CONNECTIONS I S S U E 7 O U R M I S S I O N . Y O U R S T O R I E S .
A Message from CEO Erik Geizer A BR I GHT E R TOMORROW I N 202 2
S T R O N G E R T O G E T H E R I N TH I S I S SUE
F o r be s L i s t s AHRC New Yo r k C i t y a s One o f Ame r i ca ’ s Be s t M i d s i z e Emp l oy e r s - 5 A Me s s age F r om T he CEO - 1 - 4
The first quarter of 2022 has left us feeling more optimistic than ever about the future of the I/DD field. We're thrilled to see significant investment in the I/DD field in the recently enacted state budget, which reflects both the success of our advocacy efforts and the priorities of our new state leadership. Since the year began, we’ve also witnessed a pivotal shift in the relationship between The Arc New York and the
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A r c He r k ime r Roc k s DDAM Wi t h Ba t t l e o f t he Band s - 6 R i bbon s f o r Awa r ene s s - 6
Vo l un t ee r i ng I n He r Commun i t y - 7 A r c GLOW Ha s A L o t o f Hea r t - 8
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A Message fromCEO Erik Geizer (Continued)
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This has been evidenced by more open lines of communication, transparency, and willingness to collaborate with stakeholders. We believe this transformation is due largely to newly appointed OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to bettering the lives of people with I/DD. COMMI SS I ONE R NE I F E LD V I S I T S CHAP T E RS We’ve seen this commitment in person during Commissioner Neifeld's visits to multiple Chapters since her appointment. Some of these memorable visits include a trip to The Arc Oneida-Lewis, where she met with Chapter staff and board members, and toured innovative, community-based programs. She visited the Oneida-Lewis College Works program on the Mohawk Valley Community College campus and discussed their school-to-work continuum and challenges with timely eligibility approvals. The Commissioner indicated that resolving the issue of timely approvals was a priority for her office. During this visit, the Commissioner provided an overview of her goals and initiatives, including workforce, education, employment, housing, individualized program options, self- direction, and care management. She expanded on these issues on The Arc Waves, a half-hour podcast with Karen Korotzer, Executive Director of The Arc Oneida-Lewis. You can listen to the full podcast here.
Commissioner Neifeld also visited The Arc Lexington at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and the Transitions Program, where the agency had the opportunity to showcase some of its successful and innovative programming. Commissioner Neifeld had the chance to view the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2022 Regional Art Show, and talked to people taking classes at the integrated Art Center. She spoke to members of Lexington's self-advocacy group, Our Voice, during a photography class, others in painting and cooking classes, and many Transitions students in their classrooms and study spaces. Throughout her visit, the Commissioner talked and took pictures with people who receive supports and staff. She took time to connect with them and hear their thoughts. After the tour, Lexington presented its Mission, Values, and Beliefs, and information about their recent CQL Accreditation with Distinction, showcasing several videos that tell the story of people they support and their successes in employment, education, their community, programs, and personal lives.
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A Message fromCEO Erik Geizer (Continued)
H I S TOR I CAL BUDGE T OVE RV I EW
These investments are only the start of a much larger conversation about adequately funding equitable wages for our dedicated workforce and ensuring sustained investment in New York’s system of supports and services. Our fight isn’t over, but the landscape has shifted, and we will continue to raise our voices together to achieve lasting support and solutions.
At the beginning of April, the New York state legislature passed the 2022-23 New York State Budget. The $220 billion Enacted Budget includes a 5.4% cost-of- living adjustment (COLA) for the human services field, bonuses of up to $3,000 for frontline staff, expanded eligibility of the Statewide Health Care Transformation Program (SHCFTP) to include community- based I/DD providers, and changes in language so clinical staff can access the Nurses Across New York (NANY) loan repayment program. This is by far the largest investment New York state has made in the I/DD field in over a decade. A plain language breakdown of legislation, including a list of titles eligible for the bonuses, can be found here.
