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Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS) is a
satellite office of the Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC). WILC is a
not-for-profit, community-based advocacy and resource center that serves people
of all ages with all types of disabilities. It is part of a national network of
centers that provide a wide spectrum of non-residential and non-medical
services. These services are designed by, directed by, and in most cases,
delivered by qualified disabled individuals. The scope of the services is
directed by individual and community needs.
WILC's/PILS's mission is two-pronged: 1) to
assist individuals with disabilities become as independent as they can be and
2) to work within the community to provide Education, Disability Awareness, and
Advocacy for the Removal of Barriers.
PILS is
located in Carmel, NY - Putnam
County's County Seat. It not only provides services to Putnam County, but it
also facilitates WILC is servicing the northern part of WILC's catchment area,
i.e., Putnam County, northern Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan
Counties. WILC's main office is
located in White Plains,
NY - Westchester County's County Seat. |
What PILS can do
for YOU
- Provide information on and referral to
services available for individuals with varying disabilities and/or their
families
- Provide help in understanding and accessing
resources, such as Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), Social Security Work Incentive Program, Medicare, Medicaid,
public assistance, food stamps, emergency food sources, etc.
- Offer emotional support and practical advice
on issues, such as education and vocational opportunities, housing, recreation,
adaptive equipment, etc.
- Provide presentations to schools,
businesses, and/or civic groups on disability related issues
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PILS is Expanding
Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS) has
been awarded an annual State Senate funding allocation to expand it's services.
The funding for PILS was part of a final State Budget allocation with Senator
Vincent Leibell as the sponsor for Putnam. "I am very pleased that we were able
to secure funding for Putnam Independent Living Services", says Senator
Leibell. "The services that these centers provide throughout New York State are
vitally important to people of all ages within their community. This budget
appropriation will allow Putnam Independent Living Services to expand programs
and increase staff so that they may better serve the citizens of Putnam County
and northern Westchester."
PILS has been providing advocacy and referral
services to persons with disabilities and/or their family members since it's
inception in 2002. This increase in funding will enable PILS to expand its
efforts in areas, such as housing, employment, and the needs of special
education students. "With this new State funding, we will be able to
effectively address the escalating need for educational advocacy for special
education students and their parents in Putnam and northern Westchester", says
Joe Bravo, Executive Director of WILC. "Parents need to know their rights and
what the legal protections are for their children when they encounter
violations within the special education system".
This website will provide information as new
staff is hired and programs/services are expanded. We would like to extend our
heartfelt thanks to Senator Leibell for his efforts in securing this funding on
behalf of PILS. Thank you Senator Leibell! |
Be Prepared
Personal Preparedness Info
This is the season for some
remarkably bad weather - major thunderstorms, floods, even tornados threaten
our area - and disaster preparedness is on our minds. No matter what the form
of the disaster, no matter where we live, preparation is very important. And,
the responsibility for preparedness rests on you. Planning in advance for an
emergency will help you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. The
following are suggestions and links to sites that are designed to assist you
with your personal preparedness.
For a Checklist of Things to Have, to Know, and To Do,
click here.
For Detailed Suggestions on Emergency Supply Kits, Family
Communication Plan, Organizing Important Paperwork, Support Network, and
Service Animals and Pets, click here.
For websites with information on/recommendations for
emergency planning, click here. |
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