ACHIEVE

ACHIEVE Thankfully not everyone shared this philosophy. The first programs were offered by volunteer teachers in donated space in a church basement.

ACHIEVE, a Chapter of The Arc New York, is the premier provider of services to individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties and has proudly been a part of this community for 70 years. A Brief History of ACHIEVE
More than sixty years ago it was a common practice for children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to be pl

aced in state institutions. Those families who chose to keep their children at home were told that their children were not eligible for and could not benefit from an education, something to which every child is entitled. Ten brave families - Walter and Kathryn Baird, Clyde and Elsie Brown, Howard and Esther Hall, Siegfried and Jane Heierman, Harry and Roye Sall, George and Josephine Sheehe, Joseph and Esther Stuckert, Robert and Annette Sturdevant, Floyd and Marian Taylor, and Glenn and Marian Young - who wanted a better life for their children joined with another group of parents in New York State to establish the Broome County Association for Retarded Children so that their children could attend school, receive an education, and lead a productive life. In September of 1952 when this organization was established, ACHIEVE's founding families started out with nothing but a common goal and dream. Parents went door-to-door to collect donations, and in a few years these passionate families were able to establish a school program and summer camp for their children and other children in the community. ACHIEVE continued to grow as we merged with the Chenango ARC in September of 2016. Our organization welcomed 400 new program participants and over 100 new employees to the ACHIEVE family. ACHIEVE’s founding families had a vision for the future. Today ACHIEVE has grown into an twenty-nine-million dollar agency operating an array of services in thirty-one facilities for more than 2,200 individuals. These families were always thinking, planning, and working, and today ACHIEVE continues to live out its mission - As a chapter of NYSARC, Inc. it is the mission of ACHIEVE to advocate for an enhanced quality of life through skill advancement, inclusion, integration, and independence of persons with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities through services provided in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties.

New York’s final budget is being decided right now—and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities cannot be...
04/27/2026

New York’s final budget is being decided right now—and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities cannot be left behind.

A 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) is critical to stabilizing essential services, supporting a workforce in crisis, and ensuring continuity of care for thousands of New Yorkers.

Without it, providers will continue to struggle—and services people rely on every day are at risk.

Over the next few days, we’re mobilizing across the state.
📢 Stay with us. Take action. Make your voice heard.

We’re proud to celebrate Todd and his incredible progress! 👏Since July 2025, Todd has been completing an ETP internship ...
04/27/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Todd and his incredible progress! 👏

Since July 2025, Todd has been completing an ETP internship through TLC Landscaping, where he’s gained hands-on experience supporting the team with a wide range of tasks—everything from leaf blowing and clearing debris to spreading mulch, setting stones, and planting new greenery at customers’ requests.

Now in his second season, Todd is reaching an exciting milestone: he’ll be transitioning fully onto TLC’s payroll in the coming weeks! 🌱

Todd’s journey through ACHIEVE’s ETP program has been nothing short of inspiring. Along the way, he’s built meaningful connections with coworkers, developed valuable skills, and discovered a true passion for his work. He especially enjoys working with his manager—who shares his name—which makes the experience even more memorable!

Todd’s story is exactly what ACHIEVE strives for: empowering individuals to gain independence, build confidence, and find fulfilling employment opportunities.

Congratulations, Todd—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next! 💚

Without a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII), nonprofit providers cannot sustain the essential services that New Yo...
04/27/2026

Without a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII), nonprofit providers cannot sustain the essential services that New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on every day.

And we know one thing clearly: investment works.

Recent state funding has already made a real impact:
⬇️ 44% decrease in DSP vacancies
⬇️ 6% reduction in staff turnover
⬆️ 28.6% increase in starting wages

This progress matters—but it’s fragile.

We cannot afford to lose the ground we’ve gained. Sustained investment is the only way to keep up with rising costs, support the workforce, and ensure quality, person-centered care.

Now is the time to continue moving forward—not backward.

Earlier this month, Price Chopper Supermarkets in Endicott and Caroline, who works at both ACHIEVE and Price Chopper, ca...
04/24/2026

Earlier this month, Price Chopper Supermarkets in Endicott and Caroline, who works at both ACHIEVE and Price Chopper, came to us with an incredible idea to donate non-perishable food items to support individuals served by ACHIEVE.

