Programs that intercede on behalf of individuals and/or groups to ensure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible and that organizations within the established service delivery system meet the collective needs of the community; that attempt to marshal public support for a particular issue or cause; or that seek to influence legislation, local ordinances or administrative rulings in order to benefit specific interest groups or achieve specific social, political or environmental goals.

Provides a formal communication link between Town Government and citizens with disabilities to establish an agenda of issues and problems confronting the disabled and develop solutions. Call for more information. (631)287-5734

Advocates for individuals who are disabled for special needs, or other services, helps with complaints regarding ADA compliance, or discrimination, etc, and refer to agencies which specialize in specific areas of need. Disabled parking, curb cuts, accessible rest rooms

UTA’s Homeless Prevention Program is directed at helping low income tenants to remain in their apartments. Through a combination of intensive counseling, landlord/tenant mediation, court advocacy and in some situations the use of emergency financial assistance, becoming homeless is greatly reduced.

A growing number of households pay over 45% of their income for housing and many of the severely rent burdened are the working poor, some of whom transitioned from public assistance into jobs that are often part-time or short term, and which seldom have benefits. A personal or economic crisis can often bring the families to the brink of homelessness.

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Provides information about important legislative issues, works to influence the legislative process and offers constituents the opportunity to join them in their efforts. ACS Action Network - Trained volunteer advocates work with lawmakers at the Local, State and Fedral level to implement legislation and programs that will help in the fight against cancer.

Provides a protection and advocacy system for individuals and their families with chronic diseases or developmental and other disabilities. Offers individual assistance, including court representation, information and referral to clients and their families, legal advocacy, and systems and legislative advocacy. Call for details

Our Independent Living Skills Training can help you learn, improve, or maintain life skills needed to live independently in the community. Peer advocates will work with you to develop the skills that matter to you most. Depending on your needs, our advocates can work with you to improve your skills in:

Using public transportation

Maintaining housing and learning household chores

Budgeting and money management

Financial crisis management

Effective communication and social skills

Computer skills

Self-advocacy

Personal care and safety

Requesting accommodations

NAMI-Champlain Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country.

NAMI:CV provides free education, advocacy, and support services to all those affected (individuals and families) by brain disorders – including serious mental illnesses and/or emotional/behavioral disorders.

WHAT DO WE DO?

• Support, advance, and defend the rights, interests, and welfare of persons of all ages with mental illnesses and ensure that they are protected from abuse, possible harm, or exploitation.

• Advocate for and support neurobiological research to improve treatments, discover the causes, and promote recovery from mental illnesses.

• Educate the public and government officials about mental illness, especially about the urgency of meeting the personal, health, social, vocational and housing needs of people with mental illnesses.

Provides hearing help to low income Americans. These approved applicants receive top of the line digital hearing aids that are customized to their hearing loss. Specific eligbility requirements apply. Check their website for more details.

Publications are offered by the New York State Attorney General's Office. They are free of charge, on many topics: automobiles, charitable giving, civil rights, consumer tips, courts, small business, crime and safety, environmental concerns, health, housing, internet, labor, voting, and more. May order online at www.ag.ny.gov