Resource Center for Independent Living

05/05/2026

Happy May, RCIL Community! Did you know May is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month? This is a time to raise understanding about ALS and to stand in solidarity with individuals, families, and caregivers affected by this life changing condition. Learn more about ALS and what you can do to help support those affected here: https://www.rcil.com/news/als-awareness-month-supporting-independence-dignity-and-community/?stage=Stage

Can’t wait for our next blog piece? We’ve got great news. May is a month set aside to observe a variety of inclusive causes. Be on the lookout for our next blog honoring May as Mental Health Awareness Month!

05/05/2026

05/04/2026

Thank you to the Greater Utica Chamber for hosting the Annual Meeting and Small Business Expo on 4/29/2026. RCIL was grateful for the opportunity to be a Dessert Sponsor for the event and support our community’s development. Team members were onsite to promote RCIL’s new, soon-to-launch service: On the Move! Stay tuned for more details!

05/01/2026

Are you passionate about helping others? Are you looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity that has a big impact on our community? Look no further than the NYS Long-term Care Ombudsman team! LIFE at RCIL is a proud participant in this vital NYS program, and we are currently accepting new members! This is your chance to stand up for the rights and dignities of New Yorkers living in long-term care facilities. The NYS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, through LIFE at RCIL, will train you every step of the way for this rewarding volunteer program. Reach out at 315-272-1872 or Jmatcham@rcil.com to learn how you could join our team and become an advocate for people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

04/28/2026

Did you know that April is also Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month? Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, raise our voices in support of those affected, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, independence, and dignity for people of all abilities. Read on to learn more about how you can turn awareness into action when it comes to supporting those with Parkinson’s Disease
https://www.rcil.com/news/parkinsons-awareness-month-understanding-supporting-and-standing-together/

04/24/2026

What could be better than community connection AND dessert? We can't wait for the event, Greater Utica Chamber!

We all need a sweet treat 🍨🧁

Special thank you to Resource Center for Independent Living for being our Dessert Sponsor!

04/22/2026

Mark your calendar for squeaky-clean laundry day with LIFE at RCIL! Join us April 22, 2026 at Keep Making Suds Laundry at 23 Albany St., Little Falls, NY from 10am-2pm.
Our helpful team will be on site to provide laundry skills and support lessons.
BYOL: Bring Your Own Laundry… and we bring everything else! That’s right. LIFE at RCIL will supply detergent, dryer sheets, laundry bags, hangers, and payment for laundering services.
This program is open to ALL people with disabilities living in the community. Any self-disclosed disability makes you eligible for this fun, fresh, and FREE program. Can’t join us this round? Keep an eye out for us in the Herkimer community! We’ll be bringing this program to a laundromat near you soon! Questions? Reach LIFE at RCIL at 315-866-7245. See you there!

04/21/2026

Let’s hear it for the NYS State Long-term Ombudsman Volunteers with LIFE at RCIL! This week (April 19-26, 2026), we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week. LIFE at RCIL is so grateful for the team of rockstar NYS Long-term Care Ombudsman Volunteers. These NYS-certified individuals serve a vital role advocating for people residing in assisted living and long-term care facilities. NYS Long-term Care Ombudsman Volunteers are here to ensure that this vulnerable population is treated with dignity, respect, and care. Please join LIFE at RCIL this week (and every week) in saying “thank you” to these incredible volunteers!

04/15/2026

Catch LIFE at RCIL at the Out of the Darkness Walk hosted by Utica University on Saturday, April 18 starting at 12:00pm. Our team will be onsite to provide information about services and supports LIFE at RCIL offers to those struggling with mental health or other disabilities. We hope to see you there! LIFE at RCIL's participation in this event is a result of our involvement in the Oneida County Su***de Prevention Coalition.
Find more details about the event here: https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/utica.

04/10/2026

Action Alert! In collabaroation with the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL), RCIL urges Governor Hochul and the Legislature to fully fund the state’s network of 41 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) at $25 million in the FY2027 Budget. This investment can be achieved by reallocating just a small portion of the $2.5 billion in state funding resulting from the federal government’s approval for New York State to transition the Essential Plan—preserving health coverage for millions of New Yorkers while freeing up significant state dollars set aside for this purpose. Make your voice heard today! Visit
https://ilny.us/advocacy/action-alerts to reach your elected officials and advocate for ILC Funding. Together, we can make a difference.

NYAIL strengthens local independent living centers, serves as the foundation for a strong statewide network, and is a leader in the civil rights movement for al