Greetings Supporters,
How is it already August? I hope you and your family are having a great summer!
I’d like to start by thanking the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Assemblywoman Lupardo, Assemblyman Angelino, County Executive Garnar and the ACHIEVE Board Members and other community supporters who joined us for a ribbon cutting and tour of our new Vestal Parkway East offices last month. It was so nice to be able to be together in person and showcase our facility, whose high visibility will continue to drive growth in services to those we support.
I’d also like to thank everyone who nominated and voted for ACHIEVE to be selected as one of Southern Tier Tuesdays’ $2,000 grant recipients and be featured on WBNG’s Around the Tiers in July. Through your support, that $2,000 will go directly towards programming that meaningfully enhances the lives of those in our care across our organization, and we appreciate everyone who helped us succeed.
At ACHIEVE, we continue to face a workforce shortage head-on, hosting two concurrent job fairs in Norwich and Vestal, and ramping up an advocacy campaign calling on the Federal Government to include provisions for Direct Support Professionals as part of the Better Care Better Jobs Act. While the situation at ACHIEVE isn’t as dire as some voluntary provider agencies across the state, I’d ask that if you or someone you know is looking for a job, please consider starting your rewarding new career at ACHIEVE. You can learn more about our open positions in the newsletter below.
As a reminder, plans are in development for the return of Savor the Summer on Thursday, September 16th at our beautiful Cutler Pond location. Tickets will be limited out of consideration for community health, but the full details can be found below for one of our area’s biggest fundraisers and an elegant evening of local wineries, breweries and restaurants.
I’d also like to remind our supporters that we are in the final weeks of our 2021 Membership Campaign that will end August 31st. For $1, you and your family can become a Member of ACHIEVE and demonstrate your support for our organization and the individuals we serve. I personally ask you to consider becoming a Member and recruiting others to join as well.
Lastly, I want to provide assurances that as COVID-19 numbers begin rising again, we will remain vigilant in monitoring communications from the Department of Health and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities on best practices for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and staff, as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of everyone across ACHIEVE. If you’re eligible and haven’t already done so, please help slow the spread by learning more and getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
As always, on behalf of myself and everyone here at ACHIEVE, thank you for the support and have a wonderful month of August!
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Amy Howard
Chief Executive Officer
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Bates Troy Recognized as Employer of the Year |
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A huge congratulations to Bates Troy Healthcare Linen for being recognized as one of four statewide 2021 The Arc New York Employers of the Year!
The Employer of the Year Award recognizes four businesses statewide who acknowledge the value of employing people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, providing outstanding supports and services.
Bates Troy currently employs nine individuals who receive vocational services through ACHIEVE, and have provided employment opportunities to the disabled for decades, with two employees receiving a Joslin Outstanding Performance Award by the New York State Industries for the Disabled in the last three years.
Bates Troy was recognized alongside Price Chopper Cooperstown, Batavia Downs and Marona's Market as this year’s awards recipients.
Thank you for the years of partnership in providing meaningful employment opportunities to those we support, and for creating a culture that ensures that each employee, regardless of ability, not only has the opportunity to excel, but contributes to the success of the company every day!
Bates Troy was also recognized as ACHIEVE's 2021 Supported Employer of the Year. Check out their recognition video below!
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After nearly two years of not being able to host a live event, we are very excited to announce the return of Savor the Summer on September 16th, proudly presented by M&T Bank.
The evening is sure to be a very special evening, getting together with friends, overlooking the beautiful vista of Cutler Pond, while sampling great food and beverages!
Tickets are limited in the interest of community health. Get yours today!
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After cancelling our Children's Summer Program in 2020 due to health concerns, we're extremely grateful to welcome students back this year!
ACHIEVE's Summer Program is the agency’s longest running program, hosting students for nearly 7 decades! The goal of Summer Program is to ensure students ages 5 to 21 with IDD and other disabilities avoid the “summer slide”, by maintaining the learning they gained throughout their school year, in a fun and creative way.
