Connections (June 2020)
AIM hosting summer day camps for youths on Zoom
AIM is offering day camps for young adults on Zoom, the online video chat platform, this summer.
These camps build social skills using a variety of fun and educational activities. They are open to youths with eligibility for services through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
We’ll have a Zoom camp for youths who live in Steuben County the week of July 13-17; and one for Chemung County youths the week of July 27-31. They’re open to ages 14-21.
Also, we’ll offer one additional camp for “tweens” ages 9-13 the week of Aug. 17-21. This camp is not county-specific.
The topics for these camps will include bullying and Internet/cellphone safety; community awareness and volunteering; personal hygiene and dressing for success; what to do in an emergency situation; mindfulness and emotions; healthy lifestyles; and healthy relationships/conflict resolution.
We’ll bring in special guests, and there will also be games, art activities, a Zoom dance party and more. We’ll be providing “camp boxes” with snacks and materials for daily activities.
For more information or to register, contact OPWDD Youth Program Specialist Amanda Gitchell at agitchell@aimcil.com or (607) 962-8225, ext. 210. Please register as soon as possible; space is limited.
These programs are funded by an OPWDD Family Support Services grant.
Free online workshop on health, well-being offered this fall
AIM will offer Living Well in the Community, a free 10-week online workshop on health and well-being for people with disabilities, this fall.
The workshop will begin Monday, Sept. 14. It will be held from 2-4 p.m. every Monday through Nov. 16 using Zoom. It is open to ages 18 and older. 
Topics will include goal setting, building supports, healthy reactions, staying on course, healthy communication, seeking information, eating well, physical activity, self-advocacy, and maintaining improvements.
AIM is offering this workshop under a grant from the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC: Rural). Participants receive a $20 incentive at the beginning of the workshop and a $20 incentive at the end of the class.
For more information or to register, contact Ryanne Michaels at rmichaels@aimcil.com or 962-8225, ext. 215.
Candidates sought for openings in Supportive Housing, CDPAS, OPWDD
AIM has several positions open right now.
We’re looking for a Community Living Specialist to work with residents in our Supportive Housing program for people with disabilities. The Community Living Specialist provides training, mentoring and support for the residents, and acts as an advocate for them. 
We’re also seeking personal assistants for our home care program, Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS). This program allows seniors and people with disabilities to hire and supervise personal assistants to help them with the activities of daily living.
We’re also hiring for Self-Hire Staff and Direct Support Professionals, who work with people with developmental disabilities who receive services through AIM’s OPWDD Supports and Services program.
To view job descriptions and apply online, click here.
Peterson honored as June’s Employee of the Month
Congratulations to CreeAnna Peterson, who was selected as AIM’s Employee of the Month for June.
Peterson is a Fiscal Intermediary Specialist in AIM’s OPWDD Self-Direction program. Fiscal Intermediary Specialists provide administrative services that allow people with developmental disabilities to hire staff to support them, and to pay for the activities they participate in.
“Cree always shows compassion to individuals that she works with every day,” wrote one person who nominated her. “She is amazing at talking through any problems that anyone has, and makes them feel worthy.”
Peterson “shows empathy and compassion towards her families, whether it is a celebratory moment or just a listening ear,” wrote another person who nominated her.