ILGR

Press release:

Individuals with disabilities in Genesee County who seek to hone their job-hunting skills are invited to attend the free series of CAREERS training classes, sponsored by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR).

CAREERS stands for “Committed, Ambitious Reliable, Educated, Enthusiastic, Responsible, Successful.”

This series of classes teaches the necessary skills for securing employment. Location is 113 Main St. (at Center Street), Suite 5, in Batavia. They will be held on six Tuesday mornings, starting July 17^th.

Classes begin PROMPTLY at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30. The Agency stresses that attendance at all the workshops is vital to your success in the program.

Topics to be covered in the classes include résumé preparation; communication skills; online applications; interviewing; networking and more.  Participants will receive materials and skills to increase their chance of gaining employment.

Participants MUST pre-register to attend; to RSVP or get more information, please call Dominique Johnson at 815-8501, ext. 405, email him at djohnson@wnyil.org, or call Rae Frank, at ext. 406.

ILGR is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

In July, the premier consumer-run disability service organization serving Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), is resuming “The Wellness Hour,” a series of five FREE classes to help the whole community to live healthier.

Taking place from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday in July in the front lobby of the ILGR office, 113 Main St. (at Center Street), Suite 5, Batavia, the series of Informational talks is designed to expand participants’ awareness of tools that can promote wellness.

• July 3: Katrina Mogavero and Judy Hysek from Eden Café: 
Learn about the health benefits of a Vegan lifestyle while sampling some tasty treats.

• July 10: Schwab Farm Market and Nice Farms 
Will come and share the benefits of eating local fresh produce, fruits and pasture raised pork and beef.

• July 17: Vicki Wood from Young Living Essential Oils 
Learn about how cooking with Young Living essential oils can contribute to good health and will also bring her favorite recipe.

• July 24: TBA 

• July 31: Katrina Mogavero and Judy Hysek from Eden Café 
Learn about what a Vegan diet is and how it can promote a healthy life. 

ILGR stresses that the information shared is not intended to replace a doctor’s instructions. You should always consult with your physician or health care provider before beginning any new treatment.

While reservations are not required, so that we can plan, we would appreciate participants calling Michelle Whitmore to RSVP at 815-8501, ext. 409.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be holding a FREE series of Financial Workshops for the community on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for six-weeks, starting July 11.

You can select the topics that appeal to you, and do not have to attend all six.

They will take place at ILGR's primary office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, near Center Street, in Batavia.

Light refreshments will be provided, and participants will receive a small free gift for every class they attend.

THE TOPICS

July 11 -- Learn about checking and savings accounts

July 18 -- Changing your life through better money management

July 25 -- Jump-start saving on a limited budget

Aug. 1 -- Learn to read and clear up your credit report

Aug. 8 -- Financial planning

Aug. 15 - Caring for children with disabilities: the financial side

For more information, and to please RSVP by the day before the workshop you would like to attend, contact Jennifer at 585-815-8501, ext. 412.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has invited individuals from a number of local businesses and agencies to a “Lunch in the Dark” at the New York State School for the Blind (NYSSB) to experience lunch in a darkened environment in order to better understand eating and socializing with vision loss.

Taking place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th, at the School Gymnasium, 2A Richmond Ave., west of State Street, in Batavia, the event challenges the participants to dine using blindfolds as the only way to have a “total experience.” As a group, participants will discuss the best practices of making events with food more accessible, as well as strategies for eating with vision loss.

To encourage participation, Dibble Family Catering will offer a big spread: pasta with traditional red sauce, roast beef, honey-roasted turkey breast, chef salad, fresh rolls, coffee, tea, and dessert. The ticket price of $15 includes the meal, and some materials participants can take home.

After the meal, with the assistance of an ILGR staff person, they will have the chance to try out activities when blindfolded, such as using adapted devices.  Services of ILGR that may be useful to citizens who are visually impaired, such as the Medicaid Application Assistance Program, will be explored.

