ROC Ripples – 07.30.14
Greetings!
The Rural Outreach Center (the ROC) continues to create ripples in the communities we serve and we have some great news to share!
We have been given a LARGE double wide trailer to use until we can put up our building. The 70 x 38 foot trailer is a FEMA trailer that was used by TLC Health in Gowanda after the 2009 flooding. It has a waiting and reception area, 5 office spaces, staff break room/conference room, two toilets and utility rooms! This will be perfect for our health services program and other users that we can’t presently accommodate.
The acquisition was facilitated by Senator Patrick Gallivan’s office and gifted by TLC Health, who is also paying for transport to our site on Olean Road. We are now arranging for site preparation, including grading, utility hook-ups and permits. If you, or someone you know, can help with this process, please let us know.
Speaking of our Health Services Program, we received a grant from the Maria Love Foundation to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) and an EKG machine – see photo. The AED will provide a margin of safety while the building is occupied while the EKG machine will enhance the health services offered.
The services are offered to uninsured adults every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the community hall.
We are frequently asked whether this program is necessary with the current health insurance reforms. It is estimated that there will still be almost 50,000 persons uninsured in Erie County after ACA implementation. If you know of anyone who qualifies for this program, please send them our way; Drs Caparaso and Erickson and the other volunteer staff, under Ruthie Hunt’s direction, are ready to care for them.
Finally, we have just completed a 3 day work project, with over 20 volunteers, to help people in our communities with home repair and maintenance. Six families were assisted with things from building stairs, to painting and roof repair. Richard Glover and Russ Schmidt have volunteered to coordinate this ongoing program while Jim Oubre coordinated these projects. And yes, if you are interested in helping call 716-240-2220.
If you have suggestions for future ROC Ripples, please let us know.
Rick Hanes-Stetter, a Buffalo firefighter, safety trainer and ROC supporter, Ruthie Hunt, director of the ROC’s Health Service program and Frank Cerny are shown with the new AED and EKG machine.
We know, this isn’t very interesting, but this shot of the interior of one-half of the trailer is exciting for what it means for the development of the ROC.
The New Paths Household Goods Redistribution Center’s truck with logos. Thanks to Eric Zimmerman of Visual Impact in East Aurora for doing such a great job! If you see it around Western New York, wave.
ROC work crews built safe stairs during a recent 3 day work project.
