SILCChautauqua

03/24/2026

A Community Transformed: The 2026 "Mission Possible" Symposium

The spirit of collaboration was on full display at the 8th Annual Southwestern Independent Living Center, Inc. (S.I.L.C.) Family, School, and Community Connections Symposium, along with the Brocton Central School District Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event. This year’s event, themed "Mission Possible," proved that when a community unites, there is no limit to what can be achieved. Building on the momentum of receiving the prestigious 2025 Champions of Change Award from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), the partnership between the school district and the Southwestern Independent Living Center
(S.I.L.C.) reached an inspiring new milestone.

The growth of this initiative has been nothing short of remarkable. What began in 2018 with just 25 service providers has evolved into a powerhouse of support and resources. This year’s symposium shattered previous records, hosting 87 service providers and highlighting 112 unique programs. The true success, however, was measured by the people: 429 attendees consisting of service providers, residents, and children filled the halls and gymnasium, engaging with vital services and connecting with their neighbors. To ensure that every member of the community could participate, the organizers even coordinated free transportation through CHQ Transportation, removing any barrier to entry.

In a historic addition to this year's lineup, the Chautauqua County Association of Educational Office Professionals (CCAEOP) hosted its very first professional development session during the day. Titled "The Secretary's Toolkit: Building Your Google Command Center," the workshop made history by welcoming 33 secretaries from across Chautauqua County. By focusing on streamlining digital workflows and mastering organizational tools, the session empowered these essential school professionals to return to their districts with a modernized "command center," proving that the mission of growth and excellence extends to every level of educational support.

The day also functioned as a hub of learning and empowerment for the general public. Expert-led sessions took center stage, offering invaluable takeaways to a hybrid audience of local attendees and virtual participants alike. Highlights included deep dives into VA Healthcare and veteran outreach, essential strategies for preventing identity theft and elder abuse, and heart-centered discussions on "Nourishing the Garden of Neurodiversity." The inclusion of youth peer support programs and transition services for students with disabilities ensured that every generation felt seen and supported.

Finally, the symposium served as a massive, one-stop shop for health and wellness. The presence of the University of Buffalo Health on Wheels, the Vet Center, and the Fidelis mobile units brought high-quality care directly to the school parking lot. Inside, families took advantage of free hearing tests, dental screenings, and retinal exams. Beyond just check-ups, the event provided tangible safety tools, such as children's safety equipment from Kaleida Health, and specialized genetic testing for autoimmune diseases.

As the "Mission Possible" symposium concluded, the message was clear: this event is more than just a resource fair; it is a testament to the strength of Chautauqua County. By bringing veterans, seniors, students, and professionals together under one roof, Brocton CSD and S.I.L.C. have created a blueprint for community care. This year's success serves as a powerful reminder that while the challenges facing our families may be great, when we work together, change is always possible.

A grateful thank you goes to our sponsors for this event: UPMC Chautauqua, Refresco, Brocton Boosters, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, M and T Bank Mayville, Kate Fryberger, Wegman's, and Prime Care Coordination! Your support was so greatly appreciated!

We Invite you to join us for next year's Family, School, and Community Connections Symposium and Brocton Central School Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event scheduled for March 12, 2027 at Brocton Central School!

03/12/2026

Why is this event so exciting? Because there are so many agencies and medical providers who are giving of their time and resources to assist our communities, children, veterans, elders and families for FREE! They are welcoming you to come and visit a bit, learn of services they offer and take part in free services that are being offered !

89 providers and 112 programs will be represented at this year's symposium and Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event in Brocton on March 13th at Brocton Central School, 138 W Main Street, Brocton!

This is a free event to all! You do not have to register to attend!

FREE transportation provided by CHQ Transit to the first 100 persons to call! 716 665 6466

Free basic medical services, vision tests, hearing tests, free give-aways, three food trucks on site so you can purchase breakfast and lunch, Mobile medical units on site, 8 Veteran's programs on site!

