Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – In the interest of concern and transparency, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is making the community aware that due to ongoing funding uncertainty and the recent government shutdown, the agency is experiencing difficulty providing assistance at a level that matches the increased needs of our community.

Food insecurity in the region is skyrocketing, and the agency is exploring all avenues to ensure that food distributions and pantry services remain available to those who need it most.

However, upcoming challenges such as the loss of SNAP, HEAP heating assistance, rising healthcare costs, and unmanageable housing rental expenses are creating a crisis for families. Resources to assist with rent and utilities are running dry. Some funding streams have been suspended while others have been terminated altogether.

“Despite these setbacks, our team is doing everything possible to distribute the scarce resources we have,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our neighbors as winter approaches.”

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is a Medicaid 1115 participant. Medicaid recipients are encouraged to contact the agency for an 1115 screening, which may open alternative avenues of assistance for critical needs such as rent, utility assistance, and other health-related social supports.

How You Can Help

Donations of any size and volunteers are needed. Support at any level can make a real difference during this critical time. The number of families assisted at food distributions is growing at an unprecedented rate, volunteers for these and special holiday distributions are sincerely appreciated.

In addition to donations and volunteering, you can make a powerful impact by reaching out to your elected officials. Urge them to take immediate action to support reopening our government as well as support funding for programs like the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Weatherization Assistance, and Head Start. These programs are lifelines for families in need, and your voice can help ensure they remain funded and accessible.

To donate online visit: caoginc.org/donations

To volunteer, email: info@caoginc.org

To donate to our food pantries, contact Kristina Ettinger at:

Phone: 585-589-5605 x101

Email: kettinger@caoginc.org

Website: caoginc.org

The Community Action Promise:

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

‘This is a game-changer for us’ – SWAT commander Torry Tooley

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County’s Special Response Team did a demonstration on Tuesday evening at the Tavern on the Ridge, showcasing some of its tools and equipment including this drone.

The team includes nine members from the Sheriff’s Office and seven from the Albion Police Department. The team has several drones, including this one that is used to fly inside a house or other structure. The drone can be used to locate people and provide officers with a layout of the building.

The drone takes off inside the Tavern on the Ridge, looking for a suspect as part of the demonstration for the Orleans County Association of Municipalities, which includes officials from local village, town and the county governments.

Investigator Brian Marsceill of the Sheriff’s Office served as the pilot of the drone, guiding it through the hallway and around the restaurant to locate the suspect.

The Special Response Team moves in to locate the person. It was all part of a demonstration for local officials.

The Special Response Team is run through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The team operates on a $300,000 budget which goes to training, equipment and overtime costs.

Investigator Kevin Colonna, left, and Sgt. Torry Tooley show the screen that law enforcement see from one of the drones. Colonna is a certified pilot for the drones. Tooley is the commander of the Special Response Team.

They noted how the drones helped locate someone who stole items and fled from Walmart last week, first on a bike and then by foot.

That person was detected lying down north of Walmart along Gaines Basin Road. Officers were able to quickly find him with the drones.

The team has drones that can spot people at night through the heat detection and spotlights on the drone. Officers can give commands through the drones to people on the ground or in a house, telling them to surrender, stay put or give other commands.

One of the team’s drones can travel as far as 6 miles, and go up to 50 miles an hour.

Officers can get a live feed from the drones through their phones or the computers in their patrol cars.

The drones are very useful in locating suspects, but Tooley said they also can be used for missing people, including vulnerable elderly people or people with autism and disabilities.

Lt. Adam Hazel of the Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Torry Tooley show the local officials some of the tools for the Special Response Team including body armor, helmets with night lights, vision monoculars to see in the dark, a 40 mm gun that fires non-lethal bullets, door breaching tools (ram and Halogen tool), as well as several of the different drones.

Tooley said the new drones and night vision on the helmets are “a game-changer for us.”

The team is awaiting a Bearcat armored vehicle to be used on scene for some of the calls. That armored vehicle will be able to transport 10-12 people to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.

Chart on monthly SNAP benefits from NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

ALBION – Orleans County has 5,146 residents receiving SNAP benefits that are due to run out in a few days and won’t be refilled until the federal government shutdown is over.

That is a big concern for Holli Nenni, the county’s commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

“I’m scared people will go hungry,” she said. “We’re worried people literally won’t have food.”

