January 2019 Newsletter
Leadership Message
Greetings Everyone!

I hope you are all staying warm during this frigid month of January!

I am very happy to share our plans for a #bFair2DirectCare rally on February 8 th at the Broome County Courthouse lawn. Representatives from 5 other chapters of The Arc New York will be joining us as we respectfully request that the Governor continue to fulfill his six year pledge to include cost of living funding in his 2019 budget. You can learn more about this initiative by visiting the website: http://www.bfair2directcare.com/ . 

As well, we have finished the development of our 2019-2021 Strategic Plan for ACHIEVE. Not surprisingly, our plan focuses heavily around workforce issues – employee retention, staff development and career paths, wage and benefit issues, etc. Our ultimate goal is to improve employee retention as we understand that doing so will result in better outcomes for the individuals we support in our programs. Individuals served deserve predictability and consistency in the staffing and relationships they form – and we will settle for nothing less. Our strategic plan also focuses on responsiveness to individual, family and community needs. As evidenced by long wait lists, the demand for services is growing here at ACHIEVE. At the same time, we are navigating major shifts in the service delivery system, one being the field’s transition from a fee for service model to managed care. Through our plan initiatives we strive to position ourselves so that we remain prepared, responsive, innovative and visionary. 

Thank you to all who have contributed to ACHIEVE’s 2018-2019 Annual Appeal. We are getting closer to our goal of $63,000 but we need your help! If you have not yet contributed, please consider visiting our website to do so. Your gift, no matter how large or small, helps to close the gap for underfunded programming.

Thank you, as always for your ongoing support of ACHIEVE and please stay warm during these chilly winter days!
Amy Howard
Chief Executive Officer
Minute-To-Win-It
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
Recreation Respite brought in the new year with an evening of Minute-To-Win-It games. Team “Binghamton Devils” won the overall competition, but everyone had a blast!
Binghamton Pondfest
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
Recreation Respite bundled up and spent the day at Binghamton Pondfest, located at Chenango Valley State Park. Folks watched a hockey tournament, saw live music, and got to make s’mores over a fire pit!
Greek Peak
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
Recreation Respite took a trip up to Greek Peak to enjoy a mountain side dinner at Trax Pub. 
Pickleball
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
Recreation Respite learned how to play Pickleball, which is a super fun game that combines tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Participants can't wait until the weather is warmer so they can have an outdoor tournament!
BU Basketball
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
Recreation Respite attended the BU Bearcat Men's Basketball game on January 26th! The group had a great time cheering on our hometown team!
Goldie B. Locks Performance
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
Thank you  Tri-Cities Opera  for performing " Goldie B. Locks & the Three Singing Bears " at our On the Pond ~ At Cutler facility! Our individuals, and the kids from  SUNY Broome Community College  daycare had a wonderful time! 
Computer Club
Submitted By: Shawnta Smith
Participants in the On the Pond ~ At Cutler program have expressed interest in learning more about computers - so they formed a Computer Club! They are now learning about Internet safety, using Microsoft Word to type letters, looking up current events, and having the freedom to explore just how much the Internet has to offer!
Early Bird Breakfast
Submitted By: Shawnta Smith
ACHIEVE has partnered with Broome-Tioga BOCES PALS in creating an Early Bird Breakfast! Participants now have the opportunity to get together with some friends and enjoy an early breakfast.
February 2019

Lynelle Davis
Program Manager
On behalf of the Executive Management Team and the Staff Appreciation Committee, we are honored to award Lynelle Davis, Program Manager in Chenango, with ACHIEVE's January Employee of the Month!

Lynelle has committed her service to ACHIEVE for over 15 years, and she is extremely helpful to other staff, always going above and beyond to help with training, events, answering questions, etc. To read more about Lynelle and why she was selected as employee of the month, visit our website by clicking here!
Card Exchange
Submitted By: Joel Starley
On December 21, some ACHIEVE Community Pre-Vocational Services clients distributed Christmas cards to businesses who work with ACHIEVE by providing qualified individuals with meaningful work experiences throughout our communities. In this picture, Trisha Peters (L) and Abbie LeClair (C), present Thrifty Shopper Endwell employee Stephany Antolos (R), with a Christmas card expressing ACHIEVE’s gratitude and appreciation for the many work experiences Thrifty Shopper has provided us throughout the year. Other businesses receiving cards of thanks were Waterman Conservation Area in Apalachian, Price Chopper in Chenango Bridge, and Famous Footwear in Vestal
Donna
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
ACHIEVE's Staff Appreciation Committee strives to make all staff feel appreciated for the hard work they do each and every day. The committee decided to surprise ACHIEVE's chef, Donna, with a new custom Chef coat to thank her for all of her assistance she provided for the entire agency in 2018. Thank you, Donna!
Danielle House
Submitted By: Charity Harrington
For those that are not familiar, the Danielle House was created in response to the need for shelter and emotional support for family members visiting seriously ill patients in Binghamton-area hospitals. The Danielle House relies greatly on volunteers and donations. In response to that, Core Room 3 at Cutler Pond will be starting a donation bin to be dropped off at Danielle House on behalf of ACHIEVE. We will be collecting these donations through the end of January. If you have anything you would like to donate, please feel free to drop off supplies to 125 Cutler Pond Road.
Sponsorship Opportunities

ACHIEVE 2019 event dates have been chosen, and we are actively planning! To learn more about how you can become a sponsor at ACHIEVE's events, read below or click here !
Promotions

Congratulations to the following employees for receiving a
promotion in December!

