Guide to Services for Older People
Revised 02/23/09
The Erie County Department of Senior Services brings together the programs, services and supportive facilities which help our 190,000 elderly maintain independence whenever possible. Established in 1971, the Department coordinates existing community services as well as plans, develops and administers needed programs and promotes new and better services for all persons age sixty and over.
As there are many agencies in Erie County willing and able to help older people, this guide is to assist you in finding the particular service you need. The Guide is made possible by funding from the New York State Office for the Aging and the County of Erie.
? ? ? QUESTIONS ? ? ?
CALL 858-8526 or E-MAIL seniorinfo@erie.gov
WEBSITE: www.erie.gov/depts/seniorservices
TTY / TDD: Use NYS Relay Service @ 711 or 1-800-662-1220 to reach any number in this guide.
Safety
For concerns regarding property or person, call one of the following:
- Emergency 911
- Crisis Services 24-hour Hot Line for crisis counseling, emergency mental health services, information and referral 834-3131
- Sheriff, County of Erie - General Information 662-6150
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Rental Assistance
For information regarding eligibility for rental assistance, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Belmont Shelter Corp. 884-7791; Southtowns Office: 312-8075
- Rental Assistance Corp. 882-0063
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Long-Term Living Arrangements
There are several options for long-term living arrangements with different levels of care and supervision. Call:
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Homelessness
For information on shelters or issues pertaining to the homeless, call:
- Crisis Services Homeless Hot Line 834-3131
- Lakeshore Behavioral Health Homeless Services Program 856-9711
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Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
An emergency response system can be installed in-home. With the push of a button emergency help will be summoned. For further information, call:
You may also request information from your local hospital or home care agency.
Check the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Medical Alarms."
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Grocery Delivery
Call for information regarding grocery delivery. (There is a fee for this service.):
- Super Saver Grocery Delivery Service 894-7990
- Tele Food Delivery, Inc. 897-3711
- For additional info., call Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Grocery Delivery List
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Dining Sites
Hot meals are served daily at noontime, Monday through Friday, at group dining sites for persons age 60 and over. (Spouses may attend.) For information call:
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Meals Delivered to Your Home
For meals to be delivered to homebound seniors and disabled persons, call the service nearest you:
- Meals on Wheels for WNY 822-2002
- Alden Meals on Wheels 937-9540
- Amherst Meals on Wheels 636-3065
- East Aurora Portable Meals 652-4858
- Grand Island Meals on Wheels 773-9682
- Kenmore-Tonawanda Meals on Wheels 874-3595
- Springville Meals on Wheels 592-7174
- Springville 592-2760
- North Tonawanda Meals on Wheels, Inc. (serves City of Tonawanda) 693-1663
- Southtowns Meals on Wheels: Boston: 941-3532; Colden: 941-6416;
Concord: 592-4946; Holland: 537-2037; Sardinia: 496-8843
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Food Stamps
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Consumer Questions
For concerns regarding fraud, false advertising, food inspection, etc., call:
- Better Business Bureau 881-5222
- Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, Inc. 854-1710
- Cornell Cooperative Extension (food safety) 652-5400 Ext. 128
- Dispute Settlement Center 883-5050
- Do Not Call National Registry 1-888-382-1222
- Erie County Department of Health (health related info.) 858-7690
- Medicare Fraud or Abuse 1-877-678-4697
- Neighborhood Legal Services (civil legal services only) 847-0650
- NYS Attorney General (consumer protection) 853-8404
- NYS Consumer Protection Board 1-800-697-1220
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Friendly Visitors & Telephone Calls
For homebound seniors who would like someone to visit on a regular basis, call:
- Senior Companion Program 882-0555 Ext. 118
- Also, contact local churches or community centers.