In New York, there are 2.9 million SNAP recipients or 14 percent of the population. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program issues monthly electronic benefits through EBT cards that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores.

The SNAP benefits are for children, elderly and disabled residents, with eligibility and benefit levels based on household size, income and other factors.

The program dates back to the Great Depression in the 1930s, and has never been disrupted due to a budget stalemate. In The past during a budget shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has used emergency funds to continue funding the program, but the USDA said it won’t do that this time.

That has promoted attorneys general and governors from 26 states, including New York, to sue the USDA for suspending SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown.

Attorney General Letitia James said USDA can tap into contingency funds to keep SNAP going during the shutdown.

“Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” James said in a news release today. “SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running. There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families.”

Press Release, Orleans and Niagara counties

Orleans County Department of Social Services Commissioner Holli Nenni and Niagara County DSS Commissioner Meghan Lutz today issued a joint statement to residents regarding the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025 -2026 season.

“Please be advised that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed indefinitely. We know how important HEAP is to helping many families keep their homes warm in the winter and our staff will be ready to move forward with applications as soon as the process starts.  We will be releasing more information about the HEAP process as we receive it.

“The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by our offices and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards continues at this time.  We have been told, however, that these programs could be impacted as well if the shutdown continues into November.”

 To learn more about HEAP and to keep up with any updates, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#heap. Information on the federal shutdown can be found at the top of that page.

Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency

ALBION – Orleans County-based businesses are reminded to register or renew their professional listings on OnlyInOrleans.com to ensure their information is accurate and up-to-date for future projects and local procurement opportunities.

Maintaining current listings helps ensure local businesses remain visible and competitive for upcoming initiatives that prioritize Orleans County companies.

Businesses with a brick-and-mortar presence in the county  are encouraged to log in and update their contact details, services, and other relevant information. Eligible participants should have an established operational site in Orleans County.

The database is administered through the Orleans Economic Development Agency to assist new enterprise and existing corporations seeking goods and services from within Orleans County.

Photo from Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, right, announced two dispatchers have been promoted to senior public safety dispacthers.

Mike Schultz and Jerry Bentley will serve in the roles. Both are long-time local volunteer firefighters, with Schultz a past chief at Kendall and Bently a past chief for Barre.

In their new roles, Schultz and Bentley will assist in overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Communications Division, with responsibilities including supervision, training, quality control, and managing materials related to FOIL requests and NYS Discovery requirements, Bourke said.

“Both Schultz and Bentley are highly experienced, dedicated, and well-respected professionals whose leadership and expertise will greatly benefit the Communications Division,” the sheriff said.

Provided photo: Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services dressed in purple and posed outside the County Administration Building in Albion as they participated in “Purple Thursday” to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services participated in “Purple Thursday” last week in recognition of survivors of Domestic Violence. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing awareness to domestic violence within our community.

Part of that awareness is reminding the community that domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse but can other forms like emotional or financial. Domestic violence is also not gender specific and can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation.

If you or someone you care about is a survivor of domestic violence in need of support, know that there are services available locally and at the state level. Please contact Orleans County Domestic Violence at 585-589-3159 during normal business hours, call the 24/7 NYS Hotline at 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121 or go to www.opdv.ny.gov.

Community faces challenges with housing, healthcare, lack of childcare, food insecurity

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado gets a tour of Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store during his visit on Tuesday. Here, he talks with Cassie Healy, manager of the store; Renee Hungerford, Community Action’s chief executive officer; and Jackie Dunham, chief operating officer.

ALBION – Staff of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee welcomed Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado to the main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store on Tuesday, where they shared their agency’s many services and struggles with budget cuts.

Delgado toured the store and visited with Renee Hungerford, CEO; Jackie Gardner, COO; Melinda Daniels, executive assistant; Ryan Lasal, director of Community Programming; Barbara Shine, board member; and Cassie Healy, Community Development and ROMA manager.

Hungerford explained the programs Community Action offers, saying the agency has come a long way in the last five years.

“We’ve rebuilt our programs to focus on the differences we can make with people and achieve meaningful outcomes, rather than focus on only services,” Hungerford said. “Our mission is to help people become self-sufficient. That means we partner with people and provide support as they help themselves. Resources are scarce, so outcomes are monitored to ensure services are meeting the objectives for which they are intended.”

