Broome County not-for-profits
Press release:
Title: Broome County not-for-profits
For Immediate Release
Broome County is home to several not-for-profits that support individuals with disabilities, providing essential services and programs that enhance their quality of life, promote independence, and facilitate community integration. In addition to the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment (AVRE), there are several other notable organizations in the area:
AVRE (Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc.):
AVRE provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Their services include low vision evaluations, adaptive technology training, independent living skills training, orientation and mobility instruction, and employment services. AVRE also offers employment opportunities through its manufacturing facility, which produces a range of products for both public and private sectors, providing meaningful work for those who are visually impaired. I was fortunate to see their operation in action and to say I was impressed was an understatement. Those with visual impairments were producing paper for sale that all businesses in this area should be purchasing rather than supporting the larger for-profit business chain paper sources. They also had DoD products, batteries, personal hygiene kits, and more. Plus, they had training areas to help those who were recently affected by sight problems.
ACHIEVE:
ACHIEVE is a leading organization in Broome County that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers a wide range of services, including residential programs, day habilitation, vocational training, supported employment, and respite care. ACHIEVE helps individuals with disabilities gain the skills they need to live more independently, find meaningful employment, and participate more fully in their communities.
Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC):
STIC is a not-for-profit organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities to promote independent living. Services include advocacy, information and referral, peer counseling, and independent living skills training. STIC also offers specialized programs such as assistive technology services, employment readiness, and educational support for children with disabilities, ensuring comprehensive support across different stages of life.
The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST):
MHAST provides advocacy, education, and support for individuals with mental health conditions. Their services include peer support, wellness programs, housing services, and community outreach. MHAST focuses on empowering individuals with mental health challenges by providing them with resources and support systems to live more independently and engage in community life.
Family Enrichment Network (FEN):
FEN offers a variety of programs to support children with disabilities and their families, including early intervention services, special education, and family support services. They aim to provide comprehensive developmental support to children with disabilities, helping them to achieve their full potential.
How These Groups Help Individuals with Disabilities
These not-for-profits provide crucial services that help individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to independence and inclusion. By offering rehabilitation services, job training, assistive technology, and advocacy, they enable people with disabilities to live more autonomous lives, pursue employment opportunities, and participate fully in their communities. For instance, AVRE helps visually impaired individuals adapt to their vision loss through technology and training, while ACHIEVE and STIC provide skills training and support to enhance independent living and vocational opportunities.
What New York State (NYS) Can Do to Help
New York State can take several actions to better support these not-for-profits and enhance their capacity to serve individuals with disabilities:
Increase Funding: NYS can allocate more state funding to not-for-profits that provide essential services to individuals with disabilities. This funding can support program expansion, improve service delivery, and ensure these organizations have the resources needed to meet the growing demand for services.
Streamline Regulatory Requirements:
Simplifying regulatory and administrative processes for not-for-profits can reduce the bureaucratic burden and allow these organizations to focus more on service delivery rather than paperwork. This could include simplifying grant application processes, reducing reporting requirements, and providing clearer guidelines for compliance.
Provide Tax Incentives and Grants: Offering tax incentives and grants to not-for-profits can help these organizations invest in new programs, infrastructure, and staffing. This support would allow them to enhance their services and reach more individuals in need.
Enhance Collaboration and Resource Sharing:
NYS can facilitate collaboration among not-for-profits by creating platforms for resource sharing, best practices exchange, and joint program development. This collaborative approach can help organizations leverage their collective expertise and resources to better serve their communities.
Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships between not-for-profits and private-sector companies can provide additional funding sources and resources. For example, businesses could sponsor programs, donate equipment, or provide volunteers, creating a more supportive network for these organizations.
By adopting these measures, New York State can strengthen its support for not-for-profits that serve individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the resources and capacity to continue providing vital services and improving the quality of life for those they serve.
Contact:
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