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As we learn information about COVID-19 and how it is affecting Aspire and our community, we will continue to post resources and updates on this page. Please check back often and if you have any questions please feel free to call us at 716.838.0047, email us at intake@aspirewny.org or fill out our contact form online and someone will respond to you as quickly as possible.

Aspire of WNY Celebrates B.R.I.D.G.E.S Program Graduation Ceremonies

Aspire of WNY Celebrates B.R.I.D.G.E.S Program Graduation Ceremonies

Tassels were turned on November 14th and 15th, as Aspire of WNY held graduation ceremonies to help recognize the graduates of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 1.0 and 2.0 programs at the agency’s Training Academy.

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. (Bridging Relationships, Integration, Dreams, Goals, Equal Opportunity for Success) is a 10-month-long learning program held at Aspire of WNY’s training academy in Getzville. The program includes 5 eight-week learning modules and centers around community learning connections.

The learning modules include topics of health and wellness, social relations/community engagement, home stability/neighborhood engagement, financial health, and education opportunities for overall well-being. All learning opportunities have a connection to a community learning experience where learned skills can be applied.

The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 2.0 graduation took place at the Training Academy on Wednesday, November 15th, and recognized the accomplishments of Allison Noonan, Diamond Colbert, and Vincent Celeste. Their teachers were Scott Marracino and Dawn Jacoby. The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 1.0 graduation was on the following day, Thursday, November 16th, and recognized Hayley Schenkler and George Nicholas, who were taught by Dawn Jacoby.

(See a full gallery of photos from the graduations at the end of this article)

Joining the graduates on their big day were friends, family, staff members, and some members of the executive team at Aspire of WNY. Teachers from both the 1.0 and 2.0 programs delivered speeches to help recognize each graduate and all that they have accomplished throughout their time in the program. Graduates walked up to the front to receive a certificate of achievement, and some decided to deliver a speech as they accepted their certificates. After the ceremony came to a close, graduates and cheerleaders alike stuck around to mingle and enjoy some refreshments.

“It’s so amazing to see how much everyone involved in the program has grown over the course of 10 months,” explains Christine Lalka, Director of Community Habilitation and Respite Services at Aspire of WNY.

 

“The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program is just another facet of working to achieve our agency’s goal of helping individuals live to their own highest levels of independence,” explains Renee Filip, President and CEO at Aspire of WNY. “The skills learned by individuals in the program can be taken with them far past their graduation day, so celebrating our graduates is really special.”

ABOUT ASPIRE OF WNY: At Aspire of WNY, we are driven by the core belief that children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the right to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible. Aspire of WNY compassionately and relentlessly works toward facilitating this end. Our total commitment is to the development of innovative, individualized programs. We continually strive for the integration of the developmentally disabled within the WNY community. Aspire of WNY is proud to provide full-service solutions to the populations we serve, making Aspire of WNY the leading agency of its kind and a true asset to the Western New York Community. Aspire of WNY is celebrating its 76th year of supporting 3,000+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area. Aspire of WNY is a large employer with 1,500+ associates.

Twirls and Tuxedos: Dancing the Day Away at Aspire of WNY’s Prom

Twirls and Tuxedos: Dancing the Day Away at Aspire of WNY’s Prom

Individuals at Aspire of WNY’s 7 Community Drive location dressed to the nines to dance the day away at Prom on September 29th, 2023. The event involved colorful lights, fun decorations, fancy attire, and a DJ. Guests were able to take pictures in front of a prom backdrop, request all their favorite songs to hear on the dance floor, and enjoy pizza, snacks, and refreshments while mingling with friends and dates.

All participants were given the opportunity to pick out outfits to wear for the event on the Tuesday prior to the Prom. The agency asked for clothing donations, including suits, ties, and gowns, via e-mail and Facebook groups. These donations were then laid out in the multi-purpose room of 7 Community Drive, and individuals had the opportunity to sort through the donations to pick out the perfect Prom outfit. Many of the outfits worn were generously donated by Kenmore Apartments.

The prom started at around 10 AM and went into the afternoon, but many individuals arrived earlier to get their hair, nails, and makeup done in their favorite colors and styles before the big day actually began. “This is the first time I’ve dressed up in a long time, in years. Everybody is dressed up,” explains Lori, an individual who receives services through Aspire of WNY.

“We just wanted to do something nice for everybody. We had a big donation of suits and prom dresses, so we decided to do it up. The best part is seeing everybody smile; they’re excited. Their eyes light up, and you can just tell how excited they are,” explains Shay Kelly, Direct Support Professional at Aspire of WNY.

“It was a really special day, especially because many of the individuals may have not been able to experience prom when they were younger. This event gave many of the individuals something different to look forward to this September,” says June Grubbs, Resource Facilitator at Aspire of WNY.

Events like this are vital to Aspire of WNY’s mission of helping individuals actualize their dreams and live to their own highest levels of independence and are only made possible through the support of the entire Aspire of WNY community. We believe that everything we do is an opportunity to have a positive, meaningful, and lasting impact on our partners – the people we support and their personal support systems, employees, other care agencies, and our community.

In Memoriam of David Echevarria

In Memoriam of David Echevarria

Recently, Aspire of WNY was heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of the individuals that we have been honored to support, David Echevarria. 

The team at Aspire of WNY, along with David’s family, have put together this page to honor the memory of David and his legacy. 

Since 2021, David resided at Aspire of WNY’s Park Lane IRA. He loved going to the movies, listening to music, hanging out with his peers, spending time with his family, and was a huge Buffalo Bills fan. David was truly a special person who was always in good spirits when you saw him and always smiling. 

A special donation page has been set up for David, where donations to Aspire of WNY can be made in his honor:

DONATE IN DAVID’S MEMORY HERE

David, you will always be in our hearts. Thank you for blessing us with a glimpse into your joy, love, and laughter.