Members of the public who have not been formally invited are welcome to attend, if they preregister. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Once again, the Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) is gathering nominations of members of the disability community who have made ongoing, significant contributions, such as support, assistance and inspiration to others.

Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. Friday, April 13.

The winner will be honored with WNYIL's Independent Citizen Award at its Fifth Annual “Night for Independence" Gala on Saturday, May 12^th at the Classics V Banquet & Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.

Ideally, the nominee should meet the five core values of this award: 

• Exemplifying independence in the community, such as: by beginning a special project; by spearheading an awareness effort; or by gaining the support of decision-makers, for the benefit of others with disabilities or the general community;
• Going above and beyond what would be expected to assist others, by offering personal experience or expertise, organizing individuals around an issue, enlisting partnerships, and/or revealing self-sacrificing work;
• Remaining active in the community over an extended period, even after an initial success with an activity or major project;
•  Rejecting others’ criticism or doubt, that potentially could have deterred the individual from striving to reach and achieve personal goals;
•  Showing the world the value of one person’s actions by encouraging others to have a contributing, encouraging, and positive attitude about making the community a better place for all. 

If you are aware of an individual who has served those with disabilities, and who, you feel, would meet all these criteria, please contact Marykate Waringa of WNYIL’s Office of Community Engagement at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146; or email her with the candidate’s name, a paragraph about his/her qualifications and contact information, as well as YOUR name and contact information, to mwaringa@wnyil.org.

Thank you for your willingness to help acknowledge deserving members of our community! 

WNYIL is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives, in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.

Press release:

The fourth ARTiculations Ability Exhibition® -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on Tuesday, April 3.

Titled "Life, Lines & Light," it features the work of Beth Allen, DMV, a veterinarian and mental health activist, whose photographs of animals, plants and beautiful landscapes, mostly in Genesee County, depict inspirations from her own life journey.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through June 22^th.

The Opening Reception, is Friday, April 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, in Batavia. Allen will be handing out a few of the photo postcards she has created for sharing as Door Prizes at the Reception.

An amateur photographer who picked up the hobby from her mother, Allen found the "mindfulness" she employs when taking pictures to be soothing for her mental health issues, and useful in the support groups she facilitates, so she has dubbed the process "Mindful Moments."

Other artists with disabilities residing in the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations® planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

For more than a year, ILGR has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions® have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

For questions on the event, please call Bridget Mosman at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

In April, the premier consumer-run disability service organization serving Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), is resuming “The Wellness Hour” -- a series of four FREE classes to help the whole community to live healthier.

Taking place from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday in April in the front lobby of the ILGR office, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, Batavia; the series of Informational talks is designed to expand participants’ awareness of tools that can promote wellness.

• April 3rd—Jill Smith, Healthy Living in Batavia: 
  On screenings for cancer, such as breast and prostate cancers
• April 10th—Nicole Cummings, personal trainer:
  Be as fit as you can be
• April 17th—Laura Koepp, naturopathic doctor: 
  Using noninvasive procedures and natural remedies to promote self-healing; she is the author of "Broken: a Mother's Story," about her family's struggles after her daughter survives an auto accident
• April 24th—Chris Saraceni, M&T Bank:
  All about reverse mortgages 

ILGR stresses that the information shared is not intended to replace a doctor’s instructions. You should always consult with your physician or health care provider before beginning any new treatment.

While reservations are not required, so that we can plan, we would appreciate participants calling Bridget Mosman to RSVP at 585-815-8501, ext. 400.

All WNY Independent Living, Inc. services are accessible to persons with disabilities, including sign language interpreters and materials in alternative formats. To request a specific reasonable accommodation, please contact (716) 836-0822, ext. 126.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is seeking public-spirited citizens to spend a couple hours assembling bundles of materials that can be used to create artworks, to go to artists with disabilities.

The “Second Annual ARTcovz® Packaging Party” will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 31, at the ILGR office, 113 Main St. (near Center Street), Suite 5, in Batavia.

The Agency offers participants a light breakfast and the opportunity to make new friends, as they assemble: clay art packages; card boards, colored pencils and paint for drawing and painting; folding paper for origami projects; glue and binding materials for creating books, etc.

This is made possible thanks to the generosity of the North-Buffalo-based University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the arts.

UHAA has stocked an ARTcovz® self-serve kiosk of art supplies in the ILGR lobby since March 2016, which has included: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/ drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and art-oriented audio books on CD.

Having placed many ARTcovz® booths in public areas around Western New York, UHAA has partnered with ILGR to expand their outreach to people with disabilities.

While not mandatory to participate, those who plan to attend are encouraged to preregister, so there will be enough food on hand. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Bridget Mosman at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.  

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has long worked to assist residents of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (GOW) who are dealing with homelessness, through the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY). ILGR is pleased to announce that Dai Nguyen has joined their staff in the position of HAWNY Program Specialist.

For those who might be unaware of them, Nguyen is inviting representatives of human service or government agencies that are likely to encounter clients who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have problems securing housing, to an ongoing series of GOW Continuum of Care meetings.

These will be held on the third Thursday of every other month, from 10 to 11 a.m., beginning March 15^th.  Under HAWNY sponsorship, they take place at the Main Office of ILGR, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, in Batavia.

While the gatherings are primarily open discussions on the needs of the homeless, likely topics include updates on:

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Continuum of Care (CoC), a program designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness;
• The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a database that keeps track of homeless people;
• Rapid Rehousing, HUD's model for alleviating homelessness;
• Grant applications;
• Housing updates in GOW;
• Plus new events and services. 

In addition, attendees can get assistance with HMIS training, HUD procedures, and the multifaceted, non-for-profit PathStone's programs, so that their clients can access these services as soon as possible.

The third Thursday dates set for 2018 are: March 15^th, May 17^th, July 19^th, Sept. 20^th, and Nov. 15^th.

While encouraged, registering in advance is NOT required to attend. To RSVP or ask questions on the event, please call Dai Nguyen, at (585) 815-8501, ext. 417. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

The third ARTiculations Ability Exhibition -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on Jan. 19.

Titled "8 X 10," it features the work of Chris Humel, who uses intensely hued acrylics, to depict postage stamps and other mail-related themes. Twenty years ago, he cofounded the still-active band BC Psychos; he will be teaching a five-week course, “Cartoons by Kids” for young people 10 to 15, at GO ART! (Genesee-Orleans Regional Art Council) in Batavia.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the exhibit will be on display through March 29^th. The opening reception, featuring Humel on his guitar, is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan.19th at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, in Batavia. 

In Humel's own words, "I am a person with disabilities. I am 55 years old. I have been battling schizophrenia and related depressing problems for most of my life. My work is about breaking out of isolation and 'going postal' in a good way, by making contact with artists, writers and through the Post Office."

Other artists with disabilities residing in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

For over a year, ILGR has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions has “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smartphone.

For questions on the event, please call Patricia AbdusSalaam at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

There will be a FREE “Meet the Candidates” Day in Genesee County to enable Western New Yorkers with disabilities -- or anyone from the community -- to hear and discuss issues with some on the ballot in the November General Election.

WNY Independent Living Inc. will host those running for certain county, city and town offices. Whatever your political views, this is your year to get involved!

The Genesee County event will take place on Tues. Oct. 24^th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), 113 Main St., Suite 5, near Center Street.

Invitees include candidates for Genesee County District Attorney and Legislature, Batavia City Common Council (At-Large), and various other County and Town positions.

For those who wish to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided, but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them.  The location is fully disability accessible.

WNYIL Advocacy and Public Policy Director Todd Vaarwerk notes that those who achieve local positions now may be the State and National leaders of tomorrow. Get additional information at (716) 836-0822, ext. 101.

WNY Independent Living Inc. is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.

Press release:

If you’re in Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming counties, and have issues with dealing constructively with your anger, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will soon begin a series of FREE 12-week Anger Management workshops.