For regular phone calls to check on a person's welfare or offer a friendly chat, call:
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Information & Referral
For information on services, benefits, entitlements and other areas of concern to older persons:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Cancer Information Services 1-800-4-CANCER
- Catholic Charities 896-6388
- Central Referral Service 851-5555
- City of Buffalo Division for Senior Services 851-4141
- Community Action Organization 881-5150
- Crisis Services, Inc. (24-hour service) 834-3131
- Erie County Department of Health: Information 858-7690
- Erie County Department of Social Services 858-8000
- Erie County Office for the Disabled 858-6215
- Federal Information Center 1-800-688-9889
- Nursing Home (NYS Health Department) Information & Complaints: 847-4320
24-hour Hot Line 1-888-201-4563
- NYS Office for the Aging 1-800-342-9871
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Legal Counseling
Help is given without cost to seniors for problems with Medicare, Medicaid, Social
Security, grandparents' rights; in Buffalo, also for home ownership, landlord and tenant problems.
- Legal Services for the Elderly 853-3087
For low income people and for problems with SSI, Food Stamps, disability claims,
handicapped rights, family law, housing for homeless, and eviction matters, call:
- Neighborhood Legal Services 847-0650
For many other legal matters, call:
- Legal Aid Bureau (for information & referrals) 853-9555
- Volunteer Lawyer Project (referrals) 847-0662
- Lawyer Referral Services of the Erie County Bar Association (Initial consultation for referral to private attorney is $20.00.) 852-3100
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Utility & Energy Information
For a disconnect notice or other concern regarding utility bills, call the utility company first.
If the problem is not resolved, then call:
- Public Service Commission (PSC) (local) 847-3400
- PSC (all regulated utilities) (from 10:00am -4:00pm) 1-800-342-3377
- PSC (gas and electric emergencies) (from 7:30am - 7:30pm) 1-800-342-3355
For additional information or assistance, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
For problems with water bills, call the local Water Authority.
For information or assistance in paying heating bills, call:
- Senior Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Hot Line 858-7870
- American Red Cross (Nia Mo: Care & Share; NYSEG: Project Share) 878-2353
- Catholic Charities (NFG: Neighbor for Neighbor) 896-6388 Ext. 222
- Salvation Army (NFG: Neighbor for Neighbor) 883-9800
- Weatherization Referral And Packaging Program (WRAPP) 858-8526
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Finances
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Insurance Information
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Medicare Claim Information
Instruction on the completion of forms and information about medical claims, call:
- Medicare Part A: Hospital Claims; Medicare Part B: Doctor Claims;
- Medicare Part D: Prescription Coverage 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-633-4227
- Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program 858-7883
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Voting
- Erie County Board of Elections 858-8891
Please call for information regarding registration, absentee ballots, voting districts, etc.
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Health Care Information
- Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter 1-800-272-3900 or 626-0600
- American Cancer Society 689-6981
- American Heart Association 564-1100
- American Lung Association 691-5864
- Arthritis Foundation 626-0333
- Asthma Connections 1-888-799-7100 or 213-2100
- Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center 885-8318
- Deaf Adult Services 833-1637 (Voice) or 833-5234 (TTY)
- Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted, MD Center for the Visually Impaired 888-4500
- Erie County Dental Society 876-2115
- Erie County Health Department 858-7690
- Eye Care America National Eye Care Project 1-888-222-3937
- Medical Society of the County of Erie 852-1810
Look in the Table of Contents under "Self-Help" and "Support Groups."
