LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
 
What a month August has been here at ACHIEVE! In this edition of our e-newsletter you will catch a glimpse of the many happenings across our great organization – as Broome, Chenango, and Tioga County programs and individuals have been active and engaged with their communities in a variety of ways. We are truly fortunate to be embraced by our community partners and other friends of ACHIEVE so that meaningful experiences may be afforded to the individuals we support each day.
 
I would like to express my sincere gratitude, thanks, and appreciation to all who made our 9 th Annual Savor the Summer event the tremendous success that it was. With over 400 guests in attendance, 40 local establishments represented, and over 50 ACHIEVE volunteers working the event, Savor the Summer raised a record $41,000 for our underfunded programs! When recently asked why the event was so successful this year, my immediate reply was in reference to the significant collaboration and engagement of so many – staff, community partners, board members, local establishments – together we have increased possibilities for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. So proud and thankful!
 
I am happy to share with you that On the Pond ~ At Cutler was selected as the name for ACHIEVE’s new Adult Social Program! The new name was revealed at this year’s Savor the Summer event and credit goes to staff member Melissa Blakeslee for nominating the chosen name! On the Pond ~ At Cutler is slated to open in October 2018 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony to be held on November 2 nd . I hope you will join us for this celebration!
 
Finally, September 10-14 is Direct Support Professionals Week in NYS. Please join me in thanking not only the 200+ Direct Support Professionals ACHIEVE employs, but all of our talented and gifted 500+ staff. We have special recognition activities planned by ACHIEVE’s Staff Appreciation Committee as well as the Agency’s Executive Management Team; but I would encourage you, if you are so inclined, to offer your own expression of appreciation to your valued ACHIEVE employee(s). You can use social media as an outlet to do so – watch for our posts the week of September 10 th !
 
May each of you enjoy the final days of summer!
Amy Howard
Acting CEO
9th ANNUAL SAVOR THE SUMMER EVENT
Thank you to everyone that supported our 2018 Savor the Summer event, presented by M&T Bank! We had over 400 guests in attendance for this night of gourmet fare, live music by Friday & Freddy’s, auction, and fireworks! With the support of our community, sponsors, vendors, and guests, ACHIEVE was able to raise $40,000 for our programs that support persons with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities!
GOOD WORK
Submitted by: Jason Lasicki, CWS Sales and Marketing
It has been a busy time in the CWS manufacturing and packaging operations. July was an amazing month for the company, posting our best numbers of the year. It was, as always, a tremendous team effort to produce and ship the volumes of products that were made.

Not resting on our laurels, we jump started August with another robust plan which included 3 new customers launching in August with commitments gained for 3 additional new customers for launches in September. Overall, in the past couple of months, we have secured 6 new customers, representing 16 new projects. The new work is perfectly aligned with CWS’ capabilities, infrastructure and equipment capabilities. The projects are diverse in nature and hit several industries: medical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic. This diversity of new customers and projects are only possible through the strong efforts of maintaining our regulatory compliances, primarily FDA registration, but additionally, CWS has just secured USDA Organic certification.

There is good work afoot at CWS with more success stories sure to follow!
ACHIEVE'S CHILDREN'S SUMMER PROGRAM
Submitted by: Melissa Blakeslee
Campers from ACHIEVE's Children's Summer Program had the fun opportunity to create a painting of flip flops in the sand. An instructor lead them step by step, and they got to take their masterpieces home!
BROOME COUNTY CLERK VISIT
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
On August 9th, Broome County Clerk Joseph Mihalko and Elizabeth Hansen visited ACHIEVE to learn more about the organization and receive a tour! They were even able to meet some of our amazing staff members and individuals we serve.
GOING AWAY PARTY
Submitted by: John Adams
An ACHIEVE individual, Cliff, is moving to North Carolina with his parents - so members at ACHIEVE decided to throw Cliff a going away party! Head Chef Donna made Cliff a John Deer tractor cake to go with his tractor pinata - and his friends from the agency came to wish Cliff good luck on his endeavors.

