January 2020 Newsletter
Leadership Message
Greetings Everyone!

As I take a moment to reflect back, I find myself so appreciative and grateful for the amazing year we had here at ACHIEVE. I can’t thank each of you enough for your staunch support of our organization in 2019. We are truly blessed to live in such a thriving, energetic and growing community of supporters – Board, Donors, Local Businesses, Employees, Families, and many others who help our agency be the best it can be. The teamwork and collaboration I witnessed over the past year was incredible and the milestones and accomplishments were many – all to the benefit of the individuals supported in our programs.
 
I am particularly proud of the staff in our organization who work so hard to ensure that ACHIEVE is the premiere provider of supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Southern Tier region of New York State. I say time and time again that our staff are our most valuable resource and asset here at ACHIEVE, and you only need to read a few editions of this newsletter to understand that they knocked it out of the park in 2019. I have every reason to believe we/they will do so again in 2020 and that it will prove to be our best year yet!
 
On behalf of all of us here at ACHIEVE, I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year!
Amy Howard
Chief Executive Officer
Nixie
We at CWS would like to welcome of our newest partner, Nixie Beverage! Nixie is a California-based organic sparkling water producer, with several unique product lines. Their mission is to produce a healthy, organic and refreshing sparkling water line, with flavors including watermelon mint, pomegranate green tea, peach black tea, and lime ginger; all with 0 calories, 0 sugar and 0 sodium!
 
Nixie came to us for a solution to an inventory balance discrepancy that needed remedying. Production began in November 2019, with CWS wrapping all three 8 packs in shrink film to eliminate the ability to grab an individual 8 pack. The pallets were then adjusted for more stability in transit and less waste from fallen, damaged cases.
Nixie's problem has been resolved, and we continue to partner with them each week, working a full trailerload of product with every order. Please welcome Nixie Beverage to our current list of partnerships. Visit them at www.drinknixie.com to learn more about this exciting company!
Ariel's Success Story
When Ariel began her journey in the Pathway to Employment program in December 2018, she was a shy, quiet, young lady only a few years out of high school. Ariel was unsure of what she wanted to do.

Once beginning her vocational experiences, she started coming out of her shell. Ariel completed six out of the required four vocational experiences, in addition to learning valuable social and job skills. Throughout her time in Pathway to Employment, Ariel discovered what she liked and where she excelled. She also realized that some of the jobs she thought she wanted to do, she really did not like at all.

During the past year, Ariel has grown into a responsible young lady who is anxious to begin a new journey with Employment Training Program. It has been such a joy to watch Ariel’s growth, see her beautiful smile emerge, and her glowing personality shine through.
January 2020

Dimitrios Derventzis
Purchasing Agent
On behalf of the Executive Management Team and the Staff Appreciation Committee, we are honored to award Dimitrios Derventzis, Purchasing Agent in Broome, with ACHIEVE's January Employee of the Month!

To read more about Dimitrios and why he was selected as employee of the month, visit our website by clicking here!
Promotions
Congratulations to the following employees for receiving promotions at ACHIEVE!
Joel Starley - Employment Services Professional
David Slade - Employment Services Professional
Hannah Torres - Day Habilitation Specialist
Meggan Taylor - Regional VP Programs
Catina Sutton - Director Family Support Services
Brittany Geer - Director of Compliance and Innovation
Ornament Sale
Exciting news! Our individuals at On the Pond ~ At Cutler have been working with  Emily Jablon  at  Jablon Studios  on glass ornaments for the holiday season. The best part? She has partnered with the  Artisan Gallery  to sell these ornaments until the end of the year! 75% of the proceeds are going back into our On the Pond ~ At Cutler Program! Ornaments can be purchased at the Artisan Gallery on Court Street - $15 for one, or two for $20! We'd like to thank everyone for making this possible, especially Emily who takes great pride in working with our individuals and has become a partner, mentor, and most importantly a friend to our individuals.
Another huge thank you to the Broome County Arts Council and Jablon Studios for making this happen!
Achieve and Jablon studios partner to make Christmas...

BINGHAMTON, NY - Artists in the Binghamton Area were addressed today at the Broome County Arts Council's Artisan Gallery. ACHIEVE of Broome County partnered with Jablon studios and the BCAC to launch ornaments produced by local artists. The...

Read more
www.binghamtonhomepage.com
Blanket Donations
Participants from On the Pond ~ At Cutler have been busy during this giving season, making blankets for those in need! Last month, they donated multiple blankets to animal shelters, and this month they made blankets for RISE!
O'Tanenbaum at the Owego Museum
Each year, #TeamTioga decorates a tree for the auction at the Owego Museum. This year, we chose to create a "Vintage Disney" themed tree and focused on the classic Mickey and Minnie. Our tree had 5 bids this year!
Elf Day
For the holiday season, Recreation Respite acted as Santa's Elves by bringing in a new toy to program, wrapping them up, and delivering them to the Toys for Tots station at the Chenango Bridge Red and White!
New Friends
One of our individuals, Jack, has made a new friend! Jack absolutely loves babies, and was thrilled when he had the opportunity to meet and hold baby Helena. The second she was in Jack's arms, they both had the biggest smiles on their faces!
NEW SECURITY AT CUTLER
Alex Creamer
Our On the Pond ~ At Cutler program receives many special guests, including musician Alex Creamer. Participants were disappointed to learn that she was moving to Colorado earlier this year - but were surprised over the holiday to find out she came back to perform for them again!
Tioga Holiday Luncheon
#TeamTioga held their third annual Holiday Luncheon. Their menu included ham, mac & cheese, salad, cookies, and the party's favorite - punch! Ed Foote returned by popular demand to DJ the event and was even able to coax some participants up for some karaoke. So much fun was had dancing, eating, and mingling with families and friends. This was their largest turnout yet - with a little over 100 guests!
Staff Holiday Lunch
To celebrate the holidays and show appreciation for ACHIEVE staff, the Staff Appreciation Committee had two businesses cater a delicious BBQ lunch on December 19th. Food & Fire catered for Broome & Tioga, while Corner Catering Kitchen's catered for Norwich.
Thank you Dan, from Food & Fire!
Thank you Tom, from Corner Catering Kitchens!
The Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic
April 24th - Midway Lanes
Whether you are a Strike Force or a Gutter Gang, you won’t want to miss the 25th 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 24th, 2020 at Midway 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.
66th Annual Dinner Dance
June 5th - 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 5, 2020 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.
11th Annual Savor the Summer
August 20th - 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 20, 2020 at ACHIEVE’s Cutler Pond location. This elegant tasting event features offerings from over 40 of the region’s finest restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The expected 400 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.
2nd Annual overACHIEVEr's Half-K Classic
October 17, 2020 - Norwich East Park
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!
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 factor in the success of any ACHIEVE event, and in turn has numerous benefits for you and your company!
Annual Appeal
Thanks to the generosity from our community, ACHIEVE has reached 34.2% of the Annual Appeal goal in just its first month! Thank you to everyone who has donated!

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 .

Thank you to our 2019 Sponsors!