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ACHIEVE Summer Program
Unique Work Study for Students
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Dorine Severino, Speech Pathologist for Binghamton City School District, and Onsite Program Director for ACHIEVE's Summer Program for the past 10 years, had a vision; to offer an opportunity for students to learn vocational skills that would prepare them for the transition from student to employee. The students work for one to two hours each day, earning a paycheck, and then participate in regular program activities the remainder of the day.
At first, the program only offered custodial duties, but Dorine recognized the need to offer a more diverse range of job experiences. So in 2016, the program added food service, assistant counselors and coach. In 2017, due to its overwhelming success and student interest, ACHIEVE applied for, and was awarded, a contract from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to fund this program, including a dedicated Team Lead for the work study, and wages for the participants. This allowed the program to more than double in size, up to twelve students. This year, even with limited capacity, eight students are working on expanding their skill sets.
Students in the program gain skills in communication, direction and time management; but more importantly, they gain a real sense of pride and accomplishment. And they do love earning a paycheck! We asked Noah Ballas, who's been with Summer Program for nine years and is this year's Team Lead, what his favorite part of the program is. “I think it’s the variety of work experiences we can offer them, which allows them to develop many different skillsets that they can use when they get out in the work force.”
Dorine said, “I have had the privilege of working with several students in this program, and then got to witness their success transitioning to meaningful employment outside the agency. There’s nothing more rewarding.”
For more information about ACHIEVE's Children's Summer Program or its work study program, contact Tami Stasko, Family Supports & Services Support Specialist and Summer Program Coordinator, at [email protected].
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Nick Moran
Work Study Success Story
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Nick Moran has been coming to ACHIEVE's Summer Program for many years, and was among the first students to benefit from its job expansion. His love of sports gave him the nickname "ESPN", so Assistant Coach was a natural fit. |
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Knowing he was an actual member of Summer Program staff, and having the responsibility of helping coach the younger students was a huge source of pride for Nick. |
Nick was then able to gain employment with the Binghamton University Athletics Department as their Team Manager, and he loved it! This unfortunately ended due to COVID. Nick was then accepted into Project Search and has had work experiences at Lourdes, Price Chopper, and is now working at the YMCA two days each week.
We’re so proud of you Nick, and can’t wait to see how far you go!
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Ashley Fowlston
Day Habilitation Trainer
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Congratulations to our July Employee of the Month, Ashley Fowlston, Day Habilitation Trainer for Chenango Day Hab!
Ashley is an amazing worker who comes to work every day well-prepared, with her craft projects and science experiments ready to go. She always keeps her group active and engaged, while continually being willing to listen to a problem or suggestion. She is willing to step up and take on extra duties without complaint - just a smile and she is good to go!
Ashley is a great team player who not only helps out individuals, but all of her co-workers. She is a very caring, dependable person who is a pleasure to work with every day!
Congratulations, Ashley!
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We also want to recognize Residential Aide Lisa Palmer, who began working as a Direct Support Professional at ACHIEVE 3 years ago!
Lisa's job is important to her. Helping individuals learn and grow by teaching life skills or even just going on outings has a direct impact on their quality of life, and she enjoys being a part of that difference in their lives.
To Lisa, ACHIEVE is a great place to work, with a lot of incredible staff that she gets to work alongside everyday. They become family, and we all ACHIEVE together on behalf of those we support!
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We're excited to highlight Tammy Vinal, Day Habilitation Specialist who oversees one of the
Core Rooms at Cutler Pond!
Tammy has been with ACHIEVE
for 7 1/2 years, and she
enjoys working here because it gives her the opportunity to grow
personally while impacting the lives of others in a positive way.
Working at ACHIEVE is important to Tammy because it gives her a
chance to make a difference and provide care and support to
individuals, ultimately helping them to become more
independent and confident in their ability to grow!
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Congratulations On Your Promotion!!
Jenny Phillips, Assistant Resident Manager!
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Maintenance Saves the Gardens |
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The deer were getting into our gardens at day habilitation, eating all the veggies our individuals worked so hard on growing, so our incredible Maintenance team sprang into action to keep them out! Thank you, Maintenance!
We're currently hiring a Maintenance Technician, so if you're interested in joining this great team, learn more at www.achieveny.org/employment
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Wear a bright shirt, a grass skirt or lei!