The group will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Sept. 19^th to Dec. 5^th, at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, in Batavia.

Facilitated by Independent Living specialist Debra McKnight, the purpose of this group is to help individuals with anger Issues using different Conflict Resolution Strategies to better manage and resolve conflicts in their lives.

It is open to individuals who are mandated by the courts or boards of parole, as well as the general public, and Completion Certificates will be issued to those attending all 12 sessions.

Participants MUST preregister to attend; to RSVP or get more information, please call Debra McKnight at (585) 815-8501, ext. 408, or email her at dmcknight@wnyil.org.  

ILGR is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

A Fourth Annual Taste of Independence food-sampling extravaganza is being held by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Taking place at Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia-Byron Road, Batavia, the event will offer guests a chance to try some signature dishes of the Genesee Region’s finest restaurants, plus a basket raffle and 50/50 split club.

The participating restaurants include: D & R Depot Restaurant, Sweet Sarah’s, Pizza Land, Lori’s Delectable Edibles, Tops Friendly Markets, T.F. Brown’s Restaurant, Rock & Roll Bar & BBQ, The North Pole Restaurant and Party House, Red Osier Landmark Restaurant and Wegmans.

Our thanks to non-restaurant event Bronze Sponsors: iCircle Services of the Finger Lakes Inc., Arctic Refrigeration Company of Batavia Inc., Henry J. Mager Scholarship Fund, Debra McKnight, and Thrivent Financial Action Team. Friend Sponsor: Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

Tickets are $15 and can be picked up at the ILGR office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. Space is limited! To R.S.V.P., become a sponsor, or get more information call Donna at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or email dbecker@wnyil.org.

Independent Living expects the event to increase awareness of its programs to help people with disabilities living in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties to remain independent and empowered, to which programs the funds raised will be directed.

Its services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, diabetes self-management classes, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing and employment assistance, Social Security and Medicaid assistance information and referral, and many more.

Press release:

The second ARTiculations Ability Exhibition -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on Sept. 5^th.

Titled “Faces and Places,” it features the work of two artists: Gary Appis, whose paintings depict rural landscapes and farm scenes; and Timothy Logston, whose detailed graphite portraits feature celebrities as well as the artist’s family members.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through Dec. 3rd.

The opening reception is on Friday, Sept. 8th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, in Batavia.

Other artists with disabilities residing in the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County areas are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

For more than a year, ILGR has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions has “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

For questions on the event, please call Emily Dale at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

Locating affordable, accessible housing has long been a crucial need of senior citizens and people with disabilities who wish to live independently in the community. In a concerted effort to address this concern, Office for the Aging of Genesee County and Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) are holding a FREE buffet-style Landlords’ Breakfast, to which owners who rent housing in Genesee County are invited.

We are “rolling out the red carpet” by holding the event at Terry Hills Golf and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street, Batavia, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31.

Landlords will have the opportunity to share applicant and tenant issues, and we will share information about the programs and wrap-around services we provide for renters.  For those landlords who generally see a high turnover rate, you can learn how ILGR can help to support your tenants, to encourage a more prolonged tenancy.

Those who plan to attend must pre-register, so there will be enough food on-hand. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411. 

This program is made possible through funds from the New York State Office for the Aging, NY Connects, the Older Americans Act, and the generous support of the Genesee County Legislature and Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, along with other community-minded partners, will be hosting an Employment for People with Disabilities Event, including a panel discussion of consumers who have found work, a Job Fair of potential employers, and a FREE breakfast!

This is made possible by Restoration Society Inc.’s ACE Employment Services, the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties, and the Genesee County One-Stop Career Center, with funding by a Grant from the Local Business Advisory Council. 

Genesee County: It will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday Nov. 15th at Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street Road, in Batavia.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8:30; the 9:15 a.m. Consumer Employment Panel includes: David Dodge, Todd Vaarwerk, Veronica Frost and Gail McKee.

