Community Resources
List by Category
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCESS-VR)
Alternatives Federal Credit Union
Bangs Ambulance
Catholic Charities
Samaritan Center
Family Empowerment
Nutrition Outreach Education Program
Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS)
Challenge Workforce Solutions
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
County Department of Social Service
Services for Children
Services for Healthcare
Services for Financial Assistance
County Health Department
Children with Special Care Needs
Medicaid Obstetrical and MaternalServices (MOMS) Program
Healthy Neighborhoods Program
Additional Services
County Mental Health Department
Mental Health Clinic
Skylight Club
Additional Services
County Office for the Aging
Energy Services
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Additional Services
County Office of Human Rights
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca
Children’s Mental Health Services
Adult Mental Health Services
Foodnet Meals on Wheels
Friends in Service Helping (FISH)
Gadabout
Habitat for Humanity
Human Services Coalition
Human Services Planning
Health Planning Council
2-1-1 Tompkins/ Information and Referral
Ithaca Housing Authority
Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services
Life Long
Neighborhood Legal Services
Paratransit
Recreation Support Services
Social Security Administration
Rescue Mission
Stafkings
Home Healthcare Services
Employment Services
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Center
The Advocacy Center Ithaca
The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County
Adult Services
Children and Family Support
Peer Services
Tompkins Community Action
Family Services
Energy Services
Housing Services
Veterans Administration (VA)
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Tompkins/ Cortland VA Outpatient Clinic
Wonderful Wheelchairs
Work Force NY – Ithaca
Web Resources
List by Category
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Benefits
- Social Security Administration
- Catholic Charities
- County Department of Social Services
- County Office for the Aging
- Life Long
- Veterans Administration
Children and Families
- Catholic Charities
- County Department of Social Services
- County Health Department
- Family & Children’s Services of Ithaca
- Mental Health Associates of Tompkins County
- Tompkins Community Action
Employment
- ACCES-VR
- Challenge Workforce Solutions
- Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
- County Office for the Aging
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
- StafKings
- Workforce NY- Ithaca
Financial
- Alternatives Federal Credit Union
- Catholic Charities
- County Department of Social Services
Food
- Foodnet Meals on Wheels
- Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard
- Tompkins Community Action
Housing
- County Office for the Aging
- Habitat for Humanity
- Ithaca Housing Authority
- Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services
- Tompkins Community Action
HealthCare
- Bangs Ambulance
- County Health Department
- County Department of Social Services
- Stafkings
- Veterans Administration
Mental Health
- Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services
- County Mental Health Department
- Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca
- Suicide Prevention & Crisis
- Mental Health Associates of Tompkins County
- Veterans Administration
Transport
- Bangs Ambulance
- Medicaid Transport
- Friends In Service Helping
- Gadabout
- Paratransit
Other
- Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
- Human Services Coalition
- Life Long
- Neighborhood Legal Services
- Recreation Support Services
- The Advocacy Center
- Wonderful Wheelchairs
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Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
Phone:(607) 721-8400 or 800-888-5010
Address:44 Hawley Street Binghamton, NY 13901
Services:(1)Vocational Counseling and Guidance, (2) Assessments and evaluations, (3) Rehabilitation Technology, (4)Special Transportation, (5) Adaptive Driver Training, (6)Work Readiness, (7) Training including tuition, related fees, required textbooks, (8) Tutor, Reader and Note Taker services, (9) Youth Services, (10)Physical and mental restoration services, (11)Medical care for acute conditions arising during the program, (12) Modifications to homes, vehicles and worksites, (13)Job Development and Placement, (14) Work Try Out & On the Job Training, (15) Job Coaching, (16) Occupational tools and equipment, (17)Goods, inventory, equipment and supplies for self-employment, (18) Occupational and business licenses.
