before pre-vocational services, they'd been working together on the Frito-Lay line at ACHIEVE’s Country Valley Industries.
Trish has worked very hard and has grown as a person, staying focused and productive in her job, while making tremendous progress towards achieving her goals. She has taken classes on workplace etiquette, workplace expectations, hygiene, appearance, and self-advocacy, where she EXCELLED, and has used what she has learned to advocate for herself in greater degrees. Trish has grown so much, she now gives Debra advice on her leadership skills, and she enjoys tutoring her peers on money, reading, and other exercises! Trish is now employed at Bates Troy, Inc. and loves going to work every day!
Keep up the great work Debra and Trish, and congratulations on all your success!
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By: Debra Preston
Employment Training Specialist
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Debra has had the pleasure of working with Jordan for the past five and a half years. He had previously worked at ACHIEVE’s Country Valley Industries on the Frito-Lay Line through ACHIEVE's pre-vocational services.
During the early portion of the pandemic, Jordan would volunteer at Price Chopper, where he excelled with both customer service and working with his peers. As a result of this, Jordan was hired directly by Price Chopper, and was ecstatic to have meaningful employment!
To help his success, Jordan was placed with an ACHIEVE Job Coach who helped him budget his time effectively to be the best employee that he could be. Jordan is now cooking meals for his mom, working two days a week at Price Chopper, volunteering at the Phelps Mansion, and continues receiving pre-vocational services to work on his soft skills.
We are #ACHIEVEProud to report that Jordan does not cancel his services and is very eager to work. Through all of the ups and downs, he has overcome so much, becoming significantly more independent, while growing and advocating for himself.
By: Debra Preston
Employment Training Specialist
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Devin has been a success in the Employment Services Program, learning the skills necessary to work in the production and manufacturing field.
Tracy, Devin's Job Coach, said, "I originally came to know Devin when he was working and receiving services as part of the CWS workshop program. When the workshops began closing, Devin was hired as a member of the CWS production team. Unfortunately, CWS wound down manufacturing operations at the end of 2021, but Devin knew that he wanted to obtain competitive employment in the community, and knew that he would need supports to do so."
As Devin’s Job Coach, Tracy reached out to The Raymond Corporation’s manufacturing facility supervisors to utilize the facility to evaluate Devin’s work skills. Devin was near the end of his assessment hours, and there was a posting for an open Production Technician position at the site. Devin applied, was hired, and has been an asset to the Raymond Manufacturing team since!
Congratulations to Devin and Tracy on their continued growth and success!
By: Tracy Eichler
Employment Services Professional
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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 recognized 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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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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2022 Broome-Tioga Mentoring Day |
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We were more than proud to be a Platinum Sponsor and a host mentoring agency for the 2022 Broome-Tioga Mentoring Day, in partnership with Broome-Tioga BOCES, as part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration!
This awesome event helps promote career development for students, as well as increasing employer awareness that individuals of all abilities can provide a viable source of qualified, diverse employees. In addition, it's a great opportunity for mentors and their mentees to spend time together developing a better understanding of ACHIEVE and specific jobs in the agency.
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Many staff and individuals in ACHIEVE's Pre-Vocational program wanted to give back to the community and volunteered at numerous locations to show their support! |
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Promotions
Congratulations to the following employees for receiving a promotion in September!
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Damian Archie - Finance Director |
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We are back again with another installment of #WhyIACHIEVE, and are thrilled to highlight Jessica Jack-Quinton, Residence Aide at ACHIEVE’s Chapin Street IRA!
Jessica enjoys working at ACHIEVE because she learns something new every day. Jessica’s job is very important to her as well; it gives her the opportunity to help take care of those who may not have a family, and she can be there to help teach them to be independent, not only in their home lives, but in their community as well! "I’ll never stop ACHIEVING!"
What a wonderful job you do, Jessica! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!
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Jimmy, one of the individuals supported at our Riverside IRA, celebrated his birthday with his housemates, and even had a special visitor stop by to wish him a happy birthday as well!
Happy birthday, Jimmy!
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Remember last month when we were excited to share that Cindy would be participating in The Arc New York's virtual art competition as part of this year's Board of Governor's meeting? Imagine how excited we were for her when we learned that she came in Second Place in the Alternative Mediums & Subjects Category and was recognized during the Board of Governor's virtual art gallery!
Congratulations, Cindy!
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For the last couple years, ACHIEVE has participated in the annual Scarecrow Contest at Otsiningo Park, and this year was no different. The Day Habilitation team at Cutler Pond worked together to create one of the best scarecrows out there!
Awesome job, Cutler Pond!
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Busy with Recreational Respite! |
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Looking for your monthly check in to what our Recreational Respite Team has been up to?
Look no further!
From football games, to the Otsiningo Park Scarecrow Competition, to playing video games at Robot City, and finally ending with crafting at Uncorked Creations, Recreational Respite has been busy as always!
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What's better than hitting some golf balls on a beautiful Fall day?
Caleb went to the driving range with his Community Habilitation provider, Linda, and had a great time!
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Our River Road IRA sure knows how to decorate to get into the Halloween spirit!
Everyone helped put up their spooky inflatable decorations, and look how they turned out!
Great job, everyone at River Road IRA!
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ACHIEVE's 2022 Trunk or Treat! |
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After two Halloweens apart, it was so nice for everyone to finally be able to come together for an agency-wide Trunk-or-Treat at Cutler Pond! Everyone decorated their cars amazingly, dressed in spooky costumes and had a great night! |
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Day Habilitation Visits Animal Adventure |
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Cutler Day Habilitation wanted to take advantage of our beautiful Fall weather and loaded up for another fun afternoon at Animal Adventure! |
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ACHIEVE Takes a Trip to Iron Kettle Farm |
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Spooky Season is upon us!
The Sanderson Sisters put a spell on our Broome Day Habilitation Team, who thought, "What better way to end the week than to watch the new movie 'Hocus Pocus 2' in pajamas with some good food and company!"
Everyone had a SPOOK-tacular time!
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Courtley Circle Goes to the Pumpkin Farm! |
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Our Chenango Day Habilitation threw an 80's party!
Everyone was able to dress up and reminisce, dance the day away, and share food with friends.
Awesome job, Chenango Day Habilitation!
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Our Cutler Pond Day Habilitation visited Frog Pond, and had a fun time hanging out with the animals while enjoying the great weather Upstate New York always brings! |
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On the Pond got busy making cookies! They did an amazing job and it ended up being so, so yummy!
Everyone at On the Pond loves cooking, and this gave them the chance to show off their inner chefs!
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Get Out & Vote!
November 8th is Election Day. While there are many different important races across our community 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.
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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 2022 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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