Southern Tier Connect

07/18/2025

Government Programs Workshop with Special Journey Solutions Webinar
✨Wednesday, August 6th at 12:00-1:00 p.m.✨

This workshop will provide an overview of various government programs that are available to dependents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can register at this link https://shorturl.at/d4Cds or by contacting your CCM.

We hope to see you there!

07/14/2025

Aquarius is a celebrating a big win! For years, Aquarius has not had freedom to move in and out of his house independently. That all changed with help from Chemung County Habitat for Humanity and his CCM, Diana. The Habitat for Humanity volunteers installed a ramp fit exactly to Aquarius’ needs – free of charge!

Now, Aquarius is thrilled to have more independence and enjoy time outside. Diana is already working on her next project to support Aquarius: getting him the perfect motorized wheelchair!

07/10/2025

The STC Community Connections Committee (CCC) recently volunteered at the Chenango County SPCA!

The group spent the day cleaning, tidying, and helping out at the SPCA. All of the animals enjoyed the extra attention and cuddles. You can continue the good work by the Community Connections Committee and consider donating to the SPCA!

The Chenango County SPCA is in urgent need of the following items:
🐾Trash bags (13 gallon)
🐾Bleach
🐾Bleach spray
🐾Paper towels
🐾Canned wet pate cat food
🐾Cat carriers

Thank you to the CCC for doing great work in our community!

07/09/2025

07/07/2025

Devon was dressed to impress at The Arc Otsego 60th Anniversary Dance!

Earlier this month Devon purchased a tuxedo in preparation for the dance. He had an amazing time dancing the night away with old and new friends! It’s not every day that you see someone dressed to the nines – Devon’s attire and fun-loving attitude brought an infectious joy to the night.

Thank you for sharing your night on the town with us, Devon!

07/03/2025

Member, Dan, and CCM, Emilie, are a great team! Emilie has worked with Dan as his CCM for a year, but she also had the pleasure of working with him before joining STC when she worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Emilie and Dan went for socially distanced walks regularly. On a recent Life Plan visit, Dan asked Emilie to go on a walk with him—a beautiful reminder of one of their favorite activities. The pair enjoyed a walk in the sunny weather together and had a great visit!

06/30/2025

June was Pride Month, a time when we celebrate LGBTQ+ identities! July may be around the corner but we can continue learn more about how to support LGBTQ+ people in our lives, including people with disabilities, the whole year!

❤Ask who someone may be interested in dating instead of assuming.

💛People express themselves in many different ways including names and pronouns, clothes, hair style, taking gender-affirming hormones, and more! Remember it is everyone’s right to express themselves the way they prefer.

💙It is each person’s choice to decide if they want to be “out” and to whom. Don’t share personal information with someone else.

💜Be willing to listen and offer support. Let the person you are supporting determine what support they would like, if any.

You can learn more by visiting https://rainbowguidebook.com/chapters/introduction/
or contact your CCM for support.

06/26/2025

Join the STC team in Cortland as a Care Coordination Manager (CCM)!

This position is ideal for someone with experience supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). As a CCM you will develop and help oversee the member’s Life Plan and support them in making important life decisions.

This position is hybrid and based in Cortland with a starting rate of $25/hour. Find more information and apply here: https://shorturl.at/Pia46

06/23/2025

Stay cool in the summer heat by finding your nearest Cooling Center! 🌞

Cooling Centers are designated facilities where you can go to cool off during periods of extreme heat. The New York State Department of Health gathers this information from local health departments and emergency management offices.

📞 Remember to call before you go! Some Cooling Centers may have limited hours or only open during official heat advisories. Each listing includes a phone number and address.

To find a Cooling Center near you, visit the NYS Environmental Public Health website and follow the instructions on the page.

❄️ Find your nearest Cooling Center here: http://bit.ly/45BWfJA

06/20/2025

Congratulations to our golfers who participated in Springbrook’s Fairways for Futures Golf Tournament this past Monday!

Ted Martin, a member of the Family Advisory Board, and Chad Smith, a member of the STC Board of Directors, along with Executive Director Jess Colon and Carey Peters, Director of Care Management and Compliance, enjoyed the day of golf and camaraderie. Jess even won the Closest to the Pin Challenge! Springbrook raised nearly $25,000 in support of their programs and initiatives.

It is wonderful to have several STC supporters advocating for disability services in Central New York. Thank you for representing STC out in the community, Ted, Chad, Jess, and Carey!

06/19/2025

Dauna, a caring, spunky, and kind woman, has worked with her CCM, Christine for over a year. When Dauna’s husband, Dennis, passed away in 2024, Christine was there to support her through the grief after 35 years of marriage. It was then that Sarah, a long-time friend of Dauna and Christine’s family, stepped in and reconnected with her friend.

You can read more about Dauna, Christine, and Sarah in the latest newsletter on the STC website or contact your CCM.

06/16/2025

Join OPWDD in Syracuse on Wednesday for the Syracuse Strategic Planning Forum!

Wednesday, June 18th, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
AccessCNY 1603 Court St, Syracuse, NY 13208

This day is focused on the 2023-2027 OPWDD Strategic Plan and the agency’s progress to date. You will have an opportunity in forums to share your experience with the system and provide ideas for the future. Self-advocates, families, and providers are welcome!

You can register here: https://shorturl.at/V63XF

STC will be there, too! Stop by the STC table and say hello.