Through this collaborate effort, more than 142 pre-packaged bags of non-perishable food were collected and distributed to individuals supported by ACHIEVE across a multitude of programs.

We’re so grateful to Caroline and everyone at Price Chopper for their partnership, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in our community. 💙

Join us this Thursday, April 30th from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at our Community Event Center at ACHIEVE’s Envisions Day Hab in...
04/24/2026

Join us this Thursday, April 30th from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at our Community Event Center at ACHIEVE’s Envisions Day Hab in Norwich for a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross.

Your donation can help save lives—every drop counts!

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

We hope to see you there!

📣 Keep Young Minds Active This Summer – Join ACHIEVE’s Youth Summer Program! 🌞📚ACHIEVE’s Youth Summer Program returns fo...
04/23/2026

📣 Keep Young Minds Active This Summer – Join ACHIEVE’s Youth Summer Program! 🌞📚

ACHIEVE’s Youth Summer Program returns for 2026, running July 6th through August 13th! Open to individuals ages 5–21 with an IEP or 504 Plan in Broome, Chenango, or Tioga Counties, this program blends learning and fun to help participants stay engaged and connected all summer long.

🖌️ Creative & Expressive Arts
📖 Literacy and STEM Activities
🏀 Sports, Games & Recreation
🎨 Hands-On Crafts
🌍 Community Experiences & Social Connections

Families can select the weeks that fit their schedule, with flexible options designed to meet your needs.

📅 Be sure to register by May 31st to secure your spot!

👉 Learn more or sign up here: https://www.achieveny.org/services/childrens-summer-program/

Give your child a summer filled with growth, creativity, and new friendships! 💙

We're excited to share an update on the planned unification of ACHIEVE and The Arc Madison Cortland, which we first anno...
04/21/2026

We're excited to share an update on the planned unification of ACHIEVE and The Arc Madison Cortland, which we first announced last October. After months of collaboration and open dialogue, our organizations have decided to unite as one organization to create a stronger future.

Throughout this process, it has become clear that our missions, values, and visions align, making this next step a natural fit. By joining forces, we can deliver even greater support and services to the people, families, and communities we serve across Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, and Tioga Counties.

We understand that change can bring questions, and we are dedicated to keeping all employees and constituents informed, supported, and engaged every step of the way.

Our commitment to exceptional care remains stronger than ever and we're looking forward to beginning this new chapter together.

Thank you for your continued support. 🩵

The Arc New York

We’re excited to keep the momentum going in 2026! 🎉Thank you to everyone who supported ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner ...
04/17/2026

We’re excited to keep the momentum going in 2026! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who supported ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Bowling Tournament presented by Visions Federal Credit Union — we’re so grateful for this amazing community and because of you, we were able to raise over $35,000... and we're not stopping there!

Now, we’re looking ahead—and we hope you’ll join us!

📅 Save the date for our upcoming events:

✨ Friday, June 12, 2026: ACHIEVE's 71st Annual Dinner Dance & Award Ceremony presented by Mirabito Cares (Mirabito Convenience Stores) and ACHIEVE's Foundation Board of Directors

☀️ Thursday, August 27, 2026: ACHIEVE's 16th Annual Savor the Summer Tasting Event presented by M&T Bank and hosted by ACHIEVE's Foundation Board of Directors and ACHIEVE's Agency Board of Directors

🎃 Sunday, October 25, 2026: ACHIEVE's 3rd Annual Halloween Hustle 5K presented by NBT Bank

More details coming soon, but for now, mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see you there!

ACHIEVE is proud to be featured in the latest newsletter from the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc....
04/16/2026

ACHIEVE is proud to be featured in the latest newsletter from the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc.🌿

Through this growing partnership, ACHIEVE participants were part of the first group to help establish a Volunteer Steward Agreement alongside the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation—a meaningful step in expanding inclusive volunteer opportunities in our community.

Our individuals have been dedicating their time and energy to enhancing the beauty and accessibility of Rogers Center, helping ensure this incredible natural space remains welcoming for everyone. 💚 Their work reflects the power of community, inclusion, and environmental stewardship in action.

Read their story and explore more highlights in the Rogers Center April–June 2026 newsletter here: https://www.friendsofrogers.org/newsletter

This Saturday, we were proud to host ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Bowling Tournament, presented...
04/13/2026

This Saturday, we were proud to host ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Bowling Tournament, presented by Visions Federal Credit Union and co-chaired by Assemblyman Joe Angelino and Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend!