Here is a link to David’s obituary: https://www.post-journal.com/obituaries/2023/09/david-m-echevarria/

Art, Wine, and Good Times at the 2023 Art & Wine Celebration for Aspiring Artists!

Art, Wine, and Good Times at the 2023 Art & Wine Celebration for Aspiring Artists!

 

Art, wine, and good times were had at Kleinhans’ Music Hall in Buffalo for Aspire of WNY’s annual Art and Wine fundraiser event on Friday, September 8th. The community came together to recognize the talents of several artists who participate in our iXpress Art Program. This event is our largest annual fundraiser and drew a crowd of over 300 attendees.

The Art and Wine event featured live and silent auctions, food and drinks from an abundance of local vendors, an ultraviolet art experience, a live music performance from Universal Mind, and a chance to purchase art created by iXpress artists. Vendors that were in attendance included Wegmans, The Cheesy Chick, Enchanted Catering, Platter’s Chocolates, Premier, Illio DiPaolo’s, and Berrafato’s Catering, among others. 

Also present at the event was Community Beer Works, who premiered a signature, private-label Aspire of WNY beer that showcases “Candy Tree,” a piece created by iXpress artist Laurie P. Supporters were asked to vote for their favorite piece of art created by the iXpress program, and the piece that received the most votes was featured on the label of the can. Congrats Laurie!

Later into the evening, attendees’ attention was directed to the stage, thanks to Buffalo Bandits Bagpipe player Alex Stugis, for a live auction in which bids could be placed on three different original iXpress pieces: Beasts from the East, Let’s Go Buffalo, and Land Meets Sea. RJ from Auctioneers International conducted the auction via fast talk, naming prices until all three iXpress pieces were auctioned off to be brought home that night by their respective bidders. 

Attendees of the event were also given the opportunity to sponsor an iXpress artist. Three different levels of sponsorship were offered, including the Monet level sponsorship, the Van Gough level sponsorship, and the Andy Warhol level sponsorship. The Monet level sponsorship helps bring an artist’s vision to life by providing supplies, the Van Gough level sponsorship helps to provide transportation, supplies, and programming, and the Andy Warhol level sponsorship would sponsor an iXpress artist for an entire year. If you are still interested in sponsoring an iXpress artist, you can do so by visiting the following webpage: https://www.aspirewny.org/sponsor-an-artist/

“iXpress is such a great program for so many of our individuals; they’re given so many different opportunities to be able to express themselves through the art of all kinds,” explains Amy Holdnack, Coordinator of Aspire of WNY’s Day Services and iXpress Program. 

“The Art and Wine celebration is a really exciting time because it allows our community to come together and celebrate the artists from our program and the achievements they’ve made in the past year,” says Renee Filip, President and CEO of Aspire of WNY. 

“I don’t think that the night could’ve gone any better,” explains Megan Rechin, Vice President of Communications and Growth Opportunities at Aspire of WNY. “Art and Wine is such an amazing reminder of how much love and support this community can offer. Everyone had so much fun coming together to recognize the iXpress artists.”

This fun and vibrant event was only made possible by the help of our amazing sponsors who support Aspire of WNY. Sponsors include Corebridge Financial, NCA Comp, Keller Technologies, Parkview Health Services, Toshiba, eVero Corporation, M&T Bank, Tri-Main, Bond, Shoeneck & King, Barclay Damon LLP, Jennifer Ball & Jamie McLellan, Mary Anne Coombe, P&A Group, USI Insurance, Key Bank, Hover Networks, and Bonadio.

Our iXpress program is an expressive arts program for people with developmental disabilities. It includes all forms of artistic expression, from painting, clay sculpting, and writing to acting, singing, playing musical instruments, and photography. Participants are led through an artistic process designed to fuel personal inspiration, improve communication skills, and develop a stronger sense of self. iXpress reinforces that participants are, first and foremost, artists who happen to be challenged with a disability.

 

Aspire of WNY Announces the Addition of Demetrius Brooks as Vice President of Residential Service

Aspire of WNY Announces the Addition of Demetrius Brooks as Vice President of Residential Service

To improve and innovate residential programming, Aspire of WNY has appointed Demetrius Brooks as Vice President of Residential Opportunities, effective June 26, 2023. In this role, Demetrius will oversee Aspire of WNY’s residential services division, developing and maintaining residential sites and programs while adhering to established guidelines and regulatory bodies. Demetrius will also focus on collaboration with cross-divisional resources and creating policies and processes built for the betterment of the people receiving services from Aspire of WNY and for the employees and team members who provide that support.

“This is a vital role as we are always looking to improve the services that we offer to our community, and we know that Demetrius’ vast knowledge within the world of residential services for people with developmental disabilities makes him the perfect candidate,” explains Renee Filip, President & CEO of the agency.

Demetrius is a past team member at Aspire of WNY, previously holding the position of Associate Director of Residential Opportunities. He returns to the agency with experiences as a direct support professional at Autism Services and Director of Residential Services at The Arc of Erie County. Demetrius holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY College at Buffalo.

“I’m extremely excited to take on this new role within the agency and to continue my work here at Aspire of WNY. I look forward to being at the forefront of the growth and innovation within our agency,” said Demetrius. “With over a decade of experience in the field, as well as a strong sense of commitment to serving the individuals that we work with, Demetrius’s position on our leadership team is extremely well deserved,” explains Christa Cutrona, Chief Operating Officer at Aspire of WNY.

Congratulations to Demetrius for taking on this position! We look forward to the future of Aspire of WNY with Demetrius as Vice President of Residential Opportunities.

