15 Mar Home Service Program turns 60!
March 15, 2024, marks the 60th anniversary of the Home Service Program, funded by our amazing partners at the New York State Elks Association.
As services for people with disabilities evolved over the decades following the Cerebral Palsy Association of NYS’ inception in 1946, it became apparent that many people with disabilities were homebound, with the heaviest burden of day-to-day care borne by families.
On March 15, 1964, representatives of the New York State Elks Association and CP State met to discuss a joint venture that would benefit children and adults with disabilities and their families. As a result, the NYS Elks Home Service Program was adopted as an Elks Major Project.
The Home Service Program, concentrating on individuals with Cerebral Palsy, is a collection of 27 Home Service Directors and the vans that the directors use to provide individualized services to adults and children with disabilities and their families in their home communities. Since inception, the program has grown to encompass every county of New York State. The staff provide referrals for appropriate evaluation and program services, advocacy, counseling, follow-up and program development.
In the past 60 years, the New York State Elks Association has contributed more than $30 million to CP State and its Affiliates for the Home Service Program, including nearly $450,000 last year.
The Elks also provide Affiliates with three $10,000 grants annually for the replacement of a Home Service Vehicle, as well as individual project grants of up to $3,000 per project. But their involvement in CP State doesn’t stop at funding. Major Projects Chairman David Brown is a fixture at CP State events and Past State President and Elks Major Projects CEO Jamie Peace serves on the CP State Board of Directors.
“On half of CP State and its Affiliates, I want to thank Jamie and David, and all of our friends in the NYS Elks, for the invaluable work they do,” said CP State President and CEO Mike Alvaro. “The support they’ve given the Home Service Program has made a remarkable impact on the quality of life for people with disabilities.”
If you are interested in joining a group dedicated to improving the quality of life for their members, veterans, and the community, consider becoming an Elk.