Our individuals touch the lives of so many here at ACHIEVE - and we hate to see them go. But this party helped create more amazing memories that individuals, staff, and Cliff can cherish forever. Good luck, Cliff! We hope to see you again soon!
ON THE POND
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
During our 9th Annual Savor the Summer event, guests had the opportunity to tour our new Adult Social Program!

At the end of the tour, the new name, nominated by Melissa Blakeslee , was featured in a mural painted by a very talented ACHIEVE employee, Bill Oglesby! Introducing...

On the Pond ~ At Cutler! 
"CHOOSE KIND" CAMPAIGN
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
"Every person has the power to shape their life and forge their destiny. Every thought and action matters and impacts the lives of others." ~ Timothy Lowie; Principal at Jennie F. Snapp Middle School

Students at  Jennie F Snapp Middle School  initiated a campaign called “Choose Kind” that promotes thoughts and acts of kindness. Their students made some letters for ACHIEVE to spread this kindness, and they hope that it will transcend outside the school walls and into the community, making it a better place to live.

Thank you to everyone at Jennie F. Snapp Middle School and the Union-Endicott Central School District for starting this initiative – we at ACHIEVE will be continuing the “Choose Kind” campaign.
RECREATION RESPITE
Submitted by: Melissa Blakeslee
The Recreation Respite Program went to the Seedstock Music Festival in Cortland, NY. Participants danced the night away while listening to the bands Molly & the Badly Bent Bluegrass Boys, Skunk City, and Root Shock. Inclusive recreation at its finest!
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
ACHIEVE's Executive Management Team was honored to present two scholarships to  Sherburne-Earlville Central School  graduate, Amberlie Sherwood. These scholarships were provided by the ACHIEVE Foundation:

Dr. Noble and Muriel Valerio Award - $500 for performing a minimum of 25 hours of community service for any not-for-profit entity

William Harrison Scholarship - $2,000 for majoring in the human services sector

Congratulations, Amberlie! And good luck on your future endeavours! 
THANK YOU
Submitted by: Catina Sutton
Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped at our 9 th annual Savor the Summer event. 
 
