Greetings Supporters,
The days are warming up, which is a welcome sign that Spring weather will soon be sticking around for good!
In the month of March, ACHIEVE continued to advocate heavily for the New York State legislature to increase the Governor’s proposed 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment to a long overdue 8.5% in the 2023-2024 state budget. After years of our field being neglected, I’m happy to share that both the Assembly and Senate’s one-house bills included this increased provision, and I’d like to thank our representatives, Senators O’Mara, Oberacker and Webb and Assemblymembers Lupardo, Angelino and Friend, for supporting this initiative, as well as everyone in our community who advocated on behalf of our agency.
Another thrilling piece of news from March was that we officially broke ground on our New Beginnings in Norwich renovation project, renovating our shuttered CWS Packaging warehouse into a state-of-the-art day and community-based services facility in the heart of downtown that will provide numerous transformational opportunities to hundreds of individuals in Chenango County. Thank you to the nearly 100 staff, individuals, Board Members, legislators, family members and community supporters who joined us for this exciting announcement. Photos from the groundbreaking can be found in this month’s newsletter, as well as information on how you can help us reach our $250,000 public fundraising goal to bring this project to the Norwich community.
Plans for our first signature event of the year, our 27th annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic on Saturday, April 15th, are coming together nicely. Lanes have nearly sold out, so be sure to register your five-person team today to join us for an afternoon of gutter balls, strikes and fun at Midway Lanes in Vestal.
Last month, we also launched our annual Membership campaign. For just $1, you and your family can become ACHIEVE Members for 2023 and help us have the loudest voice possible when it comes to advocating for those we support across the agency.
Information on the Pin Crushing Classic bowling tournament and our 2023 Membership campaign can be found in this month’s newsletter. I hope you’ll consider joining us for both campaigns.
Thank you for all you do to show your continued support for ACHIEVE and those whose lives we impact across our community every day. May you and your family have a safe and Happy Easter!
|
|
Amy Howard
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
New Beginnings in Norwich |
|
We were incredibly excited to break ground on our "New Beginnings in Norwich" renovation project, which will create an innovative, state-of-the-art day and community-based services site that will allow us to relocate our day habilitation to the heart of downtown Norwich, fueling greater opportunities for community integration, collaboration and participation!
Thank you again to the ACHIEVE Board and Foundation Boards of Directors Members, Senator Peter Oberacker, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, Norwich Common Council President David Zieno, business and community supporters, family members, staff, and of course individuals supported for joining us for this exciting new chapter for ACHIEVE in Chenango County!
|
|
|
You can directly be a part of the success of this project by contributing to our $250,000 fundraising goal and showing your support to the hundreds of individuals in Chenango County that New Beginnings in Norwich will benefit.
Learn more about the renovation and donate by clicking the link below.
|
|
Thank You ACHIEVE employees! |
|
March marked National Employee Appreciation Day!
We are so #ACHIEVEProud of the hardworking, talented, diverse, and caring staff of over 450 employees who do so much across our organization to enhance the lives of those we support in meaningful ways every day! Our employees are the backbone of our agency, and we are so appreciative of all their contributions to individuals living their best lives!
|
|
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
|
Every March, we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, highlighting success stories of individuals across our organization throughout the month!
We were more than happy to help celebrate this year's #DDAM2023 theme is "Beyond the Conversation", and the many ways that people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
|
|
Thank you, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo! |
|
Thank you, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, for taking time out of your busy schedule in Albany to meet with members of our leadership team, direct support professionals and self-advocates to discuss this year's legislative priorities, particularly the 8.5% cost-of-living adjustment's increase from the proposed 2.5%. These funds are vitally important to our agency's ability to recruit and retain our invaluable staff, and we're so thankful for your support!
There's still time to sign The Arc New York's one-click petition calling on New York State to recognize the importance of these investments in our frontline workforce as the State budget enters its final days of negotiation!
|
|
Promotions - Congratulations!! |
|
Congrats to the following employee for receiving a promotion in the month of February!
Melanie Stein - Employment Services Professional
|
|
|
For this month's #WhyIACHIEVE, we are proud to highlight Riverside Drive IRA Program Manager, Randy Bresee!
