Dear Customers, Staff, Board, and Community,

The last few weeks have brought many changes to our day to day delivery of services. In an effort to keep everyone informed, I wanted to provide an update on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. 

First, I want to say that I am incredibly proud of the Pro Action staff. Their dedication to our community’s health and well-being has been demonstrated by their willingness to respond quickly, all while experiencing many of their own fears and anxieties. Their dedication and flexibility have allowed Pro Action to continue to offer a majority of our services. Currently, all Pro Action services (except for Weatherization) are operating! Thank you to our committed staff for making this possible.

This crisis has proven that our mission of “ building a community of RESILIENT individuals and families who can meet their BASIC NEEDS, OVERCOME ADVERSITY AND PROSPER” is more important than ever. We know that we will get through this together because we’ve been building resilience in our communities for nearly 55 years.

Pro Action is committed to making sure all members of our communities have their basic needs met and are provided with the social and emotional support they need to get through this difficult time. To this end we are working on innovative ways to deliver services at every level!

Examples include:
  • Senior Nutrition Home Delivered Meals program is delivering meals to at least 130 more customers than just two weeks ago. They have also ensured that every senior has at least five (5) shelf-stable emergency meals at their homes, in the event we cannot deliver.
  • Hope Center Keuka Food Pantry is delivering boxes of food to the senior and disabled population of Yates County, in addition to the pickup service located at the pantry. Customer needs in the last week has nearly doubled.
  • Women Infants and Children has received a waiver for in-person certifications. All current and new WIC participants can be served through phone calls and virtual meetings. 
  • Child Care Aware is continuing to offer full services through both remote and in office services.
  • Resilient Children and Families Home Based Programs (home visiting), Community Based Program(Family Resource Centers, Family Literacy) and Education Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start and UPK) are working with families to develop a plan for ongoing support via phone, texting, video calls/visits via Skype and Zoom, Social Media and emails. Services include;
  • Providing educational information, developmentally appropriate parenting strategies and basic needs supports.
  • Sharing referrals/information and access to resources for families related to COVID-19 (free internet, school meals, food pantries, unemployment).
  • Providing parent support/education (emotional stress/impact, establishing routines, etc.). Dropping off food, care packets, diapers/wipes, and activity/educational packets for families that are not able to access food drop off sites.
  • Thriving Seniors Programs in both Yates and Steuben Counties are still offering services remotely utilizing the technology platform that works best for our customers. We are checking in on our most vulnerable seniors and provide services to ensure all their basic needs are met.
  • Employment and Training is also operating remotely connecting with customers to assist in job search, unemployment filing in addition making sure they are okay and if there are any other needs we can help with.

Although I cannot possibly touch on everything, please know we are working hard to meet the needs of our communities. Be assured that we are still here to serve and assist. For the latest developments on our programs and services follow us on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter.

As a reminder, our facilities are closed to the public with the exception of appointments. Please utilize the phone number below to make your appointment or inquire about services.
  • General Services: 607-776-2125
  • Child Care Aware of Steuben & Schuyler: 607-776-2126
  • Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) 607-776-1151 ext. 220
  • Yates County Office for the Aging: 315-536-5515
  • HOPE Center Keuka Food Pantry: 315-924-3502

On a personal note, I want everyone reading this to know that our staff, Board and Administration are deeply committed to doing everything possible to help keep our communities strong. We are all in this together and we will take care of each other. Please stay home, stay healthy, take care of yourselves and each other. But also stay connected, check on your neighbors, video chat your friends and families and stay strong!

Sending strength and hope to you all!

Laura Rossman
CEO
Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc.