Canandaigua’s Happiness House, a nonprofit that provides housing for individuals with disabilities and those in low-income situations, suffered significant damage following major flooding in July. The swift floodwaters led to about two feet of water and mud inundating two buildings on the property, ruining 17 units in total. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now Canandaigua’s Happiness House residents displaced after July flood: Repairs could take months December 3, 2023 at 10:00:00 PM Canandaigua’s Happiness House, a nonprofit that provides housing for individuals with disabilities and those in low-income situations, suffered significant damage following major flooding in July. The swift floodwaters led to about two feet of water and mud inundating two buildings on the property, ruining 17 units in total. CEO Darrell Whitbeck told 13WHAM-TV that damages are estimated between $1.3 and $1.6 million, explaining, “We lost two feet of drywall, all of the appliances, flooring, and counters.” Due to the extensive damages and potential for long repair periods, leases for first-floor tenants were terminated, prompting them to seek more stable housing. While Happiness House is accommodating some residents at a nearby hotel, others have sought refuge with friends, family, or other aid organizations. Providence Housing, the property management company working with Happiness House, has successfully relocated some residents to other apartments. The nonprofit has appealed to FEMA for funding assistance and is also exploring small business loan options. Next Previous All News

The Ability Partners Foundation is Taking Strides for People of All Abilities on October 14 as the 18th Annual 5K Run for Fun/1M Walk for Wellness returns to CP Rochester! Zachary Sands, 25, will be this year’s run ambassador! About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now Special Olympics Athlete to chair Ability Partners Foundation’s 5K Race December 6, 2023 at 10:00:00 PM Rochester, NY (October 3, 2023) - Ability Partners Foundation ~ CP Rochester, Happiness House, and Rochester Rehabilitation ~ is Taking Strides for People of All Abilities on October 14 as the 18th Annual 5K Run for Fun/1M Walk for Wellness returns to CP Rochester! Zachary Sands, 25, will be this year’s run ambassador! Zach, a participant in the CP Rochester Day Habilitation Program and a Special Olympics athlete, is described by family and friends as driven, genuine, and kind. He adores his friends at CP Rochester and admires and idolizes his staff, who have become mentors. Zach was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy as an infant and has hemiparesis, a condition that makes one side of his body smaller and weaker. Despite these physical challenges, Zach pushes to participate in as many sporting events as he can. Zach’s determination has helped him to achieve his goals both at his program and with his participation in Special Olympics. This year, runners/walkers/strollers will be treated to Halloween activities as well as an agency open house and vendor fair immediately following the run. Participants and volunteers alike are encouraged to come dressed in costume. The certified race begins and ends at CP Rochester’s main campus at 3399 Winton Road South in Henrietta. This family-friendly event also offers a 1 Mile Walk , which takes place in the neighborhood adjacent to the race. Online registration closes Thursday, October 12 at 12 p.m. Runners, walkers, rollers, and strollers can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/5KRunforFun . Walk-ups will be allowed the day of, but are asked to come at the start of check-in/registration at 8 a.m. For a $30 registration fee, runners will be eligible to compete for top prizes as well as receive a race t-shirt and snacks. Thank you to our generous sponsors: Alesco Advisors as our gold sponsor, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, Benefits Management, Inc., Burke Group LLC, Coloial Fire Protection Systems Inc., and Wegmans as our bronze sponsors; AP Plumbing as our patron sponsor; and Saul & Abigail Rasnick as our friend sponsors. About Ability Partners Foundation Ability Partners Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established to raise and generate funds that will promote, support, and augment the continuation of long-term services for people with disabilities offered through CP Rochester, Happiness House, and Rochester Rehabilitation in the Finger Lakes and Greater Rochester areas, including Ontario, Orleans, Livingston, Seneca, Yates, Wayne, and Monroe Counties. The Foundation supports individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and their families. Next Previous All News