Lots of things for the children, too!

Lectures throughout the day on various topics such as Elder Abuse, Identity Theft, Autism issues, Youth peer support, ACCES VR supports to assist students with disabilities to further their education, Veteran's Health Care - - - truly a day that will touch every aspect of everyday life and offer help and assistance where needed!

National Fuel will be on hand to give away home weatherization products - Sanfilippo will be available to discuss weatherizing your home and what may be needed to do so and grants that will help with all the updates! NYS Dept of Public Utilities will also be available for you to discuss energy issues in your home!

Elder programs, supports, housing and assistance available during the event!

Child ID's will be given by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department!

Jamestown Police Dept Domestic Violence Program will be there with their therapy dog, HOPE!

6 different hospitals will be on hand to share information on programs they provide as well as child and youth summer safety equipment being given by Golisano's Children's Hospital!

ALL FREE! Bring your lunch money! If you need a round trip ride, please call CHQ Transit - we have reserved 100 rides for those who want to come to this huge event! 716 665 6466.
Need even more information? Call Miss Judy Wroda 716 450 3960

03/10/2026

https://streamdb4web.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?onDemandAutoStart=true&stationCallSign=WDOE&p97315179=true&relocateURL=trueWDOE

Listen to our station on your computer or mobile device!

03/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DSvjtBSUZ/

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is proud to host Dentistry Smiles on Veterans, a special event offering complimentary dental services to those who have served.

This FREE event will take place on Friday, March 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school’s clinic in Buffalo.

🇺🇸 All veterans are welcome to participate. Please note that appointments are necessary and availability is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To reserve your spot, call 716-829-2780 today‼️

03/02/2026

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it in today's issue of the Chautauqua Gazette!

Pagee 14 and 25 is the feature article for the upcoming event with the full page ad appearing on page 15!

https://www.chqgazette.com/PDF/CG3-2-26.pdf

03/02/2026

GOOOOOD MORNING! Please check out the Chautauqua Gazette today! There will be an article and another advertisement for the upcoming symposium and rural mobile medical unit health and wellness event to be held at Brocton Central School on March 13th!!

02/27/2026

Two Weeks and counting!!!!

March 13th - the 8th Annual Family, School and Community Connections Symposium and BCSD Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event will be presented to the public!

8 am to 4 pm at the Brocton Central School - FREE admission and FREE rides to the first 100 folks who call Chautauqua County through CHQ Transit (716 665 6466 or 716 366 4500) to schedule a ride to and from the event!

86 Providers representing 110 programs, Mobile medical units from the University at Buffalo providing FREE basic primary care services, Erie Retina Research providing FREE retinal exams with FREE follow up and treatments if needed, FREE auditory checks by Audio Nova, FREE dental checks and fluoride treatments by Liberty Dental, FREE basic heath checks by UPMC Chautauqua, FREE children's safety equipment by Golisano's Children's Hospital, FREE LMNT Electrolyte drink mix provided as a courtesy form LMNT, FREE basic health checks by AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, FREE cancer education and information by Roswell Cancer Institute . . . how much more FREE can a person take in one day?!!

Erie Vet Center will have their mobile unit on site to privately assist vets and their families! 8, yes 8, various veteran service agencies on site to assist our beloved vets!

Heritage, Tanglewood, Elderwood will be available to visit with elders and their families regarding skilled nursing facilities, independent living and assisted living services they offer!

Center for Elder Law and Justice will be presenting an animated lecture regarding recognizing and dealing with various forms of elder abuse with an emphasis on the plague of financial abuse that elders frequently endure.

Several agencies who support children and youth who live with disabilities, such as autism and learning disabilities, will be on hand to visit with the children and their parents/grandparents/caregivers and assist with guidance and programs their agencies offer!

Libraries, Volunteer Fire Departments, health insurance companies/agencies, - all there to assist and visit with you!

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department will be on site to provide CHILD ID's! Bring your little one and have their identities protected! While there, visit with the Sheriff's Department about other programs they offer such as the Yellow Dot Program!