PRA I S I NG THE GOVE RNOR , L EG I S LATUR E & R E PR E S ENTAT I VE S
The Arc New York President John Kowalcyzk and I sent a letter of praise to Governor Hochul, Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Heastie for their support of the I/DD sector in the FY23 budget. We also created a one-click campaign for people to send their own message to their representatives, thanking them for keeping their promise to support people with I/DD. Despite outside pressures, the ardent advocacy of The Arc New York Network helped them stay the course throughout the budget process. Sending a letter of thanks is a way to let leaders know that their actions matter and remind them of the important work ahead. The letter can be personalized, so senders can tell their stories from the heart.
ADVOCACY CR EAT E S R E SU L T S
This successful budget is due in no small part to the ardent advocacy from The Arc New York family. Since last summer, we have held rallies, garnered media attention, engaged with legislators, and sent more than 17,000 letters calling for significant and sustained investment in essential supports and services for New Yorkers with I/DD. Our voices were finally heard! With this budget, the Hochul administration and the legislature have demonstrated a commitment to the voluntary provider sector, our direct care workforce, and the individuals and families we support.
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A Message fromCEO Erik Geizer (Continued)
A YEAR OF OP T IMI SM
Governor Hochul is currently touring the state giving regional budget updates. Robin Pierce, Executive Director of the Advocacy and Resource Center, was invited to Governor Hochul’s address on how the NYS Budget impacted the North Country.
Following the finalization of the 2022-2023 budget, we are shifting our focus to a couple of key items, including a personal income tax credit for direct care staff on the state level and efforts on the federal level to invest $150 billion in-home and community-based services (HCBS) through budget reconciliation. Our proposal for a personal income tax credit for DSPs (S7643-A/A9200-A) was not included in the Executive or One-House budgets, but the legislation remains active in the NYS Senate and Assembly. A letter can be sent to state representatives here supporting this important legislation. In addition to our statewide efforts, each Chapter continues to deliver quality, innovative supports and services to those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. This issue of CONNECTIONS highlights the many great things our Chapters are doing to promote our mission of providing individuals with the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.
"I had an opportunity to introduce myself, and that I was with Clinton County ARC," Robin said. "I thanked the governor for putting OPWDD back on the radar in her budget. I also mentioned the funding was greatly appreciated. She thanked me for the work we do." We will continue to provide updates about regional meetings with the Governor, and future advocacy efforts to sustain quality, people-centered services, and promote opportunities for New Yorkers with I/DD.
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CHAP T E RS R ECOGN I Z ED ACROSS NYS
Earlier this year, AHRC New York City was named one of Forbes America’s Best Midsize Employers for a second consecutive year. Founded in 1949, AHRC NYC was the only organization in the field named to the Forbes list. AHRC NYC ranked 217 of 500 companies on this year’s list and seventh in the healthcare and social industry. In 2021, AHRC NYC ranked 462. “As president of the Board of Directors, I am affirmed by the recognition of AHRC NYC on the Forbes List of America’s Best Midsize Employers 2022,” Raymond Ferrigno said. “It is especially important to me that staff think highly of their employer. The pride and dedication of the staff are what ensure that AHRC NYC provides quality services to children and adults throughout New York City. This has been a foundational principle expected by both families and the board.” “We are proud of the Forbes Best Midsize Employer recognition. I believe it is truly a testament to our dedicated workforce, especially during the two years of the pandemic,” said Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC. “Nearly 5,000 people have chosen this as their workplace, and we always welcome new, passionate and talented colleagues to join us in our mission. While I consider this a well- deserved recognition, I know we can always do better. There are still significant challenges facing us in our work, and we will always aim to improve the quality of the supports we provide every day and the vital impact on people with disabilities and our staff who support them.” FORBES LISTS AHRC NEW YORK CITY AS ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST MIDSIZE EMPLOYERS
The Arc Lexington and Warren, Washington and Albany Counties ARC (WWAARC) were both named 2022 Times Union Top Workplaces in the Large Employers category (300 or more employees). WWAARC was also named a 2022 Top Work Place in the United States. The Top Workplace list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. Feedback from the survey led to changes at WWAARC. According to Executive Director Dan Murray, a committee used survey results to increase the amount of unused vacation time an employee buys back. Previously they could only be compensated for about 40 hours. That has since doubled due to policy changes spurred by the evaluation. Piggybacking off the 2022 Top Workplace announcements, the Times Union's Women@Work newsletter featured Lexington Executive Director Shaloni Winston as one of the women leaders in the Capital Region. Winston gave insight to fellow female leaders early in their careers. "I often encourage my team to develop relationships with a mentor who can help them learn and grow," she said. "It was an important part of my trajectory into a leadership role at Lexington. I am also a very strong advocate for continuous learning and challenging myself and my team for growth and development. Through this process we are able to assess areas of potential in ourselves and others, and to learn what leadership means in each organization." THE ARC LEXINGTON & WWAARC RECEIVE TIMES UNION TOP WORKPLACE AWARD
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CHAPTERS CELEBRATE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABI L I T I ES AWARENESS MONTH (DDAM)
ARC HERKIMER ROCKS DDAM WITH BATTLE OF THE BANDS
ARC OF ONONDAGA PROMOTES INCLUSIVITY
Arc Herkimer hosted a lip sync contest in March as a fun way to "rock out" for DDAM. Various departments, classrooms, and houses created lip- sync music videos that were posted to the agency's Facebook page.
