Southern Tier Connect

12/23/2025

CCM Joanna Jackson recently visited Jonah and Julien for a festive LifePlan meeting!

After finishing the meeting, Joanna joined the twins outside to make snow angels and have a snowball fight! Jonah and Julien enjoy moments like these safely outside, thanks to the support of Joanna. In 2023, the family received a fence in their yard that was funded through EMOD.

With STC, you receive quality, personalized care—so everyone has a chance to make snow angels and more safely!

12/22/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s website scavenger hunt! From powerful tools, helpful resources, and insider tips, each detective learned more about all that STC has to offer.
We are excited to announce that Kenyetta T., Jackie G., and Jessie C. are the winners of $50 gift cards!

An email has been sent to the winners. If you are a winner and have not yet received your prize, please get in touch with info@southerntierconnect.org.

Thank you for joining us in learning more about all that STC has to offer. We look forward to more opportunities to connect in the new year!

12/20/2025

Did you know you have the Right to Lock Your Door?
Understanding the right to lock your doors can protect your privacy, dignity, and autonomy.

Watch our latest Rights in 10 video at https://southerntierconnect.org/know-your-rights/.

12/19/2025

From tree lightings to holiday markets, and more! Get in the festive spirit this season with local events. In our December 2025 newsletter at https://southerntierconnect.org/newsletter-archive you will find links to STC regions. Locate the area closest to you for lists of local holiday events to enjoy in the upcoming weeks. You can also check out our events calendar at https://southerntierconnect.org/news/.

12/17/2025

Thank you to everyone who contributed to STC’s November food drive!

With your help, the Community Connection Committee provided donations to local food pantries in Oneonta, Norwich, Binghamton, and Utica.

This time of year is typically the busiest for food pantries. With increased demand due to holidays, as well as the temporary hold on SNAP and WIC, your support has a greater impact than ever.

Thank you for supporting STC in providing meaningful support to our communities.

12/16/2025

Silas is “the brightest light you can be around,” according to his mom, Kristen D’Avolio. He is a kind-hearted boy who is always the first to offer help. He loves video games and superheroes, and spending time with his family. As Silas has grown, it has become a challenge for his mom to lift him and his wheelchair into the house daily. Silas walks with assistance at home and uses his wheelchair inside and outside the home for greater independence. For years, Kristen had tried to receive funding to install a wheelchair ramp for their home. When Kat Ingersoll (pictured) became part of Silas’s care team, she knew providing a wheelchair ramp would be crucial to supporting his independence.

Read more about Kat’s journey to funding Silas’s wheelchair ramp at southerntierconnect.org/newsletter-archive

12/14/2025

Happy Hanukkah! 🕎
Southern Tier Connect wishes you a bright and joyous holiday season.

12/11/2025

Don't forget to dive into STC's website for a Scavenger Hunt to uncover the hidden gems waiting across every page! As you explore, you will discover powerful tools, helpful resources, and insider tips designed to help you get the most out of what we have to offer. Each clue brings you closer to mastering our site—and maybe even closer to winning a special prize.

How it works:
1. Visit southerntierconnect.org/scavenger-hunt to find the appropriate scavenger hunt flyer—staff, member, or provider/friend of STC.

2. Navigate the website to find the answers.

3. Submit your answers by using the button on the scavenger hunt page or flyer by December 17th! A winner in each category (member, provider/friend, and staff) will be announced by email on December 22nd for a $50 gift card! 

🔎 Happy Exploring! 🔎

12/10/2025

With snow falling, the familiar smell of seasonal treats, and the holiday season in full swing, we invite you to read the winter issue of The Connection Newsletter. We know that this time of year can be hectic, so we have provided you as many resources as possible to support you in this season. In this edition, you will find a compelling story featuring Kat's Journey to Funding Silas's Wheelchair Ramp, information on upcoming local seasonal events, the Southern Tier Connect Quality Management Committee (QMC), support for sensory needs during the holidays, and more!

We hope you find this edition of The Connection informative and helpful.

You can access the latest newsletter on STC’s website at southerntierconnect.org/newsletter-archive/

12/08/2025

Sensory Friendly A Christmas Carol
Looking to get into the holiday spirit?

The Cider Mill Stage presents a sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol. This special event is on Thursday, December 11th at 7:30 p.m. in Endicott, NY.

What can you expect from a sensory-friendly show?
🔊 Sound levels and lights will be lowered
🔊Audience members are free to talk or leave their seats as
needed
🔊Take a break in a designated quiet space in the lobby
Find more information at www.cidermillstage.com!

If you have friends or family members that rarely get an opportunity to enjoy live theater.. please consider joining us for this special performance of our Local Holiday Tradition. Perfect for children of all ages .. everyone is most welcome to come and have a BLAST at the Cider Mill Stage, your hometown theater. Thursday December 11th. Visit cidermillstage.com or call 607-321-9630 to reserve your tickets, today!

12/03/2025

Today, we join communities around the world in recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global observance dedicated to promoting inclusion, advancing equity, and celebrating the strengths and contributions of people with disabilities.

STC is proud to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find the highest quality of care in the Southern Tier. The United Nations first proclaimed this observance in 1992 to increase understanding of disability issues and advocate for dignity, rights, and well-being across all aspects of life—health, education, employment, community inclusion, and more.

The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) also offers Disability Etiquette Training for anyone interested in learning how to communicate and interact with people with disabilities in a respectful and inclusive way. This training helps build confidence, understanding, and stronger connections within our communities.

Together, we can build communities where everyone has access to high quality care.

11/27/2025

🦃 We wanted to take a moment to share our deepest gratitude for the heart, dedication, and compassion Southern Tier Connect Staff bring to their work each and every day.

The impact you make in the lives of members, their families, and the broader community is truly immeasurable.

Your unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and support never goes unnoticed. You show up with kindness, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others thrive—and we are profoundly grateful for that.

Because of your efforts, people feel supported, families feel heard, and our community becomes stronger. The difference you make is real, meaningful, and deeply appreciated. Thank you, sincerely, for all that you do. You make an extraordinary difference.