Jamestown Police Department will be on site sharing information about their Domestic Violence Program - and they are bringing HOPE! If yo have never met HOPE, you will want to come - she is such a beautiful soul and ready to share love and understanding to all who come to say hello to her! (She likes treats!)

The University at Buffalo has been a HUGE supporter of the event this year - I cannot thank them enough for all they are doing to assist in making this a wonderful day for everyone! They will have medical students on hand to assist providers and visitors throughout the day, as well as providing an array of free medical services to you!

Door prizes and free household / hygiene items will be given away at the nurses station while supplies last!

Remember our doors open at 8 a.m! Bring your breakfast and lunch money as the food trucks will be serving a hot breakfast as well as lunch fare! Mystic Smoke BBQ, Over the Rainbow, and U Take the Cake will be on site for your food purchases!

I do hope you can come and visit with us on Friday, March13th, 2026 at Brocton Central School in Brocton NY! The parking lots are waiting ( School Street Entrance ) with easy access to the event, the food trucks, the mobile medical units! Come and enjoy the free lectures and check out the newly remodeled auditorium! If you get tired and are in need, we will have some wheelchairs and walkers available to assist you throughout the day.

Need more information or want to come and share information about your program? Call Miss Judy Wroda 716 450 3960 Southwestern Independent Living Center, Inc. Please continue reading for a list of the free lectures scheduled throughout the day!

8:30 a.m. - Ashley Haefner - VA Healthcare
9 a.m. - Courtney Barmore, Key Bank - Identity Theft
10 a.m. - Thomas J Warren Esq - Elder Law Supervising
Attorney - Elder Abuse / Financial Abuse
11:15 a.m. Patricia McCalister - Autism Coach
Noon - Eylessia Stilson, Hillside - Youth Peer Advocate
1 p.m. - Sarah Wolfe - ACCES VR - assisting students with disabilities in continuing their formal education
2 p.m. - Emily Paul - Roswell Cancer Center - Adult Cannabis use and risks

See you in two weeks - public and agencies welcome! There is truly something for everyone at this free public event!

02/24/2026

click on this link and then scroll to page 14! Our first ad for this year's symposium and rural mobile medical unit health and wellness event on March 31th at Brocton School!

02/22/2026

Mark you calendar and get your walking shoes on! March 13th 2026 is the 8th Annual Symposium and Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Event to be held at Brocton Central School!

At this symposium we will have various lecturers sharing information and knowledge throughout the day!
Ashley Haefner, Veterans Outreach Specialist for VA WNY
Heatlthcare System - Debunking common myths about VA Healthcare

Key Bank - Courtney Barmore - Identity Theft

Thomas J Warren, Esq., Center for Elder Law and Justice - Identifying and Remedying Elder Abuse

Patricia McCalister LMHC - Nourishing the Garden of Neurodiversity - autism coach

Eylessia Stilson - Hillside - Youth Peer Support in Chautauqua County

Sara Wolf, ACCES VR - Transition Services for Students with Disabilities

Emily Paul, Roswell Park Cancer Institute - Risk Reduction and Adult Cannabis Use

You are all welcome to come and attend any or all of the lectures ! If you want to pre-register, you can scan the QR Code - - - you can also join in the day of the event ( walk-ins welcome!)

02/17/2026

Did you know there are many specialty agencies in our area who assist with those who live with disabilities? Here are a few of them who will be at the symposium on March 13th at Brocton School - remember, this is a FREE EVENT, open to everyone - all ages!

EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF WNY
LYNN CARAPELLATI
716 498 4396
The Epilepsy Association of WNY is a nonprofit agency that provides professional services to individuals with epilepsy and/or seizure disorders, their families and their significant others.
Our mission is to enable people living with epilepsy to lead more independent, productive, and satisfying lives. We offer counseling for the whole family, parent training, child and sibling support. We also offer advocacy for social security disability, doctor offices and other agencies to get services that they may need.
* * * * * *

Chautauqua Blind Assoc Vision Rehabilitation Services

CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services is a nonprofit organization that has proudly served individuals with severe vision loss and legal blindness in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties for over 100 years. Our mission is to empower people to live independently and confidently as they navigate their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. Through individualized free programs designed to meet each person’s unique needs—including Orientation & Mobility training (O&M), Vision Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Braille instruction—we help our clients reach their goals and thrive. We also offer a Youth Vision Screening Program that screens thousands of children each year, from pre-kindergarten through first grade, to identify vision concerns early and support lifelong success. CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services is led by Executive Director Megan Maynard. To learn more, call our office at 716-664-6660.
* * * * * *

Chautauqua Works
Julie Flaker - Disability Resource Coordinator
Phone: (716) 487-5127 jflaker@chautauquaworks.com
Workforce Investment Board Inc. dba Chautauqua Works

The New York Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (NY SCION) Program helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and succeed in employment by connecting them to inclusive workforce services. Disability Resource Coordinators (DRCs), based in Career Centers such as Chautauqua Works, provide individualized benefits advisement, help participants identify resources, develop résumés, and prepare for interviews. DRCs also support workplace accessibility by assisting with accommodation and ensuring job settings are appropriate for individuals with disabilities. In addition, DRCs collaborate with businesses to promote the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and encourage inclusive employment practices across the community
* * * * * *

Alzheimer's Association of WNY
Jeanette Carlin
jecarlin@alz.org
716-241-0367

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. We provide free programs and services to anyone impacted by dementia and memory loss, including but not limited to: Care Consultation and Planning, Early Stage Service, Support Groups, Education Programs, Respite Programs, Safety Services and Clinical Trials
1. Someone in the home or family was exhibiting signs of memory loss
2. Provide education to the community in an effort to raise awareness about the disease
3. Provide education and training to the school system to raise awareness about the disease
* * * * * *

Aspire of WNY, Inc.
Tracy Flagella, Intake & Outreach Coordinator
(716) 456-3103 Tracy.flagella@aspirewny.org
Aspires’ mission is to support children and adults with developmental and similar disabilities, helping them to live their lives to the fullest by providing individualized assistance based on personal choices. We provide numerous services to meet each individual’s needs. We offer several types of respite services, self-directed services, vocational services, day habilitation services (certified site-based and non-certified/Without Walls), residential opportunities, medical/clinical services, educational services at our school - Aspires Center for Learning (Cheektowaga), Environmental Modifications and Assistive Technology, counseling, and Individual Supports and Services (ISS). We also offer our Aspire of WNY Helping Hands Program which provides emergency and supplemental funding to individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities in the WNY area, for a variety of needs that these individuals and/or their families cannot afford. Our Agency Outreach and Central Intake department is available to assist individuals, their families, Care Coordinators and community partners with navigating all of Aspires’ supports and services as well as navigating the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) system! Please contact us at (716) 838-0047 for more detailed information.

In what circumstance would I contact you:
An individual would need to have a qualifying Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD) diagnosis and receive approval through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in order to be able to obtain Aspire’s services. Referrals would need to be made by a Care Coordinator from a Care Coordination Organization. Again, for any questions regarding this process, please reach out to Aspire’s Central Intake department at (716) 838-0047 or intake@aspirewny.org and one of our Intake Specialists will be happy to assist you.

02/13/2026

On March 13, 2026, at the Symposium at Brocton Central School, we will honor and assist our cherished Veterans of all ages, from all conflicts, with open hearts and willing hands - - - These are the veterans' services who will be present at the symposium for a full day of assisting those who have more courage, honor, inner strength and poise than most of us do . . . . Thank you, Veterans - Thank you.

BUFFALO VETERAN CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Caregiver Support Program is a national program comprised of 2 sub-programs: The Program for General Caregiver Support and Services, and The Program for Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Every VA has a local program that provides national and local resources, services, and information to caregivers taking care of veterans receiving healthcare at their local VA.