During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) in March, the Arc of Onondaga created the "See Me. See Us." campaign, designed to help build a more inclusive and accepting community for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Onondaga's self-advocacy group, The Arc Achievers, spearheaded the campaign and created flyers and buttons to help promote it. They even invited News Channel 9 over to discuss the campaign's goal in a live news segment, during which members talked about being treated with dignity and kindness and dubbed March 14 as the first ever "See Me. See Us." Day in Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse,
13 groups of different ages and abilities participated in the contest, and the video with the most 'Likes' was declared the winner of the contest; this year's winner was Valley Commons with their Baby Shark video. Great job to all of the participants!
RIBBONS FOR AWARENESS
Arc Herkimer's respite programmade blue and yellow awareness ribbons for I/DD and the agency's Gentleman’s Group went around and surprised staff members with the ribbons. Staff wore the ribbons in support of people supported and all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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CHAPTERS CELEBRATE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABI L I T I ES AWARENESS MONTH (DDAM)
VOLUNTEERING IN HER COMMUNITY
“I like helping people when they need help. It makes me feel good. And I like making friends with the other volunteers. We laugh and smile a lot together while we work.” Jessica enjoys working with her fellow volunteers at the Amen Place Soup Kitchen so much that one day she baked them brownies and delivered them in person. The food pantry was so appreciative that they publicly thanked Jessica for her generosity on their Facebook page. Jessica also received a thank you card for her thoughtfulness from a board member of the food pantry. “Volunteering really brings Jessica’s inner self out,” Samantha said. “She enjoys the environment, the laughs, and the interactions with others. The community service is bringing out a side of her that she has never shown anyone else outside of Liberty. She is showing her true fun and caring self to her community.”
When Jessica Romano of Liberty ARC volunteers at the Amen Place Soup Kitchen, a community food pantry in Amsterdam, it is a great day of giving back to others, filled with laughter and smiles. During DDAM, Liberty ARC recognized Jessica for her work with the soup kitchen and her care for others in her community. Jessica began volunteering with the food pantry in 2021 and continues to do so two days a week with Direct Support Professional Samantha Anthony. During her days at the food pantry, Jessica helps unload the trucks that come in with food and other items. Jessica and Samantha began volunteering at the Food Pantry together after Jessica expressed interest in wanting to help others.
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THE ARC GLOWHAS A LOT OF HEART CHAPTERS CELEBRATE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABI L I T I ES AWARENESS MONTH (DDAM)
The fourth annual Have a Heart Cookie Sale and window raffle fundraiser at Case-Nic Cookies of Medina yielded BIG results for Arc GLOW! The Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month event is a tag-team effort between Nicole Tuohey and her mother, Mary Lou, owner of Case-Nic Cookies. The Touheys started this event in 2019 to give back and support programs and services at The Arc GLOW. It's their way of recognizing the positive impact GLOW's services have had on Nicole's life, and they are grateful for community support each year. Cookie sales in 2022 totaled $2,512.00 and the window raffle raised $670.00. A last-minute donation of $18.00 bumped the total raised to $3,200.00. "This is incredible," said MarcAnthony Bucci, the agency's Director of Development and Public Relations. "Nicole and Mary Lou do indeed 'have a heart' for The Arc GLOW and we are thankful for their support."