$15.75 - $18 1:1 Teacher's Aide Next Previous All Employment Apply Now Act as an active team member in providing for the well-being, education and supervision of children in the classroom. Hours Salary/Rate $15.75 - $18 Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Our comprehensive benefit plan includes but is not limited to (full-time & part-time only): Affordable Medical (full-time only) / Dental / Vision Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) starts at 5 days per year Paid Sick Time 8 Paid Holidays 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match Additional Insurance Offerings – Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Specified Disease Insurance w/ Cancer Rider, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection Employer Paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (high deductible medical plan) Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance Tuition Reimbursement plus a 25% Tuition Discount for benefit-eligible Employees and Family Members at Roberts Wesleyan College $15.75 - $18 High School Diploma or its equivalent OR 1 year experience working with children. Experience with young children preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age Imparts agency philosophy of “Equal Opportunity, Independence and Realization of Individual Potential” to children, families, program staff and community resources. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policy. Performs both instructional and non-instructional duties under the supervision of the classroom teacher. Assists the classroom teacher in all children’s activities throughout the day. Supervises children at all times, including during busing and transitional activities. Assists in physical care tasks and health related activities as appropriate. Assists children with behavioral/management needs. Functions as a positive, contributing member of the classroom team. Attends appropriate meetings as determined by the classroom teacher and Program Director. Demonstrates consistent, nurturing manner toward all children. Maintains classroom cleanliness and the orderly appearance of classroom equipment, supplies and displays of children’s work. Assists in the preparation of children’s snacks. Shares all relevant information related to classroom children obtained from various sources with the classroom teacher. Performs classroom duties as assigned by the classroom teacher. Actively participates in bus arrival and dismissal. Adheres to Agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines. Participates in conferences, workshops, and in-service training to enhance job skills and personal growth and development. Performs other duties at the discretion of the Program Director or his/her designee Directly responsible to the assigned Classroom Teacher. Other Supervisory Responsibility: None Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work Environment: This job operates in a preschool classroom program environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds. Mental requirements may include: general intelligence, motor coordination skills, coordination of eyes, hands, and feet, verbal intelligence. Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day, but employee will be expected to work at any of our partner agencies. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

Day Habilitation Coordinator Next Previous All Employment Apply Now Hours Salary/Rate Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Other About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

Dentist (Per Diem) Next Previous All Employment Apply Now Hours Salary/Rate Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Other About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

Licensed Practical Nurse Outpatient Psych Clinic $1000 Signing Bonus Next Previous All Employment Apply Now Hours Salary/Rate Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Other About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

Behavioral Health Intake and Patient Care Coordinator Next Previous All Employment Apply Now Hours Salary/Rate Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Other About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

$16.50 - $19.00 Direct Support Professional - Residential (Full-Time) $500 Signing Bonus Next Previous All Employment Apply Now If you want to make a difference in the lives of others - we want YOU to join our team of caring professionals as a Direct Support Professional ! As part of our team you will have the personal rewards of making a difference in the lives of adults and their families. In a Direct Support position you will support adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities by: Teaching independent living skills. Assisting with personal care. Creating opportunities for and encouraging individuals to develop skills in recreation/leisure/hobbies, home management, social/interpersonal and other skill areas including the promotion of self-respect and being respectful of others while developing relationships in the community. Hours Full Time 40 hours per week ~ Evenings/Weekends - Overtime available! Salary/Rate $16.50 - $19.00 Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location We offer a comprehensive benefit plan, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; Employer-paid health reimbursement account for medical expenses; 17 - 27 days paid time off (PTO) Paid sick time; 8 paid holidays; 403b retirement plan with employer match; Employer-paid group term life and long term disability insurance; Tuition reimbursement; and Additional insurance offerings including specified disease insurance with a cancer rider, accident insurance, identity theft protection, and short term disability. $16.50 - $19.00 High School Diploma or GED required. Experience working with people with developmental disabilities strongly preferred. Valid and clean New York State Driver’s License. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to complete required training courses included but not limited to First Aid, CPR and Medication Administration. Imparts agency philosophy of “Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence” to individuals, families, program staff and community resources. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policy. Creates opportunities for, and encourages individuals to develop skills in recreation/leisure/hobbies, home management, social/interpersonal and other skill areas including the promotion of self-respect and being respectful of others while developing relationships in the community. Follows consumer activity and behavioral guidelines as set by the team and desired outcome guidelines. These may include but not be limited to Residential Habilitation Plans and IPOPs. Ensures consumer care meets or exceeds established standards in areas including personal hygiene, grooming, feeding, care and respect for consumer belongings, room cleaning, and other daily living skills. Completes documentation as required by and in coordination with regulations and agency policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines. Performs other duties at the discretion of the Program Director or his/her designee. Physical Requirements include: sitting, standing, walking, lifting over 50 pounds, pulling and pushing wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, carrying, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, crawling, color determination, visual acuity, speaking clearly, listening to spoken communication, sense of taste and smell. Other Our comprehensive benefit plan includes but is not limited to: Affordable Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance 17 days Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Sick Time 8 Paid Holidays 403(b) and/or ROTH Retirement Plan with employer match Additional Insurance Offerings – Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Specified Disease Insurance w/ Cancer Rider, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection Employer Paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (high deductible medical plan) Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance Tuition Reimbursement plus a 25% Tuition Discount for benefit-eligible Employees and Family Members at Roberts Wesleyan College About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

Registered Nurse - Residential $2000 Signing Bonus Next Previous All Employment Apply Now Hours Salary/Rate Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Other About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