  • Raffe Morehead - Assistant Residential Manager
  • Linwood Newman - Guardianship Coordinator
Happy New Year!
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
ACHIEVE threw a New Year's Party to ring in the New Year! Everyone received some party gear (hats, glasses, noise makers, etc.), and danced 2018 away with their friends! They even had their own private ball drop, which you can view by clicking here!
Save the Date!

Join ACHIEVE and five other local ARC Chapters, elected officials, employees, individuals and their families at the Broome County Courthouse on Friday, February 8th at 11:00 for a #bFair2DirectCare  rally, calling on Governor Cuomo to fulfill his promise of including living wage funding for our DSPs for a third year in his budget amendments. 

Our DSPs work hard on behalf of those we serve and deserve a fair, livable wage and we hope you'll join us to make our voices heard!
New Years Party in Tioga
Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp
Tioga staff and residents celebrated the New Year with a fun dance, yummy treats, and great company! We are all looking forward to what 2019 has in store for us!
Arctic Animals
Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp
Individuals in Tioga learned all about Arctic animals this month! The Polar Bear seemed to be their favorite, so artist Jean Bolden used her skills to create a large bear for our Arctic scene! Did you know that all Polar Bears are left handed?
Elvis Impersonator
Submitted By: Wendy Christmas
"Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine!" ACHIEVE participants had the opportunity to go to Tioga Downs and watch "A King's Celebration", where Elvis impersonator, Jessie Garron, performed!
Sundae Funday
Submitted By: Amy Pello
What better way to enjoy the brisk temperatures of January than by going to Friendly's to enjoy some ice cream sundaes!
Turkey Tuesday
Submitted By: Amy Pello
Although there was no actual turkey involved, some of our individuals strove to get a Turkey (three strikes in a row) when they went on a bowling trip!
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.
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. This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at The McKinley at Huron Campus. 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. In addition, members will vote on the proposed Slate of Officers, and re-elect current and induct new ACHIEVE Board Members. More than 450 individuals, including agency employees, individuals served, and their families, corporate sponsors, and local dignitaries attend this annual event.

10th Annual Savor the Summer
August 22nd - Cutler Pond
Over the past decade, Savor the Summer has grown to become a premiere event in the Southern Tier. Hosted by ACHIEVE and The Foundation Board of Directors, this year’s event will take place Thursday, August 22, 2019 at ACHIEVE’s Cutler Pond location. 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
Fall 2019 - 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!
Tax Return Initiative
Tax season is upon us, and H&R Block has selected ACHIEVE to be one of their Referral Program donation recipients this year.

Last year, H&R Block donated over $1 million to nonprofit organizations across the country as part of this program.

What do you have to do? 

Well, the catch is that the program is for new customers only, but if you’re interested, simply enter or bring in the Referral ID (40010001100059) when filing your return (online or at H&R Block). You can also print the flyer pictured here!

For every new customer who uses the ACHIEVE Referral ID number on the flyer, the agency will receive $20 from H&R Block (not from your pocket)
Annual Appeal
Thanks to the generosity from our community, ACHIEVE has reached 53.7% 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 .

Facebook Charities
Please consider ACHIEVE for Facebook fundraising efforts around your birthday or other special event, and encourage your friends and family to do so too. While an easy way for our organization to raise money in service of our individuals, it’s an even better way to share our mission and what we do with our friends and family.
Jesse
Jesse wished to share his newest creation - a paper maché twin tower replica. He even wrote the below journal to explain how it was done!

"Jesse and Bethany decided to make the world trade center/twin towers using 2 baby wipe boxes. We decided to paper maché the boxes to make them sturdier then the popsicle stick display that Jesse had made earlier in the year. Paper maché is made out of flour and water mixed together. We both cut up newspaper into long strips. Jesse and Bethany put the newspaper strips into the flour and water to soak. Then we put the newspaper strips onto the baby wipe boxes. We let it dry overnight. The next morning both of us painted the boxes white as a base coat. When the towers were dry the next day we painted them silver for the final coat on the buildings. Bethany then used the hot glue gun to glue the towers to a flat piece of cardboard. Jesse and his friend Lydia then decided to put black string on the buildings to make it look like it has windows and doors. This is how our project was made. We thought everyone would like to see it when it was completed! We started this project on 12/12/2018 and finished on 12/31/2018."
Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors!