SILCChautauqua

11/24/2025

The 8th annual Family, School and Community Connections Symposium and Brocton Central School Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Event is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026! This is a free event for supporters of our communities and for the general public! No charge to get in the doors! No charge to visit with providers! The only money you need to bring along is money for the food trucks to make your tummies happy happy happy ! More information regarding medical services that will be available during the day, speakers and topics, as well as a listing of service providers who will be on site to assist you FOR FREE will be coming soon! If you are a Supporter of our Communities ( service provider ) and would like to sign up to have a table, please contact Miss Judy Wroda at SILC 716 450 3960! Come and see what fantastic things we have accomplished over the 8 years of this event and how much more we have added for this year! See you all soon! Miss Judy Wroda PCC CM ILS Southwestern Independent Living Center, 843 N Main St., Jamestown NY - 716 661 3010

11/07/2025

LITTLE FREE PANTRIES:
JAMESTOWN
1. (Chautauqua County little free project) - 117 Charlotte Avenue
2. (Giving little pantry) 16 west 9th street
3. 20 Chestnut Street
4. (Broadhead Free Pantry/Donation Blessing Station) - 48 Broadhead Avenue
5. (Giving Tree Little Pantry) - Lister Street
6. 108 Pearl Avenue
7. 1285 East 2nd Street
8. (Norton Ave. Pantry)- 51 Norton Ave
9. (Studio D Catering) - 20 18th Street
10. (First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown NY)-
509 Prendergast Ave
11. (McKinley Ave Little Free Pantry) -144 McKinley
12. (Chautauqua Opportunities Holy Family 1135 North Main St
13. 345 Foote Ave Jamestown -(Foote Avenue Little Free Project Pantry)
14. Royal and McDaniel in Jamestown - no page
15. 400 Hazzard Street Jamestown
16. Great Lakes Physicians Pantry, Riverwalk JAMA Building
17. Steele Street Little Free Pantry
18. Stowe Street Little Free Pantry - 311 Stowe
19. 115 Linwood Avenue
20. 16 Hall Street
21. 58 Beech Street on the corner of Beech & Everette
FREWSBURG
1. 15 Water Street
2. (Free Pantry Library) in Frewsburg- 3 Lafayette Street
LAKEWOOD
1. (Group Ther-Happy) 103 Chautauqua Avenue
WESTFIELD
1. Wanderlust in Westfield- 29 Elm Street
2. (Get Snacked) 7325 Bliss Road
KENNEDY
1. (Kennedy Free Pantry)- 641 3rd Street
SINCLAIRVILLE
1. (Sinclairville little free pantry) - 17 Church Street
ASHVILLE
1. (Ashville General Store) 4844 - 474
2. (Little free pantry- Ashville road) 4590 Ashville Rd lot 1
FALCONER
1. East Elmwood Little Free Pantry) - 106 E Elmwood Street
2. S Phetteplace Pantry- corner of S Phetteplace and Lister
3. East 2nd Street
4. 212 E Main Street
DUNKIRK
1. Chautauqua Opportunities North - 10835 Bennet Road, Dunkirk
BROCTON
1. 8863 West Avenue
GERRY
1. 4368 Rt 60 Gerry -(Gerry little free pantry)
SOUTH DAYTON
1. (Bacardi Sunsets Alpacas) 558 Route 83
SUGAR GROVE
1. New Beginnings Family Restaurant

Send a message to learn more

11/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1384878423640432&set=a.505131521615131

Please vote for Southwestern Independent Living Center, Inc. silcchq.org - THANK YOU !

https://forms.gle/JYQfU6o9R2u2RsC67

11/04/2025

New York State Electricity and Gas

Low-Income Rate Assistance

• Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Two levels of assistance are available to eligible customers: EAP Basic Benefit, which offers a monthly bill credit, and EAP Limited Benefit, which offers arrears forgiveness. Assistance is available to electric and gas customers who have received a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant. Once a HEAP grant is credited to a NYSEG account or a customer has a HEAP award letter, enrollment in EAP is automatic. Enrollment in the arrears forgiveness program is limited. Applications will be sent to qualified customers as openings become available. If you haven't applied for HEAP, contact your county's Department of Social Services to apply or visit http://otda.ny.gov/main/programs/heap/.
www.nyseg.com/YourAccount/HEAPandEAP.html

• Matching Incentive Payment Program
Grants of up to $600 will be available to eligible NYSEG residential customers facing service disconnection due to nonpayment. In addition, the program will match any additional payments customers make toward past-due amounts, up to $400. Families eligible for the program must be NYSEG electric and natural gas customers whose household income is less than 8 percent above the income guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). To Apply, contact your local Red Cross.
•
Low-Income Energy Efficiency

• Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Reduces energy costs of low- and moderate-income households by providing affordable energy efficiency improvements to households. Free home assessments and subsidies of up to 50% of the project cost, up to $5,000 per household are available for homeowners and renters. For more information, eligibility guidelines and applications, visit the website below.
www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Assisted-Home-Performance-with-ENERGY-STAR

• Power Partner Program
Energy services include weatherization, refrigerator replacement, water heater replacement, and health and safety measures.
1-800-284-7988
www.nyseg.com/YourAccount/payyourbill/serviceandassistance/default.html

• EmPower New YorkSM
Provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions to income-eligible New Yorkers. Measures include cost-effective electric reduction measures, particularly lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as insulation, and health and safety measures. On-site energy use education provides customers with additional strategies for managing their energy costs. Eligibility is 60 percent of state median income. There is no cost to the customer. Referrals will be accepted from participating utilities, local Offices for the Aging and Weatherization Agencies. For additional information contact Honeywell International at 1-800-263-0960.
www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/EmPower-New-York

Emergency Charitable Assistance

• Project Share
Funded by the NYSEG Foundation, employees, retirees and customers. Helps eligible customers pay for energy emergencies such as fuel bills, repairs to heating equipment, home weatherization and water heater replacements. Grants of up to $200 are available to households where someone is over 60, or has a disability, or has a serious medical condition. To apply for a grant, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross. www.nyseg.com/YourAccount/payyourbill/serviceandassistance/projectshare.html

• Matching Incentive Payment Program
Grants of up to $600 will be available to eligible NYSEG residential customers facing service disconnection due to nonpayment. In addition, the program will match any additional payments customers make toward past-due amounts, up to $400. Families eligible for the program must be NYSEG electric and natural gas customers whose household income is less than 8 percent above the income guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). To Apply, contact your local Red Cross.

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11/03/2025

BCSD Awarded $500K Opioid Recovery Trust Grant Funds

A collaboration between Southwestern Independent Living Center and Brocton Central School District has resulted in an award of a $500,000 grant through the Opioid Recovery Trust for Schools!

BCSD was one of only 39 school districts within the United States to be awarded funds through the Opioid Recovery Trust for Schools.

BCSD plans to partner with SILC's Judy Wroda to build strong relationships with the students and families of the Brocton School District that are involved in the opioid crisis by offering family and individual supports during school’s calendar year with emphasis on additional supports throughout the summer months. Additionally, BCSD plans to address mental health challenges, reduce stigma surrounding substance use/abuse, and promote healing within the community.

Superintendent Jason Delcamp is “enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families through the Opioid Recovery Grant. BCSD is fully committed to the success of this initiative and will dedicate the necessary resources and effort to achieve its objectives. We hope to be a proven model for success that can be shared with other schools and communities to address this national crisis."

Senator George Borrello, 57th State Senate District states “I want to congratulate Brocton Central School District and the Southwestern Independent Living Center on securing this significant grant award. Few places have felt the devastating impact of the opioid crisis more than our rural communities, and this initiative will deliver real, practical help to the families who need it most. By offering innovative summer learning programs, year-round family support, and opportunities for parents and children to learn and grow together, Brocton and SILC are creating a model of what it truly means to put families first. I was proud to stand behind their application, and I look forward to seeing the profound difference this program will make in rebuilding lives and strengthening our community”.

Miss Judy Wroda, PCC CM ILS, will be working closely with Melanie Ulinger, SPED and Curriculum Director for BCSD, in developing the programs that will encourage parents and students affected by the opioid crisis to achieve academic goals together, learn communication skills to develop an atmosphere of open communication within the family unit, build trust within the family unit through various summer activities and family style dinners, offer expanded mental health assistance to the entire family as well as individually, and offer positive supports daily through designated persons within the school setting. The program is built on positive reinforcements, opportunities for educational success, and building family relationships that are based on trust and open communication through a program recently developed by Wroda entitled "Family First!".

Send a message to learn more

11/03/2025

BCSD and SILC awarded “Champions of Change”!

Brocton Central School and Southwestern Independent Living Center were awarded “Champions of Change” for 2025 by the NY State School Board Association on October 8, 2025.

The award recognizes the collaboration between BCSD and SILC for this year’s symposium, “Together We Can!” and Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative which was attended by over 369 persons. The event brought together medical resources from The Chautauqua Center ( Dental and Primary Care), Roswell Cancer Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, UPMC Chautauqua, Westfield Memorial Hospital, Alleghany Health Network, Western New York Urology, Highmark Health, Erie Retinal Research, and Brooks Hospital.

The Symposium was held on March 14, 2025, and offered services and resources to the more rural areas and schools of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie counties of NY as well as Erie County, PA.
88 Service Providers, representing 94 programs, were on site for the day and offered supports and guidance on issues including elder abuse issues, trafficking, cancer care, diabetes, WIC and SNAP, addiction issues, as well as a multitude of Veterans services and other societal issues and programs.

Schools that were able to attend on behalf of their students and staff included the Seneca Nations as well as all districts of Chautauqua County, some districts in Cattaraugus and Erie Counties as well as Warren PA schools.

The annual event is open to the public and is free to attend, bringing together services that focus on needs within our communities and culminating in solutions that are acceptable and do-able.

BCSD was nominated for the award by Ashley Means of BCSD, and was honored to have been awarded the recognition by the NYS School Board Association. BCSD Superintendent Jason Delcamp has been a huge advocate of the symposium and has encouraged other school districts to participate to better support their students and families with the most up to date resources the agencies in our area are able to offer.

SILC’s Miss Judy Wroda developed the symposium over seven years ago and continues to work on the project each year by inviting agencies to come and spend a day advocating for, and assisting, our families and students. The next event is to be held on March 13, 2026 at Brocton Central School and is free to attend. BCSD and SILC welcome all and encourage everyone to be a part of the movement of “Together, We Can!”.

Back row: Mr. Robert Mead Colegrove (Board President),. Mr. David Hazelton (Board Member),. Mr. Matthew Brady (Board Member), Mr. Stewart Thompson (Board Member), Miss Gracy Perry (Ex Officio Student Board Member)

Front row: Mr. Jason Delcamp (Superintendent), Mrs. Melissa Seavy (Board Member), Miss Judy Wroda, SILC, Mr. Kurt Gustafson (NYSSBA Ambassador), Mrs. Rosanne Chesbro (Board Member)

11/03/2025

I am a big fan of Conduit Ministries and what they do for the Community. Thanksgiving is coming up. If you have any money you can spare... please send a check to

CONDUIT MINISTRIES
120 Delaware Avenue
Jamestown.

I have watched them quietly set up their truck and feed hundreds of people each Sunday in Brooklyn Square.

Conduit is not my church. I've never been in it. I have no affiliation with them at all.

I feel by giving my money to Conduit ... it is going directly to the people who need it in Jamestown.

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/food-resources-across-western-new-york-as-government-shutdown-impacts-snap-benefits?fbclid=IwY2xjawNxfpNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoeTBSRVl6anhNWG5SenNYAR7mEMIwQ0I3aqxBA6HswQ-1LyjtkX1CO-E-kMSAqwdpnfNkeYlJqakUD5Ncdg_aem_lnUsJhFa9SAkUdrh1a_Wgg

With so much uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, 7 News has compiled a list of food resources across Western New York for those impacted.

09/25/2025

A collaboration between Southwestern Independent Living Center and Brocton Central School has resulted in an award of a $500,000 grant through the Opioid Recovery Trust for Schools!

BCSD plans to partner with SILC's Judy Wroda to build strong relationships with the student and families on the District that are involved in the opioid crisis by offering family and individual supports during the entire calendar year with emphasis on additional supports throughout the summer months. Additionally, BCSD plans to address mental health challenges, reduce stigma surrounding substance abuse, and promote healing within the community.

Superintendent Jason Delcamp is 'enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families through the Opioid Recovery Grant. BCSD is fully committed to the success of this initiative and will dedicate the necessary resources and effort to achieve its objectives. We hope to be a proven model for success that can be shared with other schools and communities to address this national crisis."

“I want to congratulate Brocton Central School District and the Southwestern Independent Living Center on securing this significant grant award. Few places have felt the devastating impact of the opioid crisis more than our rural communities, and this initiative will deliver real, practical help to the families who need it most. By offering innovative summer learning programs, year-round family support, and opportunities for parents and children to learn and grow together, Brocton and SILC are creating a model of what it truly means to put families first. I was proud to stand behind their application, and I look forward to seeing the profound difference this program will make in rebuilding lives and strengthening our community,” said Senator George Borrello, 57th State Senate District.

Miss Judy Wroda, PCC CM ILS, will be working closely with Melanie Ulinger, SPED and Curriculum Director for BCSD in developing the programs that will encourage parents and students affected by the opioid crisis to achieve academic goals together, learn communication skills to develop an atmosphere of open communication within the family unit, build trust within the family unit through various summer activities and family style dinners, offer expanded mental health assistance to the entire family as well as individually, and offer positive supports daily through designated persons within the school setting. The program is built on positive reinforcements, opportunities for educational success, and building family relationships that are based on trust and open communication through a program recently developed by Wroda called "Family First!".

BCSD was one of only 39 school districts within the United States to be awarded funds through the Opioid Recovery Trust for Schools. Congratulations to BCSD and SILC!

07/17/2025

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is honored to announce the creation of The Resource Center Dr. John Vona "Smile" Fund, an agency endowment fund, established in loving memory of Dr. John Vona by his children Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona.

07/17/2025

Find more information and apply here ➡️ chautauquaopportunities.com/employment