MASSENA INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER INC

Offers advisement and direct assistance to help individuals apply for or maintain public benefits including SSI/SSDI, Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, TANF, and Veteran’s benefits.

Operates a SNAP outreach program that assists individuals and families with eligibility screening, application completion, and submission for food stamp benefits, while also promoting participation in the School Breakfast Program and Summer Food Service Program for children; includes a free confidential nutrition education program offering hands-on lessons, healthy meals, and physical activity education.

Provides free or fee-for-service architectural barrier consultations to advise on accessibility modifications for homes and businesses to support independent living for people with disabilities.

Provides support to individuals in securing, learning to use, repairing, and maintaining assistive technology devices that enhance independence and daily functioning.

Acts as an approved facilitator for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in partnership with Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), enabling individuals to hire, train, and manage their own personal attendants for home care services in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties.

Operates de-institutionalization programs including the Open Doors initiative to assist individuals transitioning from nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric centers, and other institutional settings into community-based living in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties, with post-discharge support and participation in discharge planning meetings.

Provides workshops and training for individuals and organizations on disability awareness, disability rights laws, independent living philosophy, and pre-employment/job readiness skills to build capacity across communities.

Conducts individual and systems-level advocacy to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities and improve enforcement of disability rights laws at federal, state, and local levels.

Provides free, certified navigator and facilitated enrollment services to help individuals enroll in and renew public health insurance programs including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Medicare Savings Programs, and Qualified Health Plans through the New York State of Health marketplace, with support available in-person, over the phone, at community sites, or via home visits.

Provides emergency financial assistance including rental arrears, security deposits, and rental support to individuals at or below 30% of Area Median Income facing eviction or unstable housing; supports access to accessible and affordable housing through applications for subsidized housing, low-income housing, and Section 8 vouchers.

Provides comprehensive independent living services to residents of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, NY through staffed offices in Massena and Malone, supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving self-determination and community integration.

Offers training in daily living skills such as budgeting, meal preparation, transportation planning, job seeking, and self-advocacy, often led by individuals with disabilities; facilitates peer mentoring to promote self-determination through shared lived experiences.

Provides information and referral services to connect individuals with disabilities to local, state, and federal resources related to housing, education, employment, and other supports essential to independent living.

Operates a loan closet program providing free short-term loans of durable medical and adaptive equipment—including wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches, and canes—for up to 30 days to residents of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties; also offers accessible recreational equipment for up to 10 consecutive days.