Maximizing Independent Living Choices - MILC

04/28/2026

🎉 Flip the Script on Aging! 🎉

Join us for an engaging conversation during Older Americans Month this May as we explore Self-Directed Home Care and how it empowers individuals to take control of their lives.

🗓 Wednesday, May 13, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM

This one-hour discussion will highlight ways to maximize independence, make informed choices, and rethink what aging can look like.

Attend in person at MILC's offices in Watertown, Massena, or Malone.

Or join us virtually on Zoom! QR code in the flyer or click the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86228565403?pwd=TvEAGalhTKzX4WqBiFeizWM4HTwggv.1

Let’s change the narrative and celebrate aging with independence, dignity, and choice. 💙

04/28/2026

Everything feels more expensive these days—including medical care.

A simple doctor visit, prescription, or emergency room trip can quickly turn into a major financial stressor without the right coverage. Health insurance helps protect you when life takes an unexpected turn.

Our Certified Navigators can help you explore options, apply for coverage, submit documents, and renew your plan each year—all at no cost. Services are free, confidential, and conveniently located with offices in Massena and Malone. Call 518-483-2151

04/18/2026

Special Education 101: Making the Process Work for You

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming at first!
Whether you are a parent, a family member, or a professional, knowing how the system works is the best way to support a student.

Join the North Country FACE Center for a live Zoom training where we break down the basics in plain English.

Date: Tuesday, April 21st

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Online via Zoom

What You’ll Learn:

The Rules: A simple look at the laws and regulations for special education.

The Team: Who attends CPSE and CSE meetings and what their jobs are.

Your Voice: Useful tips and ways to speak up and stay involved during meetings.

Our goal is to make sure you feel ready and comfortable the next time you sit down at the meeting table!

👇Register today using the link below! 👇
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/u97mcse

04/17/2026

April is Senior Hunger Awareness Month. SNAP puts nutritious food in reach of more than 600,000 New York State seniors. Many more are eligible but do not get SNAP. If you have trouble getting enough to eat, learn if SNAP can help.

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program can help. Services are available by phone, email or online, and are free and confidential.

Contact us today.
Serving Residents of Franklin County
(518) 483-2151 Ext. 209
Nutrition Outreach and Education Program

04/16/2026

Attention Tenants in Canton NY & surrounding areas!

Questions about leases? Problems with a landlord? Concerns about maintenance?

Get FREE Legal Help. The Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY will be at the Canton Free library on Friday 4/24/26 4:30PM-6pm to provide a rental housing information session. They will be there again Saturday 04/25/26 11AM-1PM providing a FREE In-Person Legal Clinic.

Looking for help now? You can call the Volunteer Lawyers Project at 315-471-3409 or visit their website at https://www.vlpcny.org/

Another upcoming session will also be provided in Massena in May and information is forthcoming for the date & time.

04/16/2026

Attn: Tenants in Saranac Lake & surrounding areas!

Questions about leases? Problems with a landlord? Concerns about maintenance?

Get FREE Legal Help. The Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY will be in Saranac Lake on Thursday 4/23/26 4:30-6PM to provide a rental housing information session. And they will be there again Friday 4/24/26 11AM-1PM providing a Free In-Person Legal Clinic. Both will be hosted at the Saranac Lake Free Library.

Looking for help now? You can call the Volunteer Lawyers Project at 315-471-3409 or visit their website at https://www.vlpcny.org/

Upcoming sessions will also be available in Canton & Massena NY.

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

🚨 Important Update: Essential Plan 250 Ending 🚨

The last day of coverage for the Essential Plan 250 will be June 30, 2026.

If you are currently enrolled in Essential Plan 250, you will need to take action to avoid a gap in coverage. For a July 1, 2026 start date - update your account between May 16, 2026 and June 15, 2026 to review your options and select a new plan that works for you. You are not impacted by this change if you are in Essential Plan 1, 2, 3, or 4.

We know health insurance changes can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Our Navigators are here to help you:
✔️ Understand your new coverage options
✔️ Compare plans and costs
✔️ Update your account
✔️ Enroll in a new plan with confidence

If you’ve been impacted by this change, reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a free appointment! Services are free, confidential, and conveniently located with offices in Malone and Massena. Call 518-483-2151

04/13/2026

Free 30 minute chronic health teaching with an RN for seniors! On Weds 4/15/26, an RN will be available at MILC Massena to meet with local seniors to discuss heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition, and medications. Bring your medications or make a list for your appointment. Appointments will be scheduled between 8AM-12PM & 1PM-5PM and will be located at 156 Center Street Massena NY. Reservations required by calling 315-764-9442 x108.

04/08/2026

Is your child in the "Right" Classroom?

Understanding LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) is one of the most powerful ways you can advocate for your child’s education! But what does it actually mean for your daily life and your child's school day?

The North Country FACE Center invites you to a virtual training designed to make sense of the placement process and put the power back in your hands.

Event Details
Date: April 14th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Via Zoom (Link below!)

We will cover-

Defining LRE: What the law actually says about where your child learns.

The Parent Connection: How your input directly shapes placement decisions.

Confidence Building: Leaving the session ready to participate in your next CSE/CPSE meeting with a clear voice.

Every child deserves to learn in an environment that supports their growth while keeping them connected to their peers. Come learn how to ensure the "Least Restrictive" environment is the right environment for your child.

How to Join
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jnbyydh
You will receive the Zoom link via email a day or so before the training!

Questions? Feel free to message us or drop a comment below!

04/06/2026

April is Senior Hunger Awareness Month. SNAP puts nutritious food in reach of more than 600,000 New York State seniors. Many more are eligible, but do not get SNAP. If you have trouble getting enough to eat, learn if SNAP can help. Your Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator can help. Services are available by phone, email or online, and are free and confidential. Contact MILC’s St. Lawrence County NOEP Coordinator at 315-764-9442 x405.

04/03/2026

📢 SNAP Work Requirement Changes – What You Need to Know

New federal guidelines are changing how some New Yorkers qualify for SNAP (food stamps).

If you are an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)—meaning you are between ages 18–64 and do not have children under 14—you may need to meet work, volunteer, or training requirements to continue receiving benefits.

⏳ Without meeting these requirements, SNAP benefits may be limited to 3 months within a 3-year period.

Many people qualify for exemptions, including those who:

- Have physical or mental health limitations
- Receive disability benefits
- Are caregivers
- Are in substance use treatment
- Are age 65 or older

Ways to stay eligible:

- Work at least 20 hours per week
- Participate in job training or education (80 hours/month)
- Volunteer (hours vary and may be lower than you think!)

📞 Need help figuring this out? Contact your local Department of Social Services—or reach out to us. You can contact MILC's Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinators to discuss this requirement and learn more. Call 315-764-9442 for St. Lawrence or 518-483-2151 for Franklin county.