Funds raised will benefit agency Day Hab and Rec programs in Genesee and Orleans Counties, Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville and KidStart in Mount Morris. Nicole wanted to show her appreciation for The Arc Glow's programs and services and asked that funds be utilized to support programs across all four Counties served by the Chapter.
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CELEBRAT ING EMPLOYMENT DURING DDAM REALIZING HER PERSONAL GOALS
THE ARC ONTARIO’S SECOND PROJECT SEARCH LOCATION IN FULL SWING! The Arc Ontario proudly launched a new site for their Project SEARCH program at Eastview Mall in Victor, NY. The new site provides classroom space and serves as a liaison for internship and employment opportunities to enhance the employment skills of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges living in Ontario County and the surrounding region. Project SEARCH interns celebrated the launch of their new site by creating a collaborative art piece on a large canvas in a courtyard outside the new facility. Project SEARCH is a nationally renowned program designed to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges to expand upon their employment skills. This unique employment preparation program takes place entirely at the workplace and includes classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The year-end goal is for each person in the program to have gained transferrable skills needed to become gainfully employed as they successfully transition to adult life.
Angel started her first-ever paid position after participating in The Arc Lexington's pre-employment programs, where she gained the skills and knowledge necessary for successful community employment! She is now an employee of CAS SUNY Cobleskill Auxiliary Services, Inc. , SUNY Cobleskill's food and dining services. Angel is realizing her personal goals and aspirations and earning her own income. Her hard work in pre- vocational training has paid off, and she's
working hard to live with greater independence! Great work, Angel!
THRIVING IN HIS NEWPOSITION
David of Saratoga Bridges has been working at The Home Depot in Saratoga for three months and was recently recognized as Cashier of the Month! He says he enjoys his job and coworkers and really likes
interacting with customers. They
must appreciate him too, because he has already received two positive online reviews.
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AHRC NASSAU TEAMS UPWITH ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE BOOKS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED Individuals at AHRC Nassau who volunteer with The Book Fairies — a nonprofit organization that collects reading materials for people in need throughout metropolitan New York — recently learned how to sort the books into categories at their sites. Sorting the books helps save valuable time and effort in the warehouse, getting the books into the hands of under- resourced communities quicker. AHRC Nassau also provides transportation to collect and distribute donated books to these communities. People supported by AHRC Day Services enjoy volunteering and sharing a love of reading across Long Island.
Bad Dog Boutique, a Division of The Arc Ontario run by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hiring new dog groomers. To help with recruitment, Bad Dog Retail Assistant Cheyenne gave her pitch on social media to influence new employees to join the boutique. “We are looking for groomers at Bad Dog Boutique on Main Street in Canandaigua, NY, a Division of Ontario ARC, that helps support individuals with disabilities. It’s for individuals like myself to have a job just like anyone else. I love it! I’ve been working there for four years already as a retail assistant! If anyone has any grooming experience, including cutting nails, comment below!” Staff at The Arc Ontario were very proud of the initiative Cheyenne took to help with recruitment. Way to go, Cheyenne! INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTED BY THE ARC ONTARIOMAKES RECRUITMENT PITCH
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INTANDEM’S FOUNDATION SUPPORTS CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES IN UKRAINE REGION CHAPTERS SUPPORT ING UKRAINE
Francisca de Zwager, MAD-aid consultant and volunteer, expressed gratitude to Dr. Mahar and Positive Ripples for connecting with Intandem, and the Intandem foundation for responding quickly and generously to aid people with disabilities who were uprooted and imperiled by the recent violence in Ukraine. She noted, “We at MAD-Aid believe it’s true that with a small act of kindness, one creates ripples of hope and impact that spread out slowly yet go far. Please join us in thanking Jim Mahar and Positive Ripples for finding the way to connect with Intandem, and huge gratitude to Intandem’s foundation, which supports people with developmental disabilities and behavioral health concerns in Cattaraugus and Niagara counties.” In arranging for the donation, Larry Sorokes, Chief Development Officer at Intandem, said,“As an agency that works daily to support people with disabilities, we at Intandem could not ignore the plight of so many families and children with disabilities who have been marginalized by the fighting in their country and region. When made aware of both the situation and a potential remedy, Intandem’s foundation board of directors immediately took action.”
