ACHIEVE

12/19/2025

🎄✨ Holiday Spirit Filled Our Broome Day Hab! ✨🎄

Yesterday, our Broome Day Hab was buzzing with festive cheer! Our Guardianship program hosted their annual holiday luncheon, bringing everyone together for good food and great company. We were also treated to a wonderful chimes performance by our friends from Chenango Day Hab, spreading even more holiday joy through music.

We were honored to welcome members of OPWDD (New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities), who joined in the festivities and toured the facility alongside our leadership team. It was a day full of celebration, connection, and holiday spirit—thank you to everyone who helped make it so special! 🎶🎁🎄

12/16/2025

✨🎄 Holiday Cheer at Tioga Downs! 🎄✨

Last Friday, a group of On the Pond staff and participants enjoyed a festive night out together at Tioga Downs Casino Resort! The evening kicked off with a delicious buffet dinner, followed by a cozy wagon ride through the Holiday Lights.

There was plenty of laughter, lots of singing along to favorite holiday songs, and even more smiles as everyone soaked in the sights and sounds of the season. It was a wonderful night spent together, making memories and celebrating the joy of the holidays! 💚🎶✨

12/11/2025

🎄✨ Earlier this week, our Residential program kicked off the holiday season with their annual Christmas Party — and it was nothing short of magical! Residents and staff came together to celebrate with food, fun, and festive cheer… and even welcomed a very special visitor from the North Pole! 🎅❤️

We’re grateful for the moments that bring our ACHIEVE family together. ❤️💚

12/11/2025

Don’t forget to join us this evening for the New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) Legislative Roundtable featuring the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and North Country Region! 🗣️💙

These regional virtual sessions bring together NYS legislators, providers, and advocates to discuss the I/DD service system and NYDA’s priorities for the FY 2026 Executive Budget. Your voice and participation matter!

📅 The Finger Lakes, Central NY & North Country session is TONIGHT — don’t miss it!

✔️ If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, there’s still time:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVsI59TzZqZ5t2pFxQ8TyR3p6DCaGfXlQXOm7_lSQdr2Fx2Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawOn1J1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoN2Yya3V5V0hvNG9PMzlnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlKP9H-Ou0VWNR3-2k5tRU7NtSBojvKZhTCrRdLXe19f3SIw6Aw7NWSbb-nA_aem_yl1tH-GdNaGQj4j8HjDhFA

Let’s continue working together to strengthen services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across New York State.

📅 Save the Date! RSVP Today!

New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) is hosting Legislative Roundtables with New York State legislators, and you’re invited to join the conversation!

These regional virtual sessions will focus on the I/DD service system and NYDA’s priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget.

Roundtables begin December 2nd and continue through the month. Please see the flyer for details on regions, dates, and times.

✔️ To RSVP for any session, visit:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVsI59TzZqZ5t2pFxQ8TyR3p6DCaGfXlQXOm7_lSQdr2Fx2Q/viewform

Let’s come together to shape the future of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across New York State! 💙

12/09/2025

Last week, some of our ACHIEVE participants and staff braved the cold and brought the holiday cheer to Johnson City’s Holiday Parade with their festive Elf-themed float! 🎄✨

From Buddy-worthy smiles to twinkling lights, their energy helped kick off the season in true ACHIEVE style. We’re definitely feeling the holiday spirit around here — and it’s only just beginning! ❄️🎅💚

12/08/2025

Back in October, we shared that ACHIEVE and The Arc Madison Cortland had begun exploring a potential unification of our two agencies. Today, we’re pleased to share that this work continues to move forward, with due diligence on track for completion by December 31, 2025. We also recently received NYS OPWDD approval to proceed with this exploration—an exciting milestone for both organizations.

Throughout this process, we’ve been continually encouraged by how closely our agencies align in values, mission, and our shared commitment to the people we support and the communities we serve.

We understand that a process like this naturally brings questions, which is why we’re sharing a letter from Amy Howard and Perry Courto, CEOs of ACHIEVE and The Arc Madison Cortland, along with infographics outlining the key reasons for this exploration and answers to some of the most common questions we’ve heard so far.

