This Valentine’s Day, we at AIM find ourselves in a state of deep reflection. We reflect on the years past when we gathered to celebrate love and friendship at our annual Valentine’s Day Dance. This February, although the in-person dance is missing, the instances of love, kindness, selflessness, and the formation of remarkable relationships are in no way absent.
Love, our universal language, an emotion needing no definition, is an all-encompassing sentiment surrounding the lives of those connected to AIM Services.
Love at AIM, is showing up every day, putting forth your best self so that another has the opportunity to discover their power of potential.
Love at AIM is giving more than receiving.
Love at AIM is sacrificing moments in your life so others are able to enjoy parts of their own.
In giving this love, we emerge grateful, and transformed into more compassionate, caring, and tender human beings.
This Valentine’s Day, we reflect upon the last year and all the instances of love and kindness our community poured outwardly to people of diverse abilities. On this collective day of love, we share a few glimpses into the generosity shown to AIM.
Last year’s Leap of Kindness Day resulted in cards and letters flooding in from community members thanking DSPs for the incredible work they do. The cards remain on display in the main lobby.
At the beginning of the pandemic, our Executive Director, Christopher Lyons, purchased a case of hand sanitizer and delivered it to Shelters of Saratoga. The partnership between nonprofits throughout the Capital Region is remarkable. As Chris always says, there’s enough pie to go around for all of us.
Saratoga One for All, an evening of local Saratoga musicians joining voices for the local nonprofit community, matched AIM Services with local musician Garland Nelson to raise money for people with disabilities.
The #518 Rainbow Hunt became a global representation of solidarity. AIM’s own participation in the hunt brought joy and a feeling of unity to many people.
During DSP Appreciation Week dozens of local businesses throughout the Capital Region offered discounts to all DSPs to honor their contributions to people of diverse abilities. Dunkin Donuts franchisee, Tom Burke of the Burke Companies owned and operated Dunkin locations also donated coffee and donuts to the hundreds of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) during this recognition week.
30 local businesses and numerous local politicians, who presented formal proclamations, joined AIM in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Pat Pipino of Saratoga’s Ben & Jerry’s is a constant support at AIM Services. This year Pat went to several homes at AIM and prepared home cooked meals for the residents.
Joyce & Joe of Cudney’s Cleaners always think of some way to support AIM Services. This year they began a mask fundraiser and chose AIM as one of the recipients. Money raised directly supports the dreams of people of diverse abilities.
May 5, 2020 the nation celebrated an unprecedented Giving Tuesday Now to raise funds for organizations affected by the health crisis. Jeff Vukelic of Saratoga Eagle offered his incredible support by presenting a match up to $10,000 for people of diverse abilities.
At AIM, Love is the deep connection and commitment to the people served. From even the littlest things, like our Maintenance Generalist, Mike Palangi, giving teddy bears to a few people he shares a connection with. We encourage you this Valentine’s Day to think of the ways you can show your support to people with diverse abilities.
Learn more about how you can Get Involved with AIM.