Judy Wroda

Judy Wroda, representing Southwestern Independent Living Center, has been chosen to speak at the International Short Break Conference that was to be held in Madison, Wis., the week of June 15.

Wroda’s presentation is titled “Children: The Forgotten Caregivers” and will focus on the role children play in the daily caregiving of elderly, as well as younger family members. Her speech will outline the unintended consequences children face when they become a caregiver, such as issues with their schooling, social development, discipline and familial relationships.

The conference will host speakers from 16 different countries. The purpose of the annual conference is to bring together professionals, caregivers, agencies and others so that new ideas can be shared, practices for caregiving developed or expounded upon and networking with other states, countries, agencies to attempt to build a foundation that supports and assists caregivers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

Wroda was surprised to be recognized at last year’s conference for her work within Chautauqua County. Lori Gerhard, the keynote speaker of last year’s conference, spoke of the efforts Wroda has made within Chautauqua County by developing the Service Providers of Chautauqua events, speaking at local organizations and schools, going to homes to assist families and individuals, and other outreach programs she developed.

One program that Wroda developed is the annual School, Family and Community Connections Symposium which was held last year at the Brocton Central School. During the Symposium, 39 service providers as well as 33 guest speakers shared information with schools from Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie Counties. The symposium will once again be held at the Brocton Central School on Oct. 23, 2020.

Wroda also developed the Service Providers of Chautauqua events to bring area service providers together to better assist local communities. Wroda looks for businesses, restaurants, churches and other places of business that will allow her to invite providers to come and set up tables for a few hours in an effort to have the community and the service providers get acquainted with each other.

Wroda has an office at Jamestown High School and Brocton Central Schools, as well as her office at SILC, 843 N. Main St. in Jamestown. Wroda has designated days each month where she goes to senior apartments, food pantries, community suppers and other events to visit with people and assist them in finding and applying for services they are eligible for.

Wroda’s position at SILC allows her to assist all persons, all ages, all incomes in and around Chautauqua County. Wroda has assisted persons as far away as Oregon, Las Vegas and Florida as well as those who reside in the state of New York. Wroda assists local hospitals, law enforcement, schools, individuals, and other agencies in, and outside of, Chautauqua County.

If you would like to learn about services, engage Wroda as a guest speaker, or if you would like to host a Service Provider’s event, please contact her at 716-450-3960 or at SILC, 716-661-3010.