Eligibility:Services are for individuals with disabilities that interfere with getting or keeping a job or who have difficulty advancing at their job. VR services may only be provided if your goal is employment.To apply or be referred for VR services you should be at least 14 years old and must be available to participate in the vocational rehabilitation process.If you provide proof you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) that is based on SSA determination of your disability, ACCES-VR will assume you are eligible for VR services.
Alternatives Federal Credit Union
Phone: (607) 273-4611
Address:125 North Fulton St. Ithaca, NY 14850
Services: A one time $20 membership fee and a minimum $5 deposit in Savings makes you a member of the Alternatives Fund, our "field of membership," and Alternatives.The $5 "share" makes you not only a member, but an owner of Alternatives. As an owner, you may use the Credit Union for its services, or get more involved by voting for your Board of Directors, joining a Board committee, or even running for the Board of Directors.
Offers traditional banking services, loans, financial counseling. For a full range of services visit website.
Eligibility:Alternatives Federal Credit Union is a regional credit union. We offer a full range of banking services to anyone who lives or works in Ithaca, Tompkins County, or the adjacent counties (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Seneca, Schuyler, and Tioga).
Bangs Ambulance
Phone:(607) 273-1161 (Dispatcher)
Address:205 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Services:Bangs operates 2 wheelchair transport vans, each with a capacity for 2 people in wheelchairs, plus 2 riders (healthcare aide; family member; friend, etc.). These wheelchair vans are climate-controlled, and are available 24/7 for local or distance transports. While we are always available for last-minute bookings, we do appreciate advance notice whenever possible. Often, customers reserve our wheelchair vans for non-emergency medical transports to doctor visits, surgical consults, or any other type of appointment. We also regularly bring patients from the hospital back to their residence, nursing facility, etc. Additionally, we frequently do non-medical transports—feel free to reserve our wheelchair vans for trips to any destination (entertainment, family gathering, shopping, airport, etc.) Our EMT’s and Paramedics operate the wheelchair vans, and are medically and operationally certified by the New York State Department of Transportation.Note: For hospital discharges or other times when the passenger may have flowers, a suitcase, or other larger personal items, we ask that those items be transported separately due to DOT regulations regarding securing items in the vehicles.
Also provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport.
Eligibility:Wheelchair transport vans not covered by insurance. Accepts Medicaid for ambulance services.
Catholic Charities
Phone:(607) 272- 5062
Address: 324 W. Buffalo Street Ithaca, NY 14850
Samaritan Center
Services:The Samaritan Center provides urgent, short-term financial assistance, free clothing and personal care items to families and individuals in immediate crisis. Unique in Tompkins County, we help low and moderate income individuals and families with utility payments, clothing, linens, bus passesand other miscellaneous needs. We can also help individuals and families request health insurance coverage and SNAP, formerly known as food stamp, benefits by assisting with SNAP enrollment and enrollment in the NYS Child Health Plus/Family Health Plus programs
Eligibility: Tompkins County residents.
Family Empowerment
Services: Community Connections is a mentoring program that advocates for families / individuals to create roadmaps as they travel through Child Protective Services and other child welfare systems.We are here to help if you have been recently hot-lined to Child Protection Services and you would like to know your choices.
The goal of Parent Partnership is to increase community support for families facing the challenges of developing treatment plans for their children. It is a case management program for families who have children with emotional and behavioral challenges and are at risk for out-of-home placement.
Eligibility: Tomkins County residents.
Nutrition Outreach Education Program
Services:Through our NEOP Program, staff of Catholic Charities can pre-screen possible eligible clients; help gather necessary documents and complete the application process for food stamps; save time and manpower at already overworked DSS offices; effectively and efficiently expedite food stamps to the degree necessary for an individual or family; and make referrals to area-wide programming and services.
Eligibility:Tompkins County residents.
Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS)
Phone:(607) 273-5500 (Ithaca Outpatient); (607) 387-6118 (Residential)
Address: 334 W State St. P. O. Box 789 Ithaca, NY 14851; 6621 NY Route 227 P.O. Box 724 Trumansburg, NY 14886
Services:Our primary addiction services include: chemical dependency evaluation, groups, individual sessions, medical assessment, Suboxone, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone medication management, and case management services including referrals to vocational, educational, psychological and medical supports. These services were developed to assist clients in bridging the gap from active addiction into ongoing recovery.