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Community Health
Community Health Centers: Community centers provide medical care, social services, and are a resource for all types of individual needs within a neighborhood setting:
- Dr. Matt Gajewski, Human Services Center, County of Erie
1500 Broadway, Buffalo Health Clinic: 891-7711; Dental Clinic: 891-2005
- Erie County Medical Center
462 Grider St., Buffalo 898-3326
- Ellicott Neighborhood Human Services Center - Jesse E. Nash Health Center
608 William St., Bflo. Women's Health: 858-8422; Dental Clinic: 858-2198
- Hamburg Clinic, County of Erie
17 Long Ave., Hamburg Women's Health only: 649-6224
- Lackawanna Health Center, County of Erie
609 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna Women's Health: 823-0131
- Northwest Buffalo Community Health Care Center
155 Lawn Ave., Buffalo Primary Health Care and Dental: 875-2904
- Roberto Clemente Maternal and Child Health Center
104 Maryland St., Buffalo Women's Health: 858-8655
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Hospice Services
For services for the terminally ill and their families, call:
- The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care 686-1900
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Self-Help Groups
For help in dealing with chronic or life-threatening conditions or grief, call:
- Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter 1-800-272-3900 or 626-0600
- American Cancer Society 689-6981
- American Parkinson's Disease Association 1-888-400-2732 or 1-800-223-2732
- Blind Leading the Blind 835-6527
- Caregiver Groups
- Community Grief Center of WNY, Inc. 821-0042
- Diabetes Support Group 1-800-342-2383
- Epilepsy Association of WNY 883-5396
- Hearing Loss Association of America 875-1093
- Life Transitions Center 836-6460
- Mended Hearts (heart attack / disease survivors) 634-3631
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society 634-2573
- Parkinson's Wellness Group of Western New York 859-7565
- Recovery, Inc. (for former mental health patients) 694-0104
- Solos of WNY (for widows) 836-3182
- Stroke Groups Northtowns: 832-7116; Metro: 859-5600
- WNY Osteoporosis Resource Center 862-BONE (862-2663)
(For information on other Support/Self-Help Groups call the Department of Senior Services: 858-8526.)
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Developmental Disabilities
- Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled 883-8888
- Heritage Centers and Allentown Industries 856-4201
- People, Inc. 634-8132
- Aspire of WNY (previously United Cerebral Palsy Association) 505-5500
- WNY Developmental Disabilities Service Office 517-2000
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Adaptive Clothing & Equipment
Seniors with physical limitations or seniors who have difficulty doing every day tasks may be helped by adaptive devices or specially designed clothing. For more information, including local suppliers and numbers to call for catalogs, contact the Erie County Caregiver Resource Center. 858-8526
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Education for Caregivers
- Erie County Caregiver Coalition 858-6864
- Erie County Department of Senior Services' Speakers' Bureau 858-8081
- Caregiver Classes
- Also, check your school district's adult and/or continuing education programs.
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Errands / Chore Service
Neighborhood agencies may be able to offer help with household tasks (donations requested by some agencies). Call:
- Community Concern of Evans & Brant
6722 Erie Rd., Derby 14047 947-5025
- Concerned Ecumenical Ministry (CEM)
286 Lafayette Ave., Buffalo 14213 882-2442
- North Buffalo Community Center
203 Sanders Rd., Buffalo 14216 874-6133
- South Buffalo Community Association (serves South Buffalo and Lackawanna)
2219 South Park, Buffalo 14220 822-4532
- (See also local churches, Senior Citizen Centers and groups.)
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Mental Health Services
Mental health evaluation, assistance and / or information are available through:
- Buffalo Psychiatric Center Mobile Geriatric Screening Team 684-4972
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, Erie County Medical Center
(24-hour emergency psychiatric service) 898-3465
- Crisis Services 834-3131
- Erie County Department of Mental Health
- Jewish Family Service Geropsychiatric Assessment Program 883-1914
- Mental Health Association (Information & Referral, Advocacy) 886-1242
- Msgr. Carr Community Outreach Treatment Team 895-7718
- Volunteers are matched as mentors and special friends with individuals who are experiencing emotional problems and / or a mental illness:
Compeer of Greater Buffalo 883-3331
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Adult Day Programs
These programs may offer health, rehabilitation, mental health or social activities. For
further information contact:
- Amherst Adult Day Services (Social Program) 689-1403
- Aurora Adult Day Services (Social Program) 652-4269
- Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (Mental Health) 856-0363
