Brief Report of NYSCRC Business Meeting

Held on June 7th at ACUU

We are thrilled to report that 30 people came out to support and learn about the current efforts of the Coalition. Also in attendance were core team members from NYSOFA, MCOFA, Lifespan and University of Rochester.

A draft of the upcoming mini grant announcement was shared with attendees.  The formal RFP will be announced in the very near future.

NYSCRC is forming an Advisory Committee. This committee will meet monthly via phone conference to help direct the activities of the coalition pertaining to growth strategies, mini grants administration and the annual conference.

Many thanks to those who have volunteered to participate:

Kim Salisbury - Chemung County

Madeline Gasdik - Allegany County

MaryAnn Spanos - Chautauqua County

Christine Cheronis - Chautauqua County

Caryn Mathews - Sullivan County

Kim Butwell - Ulster County

Sharon Murray Cohen - Jewish Family Services - Ulster County

Janine Kruiswijk - Autism Society, Greater Capital Region

William Lane of William Lane Associates

We are hoping for statewide representation on the committee

Please contact Doris Green if you are interested in joining us!

dgreen@lifespan-roch.org

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The Coalition recently hosted a gathering of Western New York Caregiver Resource Centers/ Caregiver Programs held at the Wyoming County Office of the Aging.

18 people attended representing 10 Counties! It was wonderful to hear about all the great things that are going on in support of caregivers.  Another gathering is planned for September 30th at the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park. If you are in Western New York and would more details contact Doris Green

Mercy Center of the Adirondacks

In March 2014, the Caregiving Working Group of Essex and Franklin Counties, facilitated by Mercy Care of the Adirondacks, developed "Giving and Receiving Care in the Adirondacks," a community empowerment action plan to address the area's caregiving needs including severe shortage of home health aides.

Community Empowerment Action Plan

As part of this effort, the Caregiving Working Group of Essex and Franklin Counties is launching a coalition to raise awareness and seek solutions to the lack of home health care in the North Country with leadership from NY SateWide Senior Action Council, Franklin and Essex Counties OFA's and Mercy Care for the Adirondacks

The Coaliton  seeks to:

• Raise public awareness about unique home care needs in the Adirondacks.
• Raise public awareness about needs throughout New York State and the "Agewave"
• Address the insufficient hourly wage of home health care aides.
• Develop an advocacy and retention strategy of homecare workers.
• Advocate for funding for adequate home and community based care throughout New York State.
• Help Policy Makers understand the critical need to provide homecare to people, regardless of payer source.
• Advocate for pubic policy to address recruitment and retention of a homecare workforce.

        To learn about or JOIN the Coalition contact:

Becky Preve - Director - Franklin County OFA  518-481-1660 or 518-481-1659

Donna Beal - Director - Mercy Care for the Adirondacks  518-523-5581

We need more than one voice at the table if we are to make an impact!