CARS Outpatient Rehabilitation provides social and health care services, skill development in accessing community services, activity therapies, information and education about nutritional requirements, and vocational and educational evaluation along with research based addiction treatment models including: The Matrix Model, Motivational Interviewing, Contingency Management, Treatment on Demand and Regular Drug Screen Testing for documented abstinence.
CARS Residential Services Unit is a 60-bed, co-ed program of six to nine months in range for successful completion. Clients attend treatment for over 50 hours each week, including weekly individual counseling.
Also offer intervention services and SBIRT Screening Services.
Eligibility:All Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services programs are fee-for-service programs. A financial assessment is conducted as part of the admission process for individuals who do not have coverage through insurance or another third party payer
Challenge Workforce Solutions
Phone:(607) 272-8990
Address:950 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Services:Challenge can provide the following services: (1)Vocational assessments – standardized and situational, (2) Groups for Job Seekers;(3) On the job try-outs at local employers or at our own businesses; (4) Job development & job search skills & activities;(5) Job Coaching/Training (once placement has been secured or in an ongoing job). (6) After initial placement & training, we can provide ongoing support to maintain your job, look for advancement opportunities, & continue career path for as long as needed.(7) For those individuals not prepared for individual community placement, our Contract Production Business offers more intensive daily support services along with greater flexibility in scheduling, work speed etc.
Eligibility:Individuals with disabilities interested in employment.
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
Phone:(315) 423-5417
Address:100 S. Salina Street, Suite 105 Syracuse, NY 13202
Services:(1) Vocational rehab, (2) business enterprise program-skills to run a vendor business, (3) equipment loan fund, (4) independent living services program.
Eligibility:All services are available to New York State residents who are legally blind. Independent living services are available to individuals who are NOT eligible for vocational rehabilitation.
County Department of Social Service
Phone: (607) 274-5680(607) 274-5680 (main office); see website for program specific contacts
Address:214 W. Martin Luther King Jr./State Street Ithaca, NY 14850
Services for Children
Services:(1) Child Protective Services, (2) Child Support Services, (3) Day Care Payment Assistance, (4) Youth and Family Services
Eligibility: Day Care Payment Assistance is income based.
Services for Healthcare
Services:(1) Dental Care Assistance, (2) Long Term Care Assistance, (3) Medicaid. To arrange Medicaid transportation call 1-866-753-4543.
Eligibility:Income-based.
Services for Financial Assistance
Services:(1) Cash assistance, (2) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Eligibility:Income-based.
County Health Department
Phone: (607) 274-6674(607) 274-6674 (607) 274-6674 (607) 274-6674
Address: 55 Brown Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Children with Special Care Needs
Services: Child Find is the primary referral source to the Early Intervention Program for children ages birth up to age three. Through Child Find, children who are suspected or at risk for developmental delay or disability are monitored and screened. The Child Find-Early Intervention staff works closely with your child's primary care provider to monitor your child's developmental progress. If a potentially qualifying disability or delay is identified, your child will be referred to our Early Intervention Program for evaluation.
Upon entering the Early Intervention Program, your child will be evaluated for developmental delay. If your child qualifies, services for your child can be provided in your home free of charge. Services include further evaluation if needed, vision and hearing, speech, physical, and other therapies; child development groups and family counseling. These services are provided to help your child grow and develop, and to help you care for your child.
The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program provides assistance to families of children with special health care needs birth through age 21 who need help in accessing various health care professionals and other community resources. We will also help you to access appropriate health care coverage such as Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid. Our Family Outreach Worker is a Certified Social Worker who will work one-on-one with you to help you meet your family’s needs.
