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Westchester Independent Living Center

Putnam Independent Living Services

March 2022

Spring signifies new beginnings and as we start to emerge from the cold, dark winter months and the grasp of Covid, we are looking forward to supporting our community with as many new programs, webinars, housing, and informational resources as possible. Please read along to find some valuable tips that could kick-start your well-being this Spring! 

Olmstead Housing Subsidy Program Provides High-need Medicaid Beneficiary Rent Subsidy & Transitional Housing Support

The Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) program is a statewide program to establish a rental subsidy and transitional housing support service program for high-need Medicaid beneficiaries. The program provides assistance to persons who live in a nursing home and who are otherwise unstably housed with choosing, accessing, and maintaining an independent apartment. 


Eligibility to participate includes:


1. In a nursing home or a skilled nursing facility who otherwise would be homeless or unstably housed.

2. Medicaid enrolled

3. Spent at least one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive days in a nursing home, over the most recent two-year period

4. Age 55 and over or chronically disabled

5. Have the ability to live safely in the community, with the necessary supports and services 


The Olmstead Housing Subsidy provides the following services, as needed:


1. Apartment selection assistance, to locate safe and affordable housing that meets the needs of the participant

2. Essential furniture and household furnishing purchases

3. Rental stipend to assist with meeting rent and utility obligations

4. Monthly contact

5. Assistance in applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher


The Olmstead Housing Subsidy program is a statewide program. WILC covers the entire Lower Hudson Valley which includes Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.


The OHS subsidy is modeled after the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver subsidy programs in that the individual will be required to pay 30% of their monthly income, less allowances. There is also funding available for “community transition services” which can include security deposits, moving expenses, utility payments and household establishment purchases. 


For more information, please contact Don Wiggins, Housing Specialist, Olmstead Housing Subsidy Program at dwiggins@wilc.org or call 914-682-3926 (voice), 914-2598036 (VP).

More information regarding this and other programs can be obtained by visiting our website at https://www.wilc.org/ or contact@putnamils.org or contact@wilc.org.

Empower Yourself and Take Back Your Health and Wellness!

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Are you ready to take charge of your health and wellness? Have you been told by a healthcare provider you have Prediabetes? If so, many people with prediabetes who don’t change their lifestyle may develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years after being diagnosed. The good news is that moving your body more and losing weight through healthy eating can cut your risk in ½. 

 

WILC is excited to announce we will be offering new workshops for our Prevent T2 for All Diabetes Prevention Program in April 2022. In this CDC recognized program you will learn valuable skills and information to address lifestyle changes that can help you take back control of your health and wellness in a fun engaging way!

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the DPP Program, please contact Aimee Parks at 845-228-7457 ext. 1106 or by email aparks@wilc.org.

 

Prevent T2 is a yearlong program. It’s designed for people with prediabetes. It’s also for people who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes and want to lower their risk.

By the end of the first six months, your goal is to:

Lose at least 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight

Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week

By the end of the second six months, your goal is to:

Keep off the weight you’ve lost

Keep working toward your goal weight if you haven’t reached it

Lose more weight if you wish

Keep getting at least 150 minutes of activity each week

 

Losing weight can:

Prevent or delay type 2 diabetes

Ease sleep problems, arthritis, and depression

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level

Make you feel better about yourself


Getting more active can:

Prevent or delay type 2 diabetes

Give you more energy

Help you sleep better

Improve your memory, balance, and flexibility

Lift your mood

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol

Lower your risk of heart attack and stroke

Lower your stress level

Strengthen your muscles and bones 

Find Out More About The NYS Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Medicaid Wavier Program

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The NYS Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Medicaid Wavier Program is a Medicaid funded program offered to Traumatic Brain Injured survivors. The goal of the Medicaid Wavier Program is to divert individuals from going into a nursing home and transition TBI survivors out of nursing homes. To be eligible for the TBI Wavier Program one must be diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury, choose to live safely in the community with supports, have active Medicaid and be between the age of 18 and 64. 


The Westchester Independent Living Center has been the Regional Resource Development Center for Lower Hudson Valley since 1995. As the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) under the Traumatic Brain Injury Medicaid Wavier Program, WILC oversees program compliance and participant eligibility, along with many other responsibilities under the TBI Wavier Program.  

National “Slam the Scam” Day – March 10, 2022

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The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) designated March 10, 2022 as National “Slam the Scam” Day—an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. Although this was last week, it was part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 6 - 12, 2022 and we would still like to share this information with you in the hopes to help stop scamming.

In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 396,000 complaints of government imposter scams. Nearly 9% said they lost money to a scammer—more than $442 million. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.

Here are a few things to remember and share with clients, friends, and family. The


FTC will never:

  • Threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment.
  • Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account.
  • Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
  • Send text or email messages that contain personal information.


The FTC scam prevention message is simple: 

  • Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account.
  • NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash.
  • Report Social Security scams to OIG.SSA.GOV.
  • Report other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.


Visit OIG’s Press Kit for additional resources related to “Slam the Scam” activities. Read and share our Scam Awareness Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic.

Together, we will remain vigilant against government imposter scams and help protect people from fraud!

Housing Rights Workshop – March 14, 2022

Take advantage of our FREE workshop in which you will learn about your rights as a tenant as well as affordable housing opportunities! Please join us on March 14, 2022 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm via zoom by emailing ddellisanti@wilc.org. See attached flyer for more information here

Interviewing Skills Workshop – March 22, 2022

We have a very helpful FREE workshop coming up which will help provide tips and tricks for improving interview skills! Please join us on March 22, 2022 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm via zoom by emailing ddellisanti@wilc.org. See attached flyer for more information here

Delivery, Curbside Pick-up and Accessible Restaurants

We are pleased to share the following list of local Accessible Restaurants on our website:


https://www.putnamils.org/delivery-curbside-pick-up-and-accessible-restaurants/


We would also like to share the following information from four of our favorite accessible restaurants:

As an accommodation for people with disabilities, Savor Ristorante in Mahopac offers take out, delivery, and curbside pick-up. Savor Ristorante is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. Reservations are recommended.

 

Savor Ristorante & Bar brings delicious authentic wood-fired pizza and a unique mix of Italian Fusion Dishes and our Tapas Bar. Savor is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with both indoor and outdoor Dining.

 

Savor’s menu includes: Pizza Menu, Savor Pizza Rolls, Wedges, Dinner Menu including Soups and Salads, Appetizers such as Eggplant and Prosciutto Rollatini, Pasta Dishes such as Lobster Ravioli, Traditional Italian dishes such as Chicken Francese, Entrees such as Osso Buco, Fish Cellar Menu such as Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp.

 

Catering, private parties, gluten free options, a full bar, tapas bar, and kids are also offered.

 

Savor Ristorante offers a 3 Course Dinner Special (Appetizer/Entree/Dessert) for $19.99 including a free glass of House Wine, available all Monday night, Tuesday-Thursday 4-5PM, Sunday 3-5PM. Also, a $29.99 Dinner Special is available daily with Appetizers such as Truffle Arancini, Entrees such as Chicken Limoncello and Pesto Shrimp, Desserts such as Godiva Bread Pudding. A Tapas Menu including Truffle Honey Ricotta is also available.

 

Savor Ristorante and Bar

18 Clark Place

Mahopac, NY 10541

845-628-3081              

www.savormahopac.com

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Additionally, Mike and Joe's Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta in Mahopac offers take out, delivery, curbside pick-up as well as indoor dining. Mike and Joe's is wheelchair accessible (Wheelchair ramp in back of Restaurant) including restrooms. Reservations are recommended.

 

Mike & Joe's offers a wide variety of Pizza and Southern Italian Fare. They cook their pies in a wood-burning oven for pure pizza perfection. They are open 7 days a week; Monday-Saturday 11AM to 10PM and Sunday 11AM-9PM. Lunch and Dinner Specials Monday-Thursday 11AM-9:30PM. 

 

Sample of Menu items; Appetizers such as Sicilian Rice Balls; Traditional Pizza; Wood Fired Pizza; Wood Fired Thin Crust Pizza; Soups and Salads; Calzones and Rolls; Cold Sandwiches and Wraps including Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Caesar Wrap; Hot Sandwiches and Paninis such as Philly Cheesesteak and Bronx Bomber Panini; Burgers; Pasta such as Lobster Ravioli and Mike and Joe's Gnocchi; Classic Entrees such as Chicken Francese and Shrimp Piccata ; Baked Dishes such as Eggplant Rollatini; House Specialties such as Veal Saltimboca; Carne and Pesce such as Shrimp Scampi and New York Strip Steak; Desserts such as Italian Cheesecake; Childrens Menu; Catering, Private Parties. Gluten Free items on Menu, including Gluten Free Pizza and Pasta.

 

Mike & Joe's Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta

944 Route 6

Mahopac, NY 10541

845-628-5100           

www.mikejoeswoodfiredpizzapastamenu.com

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Next, The Putnam Diner and Restaurant is currently offering take out, curbside pick-up and delivery via GrubHub and indoor. The Putnam Diner and Restaurant is wheelchair accessible including restrooms.

 

The Putnam Diner and Restaurant offers spectacular restaurant quality flavors in simple homemade dishes. Our seasoned chefs are experts at creating wonderful dishes using the freshest of ingredients. They have a banquet room for your next private party, and also offer catering.

 

Breakfast and all menu items are available all day. Breakfast items include Eggs, Pancakes, French Style Crepes and Southern Fried Steak. Other menu items available are: Triple Decker Sandwiches, Burgers, Salads and Paninis, Appetizers such as Nachos Supreme, Fried Clams; Fresh Seafood such as Broiled Stuffed Filet of Sole, Sandwiches such as Brisket of Beef; Greek Specialties such as Greek Spinach Pie, House Combination Surf and Turf, Char-Broiled Pork Chops; Italian Specialties such as Veal Parmigiana. Desserts such as Greek Pastries and Assorted Fruit Cheesecakes. Lunch and Dinner Specials daily; Full Bar; Children's Menu.

 

Putnam Diner and Restaurant

2600 New York Route 22

Patterson, NY 12563

845-878-8000

https://www.putnamdinerny.com/

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Mezza Luna Pizzeria and Restaurant in Brewster is currently offering take out, curbside pick-up and delivery and indoor dining. Mezza Luna is wheelchair accessible including restrooms.  

 

Mezza Luna’s mission is to provide delicious Italian food alongside a welcoming customer experience without compromising on quality. They do their best to accommodate the changing needs of both their customers and community.

Mezza Luna is open for full service 6 days a week (closed on Mondays). They offer Lunch and Dinner during weekdays and Brunch on weekends, as well as daily specials that are all available for dine-in, take-out, curbside pickup or delivery. For larger gatherings Mezza Luna offers catering and event options. 

Sample of Menu Item's: Pizza and Specialty Pizza including Chicken Parmigiana Pizza, Fresh Salad Pizza and Sicilian Pizza; Appetizers include Baked Clams and Mozzarella Caprese; Calzone's and Rolls; Soups such as Tortellini en Brodo Soup; Salads such as Antipasto Salad; Hero's such as Steak, Onion and Cheese and Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Hero; Panini's and Wraps such as Pesto Panini and BLT Wrap; Seafood such as Zuppa di Pesce and Dijon Salmon and Shrimp; Pasta dishes including Rigatoni Bolognese and Fettuccine Alfredo; Entrees including Eggplant Parmigiana and Pollo Scarpariello; Desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. Gluten Free Pizza and Pasta available; Kids Menu; and Full Bar.


Mezza Luna Pizzeria and Restaurant

1511 NY-22

Brewster, NY 10509

845-279-1800

https://www.mezzalunanewyork.com

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Last, but not least, Char Steakhouse and Bar is open for dinner Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4PM-9PM; Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4PM-10PM; Sunday 11:30-9PM (Brunch Sunday 11:30AM-3PM)

 

Char Steakhouse and Bar is a comfortable, casual steakhouse with hand cut steaks butchered in-house and varied seafood offerings on our menu; Dinner Specials and Price Fixe menu; Full Bar; Happy Hour; Catering; Private Parties; Gluten Free/Vegetarian options on Menu; Char Steakhouse accommodates all diet restrictions.

 

Brunch: Appetizers such as Sunny Egg and Asparagus; Char Brunch Taco Bar; Char Brunch Entrees such as Eggs Benedict Your Way; Char Brunch Burger; Char Brunch Kids Menu;

Dinner: Salads; Appetizers such as Steak and Spinach Tidbits; Entrees such as 18 oz. Bone-In Frenched Rib Eye Steak with Signature Sauces such as Peppercorn Cognac; Bourbon Salmon with Vegetable Medley and Mashed Potatoes, Hamburgers with French Fries.

 

As an Accommodation for People with Disabilities Char Steakhouse and Bar offers Take Out, Delivery (GrubHub), Curbside Pick-Up as well as Indoor Dining. Char Steakhouse and Bar is Wheelchair Accessible (Accessible Entrance in Back), including Rest Rooms. Reservations Highly Recommended.

 

Char Steakhouse and Bar

151 Bryant Pond Road, Suite 1

Mahopac, NY 10541

845-526-1200

www.charsteakhouseandbar.com

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How to Get Help About Social Security

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The Social Security Administration will add more in-person appointments and offer in-person service for people without an appointment. Please visit their webpage How to Get Help from Social Security to learn:


  • The best ways to get help from Social Security.
  • What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so they can help you safely.
  • Innovative options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision.

Upcoming Webinars

How to Prepare for your Child’s CSE Meeting 

Please join us for a Zoom Webinar featuring: 

Denise Green & Fiona Rattray- from the PILS Parent Training & Information Center 

Sponsored by Mount Pleasant SEPTA 


DATE: Monday, March 14, 2022 

TIME: 6:30pm – 8:00pm 

 

Learn what to expect in a CSE meeting and how to prepare for it. 

Click HERE to register. 

If you have difficulty registering, please email dgreen@putnamils.org  

Or call (845) 228-7457 

 

 

Entrenamiento de Abogacía (en español) 

Únase a nosotros para un seminario web Zoom que presentan Fiona Rattray y Carmen Pucillo del Centro de Información y de Entrenamiento Para Padres de PILS 

Patrocinado por Autism FLOS, Yonkers Library y YSEPTA 


FECHA: jueves el 17 de marzo 

HORAS: 11:30am-1:00pm o 6:30pm-8:00pm 


Este seminario web está diseñado para ayudar a los padres a aprender como abogar de manera efectiva por sus hijos con necesidades especiales 

Aquí hay el enlace para unirse a las 11:30am https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0mrz9f6FTcayrMvLU6Nt9g  

Aquí hay el enlace para unirse a las 6:30pm 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NNGeOTxWRA29_AFtiTnBQg  

 


CPSE to CSE 

Please join us for a Zoom Webinar featuring: 

Denise Green from the PILS Parent Training & Information Center 

Sponsored by Valhalla Union Free School District 

 

DATE: Monday, March 21, 2022 

TIME: 6:30pm – 8:00pm 


Learn what to expect in a CSE meeting and how to prepare for it. 

Click HERE to register. 

In this webinar we will explore transition from preschool to kindergarten for children with disabilities 

If you have difficulty registering, please email dgreen@putnamils.org  

Or call (845) 228-7457 

 

 

Does your Child Struggle with Reading and Writing? 

Please join us for a Zoom Webinar featuring: 

Fiona Rattray (WILC/PILS) 

Sponsored by ACSD SEPTA 


DATE: Thursday, March 24, 2022 

TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm 

 

In this webinar, we will explore reading and writing difficulties and how they may relate to specific learning disabilities such as Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. We will look at prevalence, red flags, evidence -gathering, evidence-based strategies for intervention and when to request a full-scale educational evaluation. There will be a question-and-answer session at the end. 

Click HERE to register. 

If you have difficulty registering, please email frattray@putnamils.org   

Or call (845) 228-7457  


Understanding & Implementing an Effective IEP 

Please join us for a Zoom Webinar featuring: 

Denise Green & Fiona Rattray- from the PILS Parent Training & Information Center 

Sponsored by Katonah-Lewisboro SEPTA 

 

DATE: Monday, April 4, 2022 

TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm 


In this webinar we will explore how to ensure that your child has an effective IEP and how to monitor progress and implementation. 

Click HERE to register. 

If you have difficulty registering, please email dgreen@putnamils.org  

Or call (845) 228-7457 

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Westchester Independent Living Center

10 County Center Road 2nd floor

White Plains, NY 10607

(914) 682-3926 (Voice)

(914) 259-8036 (VP)

(914) 682-8518 (FAX)

contact@wilc.org

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Putnam Independent Living Services

1441 Route 22, Suite 204

(Tompkins Mahopac Bank building)

Brewster, New York 10509

(845) 228-7457 (Voice)

(914) 259-8036 (VP)

(845) 228-7460 (Fax)

contact@putnamils.org