- Catholic Charities Senior Day Program (Social Program) 896-6388
- Claddagh Day Services (Social Program) 947-5307 Ext. 325
- DeGraff Adult Day Care (Social Program) 694-7662
- Del-Nor Center (Mental Health) 885-9894
- Guild Care (Visually Impaired Health Program) 885-8041
- Town of Hamburg Adult Day Services (Social Program) 646-0255
- Lake Shore Family Center (Social Program) 934-2353
- Lord of Life Adult Day Health Center (Social Program) 668-8000
- People, Inc. Seniors Unlimited Adult Day Care (Social Program) 853-4500
- Respite
- St. Francis Geriatric & Health Care Services (Health Program) 862-2515
- St. Joseph's Day Training (Mental Health) 896-6038
- Schofield Adult Day Health Care Program (Health Program) 874-1566 Ext. 332
- Schofield Adult Day Health Care Program (Health Program at Sheehan) 819-9200
- Veterans Administration Medical Center Adult Day Health Care
(Health Program) 862-3244
- Weinberg Campus Adult Day Health (Health Program) 639-3311 Ext. 2490
- Weinberg Campus Garden Club (Memory Impaired Program) 639-3311 Ext. 2250
- Weinberg Campus Social Day Care (Social Program) 639-3311 Ext. 2453
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Victim Services
For assistance in finding supportive services after being the victim of a crime, call:
- Crime Victim Board 847-7992
- Victim Witness Assistance Program 858-4640
- Protective Services for Older Adults 858-6877
Call for services for victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Crisis Services Advocate Program: Offers 24-hour crisis intervention 834-3131
Call for services for survivors of family violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
- NYS Consumer Protection Board 1-800-697-1200
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Driver Safety Programs
- AARP Driver Safety Program (Completion of course may result in reduction of auto insurance cost.) 1-888-227-7669
- Driver Evaluation Program at ECMC 898-3225
- Driver Evaluation Program at DeGraff Memorial Hospital 690-2031
- Older Driver Family Assistance Help Network 858-8526
- Also, check your school district's community education programs, town halls and senior centers.
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Socialization & Recreation
Many services and activities are provided for seniors, including recreation and
socialization. For senior centers within Erie County, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- City of Buffalo Division for Senior Services 851-4141
- Erie County Department of Parks & Recreation 858-8355
- Passport to Wellness; Walking for Health for Adults 50+ 851-4052
- Senior Center List
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Recreation Permits & Discounts
- Golf: Rate reduction for Elma & Grover Cleveland courses for seniors 62 and over.
(Golden Age Permit) 858-8355
- State Parks: Use your NYS driver's license for parking discount. Info.: 278-1770
- Fishing license for Seniors 65 and over:
NYS Conservation Office, 270 Michigan Ave. 851-7000
- Federal Parks Golden Age Passport:
For information contact Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historical Site 884-0095
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Transportation
Door-to-door transportation service to health, nutrition, income maintenance, social services and other services that are identified as high priority may be obtained by calling:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services (Going Places Van) 858-RIDE
- Buffalo: Division for Senior Services (medical & grocery) 851-4141
- Rural: Aurora, Elma, Marilla, Wales: 652-2527; Orchard Park: 662-8378
- Boston, Brant, Colden, Collins, Eden, Evans, North Collins: 549-5098
- Concord, Holland, Sardinia: 592-0088; Clarence, Newstead: 741-9709
- Transportation for Medicaid recipients for medical appointments 858-4877
Wheelchair Lift Transportation:
- Independent Living Center (disability required; fee for service) 836-0822
- Erie County Department of Senior Services (Going Places Van). Wheelchair van service is limited to: Buffalo & Cheektowaga 858-RIDE
- NFTA Paratransit Access Line 855-7239
Private pay wheelchair vans are listed under "Wheelchair Transportation Services" or "Ambulette Service" in the Yellow Pages of the phone book; you may also call your local town hall or senior center.
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Health Care in Your Home
Many private, profit-making home care agencies exist in our community and may be found
in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "Home Health Services" or "Nurses."
For more information on home care, personal care or skilled nursing help in the home, call:
(See also "Nurses" or "Home Health Services" in the Yellow Pages of the phone directory. Other services may be available through local churches and town halls.)
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Handicapped Parking Permits
For handicapped parking permit information and application, call:
- Erie County Office for the Disabled 858-6215
- Office for Disabled Parking Permits (Buffalo residents only) 851-4204
- You may also contact your local township.
