National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week - 9/13-9/17/21

The Federal Communications Commission, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates have designated the first week after Labor Day as National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week. This year, Lifeline Awareness Week will be celebrated from September 13 through September 17, 2021.

The Lifeline Discount Telephone Service Program (Lifeline) is designed to make the telephone service more affordable for income-eligible consumers. Consumers qualify for Lifeline by participating in certain federal or state assistance programs OR by having income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many New Yorkers may be eligible for Lifeline for the first time but may not be aware of the program or how to apply. Consumers may also be eligible for discounts on broadband service and certain connected devices under the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Information about the Lifeline and Emergency Broadband Benefit programs can be obtained from the Lifeline page on the AskPSC.com website or by clicking on the following link to AskPSC website.

What is the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program - View our Video

What is LTCOP? It's the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Click on this link to the Catholic Charities Facebook page and watch a video on the program.

LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE

Register to learn about signing up for Medicare! This national fair is for people turning 65, retiring, or joining Medicare because of a disability. Learn about Medicare – and all its parts - to assist you in your initial enrollment decisions. There is no cost to attend. Join us online for any length of time! Visit www.shiphelp.org

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Volunteer Appreciation

In recognition of National Volunteer Month - April (and all year long), many thanks to the volunteers of Catholic Charities Senior & Caregiver Support Services. Your dedication is essential to the work that we do. Thank you for being so selfless with us and for so many in whose lives you make a tangible difference.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” –Oscar Wilde

Duanesburg Elementary Students Share Cards with Seniors

The students of the Duanesburg Central School District want the many older adults who have been shuttered in their homes throughout the pandemic to know that someone is thinking of them. The school district has partnered with Catholic Charities Senior & Caregiver Support Services to put cheerful cards and student-written letters in their hands. Duanesburg elementary students made more than 100 cards to be shared with older adults in the greater community through the Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meal Programs. The Duanesburg Jr./Sr. High School’s National Honor Society is preparing a pen pal program that may connect as many as 60 older adults to students starting in April. Students hope that their cards and letters will bring joy to the older adults in their community and bring a greater connection across generations. "It is important for our school to be there for our older community members, just as they support us," Superintendent of Schools James Niedermeier said. "Showing our gratitude in this way is a simple way to tell them that we care about what they are going through during this very difficult time."