Catskill Center for Independence

10/14/2026

Come see CCFI next week at the Trunk or Treat at AAA in Oneonta.

10/05/2026

**First, We need to thank all of you who reached out to support the "Drive to Survive" thermal tarp initiative.

The tarps we are looking to give, are below. They are considered thermal tarps. They have a reflective interior, designed to reflect body heat. The tarp can be used as a sleeping wrap, or fashioned into a small A-Frame tent that shelters them from the wind and rain. It's not a solution to this rediculous politically driven homelessness situation but, it is enough to let these people know they matter! In addition, they can easily stow and carry this shelter as opposed to a large tent that will get stolen or taken by the city if left unattended.

If you are interested in donating a tarp. please follow the link below - Cheapest I could find that are insulated- you can either find someone that is on the street and give from your heart - or send them to Don Wyckoff at 6104 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY 13820. As they arrive we will be hitting the street to find the unhoused and let them know These were donated by the caring supporters of the Catskill Center for Independence.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

BESTHUNTINER-HEAVY DUTY SURVIVAL BLANKET BESTHUNTINER is an outdoor company.We know a few things about cold, wet weather, and that's why we developed our line of all weather, heavy-duty survival blankets. It is a must have for hikers, campers and boaters. This lightweight blanket features a stron...

10/01/2026

Help Provide 100 Emergency Weather-Protection Tarps

People experiencing homelessness in our community need immediate protection from rain, wind, and exposure. Catskill Center for Independence is seeking 100 durable, waterproof, 10-by-10-foot tarps, preferably with a heat-reflective lining, an insulating layer, or both.

What we need

* Finished dimensions of at least 10 by 10 feet.
* Waterproof, tear-resistant material suitable for repeated outdoor use.
* Reinforced edges and grommets for secure attachment.
* Durable heat-reflective lining or insulation, when available.
* Cord or tie-downs to accompany the tarps.

Suppliers: Please provide product specifications identifying the reflective material and any insulating layer. We welcome recommendations for suitable alternatives.

How you can help

Donate 10 tarps, sponsor 25, or help supply all 100.

Donations of any quantity are appreciated. We also welcome gift cards, bulk discounts, and introductions to manufacturers or distributors who may be able to help.

These tarps are intended to provide temporary weather protection alongside outreach and connections to shelter and other services.

Please call before delivering items so we can confirm suitability and coordinate arrangements. Donation acknowledgments are available.

Contact

Don Wyckoff
Catskill Center for Independence
607-432-8000
6104 State Highway 23
Oneonta, NY 13820

Your contribution can provide practical help to a neighbor facing exposure.

09/17/2026

CDO Workforce, NYS Department of Labor, CCFI and ACCES- VR, are pleased to invite you to participate in a special upcoming CDO Celebrates All Abilities Career & Resource Fair.



This event is designed to celebrate the talents, skills, and contributions of individuals of all abilities while connecting job seekers with employers and community organizations that are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workforce.



We are especially interested in highlighting:



Businesses that practice inclusive hiring and are interested in recruiting individuals with disabilities and other diverse abilities
Employers with accessible and supportive workplace practices
Service providers and community organizations that offer resources, supports, education, advocacy, employment services, or other assistance for individuals with disabilities
Organizations that serve individuals with all types of disabilities and abilities, including physical, intellectual/developmental, sensory, mental health, and other disabilities


The event is open to everyone. While individuals with disabilities are an important focus of the event, we welcome job seekers, community members, families, and anyone interested in employment opportunities and local resources.



Event Details:

CDO Celebrates All Abilities Career & Resource Fair

📅 10/29/2026

⏰ 12pm- 2pm

📍 Southside Mall, Oneonta NY

08/31/2026

Planning and Adapting: Outdoor Recreation for All



Owen Gilbo Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator and Designee for Reasonable Accommodations at the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, will give this presentation on September 16th at the ADK Susquehanna Chapter Potluck and Program meeting at Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY. Potluck at 6 p.m., Program at 7 p.m.

Ensuring accessible outdoor recreation often requires intentional planning, especially if nature itself does not lead to accessibility. We’ll explore the challenges and triumphs of increasing outdoor recreational opportunities for individuals of all abilities. From design and building to adaptive equipment, the path to enjoying nature and history is becoming ever more inclusive.

08/12/2026

HI Folks, YOU COULD WIN $50 - We are looking for folks to take this quick statewide needs assesment survey (takes about 2 minutes) - We are trying to determine the most needed services needed in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie COunties. NYSILC wants to hear from you! The statewide needs assessment helps us know what matters to disabled New Yorkers. Your answers tell the Independent Living Network what you need and how we can improve independent living services statewide. Complete our survey using this link:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

06/09/2026

The physical location of the CATSKILL CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE ON SOUTHSIDE IN ONEONTA WILL BE CLOSED for renovation until the end of July early August due to a complete renovation of the building. We are still functionally open to our community, providing all of the same services but working from cobleskill or remotely until we can get back in to our new offices. You can still call us M-F 8-4PM at 607-432-8000 and schedule item drop off or pickup by contacting Don Wyckoff All services are open and available to the public as usual. Please be patient as we work through this much needed renovation. Thank you, folks!

05/13/2026

https://www.wbng.com/2026/05/05/riley-submits-final-questions-nyseg-utility-rate-case/

Congressman Josh Riley is continuing to advocate for his constituents as they face rising utility costs.

05/12/2026

The Catskill Center for Independence is proud to partner with Care Compass Network to provide Social Care Network services to Medicaid members across our 6-county region!

Through this partnership, we offer:
✅ Screening and navigation services
✅ Housing support services

If you have Medicaid, you may be eligible for assistance. Reach out to the Center today to learn more about the program and see how we can help connect you to the services you need.

📞 Contact us to determine your eligibility and get started!

The program works with community-based organizations and behavioral health providers to expand access to critical unmet needs across a six-county region. https://www.wbng.com/2026/05/11/care-compass-collaborative-expands-access-social-care-services/

04/22/2026

Tonight on The Empower Hour - Aging in place. How to know if you're prepared for the inevitable and where to look for answers. Don't wait till it's too late.
You can listen in Live at www.WIOXRADIO.ORG @ 7pm (Just click the link"Listen Live" link. You can also tune in on 91.3 FM or visit MTC cable channel 20. This episode is sponsored by the Amish Barn Company and we are proud to have them as a sponsor of the Empower Hour.

  LISTEN AT 91.3FM, MTC CABLE CHANNEL 20,ANY FM RADIO MOBILE APP, AND HERE AT WIOXRADIO.ORG   Radio Catskill and WIOX Community Radio Announce Merger Agreement strengthens long-term sustainability of public radio across the Catskills and Northeast Pennsylvania.Read the press release for more infor...