ABOUT ASPIRE OF WNY: At Aspire of WNY, we are driven by the core belief that children and adults with developmental disabilities have the right to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible. Aspire of WNY compassionately and relentlessly works toward facilitating this end. Our total commitment is to the development of innovative, individualized programs. We continually strive for the integration of the developmentally disabled within the WNY community. Aspire of WNY is proud to provide full-service solutions to the populations we serve, making Aspire of WNY the leading agency of its kind and a true asset to the Western New York Community. Aspire of WNY is celebrating its 76th year of supporting 3,000+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area. Aspire of WNY is a large employer with 1,500+ associates.

Aspire of WNY Hosts Annual Art on the Lake Event at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on July 13, 2023

Aspire of WNY Hosts Annual Art on the Lake Event at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on July 13, 2023

JULY 10, 2023, LAKEWOOD, NY | Aspire of WNY is proud and excited to host Art on the Lake, an event featuring artists’ works from Aspire of WNY’s iXpress program. iXpress is an art program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Art on the Lake will occur at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on July 13th, 2023, from 5 – 7 PM. The event is free for attendees, and all are welcome to attend. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

“All year, the artists work to prepare for Art on the Lake,” says Terry Lair, Art Facilitator for Aspire of WNY’s iXpress program. “Their pieces are so beautiful, and they are excited to show them off.”

Framed art pieces will be available for purchase, and every attendee can participate in a raffle to win one of the framed pieces.

“Art is the perfect medium for expression and communication,” says Amy Holdnack, Coordinator of Aspire of WNY’s Day Services and iXpress program. “The individuals we support are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to welcoming the Chautauqua community to see their finished art.”

Art on the Lake is part of a few events that build up to iXpress’s annual event called Art & Wine, held in Buffalo, NY, at Kleinhan’s.

ABOUT ASPIRE OF WNY: At Aspire of WNY, we are driven by the core belief that children and adults with developmental disabilities have the right to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible. Aspire of WNY compassionately and relentlessly works toward facilitating this end.

Our total commitment is to develop innovative, individualized programs, continually integrating the developmentally disabled within the community, and providing full-service solutions to the populations it serves, making Aspire of WNY the leading agency of its kind and a true asset to the Western New York Community.

Aspire of WNY is celebrating its 76th year of supporting 3,000+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area. Aspire of WNY is a large employer with 1,500+ associates.

Aspire of WNY 2022 IMPACT Report

Aspire of WNY 2022 IMPACT Report

At Aspire of WNY, we live by creating and lead by innovating.

Walk into any of our homes. Attend any of our events. Speak to our employees. Work with the individuals we support. Participate in our programs. In every moment, in every way, our agency seeks out innovation. And 2022 was a year propelled by new, creative thinking from across the organization. Since joining Aspire of WNY in late 2019, much of my experience at the agency has been through the lens of a global pandemic. Now, with the return to normalcy, we are excited to embrace the theme of innovation once again.

On September 19, 2022, the agency celebrated 75 years of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area. Our 75th Anniversary Gala saw community partners, team members, and individuals dance the night away, celebrating all that has come before us and all that lies ahead. In this report, you will see the brilliant work of all who call Aspire of WNY home. Please join me in admiring their creations and innovations. Cheers to the next 75 years! Thank you, and be well,

Renee A. Filip
President & CEO
Aspire of WNY

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF OUR ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

Or, use the links below to access the web version of the articles from our report.

  1. CHEERS to 75 Years | A year-long celebration for Aspire of WNY
  2. INNOVATION THAT MAKES AN IMPACT | Launching the Training Academy gives everyone a hands-on learning experience
  3. WELCOME BIRDS & FAIRIES | iXpress program participants took their creativity out into the community
  4. DIGITAL BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION | Aspire of WNY embraces technological innovation through the development of Power Apps
  5. INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION | Residential Opportunities reevaluates workflows to create consistent support for individuals across the agency
  6. INNOVATIVE SUPPORT & SELF-ADVOCACY | The power of self-advocacy helped Aspire of WNY find one of our newest Direct Support Professionals!

 

IN MEMORIAM | Remembering those we lost in 2022
JAMES DUX
JACQUELINE HASTINGS
KATIE KORZENIEWSKI
DANIEL KRZYZANOWSKI
JAMES MARTONE
ALYSSA PANFIL
BRIE RITENBURG
MATTHEW WITMER

FINANCIALS | Prepared by Jen Ball, Chief Financial Officer at Aspire of WNY

 
Contributing Efforts
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & EDITOR
Megan A. Rechin, VP of Communications & Growth Opportunities
EDITORIAL & DESIGN ADVISORY MEMBERS
Renee A. Filip, President & CEO
Peggie Giambra, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
READERS
Jenna Astridge, Director of Agency Outreach & Central Intake
Shana Caldarella, Special Events & Social Media Coordinator
Tracy Flagella, Intake & Outreach Coordinator
Kelly Blake, Intake & Outreach Associate
Kelsey Travers, Intake & Outreach Associate
PHOTOGRAPHY
Megan A. Rechin, VP of Communications & Growth Opportunities
Carly Trombetto, Co-Op Supervisor
Alicia Howard, Day Services Opportunities Facilitator
Aspire of WNY Helps Hayley Gain The Confidence Needed for New Role as Direct Support Professional

Aspire of WNY Helps Hayley Gain The Confidence Needed for New Role as Direct Support Professional

 

AN ARTICLE FROM ASPIRE OF WNY’S 2022 IMPACT REPORT

Hayley aspired to do more.

Already a part-time employee at Paula’s Donuts and a licensed NYS driver, Hayley, with the support of her mom, joined Aspire of WNY’s Supported Volunteering and Lifestyle Enrichment (SVLE) program. Initially, Hayley was shy. Her support team knew she had a wealth of practical skills, but she needed some coaxing to come out of her shell and show off her social skills and confidence. The SVLE team happened to be the right people for the job!