Intandem is providing assistance for people with disabilities in the war-torn areas of Ukraine, by supporting the work of local nonprofit Positive Ripples and its European partner, MAD-Aid. Positive Ripples is a joint effort by several St. Bonaventure University clubs and groups, including BonaResponds, to make the world a better place by starting ripples of hope, knowledge and kindness around the globe. MAD-Aid runs programs in the United Kingdom and Moldova that “Make A Difference” in the lives of Moldovan children and adults with special needs. Mari Howard, Intandem President and CEO, learned from Jim Mahar, St. Bonaventure University professor and leader of Positive Ripples, that many families with disabled children were isolated without resources and suitable transportation to bring wheelchair-bound individuals to safety at the Ukraine-Moldova border. There was an opportunity to acquire a used wheelchair- accessible van, but this was only possible if a donation of $11,000 could be secured. Howard shared this story with the Intandem foundation board, which immediately approved an expenditure of $11,000 to Positive Ripples, which in turn sent the money to MAD-Aid in Moldova. The van was purchased and is now operational, being used to transport families with disabled and non-disabled children to safety and distribute emergency and humanitarian aid to other families in need. This van will continue to transport disabled children, youth, and the elderly for as long as necessary.
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CHAPTERS SUPPORT ING UKRAINE
SUNFLOWERS FOR PEACE
AHRC Suffolk's Program Without Walls linked up with Legislator Leslie Kennedy’s office to pack up and ship women’s items to Ukraine. In a short time, the day program participants collected and packed up pocketbooks filled with personal items to drop off at the H. Lee Dennison Building, where Ukrainian church members picked up the donated items to ship to the country in need. AHRC SUFFOLK COLLECTS ITEMS FORWOMEN IN UKRAINE
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and has been a symbol of peace for many years. The sunflower’s bright yellow petals set against a brilliant blue sky echo the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag. To honor all of those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, artists at The Arc of Monroe's Community Arts Connection decided to use a sunflower theme to influence their artwork.
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CHAPTERS SHOW THE IR CREAT IVE SIDES
ACHIEVING HIS DREAMOF BECOMING AN AUTHOR
LIBERTY ARC UNVEILS COLLABORATIVE MOSAIC ART PIECE Earlier this year, Liberty ARC announced the installation and unveiling of their collaborative mosaic titled “My Best Life.” The 4’ by 6’ mosaic, created by artist Linda Biggers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is made of tile and glass and displayed in the lobby of Liberty ARC’s Day Supports Center building. Biggers began working on the mosaic last year with 30 Liberty ARC artists, and Liberty ARC Assistant Hab Specialist Amy Devendorf. Small sections of the mosaic were created by different groups of artists, and everything was brought together to form the final piece. Artists gained knowledge about the history of mosaic artwork and used new techniques to create the masterpiece. The theme of “My Best Life” details what is important to Liberty ARC’s artists in their own lives. The mosaic also represents how Liberty ARC supports individuals with disabilities to live their best lives, and reflects the agency’s culture and values. Liberty ARC received supporting funds for the project through a 2021 Arts Education grant from Saratoga Arts and the Amsterdam Walmart Community Grant Program.
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Zane has spent eight years working diligently on an exciting book through The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence's Community Arts Program. Zane started his book, Exciting Fighters, during the Arts Program's "Imaginary Arts" class, where individuals learn writing, character development, and have the opportunity to put their imagination to the test. Aside from working with class leader, DSP Mike Borrelli, on developing this exciting sci-fi story, Zane put hours of his own time into the plot. It is a futuristic story about our planet being destroyed and what happens when we turn to Planet Titan for survival. Zane did a wonderful job with developing an exciting and climactic plot for this sci-fi read. The agency is so proud of him for his perseverance toward his goal of being an author.