Randy has been a Program Manager for six months, and he loves the opportunity to work for an organization that genuinely cares about the individuals we support and their quality of life. “I enjoy that ACHIEVE is large enough to provide the support and ability to get things done, yet still small enough to feel like family.” Randy’s job is important to him because he has the opportunity to go to work every day and help make a positive impact on someone’s life in large and small ways. Randy is looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to further enrich the lives of the individuals we support and the staff!
Randy, ACHIEVE is very fortunate to have someone as compassionate as you within our organization. Thank you for all you do!
|
|
ACHIEVE's 27th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic
Presented by Visions Federal Credit Union
Midway Lanes - Jensen Road, Vestal, New York
Saturday, April 15th - 12:00PM to 3:30PM
Registration includes 3 games of bowling, prizes, raffle drawings,
pizza & soda, and the opportunity to be the
27th annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Champion!
Register your 5-person team today!
|
|
Employment Services Webinar |
|
You're Invited!
Join us on Thursday, April 20th at 1:00PM on Zoom for a virtual informational webinar, and learn about our Employment Services, opportunities for individuals to build employment skills to succeed in the workplace, and the ways in which meaningful employment benefits both individuals with disabilities AND employers.
|
|
Everyone Loves St. Patrick's Day! |
|
St. Patrick’s Day finally arrived, and as one of ACHIEVE’s favorite holidays, everyone celebrated by making their own Leprechaun Traps!
Each year, you're sure to find plenty of green across the agency, as everyone enjoys delicious snacks, crafts, games, drinks, and more!
|
|
In March, we launched a new initiative, Individual of the Month, to recognize an individual who's demonstrated improvement, initiative and positivity.
Mary Ann from Core Room 12 at Cutler Pond Day Habilitation was our first recipient of this award. Amy Chadwick, Day Habilitation Specialist, said, "There were many reasons we chose Mary Ann for Individual of the Month, but a big reason is that when Mary Ann moved into Core Room 12, all she did was sort her papers and color occasionally. When asked if she wanted to participate in a craft or a walk, it was always 'No thank you.' Now, when the core room staff start a project, we don't have to ask her to join in; she participates willingly. She has gone on many outings and is one of the first to raise her hand when going to the cafeteria for group activities. We are very proud of how Mary Ann has grown."
Congratulations, Mary Ann!
|
|
The Supportive Apartments in Chenango County had a great time learning how to grow a garden successfully. Alexis from Cornell Cooperative Extension stopped in to teach everyone the important things to remember, including which seeds they can get started in their own homes. Everyone is excited to get started so that they can grow the vegetables to make their very own spaghetti sauce!
|
|
Volunteering at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier |
|
What an amazing day!
Core Room 9 at Cutler Pond Day Habilitation had a great time assisting the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and giving back to the community. Kathleen thought it was awesome that her and the Food Bank Director shared the same name!
|
|
Chenango Community Habilitation are at it again, looking to see what opportunities are in Chenango County that can help them learn more about their community. Jeff, Mike, and Tim visited the Norwich Fire Station, and enjoyed seeing the difference between South New Berlin and Norwich departments. The group also visited a local farm to learn more about farming! |
|
Nothing like a rainy day to get your creative juices flowing! Chenango County Community Habilitation made the most of the rainy days we had and made some beautiful crafts! Hopefully Spring is able to find us soon! |
|
Adventures with Max and Julie |
|
Max and Julie, Max's Community Habilitation provider, were able to get a personal tour of the Kilmer Mansion. They had such a great time, with Max absolutely loving the doll houses.
They were also able to go on another adventure: hiking! Max called it a "Three Seasons Hike", as they had a nice day with beautiful sunshine, but were treated to a moment of snow.
|
|
The annual Chenango County Day Habilitation Prom is coming up quickly, and the staff and individuals are getting excited! Tara, Courtney, and Brandy are diligently working to make sure that everything set up for a magical evening!
|
|
Since it's March, it only seemed fitting for everyone to be able to get together at Cutler Pond to watch their favorite team on the biggest stage for college basketball! Snacks and basketball make for a great day at ACHIEVE! |
|
Crystal, an On the Pond ~ At Cutler Pond program participant, certainly loves her gummy bears, so she figured why not learn how to make them herself? They were very yummy! Great job, Crystal! |
|
Core Room 6's Skittles Experiment |
|
Over in Core Room 6 at Cutler Pond, they decided to try an experiment. Everyone made their own special creations using Skittles to learn about different color combinations. The end products came out great! |
|
Bettieann and her Community Habilitation provider, Lil, enjoyed playing with the cats at Project Paw, having a purr-fect time! |
|
|
|
The Community Habilitation team in Chenango County decided to take advantage of a beautiful Spring day to get out into the community.