The Physically Handicapped Children's Program offers financial assistance to families with children birth to 21 years of age, who have or are suspected of having a chronic and/or disabling medical condition. The program is available to Tompkins County residents who meet the medical and financial criteria.
Eligibility: Dependent on program and child’s needs.
Medicaid Obstetrical and MaternalServices (MOMS) Program
Services: Pregnant women who meet certain income guidelines can receive complete medical care during pregnancy, delivery and for at least two months after delivery. You may be eligible even if you have health insurance.
Eligibility: Income based.
Healthy Neighborhoods Program
Services: Promoting safe healthy homes by providing (1) smoke detectors, (2) carbon monoxide detectors, (3) fire extinguishers, (4) radon testing, (5) lead paint testing, (6) green cleaning products, (6) baby safety items, (7) help managing asthma, indoor pollution, tobacco use, and indoor pests, (8) information and referrals.
Eligibility: Services are free of charge. Tompkins County residents
Additional Services
Services: free immunizations, WIC.
County Mental Health Department
Phone: (607) 274-6200
(607) 274-6200
Address: 201 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850
Mental Health Clinic
Services: The program functions as a Single Entry Point to the Tompkins County Mental Health Services and provides comprehensive, timely, quality mental health assessments, crisis intervention, therapy, consultations and referrals to appropriate programs. The professional staff provides assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care towards: diagnosis and treatment, teaching and consultation, client advocacy and coordination and management of care and services. At the initial phone contact, when a client reports mental health problems, an appointment for the initial assessment is arranged. After a comprehensive assessment, the evaluation is presented to the Treatment Team at the Assignment Meeting where representatives from all programs are present. Each client is assigned to a primary therapist and/or a psychiatrist. Other recommendations may include referrals to community agencies including coordination of housing services (such as Lakeview, Unity House and Cayuga Addiction RecoveryServices).
The Outpatient Clinic will provide outreach in the home or residence for those who cannot get to mental health appointments or have special requirements. Outreach will also be provided to evaluate the needs of older adults not enrolled in mental health services. Consultation is also provided through Adult Protective Services and Visiting Nurse Service.
Eligibility: Tompkins County residents.
Skylight Club
Services: An outpatient mental health program for adults(18 and older) licensed by NYS Office for Mental Health. Specific services include: assessment and treatment planning, medication therapy and education, case management, health screening and referral, rehabilitative readiness development, psychiatric rehabilitative readiness determination and referral, symptom management, supportive skills training, activity and verbal therapy, crisis intervention, clinical support services, and discharge planning.
Eligibility: To be eligible for services, a person must have diagnosable mental illness and a dysfunction due to mental illness.
Additional Services
Services: Clinical services for children, youth, and adults, community case management, forensic unit, emergency outreach services.
County Office for the Aging
Phone:(607) 274-5482
Address: 214 W. Martin Luther King Jr./State Street Ithaca, NY 14850
Energy Services
Services:The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance with fuel and utility expenses for income-eligible homeowners and renters. The HEAP program may also be able to help with furnace repair or replacement.
The Office for the Aging's Weatherization Referral and Packaging (WRAP) helps senior citizens with energy related problems and home repairs. The WRAP program can assist income eligible individuals make energy efficient modifications to their homes. The WRAP Program also addresses health and safety repairs, such as rickety stairs and loose floorboards.
Eligibility: Income eligibility for the current year available online. The Tompkins County Office for the Aging processes HEAP applications for persons over age 60 and for those who receive SSI or SSD and do not receive Food Stamps. Can also apply online at the NYS Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance website.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Services:A long term care ombudsman is a certified volunteer serving as an advocate to address concerns expressed by, or on behalf of residents of adult and nursing homes. Long term care ombudsmen listen carefully to residents, and may mediate, negotiate, facilitate and propose solutions when a resident has requested and given permission to the long term care ombudsman to act as their advocate. Long term care ombudsmen may help residents to understand the long term care system, and may assist the resident's friends and family on their behalf. This service is confidential and free of charge.