Major flooding devastated neighborhoods in Canandaigua in July. One of the hardest hit spots was Happiness House, a nonprofit which offers housing to people with disabilities or those with low-income status. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now Residents of Happiness House in Canandaigua remain displaced as work to repair flooding damage September 9, 2023 at 5:00:00 PM https://13wham.com/news/local/residents-of-happiness-house-remain-displaced-as-work-to-repair-flooding-damage-continues?video=258776fdf972474fa0aa7ff0d39badfe Canandaigua N.Y. — Major flooding devastated neighborhoods in Canandaigua in July. One of the hardest hit spots was Happiness House , a nonprofit which offers housing to people with disabilities or those with low-income status. The flash flooding caused about two feet of water and mud to pour into two buildings on the property, destroying a total of 17 units. Promoted Links Hotel Workers Share The Strange Things They Caught Guests Doing Money Awaits Click Here "It was scary, especially when the water started coming in," said resident William Laffler. "We went and put all my towels underneath the door to try and stop the water coming in." Laffler was displaced from his first-floor apartment, and has been staying with his home health aide, Julia Hale. Meantime, Happiness House has been paying for other displaced residents to stay at a Microtel in Geneva, while others went to stay with friends or family. Happiness House CEO Darrell Whitbeck estimates it caused $1.3 to $1.6 million in damages and it could take months to repair. "We have lost two feet of drywall, the flooring had to come out of both buildings. All of the appliances were destroyed," Whitbeck said. "The counters are destroyed throughout the buildings. The amount of mud that was deposited throughout the buildings was significant." As a result, Happiness House has had to terminate the leases of its first-floor tenants, who remain displaced, so they can find more permanent housing. "As we are going into a prolonged period of time, the determination is that individuals should have access to, through their subsidies, an appropriate house, an appropriate living situation for folks, and in order to do that, individuals had to be released from their leases so they could access or engage in appropriate long term settings," Whitbeck said. According to Happiness House leaders, its property management company, Providence Housing, has been working with residents to offer them housing in its other apartment buildings, and several have been placed. Some residents, like Laffler, are still exploring their options. "I don’t know what to do next," he said. "It is just hard, because nobody is prepared for anything like this," Hale explained. "There is a waiting list for anything that is government funded." The Center for Disability Rights is also assisting some displaced residents. They'll be able to reapply to move back in to Happiness House once the repairs are complete, but the nonprofit is still determining how long repairs could take. "We are hopeful that folks will be able to come back who are able to," Whitbeck said. "Some of the apartment complexes have been fantastic in allowing folks to go month-to-month so folks can come back to us." Happiness House has applied for for funding from FEMA and also hopes to receive some assistance in small business loans. 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

The Ability Partner's Foundation teamed up with CP Rochester as it held its 18th Annual 5K Run on Saturday to take strides for people of all abilities. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now Cerebral Palsy Rochester 5K run held to take strides for people of all abilities December 8, 2023 at 12:00:00 PM Rochester, N.Y. — The Ability Partner's Foundation teamed up with CP Rochester as it held its 18th Annual 5K Run on Saturday to take strides for people of all abilities. This year's ambassador will be Zachary Sands, 25, who's a participant in the CP Rochester Day Habilitation Program and a Special Olympics athlete. Zach was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy as a child. His determination has helped him achieve his goals with his participation in the Special Olympics. "It's important to raise the needed funds that we have to get to keep our services going and provide programs to the folks who look to us for help," said the President and CEO of Ability Partners Foundation, Darrell Whitbeck. Promoted Links Stay safe for the holidays SimpliSafe Ability Partners Foundation is a non-profit organization established to raise and generate funds that help to 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. This year's event featured Halloween activities and an open house that followed the run. 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 5:00:00 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

Registered Nurse Outpatient Psych Clinic $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

Teacher's Aide (FT or PT or Per Diem Sub) 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

$46,800 - $64,000 Special Education Teacher Augustin Children's Center $3000 Signing Bonus Next Previous All Employment Apply Now The Special Education Teacher pl ans and provides educational instruction to young children with disabilities in a pre-school classroom. Creates and maintains a structured and effective program and safe environment that provides for the individual development needs of the children. The Special Education teacher works collaboratively with all members of the classroom, therapists, and psychologists. Hours Full Time / School Year Salary/Rate $46,800 - $64,000 Benefits Requirements Functions Qualifications Summary Location Affordable Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance Paid Mandated School Breaks 5 Days Paid Time Off (PTO) 8 Paid Holidays Matching 403b 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 $46,800 - $64,000 Bachelor’s degree in Education with NYS Certification for Students with Disabilities (Birth – Grade 2). Experience with young children with developmental delays. Knowledge of child development, developmental disabilities and student learning. Knowledge of content and instructional planning and implementation. Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. Ability to modify classroom activities to accommodate the individual needs of the children. 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 and FERPA regulations. Administers standardized assessment tools to obtain data necessary for the development of the identified special needs student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) following all NYS learning standards set forth for the Preschool student. Develops Individual Education Program (IEP) goals for each child identified. Documents progress through quarterly goal updates and amends goals as needed. Demonstrates knowledge of technology and literacy devices which enhance the instructional opportunities for individual children. Organizes a structured instructional program providing for the individual developmental needs of special needs children in collaboration Teacher’s Assistant. Maintains all required paperwork, including daily/monthly attendance records. Adapts and modifies the early childhood curriculum/lesson plans to meet the needs of the children with special needs. Demonstrates the ability to incorporate individual student, family, and socioeconomic backgrounds to enhance learning and communication. Participates in all parent-teacher conferences for special needs children. Attends all staff and discipline meetings. Coordinates classroom team and planning meetings to facilitate appropriate programming for each child. Participates in school district Committee on Preschool Special Education and Committee on Special Education meetings. Supervises students, interns, and volunteers placed in the classroom setting. Develops 1:1 Aide plans defining roles and responsibilities of 1:1 Aides assigned to any student in the classroom. Utilizes techniques/methods specific for children who require additional learning support or learning style. (discrete trials, visual strategies, etc.). Defines programs/lessons in conjunction with the paraprofessional and Coordinator. Provides feedback to classroom staff on techniques to improve student success and will train or re-train if needed to ensure the success of staff and students. Handles emergency health situations that may develop. Schedules parent and family classroom visits in conjunction with Director or designee. Requisitions supplies and equipment through the Department Coordinator and Program Director or designee. Develops an annual inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies in collaboration with the elementary education teacher. Participates in conferences, and workshops. Department meetings and in-service training as needed or recommended to enhance job skills and personal growth and development. Adheres to the agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines. Other Supervisory Responsibility: Directly supervisors 1:1 Aides, Paraprofessionals, Teacher Aides, and Teaching Assistants assigned to the classroom if in a single teach model. If in a co-teach model, would supervise the 1:1 Aides. 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 timewith or without notice. Work Environment: This job operates in a preschool 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 equired 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. The employee must frequently push/pull objects up to 100 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