Every Tuesday, Hayley joined the Self-Advocacy group, where she could meet with like-minded individuals. At first, Hayley told her mom the group wasn’t for her. But, with encouragement from her mom, and Liane Agro, Aspire of WNY’s Coordinator of Day Service Opportunities, she decided to give it a shot and ultimately completed eight classes from the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS U).

During the coursework, Hayley began to open up. She made new friends and shared her hopes and dreams for the future. One of her proudest accomplishments was creating a “hangman” game for her final presentation in preparation for graduation. She presented the game to a room full of people, something she would have never done before the program.

With her newfound confidence, Hayley expressed the desire to do more, realizing she had possibly outgrown her part-time job at Paula’s Donuts. Through innovation and collaboration, the Aspire of WNY Human Resources and Day Habilitation teams created a position for Hayley right here at the agency! Hayley applied through the website, secured an interview, and was eventually hired as a relief Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Brock Day Hab, one of Aspire of WNY’s Day Habilitation Program locations. On top of that, Hayley went through orientation and passed an intensive test, known as SCIP-R, with minimal help!

Success stories like Hayley’s are only possible due to the innovative collaboration between the divisions at Aspire of WNY. The willingness of all teams to create a good fit for those we support is critical to their aspiration of living as independently as possible and realizing their full potential.

 

Aspire of WNY Increases Collaboration and Sees Changes to the Training Curriculum

Aspire of WNY Increases Collaboration and Sees Changes to the Training Curriculum

AN ARTICLE FROM ASPIRE OF WNY’S 2022 IMPACT REPORT

Consistency, collaboration, and innovation always come to mind in Aspire of WNY’s Residential Opportunities Division. In 2022, the Residential Team set out to develop a training curriculum to train managers and Direct Support Professionals within the division to better support the individuals residing in Aspire of WNY group homes.

For years, the training documents within the agency have provided a foundation for consistent support. However, the Residential Team noticed an opportunity to fine-tune the training collateral. To begin, they established a work group focusing on reviewing and correcting the training documents, compiling information, and organizing all of the information on SharePoint, the agency’s central information system. Having one location to house all of the information provides consistent access to training and an on-demand updated system so all documents can be as accurate as possible at any given moment.

After the SharePoint location was determined and all documents were updated and uploaded, the Residential Team implemented a new agenda format for Staff Meetings. This unique agenda style allows the Team Coordinators (TCs) to access the agenda in SharePoint, add their initiatives and questions, and have it reviewed by managers at any time. Then, the team reviews the information monthly and can work from any site to provide updates to the materials.

The Residential Team also recognized a need for consistent training of new Team Coordinators when they joined the team. Aspire of WNY’s leadership team took this idea and created a team of trainers, collaborating with leaders in Quality Assurance and Human Resources, to create a new training model designed to train TCs in the Residential Division.

The next part of this innovative process? The creation of “Sister PODs!” These “pods” allow two Program Coordinators (PCs) to meet monthly with their site managers and create closer working relationships among PCs and TCs within Residential. The teams/PODs rotate each month. This increases the understanding and knowledge across the team, fostering more intimate relationships with peers and creating an environment in which best practices can be shared and new ideas can be generated.

Above all, recognizing areas to improve and innovating new and collaborative ideas will lead the agency to better support all individuals living in the residences supported by Aspire of WNY.

 

Art, Birds, & Fairies: Aspire of WNY is Connecting with our Local Community

Art, Birds, & Fairies: Aspire of WNY is Connecting with our Local Community

AN ARTICLE FROM ASPIRE OF WNY’S 2022 IMPACT REPORT

At Aspire of WNY, the art of connecting to the community in the summer of 2022 came down to art itself! The agency’s Co-Op/iXpress program, operating out of Aspire of WNY’s TriMain location, had the opportunity to work with TriMain’s Community People’s Park, located on Main Street in Buffalo.

The individuals we support were tasked with the creation of an outdoor art exhibit that would benefit the local community, along with providing a beautiful space to invite nature to coexist in the city.

Group members had the vision to build an immersive exhibit where art and bird lovers alike could visit People’s Park and enjoy some of the most unique bird and fairy houses anyone has ever seen!

Each participant worked on bringing their ideas to life and allowing their personality to shine. Some birdhouses were simple, a minimalistic take with just a touch of color. Others were super fun for the maximalist birds and fairies to enjoy. The possibilities were as endless as imagination itself.

With the final birdhouse hung in People’s Park, the exhibit and outdoor reception were set in motion. Between the artists, families, and local community members, the individuals were able to present their exhibit to a crowd of exuberant fans, all of whom were excited to enjoy the park with other community members, birds, and fairies alike.

Coming up next? The second exhibit with a focus on hot air balloons called: “Up, Up and Away!”

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Aspire of WNY Expands Training Academy and Opens ADAPT Fashions! Store

Aspire of WNY Expands Training Academy and Opens ADAPT Fashions! Store

AN ARTICLE FROM ASPIRE OF WNY’S 2022 IMPACT REPORT

When astronauts prepare to enter space, they spend months at the bottom of a pool. Why? Because water creates an antigravitational effect that simulates the space experience. On Earth, astronauts can learn how to make repairs, cook breakfast, and work together in an environment close to what they will experience after blast off.

At Aspire of WNY, we’re doing the same thing. Welcome to the Training Academy.

In a small, unobtrusive building set behind Aspire of WNY’s Getzville headquarters, real-life situations and in-person training are taking place to prepare team members who support individuals with disabilities.“This home used to be utilized for respite services, but it was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carrie Spence, Vice President of Community & Independent Living Supports (CILS). “We knew there was a way we could repurpose the space and do something innovative.”