Some of the programs discussed included High School Credit Recovery, the Prom Program, the new Fresh Start Center, Veterans’ Telehealth program, Case Management/Emergency Services, Head Start and Early Head Start, Project Salus, Child Care Resource Center, Weatherization, Cooling and Door-Through-Door Transportation services. Hungerford also shared information on the Holley Community Center, where a prepared meal is served five days a week. They are also working with Orleans County Mental Health to bring mental health services to the Holley Center.

Lasal spoke of the lack of childcare, which is an epidemic in Orleans County, he said. He said the demand is not even close to being met, and the county has run out of money from the Child Care Assistance Program to fund childcare programs. Community Action is doing its best to subsidize what they can to keep children in Head Start programs, but this is not sustainable, Hungerford said. Parents, including key staff members, are facing the decision of leaving a job due to the inability to afford daycare. This is then exacerbated as staff shortages impact what service that can be offered.

Staff of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee welcomed Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado to the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More store on Tuesday. From left are Amanda DeSantis, chief of staff for Delgado; Melinda Daniels, executive assistant at Community Action; Delgado; Renee Hungerford, chief executive officer of Community Action; Jackie Dunham, chief operating officer at Community Action; Ryan Lasal, director of Community Programming; and Barb Shine, a member of Community Action’s board.

Hungerford also discussed the local shortage of healthcare services, saying the ratio of individuals to primary care doctors has been more than 13,000 to 1, and just recently dropped to a little under 10,000 to 1.

“Our agency has a strong focus on addressing the ‘social determinants’ of health, such as food insecurity and shelter, to help people stay healthy and try to minimize the burden on the healthcare system,” Hungerford said. “We are a Medicaid 1115 waiver participant, which expands services we are able to provide eligible customers.”

Dunham discussed the Weatherization Program, saying there is a waiting list of one year for people needing help with home improvements. They have a crew of four very dedicated and capable workers, she said, who are determined to make a home comfortable and affordable for a family to live in.

“The feedback we get from their work is ‘Wow!’” Dunham said.

Hungerford added there are concerns with many of their funding sources, including LIHEAP, which could impact the future of the Weatherization Program.

Delgado asked what their biggest concern was, and Hungerford said, “Food and housing.”

“Housing is a big problem,” she said. “When people come to us for emergency shelter, we have nowhere to put them, except in a motel. Housing has a complex layer of needs, in that we need emergency housing, transitional housing, first-time homebuyer support and support for people who own, but need to renovate and repair our aging housing stock. At the other end of the spectrum, if we could attract more businesses, we would need housing that is suitable for potential employees who could move into the area.

She also said we need to attract more businesses, because there aren’t enough jobs, especially well-paying jobs.

“Our population is declining and that is not good for the economy,” she added.

Delgado said his visit is part of his goal to visit Community Action agencies across the state.

“It’s important to touch as many agencies as I can to see what’s going on and to understand the growing need,” he said. “The numbers are growing and the lines are getting longer. I hear that everywhere I go.”

The lieutenant governor’s visit comes as Community Action of Orleans and Genesee celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Press Release, Orleans County government

MEDINA – The Orleans County Career Center will be holding a job fair this Thursday, October 16, at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina.  More than a dozen companies with open positions have signed up to take part.

 “There are companies all across Orleans County looking to fill vacant positions and they are willing to provide training for those who lack experience if the candidate is reliable and dependable,” said Kelly Kiebala, director of the Orleans County Career Center.  “So job seekers should come with their resumes and be prepared to be interviewed on the spot.”

The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County YMCA located at 306 Pearl St. in Medina. Participating companies come from several different industries including factory work, healthcare, food service, customer service and more.  There is no registration or appointment necessary to attend.

 “This event is for people of all skill levels, so whether you are not currently employed or looking to take your career in a new direction, our job fair is a chance to see what opportunities are out there that could be the right fit for you,” Kiebala said.

For any questions or inquiries about the job fair, please contact Allison Gursslin at 585-589-2820 or at Allison.Gursslin@orleanscountyny.gov.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ALBION –  Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today announced the county has launched E-Notify, a way for county residents to be notified when new information in certain areas of county government is uploaded to the county website.