Carmelo will serve as the 15th Annual Autism Awareness & Acceptance Walk Honorary Chair on April 26th 2025. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now Generation ROC: 5-year-old with nonverbal autism honored for outstanding progress April 15, 2025 at 8:45:00 PM GENEVA, N.Y. ( WROC ) — The power to be understood is a feeling you can’t describe, but five-year-old Carmelo Wilson is finding the words and a voice all his own—thanks to the preschool program at Happiness House . Carmelo has autism and is completely nonverbal. While navigating his behaviors and options, his speech therapist, Alexandra Turner, says she pushed for him to get a speech generated device. News 8 watched as the young child navigated playtime completely though communicating in his own special way. “You should always should assume competency, and you should always assume that they have a preference in what they want to share and what they want to eat or watch,” says Turner. In just four short months, Carmelo has learned to navigate multiple menus to form full sentences, name his desires, and he’s proved just how much he really knows. His mom, Jacqueline Pollino, says the help has massively eased his frustrations. “It’s definitely a huge switch. He would bang his head a lot when he was frustrated or hit himself, harm himself,” she explains to News 8’s Mikhaela Singleton . “So having the device—him able to tell me ‘I don’t wanna do that’ or ‘I’m upset’—it’s definitely helped out a lot.” Carmelo has been chosen to act as this year’s honorary chair for the 15th Annual Autism Acceptance and Awareness Walk in Victor. Alexandra says the Ability Partners Foundation chose Carmelo for his frankly outstanding progress that proves anyone can thrive with the right tools and patience. “He’s grown so much and it’s exciting. It’s just so crazy how getting him assistive technology like a speech generated device and how much that’s opened up his world to be able to communicate—not just during speech therapy, but outside in the community and his classroom. Wherever he wants to go, he can now say exactly what he feels and what he wants,” says Turner. “He’s about to go into kindergarten. I just hope that he’s able to continue to make as much improvement as he already has. I hope that I can hear him actually talk one day. That’s the ultimate goal,” adds Pollino. The Autism Acceptance and Awareness walk will be Saturday, April 26 at the Eastview Mall in Victor. It is organized by the Ability Partners Foundation which is comprised of service providers across the Finger Lakes Region that support people of all ages with autism. Visit the link above to sign up or donate. Next Previous All News

$40,000 - $48,000 Early Childhood Education Teacher Next Previous All Employment Apply Now The Early Childhood Education Teacher teaches young children in an integrated pre-school classroom with the Special Education Teacher. Creates and maintains a structured and effective program and safe environment that provides for the individual development needs of the children. Hours Full Time/School Year Salary/Rate $40,000 - $48,000 Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Affordable Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance Paid Mandated School Breaks 5 Days Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Sick Time 8 Paid Holidays Matching 403(b) and/or ROTH Retirement Plan Additional Insurance Offerings - Specified Disease Insurance w/ Cancer Rider, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection Employer Paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance Tuition Reimbursement plus a 25% Tuition Discount for benefit-eligible Employees and Family Members at Roberts Wesleyan College $40,000 - $48,000 Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education with NYS certification in Childhood Education. Early Childhood Certification (Birth-Grade 2) preferred. Experience working with young children. Knowledge of child development and student learning. Knowledge of content and instructional planning and implementation. Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. Must have demonstrated commitment to performing job duties and tasks at a high level of performance. Imparts agency philosophy of “Equal Opportunity, Independence and Realization of Individual Potential” to children, families, program staff and community resources. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policy. Ensure a meaningful and individualized educational experience for all students. Administers developmental assessments to all students to gather data to determine how to meet individual development needs of the children. Works with the Special Education Teacher to coordinate a structured program and safe environment that provides for the individual development needs of the children. Coordinates daily and weekly lesson plans with the Special Education Teacher that are available for review by the Program Director or the Education Coordinator. Maintains all necessary paperwork in portfolios for each child. Participates in all parent-teacher conferences for children in the New Friends program. Attends all team, discipline and staff meetings as designated. Creates lesson plans using NYS Learning Standards and agency selected curriculum. Supervises classroom paraprofessionals, aides and assistants, students, volunteers and others involved in helping capacities with input from the Special Education Teacher. Completes annual performance appraisals for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants and teacher aides with input from the Special Education Teacher. Schedules parent and family classroom visits in conjunction with the Special Education Teacher. Develops an annual inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies together with the Special Education Teacher. Submits daily/monthly attendance records for all children without disabilities. Participates in conferences, workshops, department meetings and in-service training as needed or recommended to enhance job skills and personal growth and development. Adheres to agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines. Other Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises Paraprofessionals, Teacher’s Aides and Teaching Assistants. Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work Environment: This job operates in a preschool classroom program environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds. Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day, but employee will be expected to work at any of our partner agencies. Some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now

About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now Bowling to Raise Bucks November 1, 2024 Ability Partners Foundation Join us for a fun night on the lanes as we celebrate Bowling to Raise Bucks! Stay tuned for how you and your bowling team of 4 can sign up and raise bucks for Ability Partners Foundation. Next Previous All Events