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AWARDS RECE IVED ACROSS NYS A SWEET VICTORY FOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Sarah Allen of AHRC Suffolk received The Arc New York's Jonathan Weingold Scholarship earlier this year. The scholarship is exclusive to Chapter employees and honors the memory of Jonathan Weingold, son of Joseph T. Weingold, The Arc New York's first President and Executive Director. In 1970, a tribute was paid to Jonathan stating that he was "the symbol of all the young people who inspired the establishment of this organization and its services and programs." Following that tribute, an annual scholarship was established in his name. Sarah, who attends Suffolk County Community College, said she was honored and excited to be a recipient of the Jonathan Weingold scholarship. "I was learning delayed as a child because of frequent ear infections and went through all of public school with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)," she said. "Growing up, this experience provided me with some insight into not being the 'average' student and having to work a bit harder to get as far as everyone else." Sarah started college right after high school, but dropped out after only a year. Instead, she completed a vocational medical coding and billing program. She got a job at a lab, where she called doctors to get diagnostic
After being a DSP for a while, Sarah realized she enjoyed helping others and wanted to do even more with her career. She went back to Suffolk County Community College, where she got out of academic probation and was inducted into the Honor Society. She plans to transfer to Stony Brook University in the fall to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. She said the monetary portion of the scholarship will be helpful because she is paying her own way through college. "The money is only half of it though. There's a certain sense of pride in hard work and knowing that you've overcome obstacles. Being awarded the scholarship is a sense of recognition that I believe we all need to experience at some time in our lives," Sarah said. "I'm thankful for the scholarship for both reasons. Don't give up on your aspirations because they're difficult - it makes the victory that much sweeter."
codes for lab work so that patients' insurance companies would pay.
"I was good at my job, but I really didn't have a sense of helping people like myself," she said," so I left to start as a DSP at a local agency."
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AWARDS RECE IVED ACROSS NYS
JAMES HAYES NAMED NY ALLIANCE’S 2022 PUBLIC POLICY & SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Jim has significant experience in helping people with disabilities and their families. He has handled hundreds of proceedings to appoint guardians for people with developmental disabilities or with mental illness, and for elderly individuals with reduced cognitive ability. He has assisted many families in establishing special needs trusts to preserve eligibility for government benefits and in long- range planning of estates and trusts for families with disabled children. Jim also has extensive experience in developing and financing subsidized housing for the elderly and people with disabilities, including the use of low-income housing tax credits and historic preservation tax credits as financing devices. During the past 47 years, Jim has continued his work not only with ACHIEVE, but also with The Arc New York, where he served on the Guardianship Committee for over 25 years, including time as Chairperson. Jim worked tirelessly with other members and staff of The Arc New York on Amendments to Article 17A SPCA and the Health Care Decision Act legislation and participated in lobbying efforts over many years to ensure its passage. This critical legislation allows the parents and legal guardians of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make end-of-life decisions on their children’s behalf. Jim also served and chaired The Arc New York Legal Committee and was a trustee for The Arc New York Trust, providing numerous presentations for parents and professionals on Guardianship, Life Planning and Trusts both locally and around the state. When asked to look back and describe his career in three words, Jim said “Active, Caring and Advocate” – three words that he’s dedicated his life to living by. Congratulations on this award, Jim! You deserve it!
James “Jim” Hayes was recently selected as the NY Alliance’s (New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation) 2022 Public Policy and Social Justice Award Recipient. The Public Policy and Social Justice Award honors leaders in the disability and human service fields who have made exceptional contributions to the betterment of society through the advancement of policy and life enrichment opportunities for all individuals. Jim was selected for this award because of his superior leadership and contributions to the field of services for individuals with disabilities. Jim originally joined the ACHIEVE Board of Directors in 1971 to improve services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has been a caring and dedicated advocate to the agency’s mission of serving the disabled. He served as both the President of the Board of Directors and Chairperson of the ACHIEVE Foundation. Jim is a partner in the law firm of Hinman, Howard and Kattell in Binghamton. He joined the law firm in 1968 and focuses his practice on housing issues, guardianship, estate planning, special needs trusts, and disability issues, including Medicaid, Medicare and disability benefits, as well as banking and commercial law. Jim's son Paul was supported by ACHIEVE for many years. As an attorney and the parent of a child receiving services from ACHIEVE, he is uniquely aware of the trust placed in the hands of corporate guardians. He has worked to put parents at ease when they name ACHIEVE as a standby guardian for their children.
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CONNECTIONS Have a story you'd like to share? Reach out to Casey Croucher,
Communications Specialist croucherc@thearcny.org
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