Residents need to sign up for the free service and can opt to receive the notification via email, text or both.

“We are continually looking for ways to make county government more accessible to our residents and we believe using E-Notify to proactively release information to those who wish to be alerted will greatly enhance our outreach efforts,” said Johnson.  “So if you are interested in new county job postings or when DPW lists a new bid opportunity or want our latest press releases, you can choose those options.”

Right now, E-Notify offers seven different areas of county government where a person can receive notifications and Johnson said the county is looking to add others based on the areas of the website that seem to garner the most interest.  These areas include emergency alerts, elections information, DPW bids and results and job postings among others.

To sign up for E-Notify alerts visit www.orleanscountyny.gov/enotify.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is shown Thursday night lighted up in purple this month in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

County legislators last week issued a proclamation in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Legislators said that while 90 percent of domestic violence cases go unreported, 265 cases were reported to the Orleans County Domestic Violence Unit in 2024, and 165 cases have been reported to the unit from Jan. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2025.

County Legislator Fred Miller last week presented a proclamation to Judianne Gearing, Domestic Violence Supervisor (left), and Kelley Ortiz, Domestic Violence Services Coordinator.

“Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, perpetrated by an intimate partner over another, to establish and maintain power and control,” according to the proclamation from the county. “Domestic violence is the major cause of injury to women, resulting in more injuries to women then auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined.”

The courthouse dome is lighted up in purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presents a commendation to Charlie last week for his volunteer efforts in building new bathrooms at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Robert Batt, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, joins for the presentation.

The Legislature praised Ricci “for the extra effort put forth in the construction and completion of building new bathrooms at the Orleans County Cooperative Extension. Your effort is an excellent example of an everyday citizens getting involved.”

Ricci did most of the site work for the project.

This photo from July 16 shows the new bathrooms under construction just before the start of the fair in late July.

The new bathrooms also had four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There is more space for the users. The bathrooms and showers are now all in one building.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Director Kristine Mostyn last week updated Orleans County legislators on an expansion to the Medina library that will add meeting rooms and a “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. County Legislator Bill Eick is in back.

ALBION – The libraries in Orleans Conty are seeking $1 per person in funding from the Conty Legislature. That has been the request in recent years, but the Legislature has kept libraries at $10,087 since 2011.

The four public libraries in Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina are collectively seeking $40,343. The county’s population was 40,343 in the 2020 Census.

One of the library directors, Kristine Mostyn of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, told legislators that libraries have changed to meet the needs of the community, offering more online service, meeting spaces and programs.

“We’re not just a warehouse for books,” she said.

Lee-Whedon has just started a $5 million construction project that will put a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There would also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

Mostyn said the initial projections on the local tax impact have lessened after Lee-Whedon secured grants and raised $360,000 in donations from the community. Lee-Whedon has set a $500,000 fund-raising goal on the capital campaign.

Library leaders from the other libraries are expected to make a presentation next month to the Legislature, seeking for a funding boost.

The county was giving $29,914 to be shared among the four libraries as recently as 2002, but that dropped to $7,480 in 2003. Since then, the amount was raised to $12,587 in 2007, $13,617 in 2010, and then was cut to $10,087 in 2011. It hasn’t changed since then.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season begins this year on Nov. 3, with a tentative end date of April 7, 2026

Applications for HEAP will be available Nov. 3. Applications for an emergency other than your heating source will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2026, through April 7, 2026.

If you are applying for the first time, a phone interview is necessary which can be completed beginning on Nov. 3. Applications will be available at the County Office Building in Albion, PathStone, Community Action, or Ministry of Concern; at the Community Center in Holley; or at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

You can apply online for HEAP by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.  If you received a benefit through a HEAP case last season you may apply through www.myBenefits.ny.gov or submit your completed application along with necessary documentation to the Department of Social Services, 14016 Rt. 31 W. Albion, NY 14411.

If you are currently a Public Assistance or SNAP recipient, you should automatically receive your HEAP benefit through your case. Please be sure your worker has accurate vendor and account information to prevent a delay with your HEAP grant.

For questions or to set up an appointment call (585) 589-3182. Appointments cannot be made before Nov. 3. If you are aged 60 or older, please call the Office for Aging at 589-3191.

You can find more information about HEAP and other assistance programs by visiting www.myBenefits.ny.gov.