Thank you for your trust, kindness, and continued support. We look forward to sharing more updates in the coming year. 💙

12/05/2025

ACHIEVE is hiring! We’re looking for a dedicated and mission-driven Residence Manager to join our Residential Services leadership team. 🏡🌟

In this vital role, you’ll oversee the daily functioning of assigned residences, ensuring high-quality, person-centered supports that empower individuals to live meaningful, independent lives. From coordinating 24-hour coverage and maintaining regulatory compliance to mentoring DSPs and Assistant Residence Managers, you’ll be at the heart of creating safe, supportive home environments. 💬💪

This position is more than a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to make an impact every single day. If you’re ready to support others in achieving their goals while helping shape a positive team culture, this may be the perfect next step in your career.

Ready to ? Learn more and apply today: www.achieveny.org/employment

12/05/2025

What better way to end the week than by sharing moments of ACHIEVE individuals doing good in our community? 💙🎁

Small acts of giving can make a big impact — and our individuals prove that every day. ✨

12/03/2025

This summer, ACHIEVE had the honor of participating, and winning first place, in The Ross Park Zoo's Sundae Safari, where local nonprofits created and served specialty sundaes to guests — sharing sweet treats and spotlighting the incredible work happening in our community. 🎉

Last week, our amazing helpers from ACHIEVE's Community Habilitation program enjoyed their grand prize: a special behind-the-scenes visit with the Red Pandas! 🐼❤️

They spent the day learning about these adorable animals, seeing them up close, and even feeding them a snack. It was an unforgettable experience filled with smiles, curiosity, and pure joy!

A huge thank you to The Ross Park Zoo for hosting this fun and meaningful event — and for giving our participants a day they'll remember forever! 🌟

12/02/2025

December’s Self-Advocacy Right of the Month: The Right to Religion!

This month, we’re celebrating the freedom to believe, practice, or not follow a religion — a vital part of self-expression and personal choice. The Right to Religion guarantees individuals the ability to:
• Believe in any religion or faith
• Practice their religion through worship, rituals, and customs
• Change their religion or belief
• Not follow any religion (freedom from religion)
• Worship in integrated settings
• Access religious buildings and services

ACHIEVE’s Self-Advocacy Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 10:30 AM, with meeting locations rotating across counties — or join us remotely! The committee brings together individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to speak up for their rights, educate the community, and fundraise for causes that matter.

Want to get involved or learn more? Contact Kasey Hlebica, Director of Residential Operations & Self-Advocacy Coordination at khlebica1@achieveny.org! 💬

12/02/2025

This , a gift to ACHIEVE is a gift that impacts the entire community.

Your donation supports:
🌟Over 2,200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Broome, Chenango, and Tioga counties...
🌟477 employees finding meaningful and impactful work while truly making a difference in individuals lives...
🌟166 local businesses whose partnerships help keep our programs running...
🌟8,275 hours of volunteer services that help to build connections and give back to our communities...
🌟...AND countless programming, initiatives, and opportunities for growth, independence, and improved quality of live for the people we support.

Every donation ripples through our communities—changing lives, strengthening local relationships, and creating opportunities for people with all abilities to thrive. 💙

👉 Donate today and make a lasting impact: https://tinyurl.com/ACHIEVEGivingTuesday25

11/28/2025

Our Therapeutic Recreation program has been on the move this month, making the most of every moment! 🍂💛

November has been filled with fun, fitness, and community connections. Participants cheered on SUNY Cortland at a home football game, got an energizing workout in at the YMCA, and helped bring some holiday spirit to the Roberson Museum by decorating their Home for the Holidays tree. They also explored downtown Binghamton during a group scavenger hunt—working together, problem-solving, and enjoying the adventure! 🏈🎄💪🧩

Our Chenango Rec group has been busy too, spending time at Rogers Nature Center in Sherburne and lending a hand with a variety of projects while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. 🍃🌼

We love seeing our participants stay active, engage in the community, and create meaningful experiences all month long! 💙