It was an incredible day filled with bowling, prizes, fun—and most importantly, inclusion—as we kicked off our first fundraiser of 2026. The event began with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem performed by one of ACHIEVE’s own program participants, setting the tone for a truly special day. With a SOLD OUT tournament, Midway Lanes was packed with energy and excitement from start to finish!

From amazing prizes to well-earned medals for all ACHIEVE bowlers, the day was a celebration of effort, community, and achievement. Our community bowlers brought their competitive spirit for a great cause, with awards presented at the end to honor our winners.

We are so grateful to everyone who made this event possible—our dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic attendees, and generous sponsors. Your continued support helps us create meaningful, inclusive opportunities like this for the people we serve.

Thank you for helping us make this milestone year unforgettable! 🎳💙

🎳 Tomorrow’s the big day! 🎳Join us as we celebrate ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Bowling Tournam...
04/10/2026

🎳 Tomorrow’s the big day! 🎳

Join us as we celebrate ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Bowling Tournament, presented by Visions Federal Credit Union and co-chaired by Assemblyman Joe Angelino and Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend!

📍 Midway Lanes, Vestal
🕛 12:00 – 3:00 PM

While tickets are officially SOLD OUT (thank you for the incredible support!), you’re still invited to stop by, cheer on our bowlers, and take part in our amazing raffles!

Can’t make it in person? You can still join the fun from anywhere! 🎉 Online raffle ticket sales are open today until 12 PM — don’t miss your chance to win!

🎟️ Purchase raffle tickets here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/achieves2026bobwarnerpincrushingclassic/event/bowling-raffles/

Let’s make this milestone year one to remember — we can’t wait to see you there! 💙

🎳 We’re kicking off our 2026 fundraising season in a BIG way! 🎉

Join us for ACHIEVE's 30th Annual Bob Warner Pin Crushing Classic Bowling Tournament, presented by Visions Federal Credit Union and co-chaired by Assemblyman Joe Angelino and Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend!

📍 Midway Lanes
📅 April 11, 2026
⏰ 12 PM – 3 PM

Grab your friends, gather your team, and secure your lane for an afternoon filled with bowling, raffles, and incredible community spirit — all while supporting the individuals and families served by ACHIEVE. 💙

Whether you’d like to:
✔️ Register a team
✔️ Become a sponsor
✔️ Make a donation

Visit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/ACHIEVEBowling2026 to get started!

And stay tuned… 👀 We’ll soon be sharing details about our amazing basket raffles, which will be available for online bidding ahead of the event!

We can’t wait to see you at the lanes! 🎳✨

🌟 A Special Success Story to Share! 🌟Over the past several months, Jeanette has shown a strong interest in washing dishe...
04/09/2026

🌟 A Special Success Story to Share! 🌟

Over the past several months, Jeanette has shown a strong interest in washing dishes at one of our volunteer sites—and this week, her wish finally came true during her Community Based Pre-Vocation service! 🙌

Last week, an exciting opportunity opened up at the Broome West Senior Center, and Jeanette was ready to step in. She did an amazing job following instructions from the kitchen staff, working as part of the team, and even operating the dishwasher like a pro! 🍽️✨

At the end of her shift, the supervisor asked if they’d see her again next week—and with a smile and a confident nod, Jeanette agreed. 😊

After leaving, Jeanette shared how much she enjoyed her time at the senior center and how happy she was to have this opportunity.

We’re so proud of you, Jeanette—great job! 💙👏

Address

4733 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY
13850

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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Our Story

It all started with a dream - a dream of ten families who wanted a better life for their children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities - who created ACHIEVE. In 1952, the first programs were offered by volunteer teachers in donated space in a church basement. Parents went door-to-door to collect donations, and in a few years these passionate families were able to establish a school program and summer camp for their children and others in the community.

Today, we continue to ACHIEVE our dreams and have grown into an agency that operates a wide array of services across thirty facilities to more than 2,200 individuals. These families were always thinking, planning and working, and today ACHIEVE continues to live out its mission - As a chapter of NYSARC, Inc. it is the mission of ACHIEVE to advocate for an enhanced quality of life through skill advancement, inclusion, integration, and independence of persons with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities through services provided in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties.

I welcome you to come learn more about our organization, and thank you for 60+ years of support.

Amy Howard Chief Executive Officer