Around the same time, Toni Sullivan, Director of Vocational Services and Adaptive Community Living at Aspire of WNY, saw a need for individuals to have professional outfits when going on job interviews. But there was no inventory of items for them to select from, nor was there a way to customize clothing to fit everyone’s individual bodies, depending on their needs.

Simultaneously, the Human Resources and Workforce Training & Development teams were looking for a way to bring new staff back to in-person training.

“We started to notice that new staff members needed help learning tasks like cooking and cleaning,” said Melissa Roth, Chief Human Resources Officer. “We can’t take for granted that people are coming to us with these skills; it is our responsibility to train them, not only to cook and clean, but also in every skill needed to support the individuals we serve.”

As conversations bubbled up, a common a theme emerged: an in-person space where new hires, individuals, and staff could come together and learn in an environment that mirrored the real-life situations they would encounter on the job, in the community, or during the workday. And the Training Academy was born.

Now, the former respite (support) home is the setting for hands-on training, a community closet for ADAPT Fashions!, and headquarters for Aspire of WNY’s new Community BRIDGES program, where individuals take their social and vocational skills to the next level, becoming more and more independent with every day of participation.

ADAPT Fashions! where individuals can come and select professional outfits as they venture to job interviews, are open every other Friday and is managed by Jenna and Brandi, two individuals
supported by Aspire of WNY’s Community-Based Prevocational Services. Jennifer Young, their support staff, assists them in helping pick out outfits for customers, managing inventory, and helping get custom tailoring done, if required, for garments to fit correctly.

“We love helping people look their best,” said Brandi. “If someone loves an outfit, we cheer them on. If they need our help to look the best, we get them to feel confident in their new clothes. It is awesome.” 

Jennifer Young, a Senior Employment Specialist at Aspire of WNY, works with Brandi to help support her career goals and personal dreams. “Both Jenna and Brandi work together to manage the ADAPT Fashions! Store, just like any other store. Their work experience applies to any other retailer in our community and shows the amazing skills that can be learned in the right environment.”

Today, the Training Academy is operating in full force. New staff work in situations that may happen when they enter group homes or day habilitation environments.

“We have a “what’s wrong with this room?” test where we place items in the wrong area on purpose to help the team learn to identify the correct way to keep spaces safe and comfortable for the individuals we support,” said Melissa Roth.

In 2022, at the Cerebral Palsy Associations of NY State (CP State) the conference, the Training Academy and Aspire of WNY won the Innovation Award. “The recognition by our peers and CP State cement in our mind that the Training Academy is one stepping stone in our innovative future of supporting individuals with disabilities,” said Renee Filip, President & CEO of Aspire of WNY. “Getting new staff and individuals into a working environment that exemplifies real-life scenarios makes our team that much better. And it provides wonderful opportunities for skills and collaboration across the agency. I couldn’t be prouder of the team!”

“The Training Academy is the epitome of innovation. We had the idea, created the vision, and put it into action. We’re doing the work where the work will happen. And that is so important,” said Toni Sullivan.

The Training Academy continues to tweak and improve its function within the agency. It looks forward to hosting an open house shortly—welcoming the community to see the innovative environment firsthand. And, of course, if NASA wants to come and take some notes, we’re happy to let them know what Aspire of WNY is up to.

 

Aspire of WNY is Simplifying Business through Innovative Technology

Aspire of WNY is Simplifying Business through Innovative Technology

AN ARTICLE FROM ASPIRE OF WNY’S 2022 IMPACT REPORT

Aspire of WNY supports over 3,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each person, the people who support them, and the agency’s administration team require hundreds of thousands of data points to accurately track everything across our footprint.

That’s where Tom Matyas and Lisa Murdock come in. In November 2020, Tom Matyas was hired to fill the Records Coordinator/Power Apps Developer position on Aspire of WNY’s Quality Assurance & Compliance (QA) team. This was during the height of the pandemic, and providers were required to report COVID-19 events to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Tom entered these events into the OPWDD Incident Report and Management Application (IRMA) dashboard.

After understanding the full scope of this work, Tom took the initiative to create a Microsoft Power App for COVID-19 reporting. This app resulted in efficiencies for both the end user and the agency. The app was mobile-friendly, making it easier to complete and submit, and the automation that Tom built into the app auto-populated the COVID-19 tracking sheet when the app was submitted.

This led to an explosion of apps and dashboards being created that have simplified work tasks throughout Aspire of WNY and has provided an opportunity for that information to be analyzed in ways previously not seen at the agency.

Since then, Lisa Murdock has joined Aspire of WNY’s App Developer Team as a Senior IT Project Manager, and numerous other employees have collaborated with Lisa and Tom on Aspire of WNY’s journey toward Business Intelligence (BI) and Digital Business Transformation (DBT). BI and DBT are heavily represented in our strategic plan, The Moss Project, and will be part of our daily operations in the future.

With significant innovative steps in Business Intelligence, our ability to provide efficient and personalized services to the individuals we support continues to be a reality.

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to our Helping Hands basket raffle!

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to our Helping Hands basket raffle!

Are you looking for a fun way to support Aspire of WNY? Well, do we have one for you!

Aspire of WNY’s Helping Hands program, which assists families/individuals with disabilities in emergencies, is putting on its annual Chicken BBQ, and this year, they have a basket raffle AND 50/50. We’re encouraging anyone in Chautauqua County to let us cook you dinner on May 11 while you support a great cause. Dinners are $15 each. Raffle tickets are $10 for 1 sheet, $25 for 3 sheets, and special basket items are $5/ticket.

