Greetings Everyone!
There have been many exciting Fall activities and festivities happening throughout our Broome, Chenango and Tioga County programs this October! The individuals we support have been enjoying many different social, recreational and work experiences throughout their communities – and we are so happy to play a small role in making that happen each and every day. I thank our staff for their kind, caring and loving approach and commend them for all that they represent to the individuals we serve.
I am excited to announce that Agency Leadership and Board representatives are formulating a new 3 year strategic plan for ACHIEVE. While our journey may be long and complex, we are committed, now more than ever, to participate in dialogue and relevant actions that increase opportunities, particularly competitive work experiences, for individuals with developmental disabilities in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties. Through a variety of vocational and employment supports, we are training individuals for competitive, community based employment. We applaud NYS OPWDD’s EmployAbility initiative and strive to work with local businesses to successfully hire individuals of all abilities. We are excited about the initiatives and program growth opportunities we have planned for 2019-2021 and look forward to setting a shared vision and future collaborations with community partners to reach our outcomes.
Finally, On the Pond ~ At Cutler has been successfully operating for a month now, and we couldn’t be happier with the positive feedback we’ve been receiving! We are excited to announce that ACHIEVE will be holding a Ribbon Cutting Celebration tomorrow, November 2
nd
, at 11:00 a.m. Many special guests are expected to be in attendance and we are very excited to celebrate the opening of this brand new program! Be sure to watch social media for photos and updates from this special occasion!
Warm Regards,
|
|
Amy Howard
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
November 2018
Samantha Griffiths
Pathways to Employment Coordinator
|
|
On behalf of the Executive Management Team and the Staff Appreciation Committee, we are honored to award Samantha Griffiths, Pathways to Employment Coordinator in Broome, with ACHIEVE's November Employee of the Month!
Samantha was nominated by many peers to be the November 2018 Employee of the Month! Samantha has worked for the agency for over 15 years, and is a strong leader and mentor to her staff while always putting the needs of others before herself. To read more about Samantha and why she was selected as employee of the month, visit our website by
clicking here!
|
|
Binghamton Devils Golf Tournament
Submitted By: Shari Caudell
|
On October 8, 2018 ACHIEVE hosted the Second Annual Binghamton Devils Charity Golf Tournament. Each year the Binghamton Devils select a charity to benefit, and ACHIEVE was honored as the charity of choice for the 2
nd
year. The tournament was held on the beautiful course at The Links at Hiawatha Landing. Eighteen teams had the unique opportunity to spend an afternoon playing golf with a member of the Devils hockey team or coaching staff. This year one of the teams was comprised of ACHIEVE staff; Joel Starly, Bradley Ellis, William Oglesby and Douglas Alise, who won spots by being drawn from their submissions to our “What you would like the community to know about ACHIEVE” contest. Congratulations, guys!
Teams also enjoyed a catered lunch from Red and White catering, a silent auction of sports memorabilia sponsored by Parlor City Cards and Collectables, awards, a delicious dinner sponsored by IBM, and more.
Thank You Binghamton Devils for Selecting ACHIEVE, and to all our Binghamton Devils Golf Tournament Sponsors and Participating Teams!!!
|
|
William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
|
ACHIEVE would like to congratulate Nina Petrie - nominee for the 15th annual William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award! Nina was nominated for being an outstanding employee at
Conduent
and for giving back to the community. Amy Howard, Chief Executive Officer of ACHIEVE, had the pleasure of presenting Nina with the
NYSID, Purchasing That Powers Employment
award in front of Nina's peers. Everyone then celebrated with cake afterwards! Congratulations!
|
|
William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award
Submitted By: Preston Evans
|
Michael Kildare had the honor of being surprised with the 15
th
annual Joslin Award at a special luncheon after being nominated by his employer, Bates Troy.
Michael was given this award because he consistently shows outstanding dedication, dependability, reliability and loyalty to the success of Bates Troy, an industrial laundry business which has collaborated with ACHIEVE to create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through the Preferred Source program, Bates Troy has met the needs of numerous government health care locations while opening the doors for people like Michael.
Michael has not missed a single day of work at Bates Troy since he began working one year ago. In this relatively short period of time, Michael has learned to operate many of the folding machines and is very efficient with the hand-fold process. His co-workers describe him as a good employee who hopes to do more over time. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, and his sense of humor keeps everyone around him in a good mood.
|
|
Thank You!