My name is Susie and I joined Venture PROS (Rochester Rehabilitation) in September of 2019. It took me a lot to admit that I needed more help than I was getting, but I’m so thankful every day that I did. About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now In our own words: ‘I am able to use my voice. December 5, 2023 at 5:00:00 PM My name is Susie and I joined Venture PROS (Rochester Rehabilitation) in September of 2019. It took me a lot to admit that I needed more help than I was getting, but I’m so thankful every day that I did. Everyone from the advisors to the office team supported me every step of the way. I think the classes that most benefited me were codependency and assertiveness. I am able to use my voice in ways I have never been able to, speaking up for not only myself but others as well. I was able to become gainfully employed and then got into management at my previous job. At my new job I have made a lot of headway in the company, becoming the leader of my team within the first year there. I am working on lessening the stigma that comes with talking about mental health and creating a more open environment. I’ve even managed to win a few achievement awards! I owe the people at Venture PROS my life. Editor’s Note: It's incredible to see how you found your voice, excelled in your career, and became a champion for mental health awareness. Your achievements are a testament to your strength and determination. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Susie! Do you or someone you know have a PROS Success Story to share? Contact the editor, Stephanie D. Rodriguez, for more information on how to be featured in the newsletter! Next Previous All News

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

Paraprofessional II 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

Employment About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More About Us Adult Services Children Services Employment News Events Foundation More Donate Now What Makes Ability Partners agencies Great Places to Work? Commitment to the integration of community resources to create opportunities for lifelong learning and development Respect for the dignity and self-worth of each individual Educational, recreational, residential, and clinical services that are empowering, individualized and family-centered Excellence in service provision Development and recognition of our consumers, employees, and all others whose lives we touch Testimony from a Staff Member " The individuals we serve at CP Rochester teach me as much as I pass on knowledge to them." - Marcus Benjamin, Day Habilitation DSP at CP Rochester. Employed since 1998 Job Openings: Follow the links of each opening to get a more in-depth look at the position. 1:1 Teacher's Aide Caregiver - Respite PT Clinic Aide II Day Hab Direct Support Professional - Lead B.E.L.L. Dental Hygienist Direct Support Professional (Adult Day Habilitation) Direct Support Professional Residential - Full-Time Direct Support Professional - PT Mornings Direct Support Professional - PT Weekends Direct Support Professional Residential - PT Weekend Floater Habilitator Community Based - PT Lead Recreation Specialist/Lifeguard Medical Director Medical Director - Back Up Medical Liaison Occupational Therapist Paraprofessional II Per Diem Physical Therapist Physical Therapist - Outpatient Clinic Speech Language Pathologist - Children's Physical Therapist - Part-time Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Psychiatrist Recreation Specialist Lifeguard - Part-Time Clinics) Registered Nurse - Children's Services Registered Nurse - Residential Special Education Teacher Speech Language Pathologist – Outpatient Clinic Teacher's Aide 1:1 Teacher's Aide Administrative Assistant (Residential Program) Behavioral Health Intake and Patient Care Coordinator Caregiver - Respite Caregiver – Seasonal (Spring and Summer Breaks) Clinic Aide II Dentist (Per Diem) Direct Support Professional - Day Habilitation Program Direct Support Professional - Residential (Full-Time) Direct Support Professional - Residential (Per Diem) Direct Support Professional - Weekend Floater Direct Support Professional Team Lead Early Childhood Education Teacher Habilitator - Community Based Full-Time Habilitator - Community Based Part Time Licensed Practical Nurse Outpatient Psych Clinic Occupational Therapist - Children's Occupational Therapist - Temporary Paraprofessional II Recreation Specialist Lifeguard Recreation Specialist Lifeguard - Part Time Registered Nurse - Residential Registered Nurse Outpatient Psych Clinic Special Education Teacher Augustin Children's Center Speech Language Pathologist - Outpatient Clinic Teacher's Aide (FT or PT or Per Diem Sub)

Habilitator - Community Based Full-Time $500 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