February 2019 Newsletter

Leadership Message Greetings Everyone! March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and I invite you to learn more about the needs, talents, interests, and concerns of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. So many of the individuals we support at ACHIEVE are uniquely gifted and it is our pleasure to highlight a few of them in this month’s e-newsletter and via ACHIEVE’s social media outlets throughout the month of March. On March 25 th at 12:00 p.m., ACHIEVE will be joining The Arc New York, families, and a network of providers from across the state to stand together in the Capitol and request that New York fund a living wage for our Direct Support Professionals. We ask that you stand with us. If you are interested in adding your voice to our call, please contact Preston Evans, Vice President Development and Donor Relations at ACHIEVE, at 607.231.5262 or via email at pevans@achieveny.org . Finally, I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all who attended the Southern Tier #bFair2DirectCare rally on the Broome County Courthouse lawn on February 8 th . What an amazing partnership between agencies, local elected officials, DSP’s, and individuals served. You can read more about the rally in this edition of our e-newsletter. As always, I deeply appreciate your support of our organization and the individuals we serve in our programs each day.

Amy Howard Chief Executive Officer

#bFair2DirectCare Rally Over 100 employees, family members, legislators and service providers from organizations across the Southern Tier rallied on the Binghamton courthouse lawn, calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to fulfill his promise of years 3 and 4 livable wage funding for Direct Support Professionals as part of the #bFair2DirectCare movement. Over the last several months, the #bFair2DirectCare Coalition has held rallies and other events across the state to educate the public about the looming crisis created by rising costs, the lack of funding support, new federal overtime rules, recruiting and retention difficulty in an economy with lower unemployment, and growing competition from other employers, like big box stores, that are raising wages across the board.

#BFair2DirectCare Movement Takes on Downtown Binghamton Posted: Friday, February 8, 2019 3:54 PM EST Updated: Friday, February 8, 2019 4:13 PM EST BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - Achieve and local Arc chapters hosted a #BFair2DirectCare Rally on the Broome County Courthouse lawn on Friday. Over 100 people rallied... Read more www.wicz.com

“Today’s turnout from a wide variety of service providers across our region clearly illustrates how important this funding is for DSPs and those they work with daily,” ACHIEVE CEO Amy Howard said. “We’re excited to partner with so many organizations and elected officials around the Southern Tier.” The rally had support from The Arc New York chapters, other local service agencies, and elected officials. As Senator Fred Akshar so proudly said, "We have a fundamental responsibility to provide the most basic of human services to those with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. Direct care workers take care of the most vulnerable in our society and New York has a responsibility to take care of them."

#bFair2DirectCare Prep Submitted By: Victoria Studer

There was a lot of prep work done by individuals for the #bFair2DirectCare Rally held on February 8th! They wanted to show their support for helping their caretakers earn a livable wage.

King and Queen of Hearts Dance Submitted By: Catina Sutton Party night is a chance for adults with disabilities to socialize and have fun! In honor of Valentine's Day, February's Party Night was dedicated to all things love! Individuals danced the night away, and they even declared a King and Queen of Hearts! To learn more about ACHIEVE's Party Night, and to see the 2019 schedule, please click here.

Bittersweet Goodbye Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp It was bittersweet for the folks at Tioga, we had to say “see you later” to a very special woman. Ashley, we all love you very much, and wish you nothing but the best. You have touched so many hearts during your time in Owego, and know you have already done the same in your new home. Best of luck with your new, more independent life! Love, your friends in Tioga!

Night to Shine Prom Submitted By: Jacklyn Hannah ACHIEVE residents were invited to attend the Night to Shine at  Chenango Valley High School ! They got to walk the red carpet, wear beautiful dresses from a complimentary boutique, had their hair done and makeup done and enjoyed a wonderful evening!

Black History Month Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp February is Black History Month, so the folks of Tioga learned and read all about the women and men that have made such a huge difference in our world. We ventured to the Harriet Tubman House located in Auburn for a special guided tour by Paul. We learned so much and are so thankful for this wonderful experience.

Joy Prom Submitted By: Tanisha Arroyo In addition to Night to Shine Prom, some of our individuals had the opportunity to attend the Joy Prom! The event, hosted by GSR CrossFit in Vestal, featured a red carpet, hair and makeup station, as well as shoe shining so all those involved could feel like the kings and queens they are!