Submitted By: Lynne Majewski
|
The staff from the Vocational Department of ACHIEVE delivered a fruit tray to the Nursing Department at their morning meeting as a thank you to the nurses for all the work they have done recently to assist with the medical needs of individuals who receive Site Based Prevocational Services at the Lester Sit
e!
|
|
Bosses Day
Submitted By: Staff Appreciation Committee
|
October 16th was "Bosses Day" - so the Staff Appreciation Committee decided to create a video where employees state why they appreciate/admire their bosses! The video was kept a secret from all bosses until it was unveiled on the 16th! The bosses at ACHIEVE were so touched by what their employees had to say about them!
|
|
ACHIEVE Recreation Respite Program is all about fun! Our team provides structure and organization into recreational activities and social opportunities to individuals living at home. Fun is open to adults and teens while providing a brief period of respite to family members. Click on the buttons to the right for the Recreation Respite dates, times and activities!
|
|
Dog Treats
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
|
Members of Recreation Respite took the time to make some animal treats, toys and nap mats - then had a BLAST delivering them to the Broome County Dog Shelter! They even got to meet a few of the animals waiting to be adopted!
|
|
Pumpkin Festival
Submitted By: Melissa Blakeslee
|
Recreation Respite went to the Great Cortland Pumpkin Festival! Participants got to enjoy live music, local shopping, and pumpkin cannolis! The group also got their own private hay ride through the city of Cortland! What a great day!
|
|
|
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 a 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.
|
|
Pumpkin Farm
Submitted By: Gina Arici
|
ACHIEVE's new program - On the Pond ~ At Cutler, visited Jackson's Pumpkin farm!
|
|
|
Ross Park Zoo
Submitted By: Gina Arici
|
Participants visited Ross Park Zoo on one of the beautiful days October had to offer! Everyone was excited to meet the newest additions to the zoo - two baby red pandas!
|
|
|
|
Apple Hills
Submitted By: Gina Arici
|
Participants took a trip to Apple Hills in order to take an adventure on a wagon ride! They enjoyed seeing the farm animals, Halloween decorations, and the beautiful views!
|
|
Dog Treats
Submitted By: Gina Arici
|
Participants had a blast making dog treats for our local dog shelter in Broome County!
|
|
|
|
|
Apple Cider
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
|
The Fall weather inspired us - to make some apple cider! On October 3rd, individuals had the chance to pick apples from one of our apple trees, learn how to use a cider press, and then taste the delicious cider they made! They had an absolute blast!
|
|
|
|
Art Show
Submitted By: Debra Hofmann
|
Nate is in ACHIEVE's ETP (Employment Training Program) and has worked very hard towards making his dream of showing, and possibly selling, his art work professionally. October 5th at Binghamton’s “First Friday” event, Nate displayed his art at Community Options. Nate’s art was on display for all to see! This was Nate’s first time exhibiting his work and he was very excited! Amazing job, Nate!
|
|
Chenango Prom
Submitted By: Laura Thompson
|
October 5th was the annual Chenango County Day Habilitation Prom. This year’s theme was Rustic Autumn and the whole building was transformed into a beautiful Autumn scene! All decorations were done by the people who attend the program with help from their staff and this year was especially exciting with the addition of a photo booth. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time dancing with their friends and many families also joined us for the festivities!
|
|
Scarecrow Contest
Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp
|
#TeamTioga is again participating in the Otsiningo Annual Broome County Parks Scarecrow Contest and Display! Scarecrow Decorating Contest at Otsiningo Park! All 30 individuals selected something they would like to see on the scarecrow, and we made it happen. Like always, this was so much fun to do!
|
|
2nd Annual Trunk or Treat
Submitted By: Catina Sutton
|
ACHIEVE was happy to host a Trunk or Treat for the people that we serve, our staff, and their families on Thursday, October 25th, 2018. The event took place at our Cutler Pond facility and our Day Hab facility in Chenango County and, there were nearly 300 attendees between the two locations! The people that attended enjoyed the decorated vans, the candy that they provided, and a bonfire. At Cutler Pond location one of our Residential Houses hosted a party in the cafeteria with a DJ, Cider, and Donuts for all of the guests. At the Chenango County location, the local Police and Fire Departments joined in the festivities as well. The night was a blast for all that attended!
|
|
Fire Safety
Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp
|
The Campville Fire Department came to teach us about fire safety this past month. The folks here at Tioga were absolutely elated to learn, try on the gear, and thank the fireman for their service to our community!
|
|
Tim's Pumpkin Patch
Submitted By: Caitlin Ropp
|
Pumpkin farms are a super fun way to welcome the Fall season. Tioga adventured to Tim’s Pumpkin Patch in Marietta, NY to enjoy the farm animals, donuts, and of course, pumpkins! Everyone picked their own pumpkin and left with smiles!