For those interested in tickets, for dinner AND/OR the basket raffle, you can click here to purchase. If you are buying physical raffle tickets online, you will receive an email before the raffle to indicate where you would like us to put your tickets. Or, if you come to pick up your dinner, you can put the raffle tickets in the baskets at our Mall Boulevard location. Either way, we’ve made it easy for all to participate and enjoy. If you have any questions, feel free to email Tracy Flagella, at teflagel@aspirewny.org

Here are the baskets with descriptions:

 


21. MyStErY bOx, Donated by Aspire of WNY’s Maintenance Department
Nobody knows what it could be!


20. Family Game Night, Donated by Carrie Spence
3 Family-Friendly Games, Soda, Snacks, and $20 Gift Card to Dominoes


19. Summer Fun, Donated by Aspire of WNY’s Intake & Outreach Department
Blow Up Kiddie Pool, Bunch of Balloons, Watershooters, Float


18. Strike a Pose, Donated by Megan Rechin
Two-Hour Photography Session on Agreed Upon Date and Location


17. Feeling Lucky Lotto, Donated by Aspire of WNY Day Services
Lottery Tickets


16. Shots Happen, Donated by Aspire of WNY’s Chautauqua HR Team
(Debbie, Donna, and Amanda)
Motivational Sign, Different Flavored Liquor, Jello Mix, Jello Shot Instructions, Shot Cups


15. Do you feel bonita? Donated by Jennifer Vacanti
Mary Kay Satin Hands Bag including Satin Hands Products and $10 OFF a $50+ Purchase


14. Time to Unwind (Self-Care), Donated by Natasha Peterson & Stier Resident Managers
Wine, Skin Care Masks, Essential Oils, Lotions, and More!


13. Handcrafted by iXpress, Donated by Sabrina Parsons & Aspire of WNY’s iXpress Art program
Jewelry, Playing Cards, Knit Hat, Ceramic Dish, and More! 


12. Dare to Self-Care, Donated by Melissa Roth
Non-Alcoholic Bubbly, Wine Glasses, Candles, and Chocolates


11. Buffalo Swag Home Basket, Donated by Beth Bergstrom and Aspire of WNY’s Behavior Department
Home Basket with Large Buffalo Bills Shirt, XL Buffalo Bills Shirt, Buffalo Bills Hat, Socks, and Josh Allen Hurdle Ave. Sign


10. Money Grows on Trees, Donated by Danielle McMullin & the American Legion Auxiliary
Light Up LED Birch Tree with Lotto Tickets


9. Heaven Scent, Donated by Heather Raymond
Wax Burner, Scented Wax Cubes, Candles, and Chocolates


8. Office Utility Drawer, Donated by Aspire of WNY’s CILS Department and Jennifer Wren
Stapler, Calculator, Pencil Sharpener, Tissues, and More!


7. Summer Sizzle, Donated by Heather Raymond
17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill, Charcoal, 5 BBQ Sauces, Grill Utensils, $25 Tops Gift Card


6. Relax & Write, Donated by Pat Long & Christine Hawkins
Tea, Mug, Reading Lamp, Stationary Cards, Puzzle Books, and More!


5. Fixer-Upper Utility Drawer, Donated by Aspire of WNY’s CILS Department and Jennifer Wren
Flashlight, Duct Tape, Tools, and More!


4. Rainy Day Zen, Donated by Beth Bergstrom & Aspire of WNY’s Behavior Department
Lotion, Chocolates, Mug, Fleece Blanket, Hydro Masks, Adult Coloring Books & Colored Pencils


3. The American Dream, Donated by Jenny M. and Aspire of WNY’s Fiscal Department
Lottery Tickets


2. Ultimate Utility Drawer, Donated by Jennifer Wren & Aspire of WNY’s CILS Department
Lint Roller, Cleaning Gloves, OxiClean Pen, and More!


1. Beer from the Southern Tier, Donated by Michelle Dodson & Aspire of WNY Day Services
Southern Tier Brewery T-Shirt, $50 Gift Card, and Beer

               
SPECIAL RAFFLE: $5/ticket for your chance to win an entire Cricut experience,
including the Cricut, accessories, and more!

Touching Bases Softball League for Adults with Disabilities is a HOME RUN at Aspire of WNY

Touching Bases Softball League for Adults with Disabilities is a HOME RUN at Aspire of WNY

There’s nothing that says summer like hotdogs, sunshine, and softball! The team at Aspire of WNY is proud to be a supporter and partner of the Touching Bases Softball League, a co-ed softball league made up of amazing adults with a wide variety of “disABILITIES.” Many athletes reside in residential group homes, including those operated by Aspire of WNY. The individuals who play on the team come from all over Western New York, playing Monday and Tuesday evenings at Walden Pond in Lancaster throughout August.

 

Registration for Touching Bases opens in April and is now accepting new athletes! To register, click here.

“Touching Bases is proud to work with WNY human service agencies to provide adaptive softball for adults. We have been proud to have Touching Bases as part of the I/DD community since 2005,” said Laura Beth Makowski, Board Member of Touching Bases and Associate Director of Day Programs with Aspire of WNY.

Aspire of WNY has three current team members in board positions with Touching Bases: Laura Beth Malkowski, Dawn Kaufman (Director of Finance), and Robyn Repman (Coordinator of Day Services). Additionally, one of Aspire of WNY’s Board of Directors, Eileen Nosek, is the founder of Touching Bases.

“This team has a really wonderful time coming together and playing softball, just like everyone else does in the summer,” says Dawn Kaufman. “The missions and visions of Touching Bases and Aspire of WNY align as we work to help individuals with disabilities in WNY live, work, and play as independently as possible.”

We encourage anyone interested to submit an application for Touching Bases and PLAY BALL!

To learn more, visit their website: www.touchingbaseswny.com

 

Aspire of WNY Promotes Bob Pettit to Executive Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & Technology

Aspire of WNY Promotes Bob Pettit to Executive Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & Technology

APRIL 6, 2023, GETZVILLE, NY | In an effort to strategize compliance, quality, and technology, Aspire of WNY has promoted Bob Pettit to Executive Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Technology (EVP), effective March 6, 2023. The position and promotion were conceived by Aspire of WNY’s current leadership team, including Renee A. Filip (President & CEO), Jen Ball (CFO), and Melissa Roth (CHRO). In dealing with the current environment of information technology and compliance, they thought it best to have an overarching leader to connect both sides of the agency. In this role, Bob will oversee the alignment of the Information Technology and Quality and Compliance divisions at Aspire of WNY.

