What they reported doing
- #1 primary $0Community Connections employs 2 community health advocates and a home companion to provide home visits to support wellness and safety and to serve as an advocate to access the healthcare system.
- #2 $0Community Connections provides a communi-tea room which is a community gathering and activities area for residents to meet, socialize, and interact.
What they call their work
What they do
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Friendly Visiting & Social Companionship Programs 2 activities
- Automated Well-Being Check Program (R.U.O.K.)Sponsors the R.U.O.K. program, a free automated daily phone call service administered by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office to check on the well-being of isolated or vulnerable individuals.
- Companion and Home Support ServicesOffers companion services including meal preparation, nutritional education, and assistance with errands for older adults and caregivers.
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Community Space Provision 1 activity
- Community Gathering Space (Communi-Tea Room)Operates a communi-tea room as a dedicated community gathering space where residents can socialize, build relationships, and participate in organized activities.
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Senior Independence Support Services 1 activity
- Community Health Advocacy and Home VisitsEmploys community health advocates and home companions to conduct in-home visits supporting wellness, safety, healthcare access, medication understanding, and in-home safety checks for seniors.
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Community Wellness Movement Classes 1 activity
- Educational and Wellness ProgramsHosts a recurring series of educational and wellness events including Live 'n Learn sessions on health topics (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke awareness), yoga classes (Vinyasa and Chair), stretching workshops, CPR training, and mindfulness activities such as forest therapy walks.
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Fire Safety Education & Prevention 1 activity
- Emergency Preparedness and First Responder Support ProgramsImplements the Yellow Dot program and reflective house number sign initiative in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department to improve emergency responder access and provide critical health and safety information during crises.
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Medicare Counseling and Assistance 1 activity
- Health Insurance Information CounselingProvides one-on-one counseling through certified staff to assist individuals with Medicare-related questions and health insurance navigation.
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Disease-Specific Clinical & Patient Education 1 activity
- Health and Safety Education DistributionDistributes educational materials such as the CDC’s Home Fall Prevention Checklist and sepsis awareness guides developed by the Sepsis Alliance to promote health preparedness and safety among older adults.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Intergenerational and Community Events CoordinationPlans and organizes community-wide events such as summer picnics, memorial workshops, factory tours, garden visits, and holiday celebrations to strengthen community bonds and promote inclusive participation.
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Pro Bono Legal Representation and Support 1 activity
- Legal Assistance for SeniorsProvides limited free legal services to individuals aged 60 and over through a partnership with the Office for Aging Services.
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Opioid Harm Reduction Services 1 activity
- Safe Medication Disposal ProgramOffers free safe medication disposal kits through the “TAKE IT TO THE BOX!” program, available for pickup at the organization’s office to promote safe and environmentally responsible disposal.
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Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
- Social and Recreational ActivitiesOrganizes regular social events including weekly Coffee Hours, card games, Mahjong, Mexican Train, line dancing, Bingo, outdoor music events, cultural dinners, and themed gatherings to foster community engagement and intergenerational connection.
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Free Tax Preparation Services 1 activity
- Tax Preparation Assistance (VITA)Offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services upon request to help community members prepare and file tax returns.
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Non-Emergency Medical & Essential Transportation 1 activity
- Transportation Assistance for Essential ErrandsProvides volunteer-driven transportation services to help community members access medical appointments, therapy sessions, grocery shopping, prescription pickups, and other essential activities.
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Volunteer Recognition and EngagementHolds annual volunteer recognition events and celebrations to honor community volunteers for their service and contributions to organizational programs.
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Who runs it
- Donna Winfield — Trustee
- Linda J Baylis — Trustee
- Marlene Garone MD — Trustee
Who they work with
- Ada Miller's Farm Partner — Hosted a homemade dinner event for the Zoomers group.
- Advanced Concrete Floor Finishes Partner — Business partner providing ongoing support to Community Connections at Findley Lake.
- Alexander’s on the Lake Partner — Business partner providing ongoing support through participation in multiple fundraisers over the years.
- Alexander’s on the Lake Partner — Hosted multiple social gatherings for the Zoomers group.
- Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter Partner — Organization whose representative presented on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
- Alzheimer’s Foundation Partner — Partnered to deliver a Live 'n Learn session on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Anchor Advisors, LLC Partner — Business partner collaborating with Community Connections at Findley Lake.
- Bentley Tree Care, LLC Partner — Donated a Steelers-signed football that supported a fundraising raffle benefiting Community Connections.
- Bison Trace Luxury Camping Partner — Venue partner hosting the "A Taste of Italy" event.
- Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department Partner — Collaborates on the Yellow Dot program, reflective house number signs, and the R.U.O.K. daily check-in service.
- Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Funder — Community foundation providing grant support for the NORC program.
- Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation Funder — Government funder supporting the NORC mission at Community Connections at Findley Lake.
- Cheronis & Turner Partner — Business partner supporting Community Connections at Findley Lake through insurance advisory services.
- Churchill’s Bourbon and Brew Partner — Hosted a social event for the Zoomers group at Presque Isle Downs.
- Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Funder — Regional foundation funding the NORC initiative at Community Connections at Findley Lake.
- Compass Bar & Grille Partner — Hosted a raffle for a donated football and contributed proceeds to Community Connections.
- Compass Bar and Grille Partner — Catered beverages, refreshments, and popcorn for the NORC documentary premiere event.
- Donna Winfield Partner — Certified Forest Therapy Hub Guide who led a mindful nature walk
- Dutch Village Restaurant Partner — Hosted a gathering for the Zoomers group.
- Evocative Content Partner — Hosted a film crew visit to document Community Connections' NORC program for state and federal outreach.
- Facebook Partner — Uses Facebook for sharing regular updates.
- Findley Lake Community Foundation Funder — Local foundation supporting the NORC program.
- Findley Lake Volunteer Fire Department Partner — Local EMTs from the department provided CPR and choking emergency training
- French Creek Christian Homeschoolers Partner — Collaborates on monthly intergenerational Coffee Hour events.
- French Creek Tavern Partner — Hosted a social event for the Zoomers group.
- Gayle Scadden Partner — Instructor who led the line dancing program
- Greenfield Basket Factory Partner — Provided a factory tour and educational experience for the Zoomers group.
- Health Foundation for Western & Central New York Funder — Philanthropic foundation funding the NORC initiative.
- Holly Partner — Representative from Herb Mill and Greenhouse who presented on culinary and medicinal herbs
- Kim Turner Partner — Therapist from FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers who led a stretching and mobility session
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Integrated Health and Social Advocacymethodology: community_health_advocacyBy embedding trained community health advocates with nursing expertise into community networks, the organization connects older adults with medical and social resources, improves health literacy, and coordinates care, because clinical-social integration improves health outcomes and reduces system fragmentation.
- Intergenerational and Experiential Engagementmethodology: intergenerational_engagementBy creating structured intergenerational gatherings and experiential wellness activities like forest therapy and yoga, the organization fosters mutual learning, mental well-being, and community connection, because shared experiences across ages and with nature strengthen social resilience and personal health.
- NORC Model for Aging in Placemethodology: NORC_modelBy operating as a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), particularly in rural settings, the organization proactively coordinates local services and social engagement to support older adults in remaining independent and healthy in their homes, because integrated community-based support reduces isolation and improves health outcomes.
- Preventive Health and Risk Awarenessmethodology: preventive_health_educationBy disseminating evidence-based tools and educational materials on fall prevention and age-related health risks, the organization increases health awareness and promotes behavior change, because early risk identification and education reduce adverse health events among older adults.