Visit from the Fire Department Submitted By: Sue Benjamin ACHIEVE in Chenango received a visit from their local fire department to talk about fire safety. Everyone loved learning about what a firefighter does, and seeing all the equipment they have to use! They even had a chance to learn how to use a temperature sensor!

Syracuse University Basketball Game Submitted By: Guy Newman Paul looks forward to attending a Syracuse Basketball game every year, and I was honored to take him to one for the first time! The Dome was full of fans and the game was high energy from start to finish. We engaged with the game immediately; cheering, yelling, clapping, and giving out high fives to other fans. We made some new friends from our section and Paul loved being an active part of the crowd around us. Syracuse won decidedly by 12 points and they controlled the entire tempo of the game against Boston College. The cheer-leading squads were very entertaining and at one point the flag wavers came barreling by us. Paul and I literally had to lean back in our seats to avoid being in the way.  After the game Paul bought a pair of very bright orange argyle socks and a new team t-shirt to add to his collection. On the way to the exits we met three young ladies from the university band and Paul was delighted to shake their hands and take a picture with them. All-in-all, this was a very exciting game and Paul appeared to enjoy this event greatly. After the game, Paul wanted to have dinner at the Red Lobster. We ate near the bar and could see the news covering the game we were just at. Paul loved it, and kept drawing my attention to the television in excitement. Paul continually requested “next year, next year” on the war home and I guaranteed him that we would return again for another game.

Elected Official Visitation Day Submitted By: Preston Evans Thank you Senator Fred Akshar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, and Assemblyman Chris Friend for taking the time to meet with us in Albany to talk about  #bFair2DirectCare  and other legislative priorities! We appreciate your continued support!

Happy Valentine's Day! Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp Happy Valentine’s Day! Tioga enjoyed a delicious Pancake Breakfast and danced the afternoon away to the tune of LOVE! Everyone left with full bellies, and happy hearts!

Other Duties as Assigned Submitted By: Tanisha Arroyo Sometimes you never know what our day will consist of…this is why I love what I do! No two days are the same. Having all brothers and being a mom of two young men, curling a person’s hair with a hot curling iron - was the furthest thing from my mind when I woke up this morning! I am thankful to be able to make this young lady smile and feel beautiful today! THIS made my heart smile…#BlessedByBeingABlessing

Your Gift Matters Because of ACHIEVE's supporters - we are able to provide quality services to those we serve. $100 helps buy one cart of art supplies for Day Habilitation $250 encourages independence with 125 bus passes $500 covers two weeks of meals for one residential home $1,000 buys an HP computer for Pathway to Employment Keep reading to learn more about how your gift matters! Promotions Congratulations to the following employee for receiving a promotion in January! Tanezia Harris - Assistant Residential Manager

March is Developmental Disabilities Month, celebrating inclusion, contributions and togetherness of the DD community. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we highlight some of the incredible things that our individuals give back to our community.

Random Act of Kindness Day Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee

Each year, Recreation Respite celebrates National Random Act of Kindness Day. This year, the group created care packages that were donated to homeless shelters in Binghamton. Packages for men were delivered to the Rescue Mission House, while packages for women were delivered to the YWCA.

Paint Like Van Gogh Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee

Recreation Respite got creative and painted winter scenes on canvas inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night" - and they all did an AMAZING job!

March 2019  Sandy Mock Director of Information Systems

On behalf of the Executive Management Team and the Staff Appreciation Committee, we are honored to award Sandy Mock, Director of Information Systems, with ACHIEVE's March Employee of the Month! Sandy has worked for the agency for over 27 years and was recently promoted to the Director of Information Systems. To read more about Sandy and why she was selected as employee of the month, visit our website by clicking here!

On the Pond ~ At Cutler is a unique, integrated setting for both disabled and non-disabled individuals, where retirees and others can socialize and participate in activities of their choosing. The program offers art, music, exercise, computer skills, recreation and daily activities that can be selected by the participants. Attendees spend 4-7 hours per day at the program, with flexibility being offered to meet the scheduling needs of the individuals enrolled and their families, many of whom work during the day and rely on ACHIEVE’s new program for a safe, fun place for their loved ones.

