SCAA Welcomes New President & CEO

ALBANY, NY -- The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (SCAA), a statewide nonprofit working to shape policies to improve health, welfare and human services in New York State, announces Kate Breslin as its new President and CEO. Breslin, who currently serves as Director of Policy for the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), takes the reins from Karen Schimke, who is retiring at the end of the month. A press release is here, and more press is here.

How Far Can We Go With FAR?: forum Powerpoints posted

SCAA and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services hosted a May 6th forum on Family Assessment Response (FAR) implementation in New York State, that included a national perspective, state history, and experiences from county pilot programs. See forum materials here.

Children in Health Care Reform: webinar
materials available

SCAA and Voices for America’s Children presented a webinar on how children fared in the federal health care reform law. See webinar slides here.

New ESOL Report

AN ACTION AGENDA FOR ESOL, a March 2010

report from The Center for an Urban Future,
builds on the 2006 joint SCAA report Lost In Translation, a report which found that while immigrants have been fueling the population growth of communities in nearly every corner of New York State, from Suffolk County to Syracuse, the state-run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program has not come close to keeping pace with demand. Immigrants are playing an increasingly important role in the economic life of New York’s communities, but today’s economy offers few opportunities for obtaining a job, let alone advancing in one, without at least some English proficiency.

download report

Be Counted In 2010

The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: Be Counted In 2010. The 2010 Census:

Determines the distribution of more than $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services.

Generates thousands of jobs across the country.

Impacts your voice in Congress.

Census data guides local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, housing, schools and more.

YOU can make a difference - fill out your Census questionnaire and mail it back, and urge your neighbors, family and friends to do the same!

Click on the icon to visit the Census 2010 website:

Read a March 9th USA Today article on how financially battered states get about 20% of their money from federal funds, so they're paying special attention to the Census this month.

New York Health Access Site Launched

The Empire Justice Center, The Legal Aid Society, and Selfhelp Community Services have announced the launching of a new website called New York Health Access designed for New York State health advocates, caregivers, and consumers. The website provides articles, guides and training materials on access to health care services and health insurance programs for low-income New Yorkers.