They will discuss issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act barring disability-based discrimination in hiring, and the expectation that employers should make “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities, as long as they are not an “undue burden."

Employment seekers should bring their résumés, be “dressed for success” and ready to talk to hiring managers at the Job Fair, starting at 10:30 a.m. We will be recruiting employers to participate in the Fair up to the day of the event.  

For more specifics and to register to attend, contact Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411, or by email at dbecker@wnyil.org. A limited amount of transportation may be available; if you need it, inquire when you register. Pre-registration is required for you to attend, so arrangements can be made.

Press release:

There will be a “Meet the Candidates” event in Batavia on Tuesday, Oct. 25, enabling Western New Yorkers with disabilities, or anyone from the community, to hear and discuss issues with some on the ballot in the November General Election.

The gathering will host those running for Federal, State, County and some local offices. Whatever your political views, this is your year to get involved!

Time is 1 to 4 p.m. at Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 113 Main St., Suite 5, near Center Street.

Invitees from Genesee County included candidates for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, State Senate, State Assembly, Genesee County Court and Sheriff, City of Batavia Councilmen and Town Justice.

For those who wish to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided, but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them. The location is fully disability accessible.

Additional information is available from Todd Vaarwerk at (716) 836-0822, ext. 101.

WNY Independent Living, Inc. is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.

Press release:

The Third Annual Taste of Independence food-sampling extravaganza is being held by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Taking place at Batavia County Club, 7909 Batavia-Byron Road, Batavia, the event will offer guests a chance to try some signature dishes of the Genesee Region’s finest restaurants, plus a basket raffle and 50/50 split club.

The participating restaurants include: Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Amber Lantern Brewing Company, Arby’s, Batavia Downs, Big Pauly’s Pizza, Carter’s Restaurant & Bar, Chap’s Elba Diner, Cutaia’s Meat Market, D&R Depot, Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant, John & Mary’s, Kati’s Place, Lori’s Delectable Edibles, Main Street Pizza Company, Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill, Sweet Pea’s Cupcakery Café, T.F. Brown’s Restaurant, The North Pole, Waggin Wheel Restaurant & Lounge, and Yancey’s Fancy.  

Our thanks to non-restaurant event Sponsors, Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Dr. Bradford C. Berk, Dr. Coral Surgeon, and Stephen Hawley & Associates, LLC.

Tickets are $15 and can be picked up at the ILGR office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. Space is limited! To R.S.V.P., become a sponsor, or get more information call Donna at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or email dbecker@wnyil.org. 

New this year: ILGR is running a sign-spotting contest! A yellow, white and red Taste of Independence Contest poster will be moved among various stores and other locations in the greater Batavia area. If you are the first person to spot it at its current location and inform us where it is on Facebook (Independent Living-Batavia), you’ll win a free beverage at Tim Horton’s, and be entered into a drawing for a free ticket to the event!  

ILGR expects the event to increase awareness of its programs to help individuals with disabilities living in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties to remain independent and empowered, to which programs the funds raised will be directed. Its services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, transportation, Braille transcription, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing assistance, information and referral, and many more.

Press release

Beginning in mid-January, Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce that in cooperation with Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL), transportation services will be offered for people that are eligible for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities AND are living with a family member in Genesee or Orleans counties.

Qualified individuals will receive up to six round trips per month at no cost to a location of choice in the Buffalo / Rochester region.

A wheelchair-accessible van with a driver that meets Article 19A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law guidelines will be based at the ILGR main office on Main Street in Batavia. ILGR and WNYIL recognize that reliable, accessible and affordable transportation is a barrier for many families, especially in rural areas. This program will help eliminate that barrier.

Also in January, ILGR will offer transportation services on a fee-for-service basis for anyone with a disability. ILGR believes the availability of local accessible services will assist to serve the ever-increasing mobility needs of the local community.

If you would like to sign up for either program, you can call 815-8501, ext. 126.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four Core Services: Information and Referral; Peer Counseling; Independent Living Skills Training; and Individual and Community Advocacy.

For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.