The Connection: Issue XXIII

Issue XXIII - March 19th, 2025

Spring Issue

Dear Members, families, and friends,

As the seasons change, we know the needs of you and your family do, too. That’s why we have created this newsletter to support you in navigating accessing care for your loved ones.

In this edition, you can read about Ellen and Tim's story to learn more about the person-centered support Care Coordination Managers provide to members. Don't miss several webinar recordings, tips for building healthy habits, and more!

We hope you find this edition to be a valuable resource to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Jess and Carey

Jessica Colon

Executive Director

Carey Peters

Director of Care Management

& Compliance

Comprehensive Care Management: Tim and Ellen

When Ellen Pernat, Care Coordination Manager (CCM), met Tim years before she began working at Southern Tier Connect (STC), she hoped one day that she would have the opportunity to work with him long-term. She had no idea that she would eventually have the chance to support Tim in achieving his greatest goals.

Tim is a polite, kind, and determined young man. He loves to read and listen to music, especially 1980’s hits. As he explains, “I like to play my music, but only during the day when it won’t bother anyone.” He also enjoys his job working in maintenance. This time of year, he helps deliver food to houses in Pathfinder Village, always stopping for a quick chat when dropping off the meals. As Ellen explains, “Tim is an amazing self-advocate. You always know where you stand with him, and he is clear on where he wants to focus his efforts.”

You can read more about Tim and Ellen's story by clicking the button below!

Read More!

Have a story you wish to share?

Do you have something you would like to share with us? A story, rights, or disability-related news item you've heard. Is there something you'd like to see in the upcoming newsletters? Connect with us at the link below or send an email to info@southerntierconnect.org!

Share your story

STC News and Information

Last Chance: Support a Targeted Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) for Care Coordination Organizations—Act in Seconds!

NYS Budget Update

The one-house bills increased the Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to 4% but did not restore the Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) into the TII. We need your support now more than ever!

New York State’s Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) are the foundation of the care system for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

CCOs are the only entities in the State that provide this critical coordination function for people with I/DD and are required for people to access the Medicaid waiver. This role is not duplicated elsewhere in the system.

For the first two years of the Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII, previously known as Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA), CCOs and their care managers were included. In the current New York State FY 2026–2027 Executive Budget proposal, CCOs are excluded.

Based on feedback from the Senate, we are asking that you share the stories, photos, and videos that show that your Care Coordination Managers (CCMs) are your direct support. Advocates are working to dispel the misunderstanding that CCMs do not provide direct support. You can support CCMs by including a simple message in your outreach to elected officials, “My care manager IS my direct support. Include care coordination care managers in the COLA.”

If this funding is not restored, providers will struggle to retain staff, manage increasing costs, and continue delivering high‑quality care to people with I/DD.

We are asking the Legislature to restore CCOs to the TII so that care management agencies can:

Maintain a stable workforce.
Address rising operational costs.
Continue providing essential coordination services to 135,000 New Yorkers with I/DD.

Visit Care Management Alliance New York's website below to contact your state legislators to protect this funding!

Use Your Voice!

Informational Flyer

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) seeks to promote inclusion, celebrate contributions, and remove barriers for people with disabilities. This year during DDAM, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities launched a campaign called "We're Here: Then, Now, Always. This campaign recognizes the historic significance of people with developmental disabilities--people with disabilities have always been in our communities and always will be. You can read more about this campaign at the button below.

DDAM Campaign

As part of DDAM, STC is proud to highlight Steven Rivera the newest member of the STC Board of Directors. He joins the board as an STC member and strong self-advocate. In his own words, "It's important for me to be part of the board because I can help advocate for those in need." Steven shares this simple, yet impactful message, "Just because you have disabilities (no matter what they are) you can live a normal, active life."

STC is excited for Steven to have a greater impact on the future of STC and its advocacy, as a board member!

Building Healthy Habits with Community Support

Finding Small Ways to Build Overall Health

Building Healthy Habits

Healthy habits are important for everyone—but for the people that we serve and the caregivers who support them, they can be life-changing. By building simple, consistent routines around physical health, emotional well-being, and daily living skills, you can experience greater independence, improved quality of life, and stronger overall health.

Why Healthy Habits Matter

People with I/DD are at higher risk for certain health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Contributing factors may include limited access to healthcare, fewer opportunities for physical activity, medication side effects, and barriers to healthy food choices.

For caregivers, the demands of supporting others can also impact their own health. Long hours, stress, and limited time for self-care may increase the risk of burnout.

Making time to implement healthy habits can help:

Improve energy and mood
Reduce preventable health conditions
Strengthen independence and daily living skills
Support emotional regulation
Improve sleep quality
Reduce caregiver stress

You can read more about healthy habits by clicking the button below.