Mental Health Peer Connection of WNY

06/25/2026

💛 PTSD Awareness Month 💛

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects many individuals, but support, connection, and understanding can make a difference.

At Mental Health PEER Connection (MHPC), part of WNY Independent Living, we offer in-person support groups to provide:
• A safe, peer-led space to share experiences
• Connection with others who understand PTSD
• Support in building coping skills and resilience

📍 In-Person Support Groups
• Location: 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 (behind Jim’s Steak Out, blue and white awning)
• Scent-free environment: Please avoid perfumes, colognes, oils, and scented laundry products

💡 PTSD Awareness Month reminds us that healing is possible through support, understanding, and community.

06/23/2026

🦶 Neuropathy Awareness Week 🦶

Neuropathy affects millions of people, causing nerve damage, pain, numbness, and mobility challenges. Managing neuropathy often requires comprehensive support and coordinated care.

At Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL), we provide peer-centered programs and services for people with disabilities, along with free care coordination through Health Homes.

Our goal is to help individuals with chronic conditions, including neuropathy, live independently and stay healthy.
💡 What WNYIL and Health Homes offer:
• Personalized care management and health promotion
• Coordination of medical, behavioral, and social services
• Support during transitions from hospital to home
• Referrals to community resources
• Use of health information technology to link services

📞 Take the next step toward care and support:
• Buffalo Area: 716-836-0822
• Niagara County: 716-284-4131
• Genesee & Orleans Counties: 585-815-8501

💙 This Neuropathy Awareness Week, let’s shine a light on resources, care, and independence for individuals living with neuropathy.

06/21/2026

🧠 ALS Awareness 🧠

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and loss of mobility over time.
💡 Raising awareness is key to:
• Supporting research for treatments and a cure
• Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with ALS
• Promoting accessibility, care, and community support

Show your support this month by learning more, sharing resources, and standing with the ALS community. Every action helps improve lives and brings hope.

06/19/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, all WNY Independent Living offices will be closed on Friday, June 19.

The Renewal Center will remain open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

06/18/2026

WNY Independent Living was proud to attend and celebrate Buffalo's Juneteenth Festival! ❤️💛💚

Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom, history, culture, and community. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many people, share resources, and join in celebrating one of the nation's longest-running Juneteenth traditions.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello. Together, we continue to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

06/18/2026

💙💛 Autistic Pride Day 💛💙

Today, we celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and voices of individuals on the autism spectrum. Autistic pride is about acceptance, understanding, and empowerment — embracing neurodiversity and inclusion.

At Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL), we provide peer-centered advocacy and support to help individuals with autism:
• Build independent living skills
• Access community resources and benefits
• Connect with peer support and empowerment
• Advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and respect

💡 Every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and live independently. WNYIL celebrates the talents and achievements of the autistic community today and every day.

06/17/2026

06/15/2026

📚 Learning Disabilities Awareness Week 📚

Learning disabilities affect how people read, write, process information, and learn, but they don’t define potential or independence.

At Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL), we provide peer-centered support, advocacy, and resources to help individuals with learning disabilities:
• Build independent living skills
• Access community resources, benefits, and programs
• Receive peer support and empowerment
• Advocate for accessibility, accommodations, and inclusion

💡 This week, we celebrate strength, resilience, and the unique abilities of every individual. WNYIL is here to ensure everyone has the tools to thrive independently.

06/13/2026

🤍 International Albinism Awareness Day 🤍

Today we recognize and celebrate individuals living with albinism, raising awareness about the challenges they face and the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and support.

At Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL), we provide peer-centered advocacy and resources to help individuals with disabilities, including those with albinism, to:
• Live independently in their communities
• Access benefits, services, and adaptive resources
• Connect with peer support and empowerment
• Advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity

💡 Awareness leads to acceptance, empowerment, and meaningful change. WNYIL is committed to ensuring everyone can live with dignity and independence.