We are celebrating the tropical way!
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Who doesn't love America's pastime?
ACHIEVE's Guardianship Coordinator, Linda, arranged to host a day of fun with the Rumble Ponies by reserving a Skybox and taking several individuals, including Bobby, who is a huge fan and listens to every game broadcast!
There's nothing like being at the game in person, and the enthusiastic audience had a wonderful time!
Thank you, Linda!
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What's your favorite berry?
There's no better way to get out and enjoy the sunshine
than by going out to pick some fresh berries!
Residents at Main Street IRA had a great afternoon picking blueberries while they visited Castle Berries.
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25th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic
Virtual Bowl-a-thon
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We've seen our share of rain this past month, but that didn't stop our residents from getting out and bowling!
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Our individuals have been enjoying the Summer by spending as much time outside as they possibly can. Residents of Hamilton Street kicked off their Summer with a 4th of July BBQ and watched fireworks from the porch! |
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Checking In With Chef Kurt |
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Hands down Kurt is one of our Top Chefs!
Do you know what's better than barbecuing?
Growing your own fresh toppings for burgers in your backyard!
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Thank you Southern Tier Tuesdays, WBNG 12 News and everyone who supported us by nominating and voting for us to be one of July’s $2,000 donation recipients!
These funds will go towards helping us provide opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals across our organization, and we appreciate the support!
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ACHIEVE Awarded $102,500 in Grants From
NYSARC Trust Services
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ACHIEVE was incredibly fortunate to be the recipients of a combined $102,500 from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support our James M. Hayes Guardianship program and Recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2021, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $3,080,500 in grants to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.
This year, ACHIEVE received $84,500 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by Chapter staff and community volunteers, the James M. Hayes Guardianship Program currently provides guardianship supports and services, and is proud and ready to assist as a Standby or Alternate Standby guardian.
NYSARC Trust Services also awarded ACHIEVE $18,000 to support new recreational opportunities and enrich the lives of our participating individuals. In the past, these funds have been used to help fund our Summer and Recreation Respite Programs, and we’re incredibly grateful to NYSARC Trust Services for the consideration and support.
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Congratulations to our Vice President of Programs, Meggan Taylor, on her selection as one of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce's HYPE Awards nominees in the nonprofit category! Truly deserved! Thank you for all you do! |
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Chenango Scholarship Award Recipients
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The Foundation Board of Directors are pleased to offer two community service scholarships each year to qualifying Chenango County seniors. The Wilson Harrison and Dr. Nobel & Muriel Valerio Scholarships recognize two students for their volunteerism and commitment to human services.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients, Casimir Ulatowski and Zoe Kellogg! Thank you for your dedication to your community and good luck in the fall!
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These offices have been designed to be highly-visible in order to continue driving growth in community-based services to those we support, and we're excited for what the future holds at our new Forever Home!
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Norwich and Vestal Job Fairs |
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In tandem with our Vestal Parkway East ribbon cutting, we hosted two concurrent on-site job fairs at our Vestal offices and Chenango Day Habilitation.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to grab a hot dog and learn more about our open positions!
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Part Time Community-Based Positions Available
- Flexible Schedules
- Work 6-29 Hours Per Week
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#MakeaDifference Monday at Remlik's |
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As part of their 10th anniversary celebration, Remlik's, a longtime supporter of Savor the Summer, has generously selected ACHIEVE as their #makeadifference Monday recipient!
This Monday, August 2nd, $5 of every meal will be donated to ACHIEVE! Make your reservation today at www.resy.com and support a great local restaurant while giving back to ACHIEVE!
Thank you, Remlik's, for the consideration and support!
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Pin Crushing Bowl-a-Thon Awards Presentation |
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Our Pin Crushing participants were visited in their homes by Assemblyman Joe Angelino and Bob Warner to be presented with their bowling medals.
Thank you, Assemblyman Angelino, Bob Warner and everyone who participated in this year's Pin Crushing Bowl-a-Thon!
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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 [email protected]
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Thank You to our Platinum Partners! |
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