Veterans, Seniors, and Social Services on Agenda for Upcoming County Meeting
The Wayne County Human Services Committee will convene on March 3, 2025, to discuss a range of community programs and administrative updates. The meeting will include reports from various county agencies, as well as resolutions impacting veterans, senior citizens, and social services programs.
Dave Phillips from the Veterans Service Agency will present both a monthly and annual report. The committee will review a proposal for the county’s Veteran Peer Support Program under the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer initiative. The only proposal received, submitted by Clear Path for Veterans, will exceed the available funding of $100,000. As a result, the committee will authorize the rejection of the bid and the reissuance of a new Request for Proposal (RFP) to find a more financially viable option.
Amy Haskins, representing the Department of Aging and Youth, will submit several resolutions for review. Among them will be a proposal to apply for Wayne County’s designation as an AARP Age-Friendly Community. This initiative will aim to enhance the county’s ability to support its growing senior population. The committee will approve the submission of the application.
Additionally, rental agreements for senior meal program sites in Sodus, Palmyra, Clyde, Newark, and Ontario will be renewed. These agreements will enable the continued operation of congregate meal sites, which will provide essential nutrition services to older residents. Contracts will also be renewed with Finger Lakes Community Action for senior transportation services and with Legal Assistance of Western NY for senior legal support.
Lisa Graf, Director of the Department of Social Services, will present several administrative changes. Among them will be the decision to declare certain office equipment as surplus, as the department continues upgrading its digital systems.
The committee will also approve the creation of a part-time attorney position to assist with child support cases, Medicaid recovery, and guardianship matters. Additionally, a full-time nursing position within the department will be abolished and replaced with a part-time nursing role, reflecting a shift in assessment needs as the state assumes more responsibility for certain evaluations.
Reports on youth services will indicate continued efforts to address homelessness among young individuals in the county. The runaway and homeless youth program will assist eight individuals, including two pregnant women. Public Health staff will participate in the annual Point-in-Time homelessness count, distributing cold weather kits and meals.
Efforts to recruit lifeguards for Sodus Point Beach will also be underway, with interviews scheduled for March. In addition, the Youth Bureau will plan a Youth Leadership Forum for March 18, aiming to engage young residents in community development.