|
|
Halloween Party at River Road
Submitted By: Courtney Sarpriacone
|
On Friday, October 26, 2018 the River Road Residence held a Halloween Party. All of the Chenango houses attend the SPOOKTAULAR fun, dressed in costumes! They enjoyed a Halloween dinner and games! I would like to thank all the houses for coming and staff for making it a great party. I would like to as well put another special thanks out to Belle Burchill for creating a Haunted House painting for decoration!
|
|
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
|
Every Halloween, our Cutler Pond site throws a Pumpkin Decorating Contest! The individuals and staff members at each room finds the most creative way they can decorate a pumpkin, and here are the results! Darla the Candy Corn Puffer-fish was the winner!
|
|
Strategic Planning
Submitted By: Preston Evans
|
Members of our Board and the Executive Management Team rolled up their sleeves on October 31st for an incredibly productive strategic planning meeting, mapping out some goals and initiatives for the next three years to ensure we keep meeting our mission and providing for the individuals we serve in a meaningful way. A huge thank you from the Team to
UHS
' Tina Dolan for coaching us and helping facilitate the meeting!
|
|
ACHIEVE's
2018 Apparel Sale
is upon us, and we are excited to announce that we are not only bringing back some classic options, but some really nice, new items as well! Get your holiday shopping done and help ACHIEVE at the same time!
|
|
Congratulations to the following employees for receiving a promotion in October!
|
- Jessica Nezelek - Assistant Residence Manager
- Rachel Gardner - Day Habilitation Specialist
- Kandi Cook - Assistant Residence Manager
- Amy Howard - Chief Executive Officer
- Veronica Hernandez - Assistant Residence Manager
- Elizabeth Espe - Assistance Residence Manager
- Michael Rudolph - Day Habilitation Specialist
- Lisa Whitney - Chief Operating Officer
- Charity Harrington - Day Habilitation Specialist
- Bethany Bertram - Day Habilitation Specialist
- James Glover - Assistant Residence Manager
- Laura Thompson - VP Programs
|
|
|
|
Congrats!
Submitted By: Shawna Chesebro
|
Congratulations are in order to James Glover of the River Road Residence and Brittinee Quillan of the Fowlston Residence. Both James and Brittinee have recently been promoted to the assistant manager position, which was much deserved!
|
|
Barb Meador
5/29/1944 - 10/16/2018
Barb had been a part of ACHIEVE for over 50+ years. She started working as a teacher’s aide for ACHIEVE when it was a school for children. She held positions with SEMP in several different capacities and ultimately retired from the workshop when it closed. Barb moved into Supportive in 1993 and then to Carlton St. many years later. Barb was the matriarch of the programs she belonged to and she saw it as her personal responsibility to “raise up” the next generation. It was her greatest mission to advocate for ACHIEVE's programs. She traveled to Albany several times to speak with politicians on behalf of the agency and always advocated for people who couldn't do it for themselves.
Barb was truly loved by her current ACHIEVE family, former ACHIEVE staff, church members and friends. She had many visitors over the past few weeks and these visits were a true blessing to her and the staff that were supporting her throughout this process.
I could go on and on about how much Barb meant to all of us! This was evidenced by her visitors and staff arranging their schedules to sit with her. We are truly grateful to each and every person who showed their love and support for Barb.
|
|
George Germano
5/9/1942 - 10/18/2018
A longtime friend of ACHIEVE passed away on Thursday, October 18th, 2018. George worked at the CWS workshop for several years, and after retiring he attended the Chenango Day Hab until recently. George was very loving and kind. George was always looking to joke around with staff and peers, loved his YANKEES, his girls, and his westerns. George will be greatly missed by all who knew him and lives he impacted.
|
|
Len
Submitted By: Victoria Studer
|
|
Check out this BEAUTIFUL photo at one of ACHIEVE's sites - Cutler Pond. It was taken and edited by one of ACHIEVE's valuable employees, Leonard McBride - Maintenance Supervisor.
|
|
Doug
Submitted By: John Adams
|
|
Doug is a talented Handy Man and Delivery Man at ACHIEVE Cutler Pond. On Thursdays, he visits every core room and the social program staff to see “what supplies are needed.”
He has a 4-step goal. He greets staff and uses their name in the greeting; he uses a good question to ask what supplies are needed; He asks if there is anything else and then tells a joke. On Monday’s, he delivers supplies like paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, wipes, gloves, plastic silverware, bowls and hand sanitizer. His work jacket says; Handy Man Doug; Delivering Service w/a Joke and a Smile.
Here’s one of Doug’s favorite jokes.
Why did the coffee cup call the police?
Answer: He got mugged.
|
|
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with all that ACHIEVE is doing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