We had just over 50 volunteers for this event! They assisted with setting up the event; serving food, wine, and beer for some of our area vendors; made sure that all of the vendors had all of the supplies that they needed; checked in our guests as they arrived, and so much more! This event would not have been the success that it was if it were not for our amazing volunteers. Thank you to all of you! We at ACHIEVE are so lucky to have such dedicated staff.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT LUNCH
Submitted by: ReBecah Kilbury
On August 2nd, the Supported Employment Department held an appreciation lunch-in for the Job Coaches who support individuals with obtaining and maintaining integrated, competitive employment. Not only were they able to enjoy a delicious meal, but they then received a tour of On The Pond ~ At Culter - where many of their new offices will be located! 
RETIREMENT PARTY
Submitted by: Eric Yetter
August 3rd the Chenango County Day Habilitation and Country Club Residence celebrated the retirement of two long time CWS employees. Shirley Sipe was at CWS working in the workshop for 16 years and Donald Nesbitt says he was there "too many years to remember." Congratulations on your retirement!
VOCATIONAL APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
Submitted by: ReBecah Kilbury
ACHIEVE’s Vocational Services team members started their day on August 8th with breakfast provided and prepared by department leadership. This was an opportunity to thank the staff for the great work they are doing in helping people gain skills to reach their goals for community employment. VP of Vocational & Employment Services is  #ACHIEVEProud  as she makes pancakes for her team!
UNDER THE SEA
Submitted by: Caitlin Ropp
Under the Sea was a popular choice theme for this Month. We learned all about the Ocean, but also the beach and visited one of our own. We took off our shoes and enjoyed the sand!
SPIEDIE FEST
Submitted by: Katie Huston
Individuals from one of ACHIEVE's residences - Randy and James, had the opportunity to attend Binghamton's Spiedie Festival! They had a wonderful time at the event - and took a moment to say hi to those working at the ACHIEVE table, and even posed with some classy cars!
SAVOR THE SUMMER PREP
Submitted by: John Adams
Ed, who attends ACHIEVE, was part of a team that created a seafood salad/dip and a ham & cream cheese roll up with a pickle inside. Ed attends special communication services at ACHIEVE and practices his articulation skills as he reads the recipe.
RAISING THE FLAG
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
Every day, one of ACHIEVE's individuals Jesse, puts up the American Flag and the ACHIEVE Flag. On Savor the Summer, Jesse got dressed up to raise the flag - for he represented the start of the event! Thank you, Jesse!
TIOGA COUNTY TRIP
Submitted by: Eric Yetter
Robert, Paul, and David - members of the Guardianship Program, went on an adventure to Tioga for the day to visit a wild bird show!
BEACH BOYS CONCERT
Submitted by: Eric Yetter
Pat and Jim, members of the Guardianship Program, went on an adventure to Tioga Downs to see the Beach Boys in concert!
ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Submitted by: Melissa Blakeslee
This past weekend, Recreation Respite held it’s first Annual Cornhole tournament! Although it had to be moved inside due to storms, participants had a great time. Kieon Frew and Jakob Sousouris of “Team Greatest Packman” took first place. Congratulations, guys!
AFTON SIDEWALK DAYS
Submitted by: ReBecah Kilbury
August 25th, Chenango Staff and Individuals attended the Afton Sidewalk Days. Event organizers invited ACHIEVE to attend following learning about our efforts to assist people with gaining skills to be successful in their employment pursuits. For this event, Mike, Tim, Lori, and Martha, assisted by house staff James, Brittney and Rita, made and served popcorn to community members of all ages. They talked with business owners about their experience working at CWS and the job skills they bring to the job market – noting strong work ethics and reliability. The ACHIEVE team took delight in making and serving popcorn for this full day event and look forward to returning again next year!
COMMERCE CHENANGO GOLF TOURNAMENT
Submitted by: Victoria Studer
ACHIEVE was proud to participate at the Commerce Chenango golf tournament at the Canasawacta Country Club!
CORNING GLASS MUSEUM
Submitted by: Kayla Kennerup
Individuals from Cutler Pond had the opportunity to take a trip to the Corning Glass Museum.
FAIR HISTORY
Submitted by: Caitlin Ropp
In celebration of the Tioga County Fair, we met and decided to dedicate that week to “Fair History” and celebrated by making our own snow-cones, and popcorn all while enjoying some fun fair themed games. Everyone enjoyed themselves!
ACHIEVE Tioga's 2nd ANNUAL SPIEDIE CELEBRATION
Submitted by: Caitlin Ropp
To kick off August, we here at ACHIEVE's #TeamTioga decided to have our second annual Spiedie celebration. The folks here were busy preparing our food, making our own 3D balloons, and of course smiling and acting goofy for the camera. 
JOB OPENINGS
Submitted by:Jamie Striley
Save the date! There will be an internal job fair on Wednesday, September 19th, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at 47 Riverside Drive, Johnson City, NY 13790
HUMAN RESOURCES
Submitted by:Jamie Striley

ACHIEVE is proud to announce the following promotions for the month of June

  • Mario Ciotoli - Community Contract Manager
  • Janet Shelton - Employment Services Professional
  • Shari Caudell - Community Relations Coordinator
  • Richell Gardiner - Assistant Residence Manager
  • Brittinee Quillan - Assistant Residence Manager

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Submitted by: Shari Caudell
Here at ACHIEVE we are busy planning the 2018 Binghamton Devils Charity Golf Classic. As you may know, ACHIEVE provides programs and services to 2,200 individuals with disabilities in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties. Our organization is growing physically and programmatically and we are asking for sponsorship to help support our organization and the individuals that we serve. Sponsorship opportunities come in in many sizes and provide you with recognition as a business that supports individuals with disabilities in our community.  
UPCOMING EVENT
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ACHIEVE
607.723.8361