Advocacy/support services may be individual advocacy or systems advocacy (or a combination of both. Examples are warm lines, hot lines, teaching daily living skills, providing representative payee services, and training in any aspect of mental health services. Individual advocacy assists consumers in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints and grievances, and accessing services and supports of their choice. Systems advocacy represent the concerns of a class of consumers by identifying patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these problems on a systemic, rather than individual basis.

Advocacy/support services may be individual advocacy or systems advocacy (or a combination of both. Examples are warm lines, hot lines, teaching daily living skills, providing representative payee services, and training in any aspect of mental health services. Individual advocacy assists consumers in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints and grievances, and accessing services and supports of their choice. Systems advocacy represent the concerns of a class of consumers by identifying patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these problems on a systemic, rather than individual basis.

Advocacy/support services may be individual advocacy or systems advocacy (or a combination of both. Examples are warm lines, hot lines, teaching daily living skills, providing representative payee services, and training in any aspect of mental health services. Individual advocacy assists consumers in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints and grievances, and accessing services and supports of their choice. Systems advocacy represent the concerns of a class of consumers by identifying patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these problems on a systemic, rather than individual basis.

The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST) runs the Cultural Diversity Program, which provides information, presentations and trainings to agencies and businesses so they may practice competently with those who have mental health and cultural issues. Works to improve communication between the community and individuals participating in the program. Offers interpreter/translation services as well.

Advocacy/support services may be individual advocacy or systems advocacy (or a combination of both. Examples are warm lines, hot lines, teaching daily living skills, providing representative payee services, and training in any aspect of mental health services. Individual advocacy assists consumers in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints and grievances, and accessing services and supports of their choice. Systems advocacy represent the concerns of a class of consumers by identifying patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these problems on a systemic, rather than individual basis.

Benefits Assistance & Advocacy Program helps you apply for and keep the benefits that help you live independently in the community. Applying for benefits can be a confusing and complicated process. Depending on your needs, they can help you: Apply for, maintain, or recertify for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Apply for Medicaid Buy-In, Public Assistance, Food Stamps, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assistance, rent subsidies, etc. Provide referrals to credit repair services and help you set up payment plans

The Benefits Assistance & Advocacy Program is free and open to people of all ages who have any type of disability.

Advocacy/support services may be individual advocacy or systems advocacy (or a combination of both. Examples are warm lines, hot lines, teaching daily living skills, providing representative payee services, and training in any aspect of mental health services. Individual advocacy assists consumers in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints and grievances, and accessing services and supports of their choice. Systems advocacy represent the concerns of a class of consumers by identifying patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these problems on a systemic, rather than individual basis.

Protects the health, safety, welfare, human, and civil rights of people living in nursing homes and adult care facilities through volunteer Ombudsmen in 10 counties – Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, and Hamilton. Ombudsmen represent residents and work on their behalf with facility administrators, staff, and family members to achieve resolution of their complaints. Call 518-372-5667

Inspired by the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, our mission is to help fulfill Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester’s commitment to build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people by reducing poverty, promoting healthy individual and family life, collaborating with faith communities and advocating for justice and peace.

We are committed to serving all individuals in need – regardless of racial, ethnic, cultural or religious origins, ability to pay, or mental, physical or developmental challenges.

Our Behavior Support Specialists assist individuals with disabilities and their families in finding ways to address behavioral challenges, as well as to increase independence, social skills development and inclusion in community activities. Services are individualized to meet the needs of consumers, as well as those of household members, school personnel, and others as appropriate, with the goal of improving behaviors and the quality of life for consumers and their families.