April is here, bringing renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and continued momentum as we move further into the year. As spring settles in, WILC is excited to keep building community, learning together, and supporting one another along the way. We’re looking forward to all that this month has in store and can’t wait to keep the energy going with our amazing community. | | Supporting Children's Mental Health | | |
Join us for the Putnam County Children’s Mental Health Fair on Thursday, April 9th, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Brewster High School, ILC!
Hosted by the Putnam County Department of Social Services & Mental Health and Youth Bureau in partnership with the Brewster Central School District, this event is open to all residents, educators, and service
providers in Putnam and neighboring counties.
Attendees can connect with service providers, meet the SPOA coordinator, learn about eligibility criteria, and explore resources to support
children’s mental health.
Come together with the community to access guidance, resources,
and support!
More info!
| | Upcoming Free Virtual Groups | | |
Looking to build connections and strengthen everyday skills? WILC is offering free virtual group sessions this April for young adults ages 18–27, designed to support social growth and emotional well-being.
Join our Social Skills Group on April 22nd and April 29th from
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, or take part in our Emotional Resilience
Discussion Group on April 24th from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
All sessions are held via Zoom, providing a comfortable and accessible space to learn, share, and grow together.
Register here!
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Looking to learn more about available services and supports? WILC is hosting a series of free informational webinars this April designed to help families and caregivers navigate resources and better support individuals with developmental disabilities.
This month’s topics include diploma options, accessing behavioral supports at home, addressing behavioral challenges, and navigating services for developmental disabilities.
Join us to gain helpful insights and guidance from our team.
Register here!
| Join Us for the Autism Acceptance Walk | |
Come be part of our Autism Acceptance Walk on Sunday, April 26th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, NY. This inclusive, family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to come together in support of the autism community.
Enjoy a meaningful walk, sensory-friendly activities, access to local resources, and food from local vendors. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, celebrate inclusion, and help raise awareness for individuals with autism.
More info!
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WILC is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) specialist to support outreach efforts across Putnam and Westchester Counties.
Responsibilities include connecting with community partners, providing information on disability rights and special education, offering resources and referrals, and supporting families through advocacy and presentations.
This role also involves creating bilingual outreach materials, assisting at community events, and maintaining service records.
More info!
| | Supporting Those in Need With Supper Hugs | | |
Through our Supper Hugs programs, we connect local restaurants with families in the community who need a meal. Whether a family is facing financial difficulties, an illness, a death in the family, or any other challenge, we want to ensure they know their community supports them. We have delivered 1,000 meals to families through this program so far.
If you know of a family that could use a meal, please get in touch with us at info@brewstercaresny.org
| | Michael's Monthly Fun Fact | | |
This April is Autism Awareness (or Acceptance) Month. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how people communicate, interact, and perceive the world. It is a "spectrum" because it manifests differently in everyone, with varying needs for support. Common traits include differences in social communication, repetitive behaviors, intense interests, and sensory sensitivities.
According to the CDC, 1 in 31 children (3.2%) and 1 in 45 adults (2.21%) Are estimated to be autistic.
What’s important about this month is not only spreading awareness, but also promoting acceptance, and fostering advocacy for individuals on the autism spectrum. It’s important to also help educate those who may not fully understand someone with autism, especially with how they may act or perceive everyone and everything around them, and to help squash any negative stigmas that people may have.
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Guidance, Resources, and Hope
from NY Connects
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At New York Connects, every call is an opportunity to make a difference.
The team continues to support community members facing housing instability, health challenges, and financial hardship, helping individuals take meaningful steps toward stability and independence.
From assisting with SNAP and Social Security Disability applications to coordinating care, transportation, and housing resources, New York Connects works to ensure people can access the services they need.
Through partnerships and personalized support, the program helps individuals navigate complex systems and move toward safer,
more stable futures.
If you or someone you know needs help navigating long-term services and supports, call the NY Connects toll-free referral line: 1-866-715-4700.
| | Stay Connected with Lifeline Discounts | | |
As more services move online, staying connected is essential. The FCC Lifeline program helps low-income households afford phone and internet service, with discounts up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands.
Eligible individuals include those receiving SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or households earning 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Clients can check eligibility and apply at the USAC Lifeline website. Once enrolled, creating a my Social Security account ensures secure, convenient access to online services and records.
Help your clients get the connectivity they need to access vital resources.
| | Faster Disability Benefit Access Through TEFCA | | |
A new initiative is underway to improve how disability benefit decisions are supported through faster, more secure access to health information. By joining the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) network through eHealth Exchange, this effort will expand connections to healthcare providers nationwide.
This enhanced digital approach is expected to significantly reduce disability claim processing times—by more than 50% in some cases—helping individuals access benefits more quickly.
Testing is currently underway, with full implementation anticipated
in early spring 2026.
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With growing federal and state budget challenges putting vital disability services at risk, community support is more important than ever.
Every day, WILC stands alongside people with disabilities, providing guidance with housing, healthcare, benefits, and life transitions. Your generosity helps preserve access to these essential services and keeps independence, dignity, and choice at the forefront.
If you’re able, please consider making a gift today.
Donate here!
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