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News

A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.

Find out what's happening!

Whether you want to learn what's new in the disability world, hear what others have to say about Achieva, or share Achieva's messaging with your audience, this is the place for you. Read all the latest news, or select the category of your choice to narrow down your search results.
A Message from a Grateful Residual Program Recipient

A Message from a Grateful Residual Program Recipient

Through Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual program, one family benefitted from a bathroom remodel that will keep their daughter safe. "Achieva Family Trust made a significant impact on our daily lives and for that I will be forever grateful." Heather Shuker

Achieva Family Trust Hosts National Leadership Consortium Speakers at Conference to Address Families of People with Disabilities

Achieva Family Trust is hosting the second annual Focus on the Future conference, a hybrid event dedicated to helping people who have a family member with a disability plan for their unique day-to-day and long-term needs.

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Achieva Family Trust Recognizes Two Monthly Observances for October

Achieva Family Trust Recognizes Two Monthly Observances for October

National Special Needs Law Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Those Who Show Up & Step Up

Those Who Show Up & Step Up

Earlier this month, Achieva celebrated "Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week" (September 11-17, 2022). On behalf of all the people we support and their families, we wanted to use the opportunity to offer our sincerest thanks and appreciation for each of our DSPs.

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Good Remembrance

Good Remembrance

Two of the Tree of Life shooting's 11 victims were Cecil and David Rosenthal, brothers whose special needs were served, in part, by regional support organization Achieva. In their memory, Achieva established the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund in 2018.

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Buddy Walk Takes Over Erie Sports Center

Buddy Walk Takes Over Erie Sports Center

The first weekend of fall was a good time to walk for a good cause. The Buddy Walk took over Erie Sports Center on Saturday morning. The Buddy Walk helps raise money for those with disabilities. The day began with registration and breakfast.

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'Buddy Walk' taking place at Erie Sports Center this weekend

'Buddy Walk' taking place at Erie Sports Center this weekend

The Arc of Erie County's "Buddy Walk" is set for this Saturday as a way to celebrate children and adults with disabilities as well as their families. Fontaine Glenn was live at the Erie Sports Center with more on Saturday's event.

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Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 11-17, 2022)

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 11-17, 2022)

As we observe Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we want to take this opportunity to offer our sincere appreciation for each of Achieva's DSPs.

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Feds Seek To Remove Medicaid Barriers For Those With Disabilities

Feds Seek To Remove Medicaid Barriers For Those With Disabilities

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is proposing a new rule designed to simplify the application and verification processes for people seeking coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program known as CHIP.

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The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh/Achieva Leads Advocacy for Underserved Population Designation

The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh/Achieva Leads Advocacy for Underserved Population Designation

The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh/Achieva has a long history of demonstrating and advocating for ways to promote healthcare equity for people with disabilities. Recently its attention has turned to specific policy changes that would help release funding to Pennsylvania to reduce or eliminate disparities

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Grow Your Business With Achieva

Achieva's Facilities Department has occasional contract opportunities for businesses of all sizes in southwestern Pennsylvania. In addition to over 50 community homes throughout Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, Achieva operates offices in Pittsburgh and Greensburg.

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The health care industry's biggest challenge after the pandemic? Staffing

The health care industry's biggest challenge after the pandemic? Staffing

Achieva's Nancy Murray weighs in on how the pandemic has impacted healthcare for people with disabilities, and what the future holds for our region.

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Apply to Join an Achieva Board

Volunteering as a Trustee for the Achieva Family of Organizations provides an opportunity to make a difference while helping to fulfill Achieva's mission and vision. Submit an interest form at achieva.info/trustee-interest-form

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Two Children's Books With Local Ties Highlight Inclusion

After a Mikayla's Voice inclusion assembly at Hoover Elementary School, 10-year-old Holden Frye was inspired to write a children's fiction book about the non-profit's logo, a ladybug with one yellow spot. Dot is a "teenage ladybug with a cool and different look, and life is good...

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Providing Consistent Support Is Critical

There are many parts of our mission "to be a lifeline" we could write about - some are energizing, like our project with Achieva Early Intervention, reaching out to little ones in minority communities to screen many and evaluate some, and get them set on the course early.

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Achieva Family Trust Distributed $1.5 Million In Grants To People With Disabilities

Achieva Family Trust Distributed $1.5 Million In Grants To People With Disabilities

Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Account assisted 507 people during the 2021 - 2022 fiscal year (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) by distributing $1.5 million in grants that provide supplemental supports and services for children and adults with disabilities in need.

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August is ABLE to Save Month

August is ABLE to Save Month

At Achieva Family Trust, we continue to promote the availability and benefits of ABLE accounts as another option for people with disabilities to save for the future. We have many trust beneficiaries who utilize ABLE accounts in conjunction with their Special Needs Trust.

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Fund Recipient Wishes To Lose Weight, Gain Confidence

Fund Recipient Wishes To Lose Weight, Gain Confidence

Mr. Lewis-Ojeda was less active throughout the pandemic, and he missed opportunities for social engagement. A diabetes diagnosis and weight gain affected his self-esteem and lowered his desire to follow a healthy lifestyle.

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Upcoming Events Presented By Achieva Advocacy

IEP Clinic with Ruder Law - Virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and Update to Federal Guidance on Discipline with McAndrews Law - Virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2022, from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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A Hiring Sign That Felt Like Fate

A Hiring Sign That Felt Like Fate

Marlene Sanchez moved to Pittsburgh from Mexico City when she was five years old. She feels affection for Mexican-inspired events and activities reminiscent of her birthplace. She cherishes large family gatherings to celebrate life events and continue family traditions.

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PA General Assembly State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund Budget

PA General Assembly State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund Budget

The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed and Governor Wolf signed into law the State Fiscal Year 2022/23 General Fund Budget on July 8, 2022.

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Social Security, SSI Benefits Expected To Increase Significantly

Social Security, SSI Benefits Expected To Increase Significantly

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries could see their monthly payments rise again next year by the largest amount in decades, experts say.

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VaultArt Marks 5 Years with a 53-Foot Mural in Garfield The Mural Showcases all 19 Artists Currently Working at the Studio

VaultArt Marks 5 Years with a 53-Foot Mural in Garfield The Mural Showcases all 19 Artists Currently Working at the Studio

Musicians save riffs until their minds form a song around them. Chefs hold back new flavor combinations until the ingredients are in season. And muralists, like Max Gonzales, wait for walls. For years, he's eyed a more than 50-foot-long exterior wall on South Winebiddle Street in Garfield.

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Amazing Ava Continues to Shine

Amazing Ava Continues to Shine

Two years ago, in June of 2020, we introduced you to Ava Allenberg, Amazing Ava as she is called by many. Ava loves to dance! Since Ava started dancing in the fall of 2019, she has inspired a handful of others to start dancing and to express themselves in ways that make them shine.

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The 'Ballerina on Wheels' To Be Honored For Book About Inclusion

The 'Ballerina on Wheels' To Be Honored For Book About Inclusion

Together, Achieva Family Trust and Cynthia's School of Dance are hosting a celebration of Ava Allenberg on June 8, 2022, at Achieva's Southside office. Ava is featured in the new book Ballerina on Wheels - Amazing Ava's First Dance Recital.

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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

Our caring staff of Trust Administrators and Regional Trust Liaisons all have significant experience in the social service field, including supporting people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, and Mental Health diagnoses.

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