“The people we support are our number one priority. And the data, systems, and infrastructure we control to help support them is critical from an IT standpoint and a compliance standpoint,” said Renee. “Bob’s experience, exceptional work, and commitment to the people we support from every angle showed us he is the right person to bring together these two divisions.”

Bob has been a valuable member of the Aspire of WNY team for over 20 years. He began working at Aspire of WNY in 2001 as a Team Coordinator for one of Aspire of WNY’s group homes. He has also served as a Residential Program Coordinator, Compliance Coordinator, and most recently the Vice President of Quality and Compliance. In his position as VP of Quality and Compliance, Bob provided oversight to incident management, internal reviews, compliance investigations and audits, the behavior rights and individual consent committees, and records retention. He has also been leading the agency-wide strategic plan goal of digitizing processes and creating various dashboards that will house data to drive quality initiatives, enhance regulatory compliance, and increase customer satisfaction. Bob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration.

“The merging of quality, compliance, and technology under the oversight of one leader is an example of the progressive approach to agency operations by the Aspire of WNY leadership team. I am incredibly excited to have been chosen for this position and look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders within and outside of the agency,” said Bob.

 

Congratulations to Bob on his promotion! We are excited to see the future of Aspire of WNY with Bob in the EVP of Regulatory Compliance and Technology role.

 

ABOUT ASPIRE OF WNY: At Aspire of WNY, we are driven by the core belief that children and adults with developmental disabilities have the right to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible. Aspire of WNY compassionately and relentlessly works toward facilitating this end.

Our total commitment is to the development of innovative, individualized programs. We continually strive for the integration of the developmentally disabled within the WNY community. Aspire of WNY is proud to provide full-service solutions to the populations we serve, making Aspire of WNY the leading agency of its kind and a true asset to the Western New York Community.

Aspire of WNY is celebrating their 76th year of supporting 3,000+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area. Aspire of WNY is a large employer with 1,500+ associates.

Pierogis? That’s Right! Aspire of WNY’s First Annual Pierogi Masterclass Raised $3,000+ for Individuals with Disabilities!

Pierogis? That’s Right! Aspire of WNY’s First Annual Pierogi Masterclass Raised $3,000+ for Individuals with Disabilities!

As we’re counting down the days until Dyngus Day, Aspire of WNY is excited to share that our first annual Pierogi Masterclass event at Sto Lat Bar was a huge success, raising over $3,000 for Aspire of WNY programming for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. 

Participants purchased tickets that included food from Sto Lat and a pierogi making class from the head chef of Simply Pierogi, also located within the Sto Lat Bar market. 

“We are excited to partner with Aspire of WNY because we have a lot of people on our staff who have family members or loved ones with disabilities. Supporting a great cause like this means a lot to us and makes a huge difference in the lives of the individuals supported by Aspire. We can’t wait to host it again next year!” said Sto Lat’s head chef, Ben McBride. 

The crew at Sto Lat even donated all of the mini rolling pins as souvenirs for each class member. Other highlights included an auction of custom painted aprons from Aspire of WNY’s iXpress Art Program and customized, souvenir aprons for each guest. 

“These days, you have to get creative when it comes to fundraising. We know WNY loves pierogis and supporting a great cause. We said, why not combine those?” said Megan Rechin, Vice President of Communications at Aspire of WNY. “We’re excited to host more of these innovative events in the future as part of our “Innovation Fund” where our sponsors support non-traditional initiatives. Ultimately our goal is to raise as many funds as possible to give back to the individuals we support. And, to educate the WNY community about the amazing work our individuals do as employees, volunteers, and community members. They are the reason we go to work everyday.”

You can check out the entire photo gallery from the Pierogi Masterclass by clicking HERE

Here are some highlights!

Frosty Fun at Winterval 2023

Frosty Fun at Winterval 2023

With nearly 300 people, curling, ice skating, fun, and prizes, the City of Good Neighbors came out to support the 2023 Winterval event for Aspire of WNY. 

A huge thank you to our sponsors: Independent Health, Toshiba, Parkview Health Services, NCAComp, and WB Mason. We couldn’t have put on the event without you! 

With sponsorships, ticket sales, and event raffles, we were able to raise over $8,000 for individuals with disabilities in WNY. 

Take a look through our photo gallery to see the frosty fun that was had at Winterval 2023. For all of the event photos, click here.

We hope to see you there next year!

 

Aspire of WNY’s Spirit of Giving Program Helps Support 175+ People During the 2022 Holiday Season

Aspire of WNY’s Spirit of Giving Program Helps Support 175+ People During the 2022 Holiday Season

It goes without saying that the donations, time, effort, and thought given to the individuals supported through Aspire of WNY’s 2022 Spirit of Giving Program have contributed in priceless and infinite ways to families across Erie and Chautauqua counties.

In an effort to provide scope to the Spirit of Giving, we are proud to have supported 67 individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, totaling 175+ people.

On top of all the donated gifts that were received, a total of $8,934.32 was raised in support of the 2022 Spirit of Giving program. Additionally, $625 was donated in gift cards.

We can’t begin to say enough thanks for the generosity, support, and community we felt during the 2022 Spirit of Giving. Individuals, some pictured above, and their families wanted to pass along their heartfelt thank you. Without you, these families would not have had the holiday they deserve.

To download this recap as a PDF, click here!

To donate to Spirit of Giving, click here!

