FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 5, 2020
(Albany, NY) The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) was awarded a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to start the Good Neighbor Program. The award is part of the first round of grants made by the new foundation, which is focused on the health and well-being of low-income and underserved New Yorkers.
The Good Neighbor Program assists people in nursing homes who wish to return to the community. Individuals that live in nursing homes may find they no longer have connections to their community and informal supports that might have existed prior to admission. The Good Neighbor Program is designed to fill gaps in the informal support network by enlisting Neighbors to support transition to community living.
Neighbors are paid a stipend to provide back-up assistance when needed, but also to build a neighborly relationship. Neighbors serve a role in breaking down social isolation and building engagement within the community. Social activity and independent living play important roles in improving health and happiness.
NYAIL currently administers the Open Doors program, which staffs Transition Specialists and Peer Advocates across New York State to assist people in transitioning out of nursing facilities and other institutions back to the community. Since 2015, Open Doors has received more than 10,000 referrals and has helped transition over 3,500 individuals.
“NYAIL is extremely thankful to the Mother Cabrini Foundation for funding the Good Neighbor Program. In our experience with the Open Doors program, one of the biggest barriers to transition for many individuals is the lack of informal supports. It is our hope that the Good Neighbor program will help address that barrier, bridging the gap between institution and community for individuals, and providing a model to New York State to help increase transitions long term.” – Lindsay Miller, Executive Director
For more information about the Good Neighbor Program call NYAIL at 518-465-4650.
The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) is a statewide membership organization of Independent Living Centers (ILCs), community-based not-for-profit providers of advocacy, services and supports for New Yorkers with disabilities of all ages. ILCs are controlled by, and largely staffed by, people with disabilities. NYAIL strengthens local Independent Living Centers and is a leader in the civil rights movement for all people with disabilities.
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