CareFirstNY

03/06/2026

We’re proud to share that our Grief Support Coordinator, Ric Miller, LMSW, CGP, has earned his Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) credential.

This additional training strengthens Ric’s ability to support individuals and families navigating grief, particularly when loss intersects with trauma.

Drop a comment below and join us in congratulating Ric on his achievement 🎉⬇️

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Read the full story:

PAINTED POST, NY — CareFirstNY is proud to announce that Grief Support Coordinator Ric Miller, LMSW, CGP, has earned his Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) credential through Evergreen Certifications.

03/05/2026

Yesterday, CareFirstNY was honored to co-host The End I Want Educational Seminar with the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce and the Alzheimer's Association,.

A special thank you to our CFNY presenters Elizabeth Radford, RN, Melissa A. Oakley, LCSW, ACHP-SW, and Heather K. Morey, LCSW, CCTP, CTMH, for guiding an important conversation about hospice care, advance care planning, and how families can communicate their wishes.

Talking about the end of life isn’t always easy—but it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give the people we love.
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If you’re not sure where to start, read our blog for advice on how to have the conversation: https://carefirstny.org/the-care-collective-blog/f/the-hospice-care-conversation-a-guide-for-families

Because the best time to talk about the end you want… is long before you need it 💙💛🧡

03/05/2026

Yesterday, CareFirstNY, the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Alzheimer's Association, were proud to host The End I Want Educational Seminar.

The event brought community members together to learn more about hospice care, end-of-life planning, and how families can make thoughtful decisions about the care they want for themselves and their loved ones.

Thank you to WETM 18 News for covering this important conversation and helping share these resources with our community.

Watch their coverage below to learn more about the event and why planning ahead matters.

CORNING, N.Y. (WETM)— Navigating hospice care and planning for the end of a loved one’s life can be overwhelming, especially when families are also facing the challenges of dementia and…

03/03/2026

Beginning March 1, 2026, certain SNAP recipients in New York (primarily able-bodied adults ages 18–64 without dependents) must complete 80 hours per month of approved work, education, or volunteer service to maintain benefits.

CareFirstNY offers meaningful volunteer opportunities that qualify!

We’re currently seeking:

💙 Respite Volunteers – Provide companionship and practical support in patients’ homes while caregivers take a needed break.

📞 Tuck-In Callers – Contact hospice patients and their caregivers every Thursday to ensure they have the supplies and support they need for the weekend. This role can be done from home.

✔ Flexible scheduling
✔ Approved nonprofit site
✔ Documentation provided

Call (607) 962-3100 or visit CareFirstNY.org/volunteer to learn more!

03/02/2026

🍝✨-Pasta for a Purpose-✨🍝

Join us on Thursday, April 2, at Glenora Wine Cellars' Veraisons Restaurant for a delicious Pasta Night Fundraiser benefiting CareFirstNY!

Enjoy a build-your-own pasta bar and a great night out, all while supporting compassionate end-of-life care in our community.

📞 Reservations are recommended and must be made by calling Glenora directly at 800-243-5513.

Bring your appetite and your friends—we hope to see you there!

Connect with us on social media & be privvy to what's happening real-time at Glenora.  Also, we have exclusive deals you won't want to miss!

02/27/2026

💙🩺-Nursing Scholarship applications are now open!-🩺💙

CareFirstNY, in partnership with WENY TV News, is proud to offer two $1,500 Compassion in Care Nursing Scholarships to support local students pursuing a career in nursing.

If you plan to enroll in an accredited nursing program for the 2026–27 academic year, apply today:
https://form.jotform.com/CareFirstNY/compassion-in-care-scholarship-2026

Please click the link to complete this form.

02/24/2026

Some gifts last forever 🧸✨

When a local mom receiving hospice care wanted to leave something special for her two young children, her CareFirstNY social worker, Diane, partnered with our Volunteer Coordinator, Ashley, to make it happen.

Special thanks to one of our talented new volunteers, Jill Bennedum, who lovingly transformed the mom’s favorite t-shirts into these beautiful memory bears—tangible reminders of her love that her children can hold.

Now, after her passing, these bears will become treasured keepsakes as her children grow... something to hug on the hard days and keep close in the years ahead.

This is hospice care beyond the bedside.
This is comfort.
This is legacy and love stitched together.

If you sew and feel called to use your skills to support hospice families, we would be honored to welcome you as a CareFirstNY volunteer 💙💛🧡
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Reach out to learn more at volunteer@carefirstny.org.

02/23/2026

We’re grateful to receive $18,450 in grant funding from Care Compass Network to support the build-out of our mental health clinic at CareFirstNY.

As we prepare to open our own independent clinic, part of the process involves credentialing—the detailed work of having our clinicians formally approved by insurance companies so we can provide services directly through our new practice and allow more individuals and families across the region to access services without paying entirely out of pocket.

In simple terms: this funding helps remove barriers and expand access to affordable, compassionate mental health support in our community.

Thank you, Care Compass Network, for investing in care that truly makes a difference!

02/23/2026

Care doesn’t pause for the weather ❄️

When a patient need arose this morning, four of our nurses crossed paths, collaborated on the spot, and made sure everything was handled seamlessly.

It’s a beautiful example of the way our team shows up—for our patients and for each other.

No matter the weather, no matter the challenge, our team is always just a phone call away 💙💛🧡



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Pictured (left to right): Tara (LPN), Bonnie (After Hours Support Coordinator), Abi (RN Case Manager), and Melissa (RN Case Manager)