Sock Hop Submitted By: Shawnta Smith

On the Pond ~ At Cutler held its 1st Annual Valentine's Day Sock Hop Dance! "Greasers" and "Pink Ladies" dressed up in their 50's clothes, and danced the evening away! They held a dance contest, enjoyed a photo booth, and refreshed with a root beer float! You can view the sock-hop dance by clicking here!

The Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic April 6th - Ideal Bowling Center

Whether you are a Strike Force or a Gutter Gang, you won’t want to miss the 24th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic! A fun filled day of bowling, prizes and community spirit, co-chaired by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblyman Chris Friend. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at Ideal Lanes. This tournament is great way for companies to promote team building or family fun time, as well as the opportunity to become this year’s reigning champion!! Register now, as this tournament sells out each year, with more than 300 bowlers and spectators attending this annual event.

Register Now

65th Annual Dinner Dance June 7th - The McKinley This signature event is an evening full of celebration and dancing, combined with a brief membership meeting and highly anticipated awards ceremony. The evening provides an opportunity for ACHIEVE to recognize the many accomplishments of our program participants and staff as well as express our sincere appreciation for the friendship of our community partners.

10th Annual Savor the Summer August 22nd - Cutler Pond Presented by M&T Bank, this elegant tasting event features offerings from over 40 of the region’s finest restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The expected 500 guests also enjoy live entertainment and an impressive silent auction overlooking the beautiful vistas of Cutler Pond. The evening culminates with a breathtaking fireworks display.

overACHIEVEr's Half-k Classic September 28th - Chenango

This unique event includes a Half-k fun run ending at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York. Bring the entire family to walk, run, or ride your way to the museum! Enjoy free admission to the Northeast Classic Car Museum, an opportunity to ride in a classic car, lunch reception, finish line photo, commemorative t-shirt, prizes, and more! More details to come!

Sponsorship Opportunities

The success of each of our events depends on the generosity of our local community and business partners. Corporate sponsorship and support is one determining the factor in the success of any event, and in turn has numerous benefits for you and your company!

Learn More

Jeffrey Submitted By: Amantha Powell Jeffrey Blackman was a long time icon to Tioga. He spent many years working at the ACHIEVE workshop where he said his favorite job was laying line/wires for Frito Lay. He enjoyed talking about his family and the times he'd ride his John Deer tractor. Jeff also enjoyed garage sales, watching Westerns, and listening to country music. Jeff always had a pleasant greeting for everyone he came across, such as "Hey Beautiful" and "You look beautiful today!". He would always ask about your family too. He enjoyed volunteering at Stray Haven and making sure the cats were comfortable as he has cats of his own. Jeff also enjoyed volunteering at various nursing home. He stated that “he enjoyed visiting people there because many of them do not get any visitors ”. That was the polite, caring man he was. Always bringing joy to others.  Jeff’s kind heart and words and radiant smile will be missed.

Your Gift Matters

Thanks to the generosity from our community, ACHIEVE has reached 60% of the Annual Appeal goal! But we 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  .

Donate Now

Why is ACHIEVE’s Membership Campaign So Important?

March means we have officially kicked off our 2019 Membership Campaign! Your membership and inclusion in the agency helps support the individuals we serve by creating more opportunities for personal growth and achievements. Your membership helps give them a voice! Membership provides our agency more power to advocate legislatively at the state and national levels. As an agency, we continue to face economic challenges, and larger membership numbers gives us a stronger voice.

Become a Member

Membership is only $5.00 a person, Membership lasts one year, so if you were a member in 2018 please renew in 2019! Membership is open to the people we support, their families, our employees and to members of our community , 18 years of age or older Invite friends and family to become members too. The more voices the better! For more information about how to become a member, please contact Shari Caudell, Community Relations Coordinator at scaudell@achieveny.org , or by phone at 607-231-5217.

Richard Submitted By: Sue Benjamin

Richard Cook, or Cookie as his friends call him, has a very important job at ACHIEVE Chenango Day Habilitation every day he attends. Cookie looks forward to each afternoon when he is able to assist Janitorial staff Jeff Squires with going around to each room and collecting/changing the garbage and recyclables. When Richard was asked why he likes doing the job he said, “Twice a day, keep it clean, and it’s fun with Jeff." Cookie smiles the entire time he collects garbage and talks with everyone while keeping the building clean. Great job, Richard!

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New this Year - ACHIEVE's Platinum Partners!  Thank you for supporting all four ACHIEVE events!

Thank you to our 2019 Sponsors!