Learning The Language of Our Biggest Fans

02/26/2026

Because Every Interaction Matters. 🤝

Are you a first responder, healthcare worker, educator, or service industry professional? Whether you wear a badge, scrubs, an apron, or a toolkit—you play a vital role in our community’s safety!

The OCPVAC (Oneida County People with Vulnerable Abilities Committee) is hosting a dynamic, "in the trenches" training session designed to move from a reactive approach to a proactive one. Join us for the S.A.F.E. Community Response event to gain foundational skills that make a real difference.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Doors open at 8:00 AM for registration & refreshments) 📍 Location: Redeemer Church, 931 Herkimer Rd., Utica, NY

🔗 Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/KLFTAUPGG9

Special thanks to Sheriff Maciol and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office for their sponsorship and involvement in this mission.

10/07/2025

If you missed out on the event we recently had, here is the recording 👇

The Oneida County Sheriff's Vulnerable Population Advisory Committee hosted Pathways for Success. This one day, two part event encapsuled the journey of a ...

09/27/2025

We're here for the big day 💪 alongside some amazing organizations to provide our "Pathways for Success" opportunity 💙

09/25/2025

💙We've updated our Amazon wish list, if you're interested in generously helping us assemble a few kits, follow the link below 👇

🧩🚑🚒🚓🚁🏥🧩

09/23/2025

It is hard to believe that this event is this Saturday! We hope to see you there!

09/09/2025

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Earlier today, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol proudly introduced several community members that are part of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Vulnerable Population Advisory Committee. The advisory committee was organized originally in an effort to build a positive relationship between those in the community and law enforcement.

In addition to the members of the Sheriff’s Office, the following make up the Oneida County Sheriff’s Vulnerable Population Advisory Committee:

Kathy Caruso, parent advocate and Lead Facilitator at Better Together
Bethany Wendt, Director of Community Relations at Kelberman
Kimberly Karcic, parent advocate and Behavior Specialist at Madison-Oneida BOCES
Matthew Yelton, parent advocate and Clinical Supervisor Mercy Flight Central
Ann Margaret Bouska, MA, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Holland Patent Central School District
Ronald Loubier , Member Relations Liaison at Life Plan CCO NY
Karlene Cimo, Outreach Coordinator LIFEPlan CCO NY, LLC
Francesca Bevivino, Guardianship Coordinator at The Arc, Oneida Lewis Chapter

The work of the committee has transpired into presenting the first in series of symposiums designed for parents and caregivers of individuals in the intellectual and developmental disabilities community to give them the expert guidance, resources, and connections to help them navigate challenges and support their loved one’s success – no matter where they are in their journey. This exciting and informational symposium is going to be held on Saturday, September 27th from 9:00am until 3:00pm at the Parish on Broadway located at 730 Broadway in Utica, directly across from the Utica City Hall parking lot. This event is free and open to anyone who is a parent, family member, or is a caregiver of anyone in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community are invited and highly encouraged to attend.

Pre-registration is not required, but is recommended and walk ins on the day of the event are also welcome. You can register at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=YrX_4bNWWECTFhSjNxyPLdaL6jlmiT1Djo5lhBkHyrtURTZVOFFHTUVHRThGWDVTWkNLMEMwMlNaVi4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

09/04/2025

G-Man starts 4th grade tomorrow. It comes with mixed emotions and hope for amazing new milestones. A few changes, many big leaps and bounds, some set backs, but all in all, he's become quite an amazing young man building his personality and vocabulary by the day.

We pray for balance, and new opportunities for growth and development. We struggle with protecting and safeguarding him while hoping these changes will bring about positive changes in his life. We advocate for him, and many others like him, in hopes that the world continues to improve the opportunities afforded to them. They deserve an equal opportunity and access to resources so that they too can thrive and be the "best version of themselves".

Lately, the news has had some pretty scary stuff surround schools and violence. Let me provide some positivity in light of so much negative.

Last week I had the honor of teaching many SRO's in Herkimer County on the nuances and challenges associated with our loved ones. This coming week I have the opportunity to provide the same for our LEO friends with Lowville Police. We are humbled beyond believe by the acceptance we've recieved, and the open minded mentality we've observed.

Tonight I reflect and find solace in the fact that so many Law Enforcement professionals seek to understand, accept, and educate themselves so that they too can advocate for the IDD community. We will forever be a "Back the Blue", through and through, family.

Be a part of the solution. Stand up and speak for those that do not have the means to do so for themselves. This world is a scary place, and with the media at our finger tips... let's reflect on a quote that resonates deeply for me today... more than ever.

"When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my Mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." - Mr. Rogers

Let the '25-'26 school year begin with hope for change, and new opportunities for our youth. Have a wonderful evening, tomorrow brings a new year of learning and growth. 💙

09/02/2025

Many of you may not know this, but I sit on the Oneida County Sheriff's vulnerable population advisory committee as both a parent and First Responder advocate for the at risk population.

We're jointly hosting an event titled "pathways for success". This event is intended to cover everything from early intervention to life planning, access to benefits, availability of resources and overall guidance for families so that they, and their loved ones, can thrive.

Our hope is to foster an opportunity for families, caregivers, and loved ones to network with organizations and government entities that are designed to help them through the many nuances and challenges associated with the complexities of care, and other special needs of our IDD/at risk community members.
Interested? Register via the link below!

Registration Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/KLFtaUPGG9

06/13/2025

Parents, caregivers, loved ones... check 👀 this 👇opportunity out 😁

This will be an informative day with plenty of opportunities to network with organizations and entities that can help guide you through the various challenges you encounter daily 💙

Save the date, and stay tuned for developments in the schedule and speaker lineup 👌

04/02/2025

Our friends over at Rome Police Department are doing some pretty amazing things to benefit an amazing organization 💙

Please join us in supporting this great cause 🚔🧩

01/24/2025