BUFFALO VET CENTER
Colleen Drake
716 862 7350
Colleen.drake@va.gov
We offer free confidential help to veterans, service members, and their families. You do not need to be enrolled in VA Healthcare to receive services, but you do need a DD214. Though our focus is re-adjustment, military trauma, military combat, PTSD, military sexual trauma, we also handle Post 9/11, guard and reserve. Along with face-to-face appointments, we offer phone and virtual for those who are unable to make it in. We also have additional resources available such as Veterans Benefit Administration, Veteran Service Officers, Veteran Healthcare and other veteran assistance resources.

ERIE VET CENTER
Anthony Reitz
814 453 7955
Anthony.reitz@va.gov
Vet Centers offer counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible service members, veterans, and vets’ families. Couples and Family Counseling for military-related readjustment issues, bereavement (grief) counseling for families who experience an active duty death. military sexual trauma counseling and referral, post-deployment health reassessment assistance, substance abuse assessment and referral, employment assessment and referral, VA benefits explanation and referral. Screening and referral for medical issues, including traumatic brain injury, depression, etc.

VETERAN'S SU***DE PREVENTION PROGRAM
Christopher Ramnauth
Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Su***de Prevention
VA Western New York Healthcare System
3495 Bailey Ave
Buffalo, NY 14215
Phone: 716-262-6541
The VA WNY Community Engagement and Partnership Program facilitates integration of prevention education throughout the community by developing and organizing community partners and coalitions aimed at reducing Veteran su***de. This program employs a public approach to su***de prevention with the focus specifically being around 3 priority areas:
1. Identify Service Members Veteran and their Families and screen for su***de risk
2. Promote connectedness and improve care transitions
3. Increase lethal means safety and planning

VETS FINDING VETS
Barbara Cessna - Project Coordinator
Work - 716-664-6256 Ext 108 / Cell - 716-397-7079
- Fenton History Center is located in Jamestown
- Chautauqua County Veterans have free access to our Research Center, computers,
and research help
- Monthly coffee, Fenton Canteen, to meet and become friends with other Chautauqua County Vet
- Receive help to apply for Honor Flights to Washington, DC
- participate in Veteran events and activities

DWYER
DreAnn Csorba, Director
PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Program
Office:716-661-1447 ex. 80091
Cell: 716-781-8861
Email: dwyer.director@resourcecenter.org
Facebook: Dwyer Chautauqua
The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer-to-Peer Support Program empowers veterans and their families by fostering connections with peers who have navigated the transition from military to civilian life, providing mutual understanding, guidance, and a trusted network of support. A variety of programs offered: coffee hour, bowling, game nights, Dungeons & Dragons, motorcycle runs, female vets & wives group, nursing home visitations, sporting events, informational seminars, camping, the annual Dwyer gala, and more!

NY STATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN’S SERVICES
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) advocates on behalf of New York’s Veterans and their families, as individuals and as a group, to ensure they receive benefits granted by law for service in the United States Uniformed Services.
DVS provides free benefits advising. Experienced and dedicated advisors — each a Veteran — work in a network of field offices across the state and offer Veterans and their families with professional help to resolve social, medical, and economic matters.
Veterans Benefits Advisors assist the claimant — whether a Veteran, spouse, child, or parent — in completing applications, obtaining necessary documentation, and filing claims for a broad spectrum of federal, State, local, and private Veterans’ benefits. Veterans Benefits Advisors also assist by responding to follow-up correspondence and, appealing an unfavorable ruling.
By working closely with other State, federal, local, and private agencies, DVS utilizes the expertise and resources of others to help Veterans and their families with specific
To set up an appointment with the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services Advisor contact 1-888-838-7697

02/11/2026

Here are the lectures for the Symposium on March 13th! Please register if you would like to attend (but walk-ins are very welcome, also!)
link https://forms.office.com/r/r3cktuj0nb