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Educational Opportunities
Educational opportunities are available at many colleges and high school districts' adult and/or continuing education programs at reduced or free tuition. For more information about classes, call:
- Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (computer classes) 858-7132
- Buffalo State College (Office of Continuing Education) 878-5907
- Canisius College (Adult Academic Services) 888-2850
- Daemen College 839-8228
- D'Youville College 829-8000
- Erie Community College - City 851-1166
- Erie Community College - North 851-1466
- Erie Community College - South 851-1666
- Hilbert College 649-7900 Ext. 211
- Houghton College 674-6363
- Medaille College 884-3281 Ext. 203
- State University of New York at Buffalo (Millard Fillmore) 829-3131
- Trocaire College 827-2411
- Villa Maria College 896-0700
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Volunteer Opportunities
- Compeer of Greater Buffalo 883-3331
- Meals on Wheels of Buffalo & Erie County, Inc. 822-2002
- Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) 858-7548
- Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) 878-2234
- United Way Volunteer Center 887-2690
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Case Work / Case Management
For information call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Protective Services for Older Adults 858-6877
- Geriatric Care Managers (www.caremanager.org) 1-520-881-8008
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Community Services
Community-based organizations provide a variety of services. Contact the agency closest to
home or the one that addresses specific needs:
- Catholic Charities Aging Services 896-6388 Ext. 222
- Cheektowaga Senior Services 686-3930
- Community Concern of Evans & Brant 947-5025
- Concerned Ecumenical Ministry 882-2442
- Deaf Adult Services, Inc. 833-1637 (Voice) or 833-5234 (TTY)
- George K. Arthur Community Center 896-1325
- Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action (Akron / Newstead, Alden, Wales) 542-2226
- Hispanics United of Buffalo 856-7110
- Kensington-Bailey Community Service Center 896-1325
- Los Tainos Senior Citizens Center 842-0172
- Love, INC. 592-3761
- Native American Community Services 874-4460
- North Buffalo Community Center 874-6133
- Northwest Buffalo Community Center 876-8108
- Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY 893-7222
- Schiller Park Community Services 894-5900
- Senior Outreach Services (Amherst / Clarence / Newstead) 636-3070
- South Buffalo Community Association (South Buffalo & Lackawanna) 822-4532
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Out-of-Town Aging Network
For information on agencies serving elderly out of Erie County, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
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Discounts & ID Cards
Identification cards can be obtained for discounts on goods, services, food, entertainment
and/or Metro bus/rail transportation. Call:
- Complimentary Card Program, Erie County Department of Senior Services
(65 years of age or over) 858-8526
- City of Buffalo Division for Senior Services (City of Buffalo residents 60 years of age or over) 851-4141
- Non-Driver ID Cards & Driver License from Erie County Auto Bureau 858-7450
- NFTA-Metro Reduced Fare Pass for the Disabled (no age requirement;
3rd Wednesday of the month) 855-7360 or 855-7650
- Time Warner Cable (65 years of age; gross income of $12,000 or less) 1-866-668-6044
- AT&T Lifeline Program phone bill reduction for persons meeting the eligibility requirements for entitlement programs (see Benefit Checklist ) 1-800-288-2747
- Verizon LifeLine phone bill reduction for persons meeting the eligibility requirements for entitlement programs (see Page 8) 890-7100
Many merchants offer discounts to seniors; please check with individual providers.
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Taxes
- Internal Revenue Service 1-800-829-1040
Call for federal income tax forms and assistance.
Property tax information and reductions, call your local Town or Village Assessor's office.
- In the City of Buffalo, call: Exemptions' Office: 851-4374; for Veterans: 851-4374
- Rebate for eligible homeowners and renters (NYS Form IT-214).
Call: Information: 1-800-225-5829 / Forms: 1-800-462-8100
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Employment
- Buffalo Employment & Training Center 856-5627
- Cheektowaga Employment & Training 897-7220
- Erie County Community College Employment & Training Center 825-2525
- Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc. 847-1120
- Experience Works, Inc. (previously Green Thumb) 282-7110
- Foster Grandparent Program 896-6388 Ext. 216
- NYS Dept. of Labor Community Service Centers Buffalo: 851-2600
Also: Williamsville: 634-9081
- Senior Companion Program 882-0555 Ext. 118
- Supportive Services Corp. Senior Community Service Employment Program 881-6350
- Supportive Services Corp. Senior Jobs Program 881-6350
- Town of Tonawanda Job Training Department 877-6279
- More Information
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