They were able to perform some clean-up around the park and then took some time to enjoy themselves and the outdoors!
Everyone was excited to finally enjoy Spring weather!
|
|
On the Pond ~ At Cutler Pond took a trip to Grande's Pizzeria, where they were welcomed by the accommodating staff with open arms and delicious cheesy pizza! |
|
|
Visiting Sidney Emergency Medical Services |
|
Tim has been enjoying learning more about the different emergency services available in Chenango County. He recently had the opportunity to tour Sidney Emergency Medical Services with his provider Vicki and learn more about their Life Net and its benefits to the community!
Thank you, Sidney Emergency Medical Services, for the great experience!
|
|
|
Who doesn't love feeling a little pampered?
The Broome Day Habilitation team pulled together and hosted a spa day, leaving the guys and gals with purple highlights, glamourous faces, cute hairdos and big smiles!
Thank you to the Broome Day Habilitation team for lending your skills to pull off this fun day, and thank you to everyone who donated the supplies to make it happen!
|
|
ACHIEVE's Recreational Respite program has been busy as usual, and there is nothing better when you're that busy to relax and get some lunch at one of your favorite spots.
The team visited El Pulpo in Binghamton, where they were able to enjoy an incredibly delicious lunch!
|
|
Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign to end the cycle of child poverty and ensure a healthy future for all children. Since the campaign started, it has raised over $275 million dollars and has positively impacted over 30 million children around the world!
|
|
Each year on March 21st, we join others across the globe to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day as a way to spread awareness about Down Syndrome, a condition where a child is born with a 21st chromosome.
First started in 2006, the day is the perfect opportunity to continue advocacy efforts around the rights, inclusion and well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome, and we celebrate this year's theme, "With Us, Not For Us", promoting an environment of support and opportunity for all individuals of differing abilities.
|
|
Please join us in becoming a Member of ACHIEVE.
Your membership helps lend your voice to important issues facing all provider agencies, like ACHIEVE, in 2023.
We would love for you to join us on this journey.
The more members we have, the louder our collective voice!
If you have any questions regarding Membership, please contact
Raffe Morehead, Director of Community Engagement
|
|
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 [email protected]
|
|
Thanks to the generosity from our community, ACHIEVE has
reached 55.9% of this year's Annual Appeal goal of $79,570!
Thank you to everyone who has donated!
But we still need your support. In order to keep that momentum going and continue providing exceptional services to those we serve, we rely on generous gifts from supporters, like you, who want to make a difference in thousands of lives.
Your Gift Matters.
|
|
ACHIEVE Events
Sponsorship Opportunities & Platinum Partnership
|
Our four signature fundraising events, the Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic, our Annual Dinner Dance, Savor the Summer, and our Half-K Classic, are vitally important to help fund help fund programming here at ACHIEVE.
The success of each event depends on the generosity of our local community and business partners. Looking ahead at 2023, we will continue to face new challenges and ongoing funding cuts. Now, more than ever, our fundraising events are vitally important to ensure we can continue providing crucial programming to the individuals we support!
Corporate sponsorships are one determining factor in the success of all ACHIEVE events, and provide benefits to our sponsors!
ACHIEVE launched its Platinum Partner Program in 2019, which gives additional recognition to any organization who sponsors all four of ACHIEVE’s signature events, at any level, with benefits year-round. We have many levels available, and Platinum Partner Packages starting as low as $1,000
For more information, click “Become a Sponsor” below, or email
Thank you to these amazing organizations who are proud
2023 ACHIEVE Platinum Partners!
Please consider joining them in support of ACHIEVE!
|
|
Thank You to our 2023 Platinum Partners! |
|
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with all that ACHIEVE is doing! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
