Upcoming Events
Friday, March 12, 2027
9th Annual Family, School and Community Connections and Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event At Brocton Central School, Brocton NY!
This year's event is focusing on our children! Lots of fun things planned for our littles and youth who attend the event!
This event is FREE to everyone and will host over 80 providers of varying services who will be on site for the day to assist you in whatever way they can! The Alzheimer's Association of WNY will hold lectures throughout the day to help you understand and cope with dementia and the issues surrounding this diagnosis (Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, 10 Warning Signs of Dementia, Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors, Communicating Effectively, Supporting Independence, and New Advancements in Alzheimer's Treatments), Golisano's Children's Hospital will host a lecture regarding TBI's and concussions in children, National Fuel will host a lecture on home energy efficiency and give bags of items to help weatherize your home, Chris Rice of NYS Office of Mental Health will host a lecture on teen relationships and/or children's behavioral issues at home and school. There may be another addition to the lecture circuit for the day, but we awaiting a response from the invited speaker before we can publish that information!
Food trucks will be on site for breakfast and lunch purchases!
Mobile medical units, as well as various health related services, will be on site to conduct FREE services throughout the day!
The event will start at 8 a.m. and go through until 3:30 p.m. at Brocton Central School, 138 W Main St., Brocton NY, Friday, March 12, 2027.
This event will be updated as it gets closer!!!
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An article for the past March 13 2026 Symposium!
A Community Transformed: The 2026 "Mission Possible" Symposium
The spirit of collaboration was on full display at the 8th Annual Southwestern Independent Living Center, Inc. (S.I.L.C.) Family, School, and Community Connections Symposium, along with the Brocton Central School District Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event. This year’s event, themed "Mission Possible," proved that when a community unites, there is no limit to what can be achieved. Building on the momentum of receiving the prestigious 2025 Champions of Change Award from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), the partnership between the school district and the Southwestern Independent Living Center (S.I.L.C.) reached an inspiring new milestone.
The growth of this initiative has been nothing short of remarkable. What began in 2018 with just 25 service providers has evolved into a powerhouse of support and resources. This year’s symposium shattered previous records, hosting 87 service providers and highlighting 112 unique programs. The true success, however, was measured by the people: 429 attendees consisting of service providers, residents, and children filled the halls and gymnasium, engaging with vital services and connecting with their neighbors. To ensure that every member of the community could participate, the organizers even coordinated free transportation through CHQ Transportation, removing any barrier to entry.
In a historic addition to this year's lineup, the Chautauqua County Association of Educational Office Professionals (CCAEOP) hosted its very first professional development session during the day. Titled "The Secretary's Toolkit: Building Your Google Command Center," the workshop made history by welcoming 33 secretaries from across Chautauqua County. By focusing on streamlining digital workflows and mastering organizational tools, the session empowered these essential school professionals to return to their districts with a modernized "command center," proving that the mission of growth and excellence extends to every level of educational support.
The day also functioned as a hub of learning and empowerment for the general public. Expert-led sessions took center stage, offering invaluable takeaways to a hybrid audience of local attendees and virtual participants alike. Highlights included deep dives into VA Healthcare and veteran outreach, essential strategies for preventing identity theft and elder abuse, and heart-centered discussions on "Nourishing the Garden of Neurodiversity." The inclusion of youth peer support programs and transition services for students with disabilities ensured that every generation felt seen and supported.
Finally, the symposium served as a massive, one-stop shop for health and wellness. The presence of the University of Buffalo Health on Wheels, the Vet Center, and the Fidelis mobile units brought high-quality care directly to the school parking lot. Inside, families took advantage of free hearing tests, dental screenings, and retinal exams. Beyond just check-ups, the event provided tangible safety tools, such as children's safety equipment from Kaleida Health, and specialized genetic testing for autoimmune diseases.
As the "Mission Possible" symposium concluded, the message was clear: this event is more than just a resource fair; it is a testament to the strength of Chautauqua County. By bringing veterans, seniors, students, and professionals together under one roof, Brocton CSD and S.I.L.C. have created a blueprint for community care. This year's success serves as a powerful reminder that while the challenges facing our families may be great, when we work together, change is always possible.
A grateful thank you goes to our sponsors for this event: UPMC Chautauqua, Refresco, Brocton Boosters, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, M and T Bank Mayville, Kate Fryberger, Wegman's, and Prime Care Coordination! Your support was so greatly appreciated!
We Invite you to join us for next year's Family, School, and Community Connections Symposium and Brocton Central School Rural Mobile Medical Unit Health and Wellness Initiative Event scheduled for March 12, 2027 at Brocton Central School!
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