The Spirit of Giving Story

For over 25 years, Aspire of WNY has been making the holiday wishes of those we support come true through our Giving Tree Program. Through much consideration, the program was rebranded as Spirit of Giving in 2021.

Every year, during the holiday season, we call on our community to help us identify the individuals and families supported by Aspire of WNY, living in the community, that would otherwise not be able to provide a holiday for themselves or their families (we support everyone living in the household of the supported individual).

Over the years, Spirit of Giving has grown, and recently we extended the eligibility for this program to individuals receiving OPWDD services in WNY and their families who applied for support but did not receive a service from Aspire of WNY.

All gifts are shopped for and/or supported by generous friends inside and outside of Aspire of WNY.

365 Days of the Spirit of Giving

Although the holiday season is the main focus for our Spirit of Giving program, the planning, fundraising, communication, and orchestration of the event is strategized and executed all year round. Our formal giving season begins in October, however, we ask that, if you are able, to consider supporting Spirit of Giving ahead of the end of the year so we can better budget for the hundreds of people we support.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of Spirit of Giving! We couldn’t do it without you!

To donate to Spirit of Giving, click here!

Committee of Last Resort is now Helping Hands!

Aspire of WNY’s Committee of Last Resort is a small grants program that has supported the needs of individuals with disabilities in the Western NY community for over 20 years. In order to better align this program’s format with Aspire’s mission, vision and values, Committee of Last Resort will now be known as Helping Hands.

Helping Hands transition flyer

Center for Learning Update

Under the guidance of the Erie County Department of Health and the Center for Learning’s Safety Plan, we have determined that our School Aged and On-Site Preschool will transition to remote learning. The families and caregivers of our students have been contacted. Additionally, teachers and therapists have followed up with their individual students.

The building will also be undergoing a deep cleaning. We are scheduled to return to in-person classes on Oct. 19th.  The Center for Learning Safety Plan can be viewed on www.aspirewny.org.

Aspire Reopening Safety Plans

Aspire of Western New York invites you to review the following Safety and Reopening Plans.

Free Standing Respite

Community Based PreVoc Programs

Community Based Supports- Community Habilitation and In-Home Respite (Self-Directed and Traditional), Community Pre-Vocation, SEMP

CFL – Center For Learning

Safety Plans below are for Day Hab, SVLE and Co-Op Tech Buffalo in Erie and Chautauqua Counties:

7 Community Drive Habilitation 

Brock

Co-Op. Tech 

Hamburg 

Mall Blvd Day Habilitation

SVLE Central 

SVLE Erie

SVLE South

Tech

Aspire Owned Vehicles and Transportation 

COVID-19 Resources for Self-Advocates

Here are some great resources made by and for people with developmental disabilities about COVID-19.

Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center

Click on the underlined words to see the resources:

Informational Video on COVID-19

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 (Video)

Learn all about COVID-19 in plain language. Made by Rooted in Rights in collaboration with Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

Video Series – Critical COVID Information for Self-Advocates

Four-part video series from English- and Spanish-speaking self-advocates giving critical COVID information. Produced by California DD Council.

New Toolkit – A Self-Advocate’s Guide to COVID-19

Below you can download any of the eight parts or the entire toolkit.

Hospital Care

Because of Coronavirus most hospitals are not allowing visitors. New York self-advocates and families spoke up and got hospitals to allow patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a support person with them when in the ER or staying in a hospital.

Plain Language Information on COVID-19 (in 11 languages)

A basic eight-page booklet about the Coronavirus written by and for people with developmental disabilities. It focuses on “need to know” information (not “nice to know” information). Our goal is to keep people with disabilities healthy during this national crisis

Governor Cuomo’s PAUSE Program

(updated April 17)

Governor Cuomo’s PAUSE Program has been extended through May 15, 2020. Please see full details on this program below.

 
The Governor’s 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
  1. Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
  2. Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
  3. Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
  4. When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
  5. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
  6. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
  7. Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
  8. Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
  9. Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
  10. Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
 

“Matilda’s Law” includes the following rules for vulnerable populations:

  • Remain indoors;
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise;
  • Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature and seeing if person is exhibiting other flu-like symptoms;
  • Do not visit households with multiple people;
  • Wear a mask when in the company of others;
  • To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask;
  • Always stay at least six feet away from individuals; and
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

Key helpful links to keep you informed during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Erie County Health Department – www2.erie.gov/health

Office of People with Developmental Disabilities – opwdd.gov

New York State Governor Cuomo – governor.ny.gov

New York State Education Department – https://www.nysed.gov/coronavirus

Residential Opportunities

Residential Opportunities

Residential Opportunities is open and providing our full array of services in all of our community based homes (IRAs). We are carefully following national and local directives to ensure we are keeping our residents safe and healthy. We are strictly limiting visitors and community outings per the guidance we have received from regulatory agencies. We will keep you abreast of any changes or updates that need to be made in the future. 

Suspended Services

Suspended Services at Aspire

Effective March 19th, Community and Independent Living Supports has temporarily suspended Pre-Vocational Supports, Free Standing Respite, After School Respite, Saturday site based Respite.

We are continuing limited Community Habilitation, In home Respite, Self-Directed Services and employment supports to ensure people living in the community with minimal support have the needed supplies and services they require.

The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has released the below guidance related to visitation at Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), Community Residences and Private Schools.  Please click on the link for details.

Aspire of WNY Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We have received a directive from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) that we are to temporarily suspend our services for all Day Habilitation, Day Treatment and Prevocational Programs, effective 5 p.m. today.

After appropriate COVID-19 screening, we will be working to provide alternative programming for families that are negatively affected by the suspension of these services. Please note these are temporary suspensions.

We ask you send all questions regarding the impact of services due to COVID-19 to covid19@aspirewny.org.

Thank you for your support as we work to remain current in this ever-changing environment.