Information about NY Connects

There are programs in Greene County that can assist with home repairs and maintenance. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) assists with individuals by addressing health and safety issues in their homes through energy-efficient measures. Requests for more information about these programs can be made to the Greene County Department of Human Services.

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Our goal is to provide the best solution to keep you and your family comfortable. A personal care aide typically assists individuals with in-home or out-of-home assistance such as hygiene, basic medical services, and other routine tasks. NY Connects can provide your loved one the help they need to stay independent.

Senior Apartments

The Pines at Catskill Center for Nursing and Rehab
154 Jefferson Heights
Catskill, NY, 12414
518-943-5151

Assisted Living Locations:

The Eliot at Catskill
122 Jefferson Heights
Catskill, NY 12414
(518) 943-7100 

The Eliot at Catskill
122 Jefferson Heights
Catskill, NY 12414
(518) 943-7100 

Home Sweet Home of Athens
71 Second Street
Athens, NY 12015
(518) 945-1673

For more information, please call the Department of Human Services in Greene County. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

We owe a lot to the men and women who have served our country. New York State offers many services for veterans including healthcare and education. 

For more assistance on how New York State can assist Veterans, please contact the Department of Human Services. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Your identity shouldn’t be a barrier for maintaining your overall health and NY Connects provides services that can help people. 

If you or someone you know is looking for healthcare related to LGBTQ+ services, please contact the Department of Human Services for more information. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. It is a temporary care solution for you, and your loved one. For whatever reason a caregiver needs a break, respite care should give the caregiver peace of mind during:

• Vacation
• Personal Time
• Doctor’s appointments

Caring for a loved one is often a job that a family member does willingly. It can be demanding physically and mentally and sometimes overwhelming. A Respite Care worker can provide temporary relief from care giving. 

Adult Day Programs can also be helpful when a caregiver needs temporary relief. 

Home Sweet Home on the Hudson, Inc.
38 Prospect Avenue
Catskill, NY 12414
(518) 943-5701
Fax: (518) 943-5033

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) assists adults who are at least 60 years old who need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and personal care.

This program also helps with Independent Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as shopping, cooking, for those who want to remain at home. 

Who is Eligible? 

• Individuals who are at least 60 years old
• Those in-need of assistance with an Activity of Daily Living (ADL)
• Those in-need of assistance with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living 
• Able to be maintained safely at home
• Not be a Medicaid recipient

An essential part of the EISEP program is case management. The program’s case managers utilize standardized screening elements to identify needs and wishes of eligible individuals. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Nursing Homes provide the highest level of long-term care for older adults outside of a hospital. Nursing homes protect the health and safety of their residents with nursing care from registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) 24 hours a day.

Nursing Homes provide assistance with daily living such as:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Using the toilet 
• Personal hygiene 
• Housekeeping
• Laundry service
• Recreational Activities
• Therapy including Physical, Speech, or Occupational
• Dental services
• Mental health services
• Dietary aid 

Nursing Home Locations

EDDY Visiting Nurses Association
159 Jefferson Heights 
Suite D301
Catskill, New York 12414
518-943-5530

Visiting Nurses Home Care 
159 Jefferson Heights 
Suite 302
Catskill, New York 12414
518-943-2270

Companion Care
Hearthstone Care
1187 Route 23A
Catskill, New York 12414
518-678-2030

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helps low-income New Yorkers pay their energy bills from mid-November through March. If your energy bills are becoming too expensive and your source of heat is 

• Electricity 
• Propane 
• Natural Gas
• Wood/Wood Pellets
• Oil
• Kerosene
• Coal
• Corn

To be eligible for HEAP, applicants must be US citizens, qualified aliens and meet HEAP Income guidelines. HEAP benefit amounts will vary based on house hold income and may be available even if your heat is included in your rent. 

Federal Income Eligibility guidelines are subject to change, please contact the Department of Human Services for more information.

SNAP Benefits

When things get tough, NY Connects has Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that can provide healthy food for you & your family.

NY Connects provides financial support for families who qualify based on household size and gross income. If you are interested in seeing if you and your family qualifies, please contact the Department of Human Services. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

EmPower New York provides no-cost energy efficient solutions to income-eligible individuals. Whether you rent or own your home, a participating contractor will be assigned to help assess your home for free energy upgrades. 

Professional Services:

• Home energy assessment to identify areas of possible energy improvements
• Tips on how to save energy
• Installation of high-efficiency lighting
• Attic and wall insulation
• Replacement of old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers
• Water-saving showerheads

Please call the Department of Human Services to find out if you are income-eligible. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Every summer from July to August, the New York State Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides a booklet containing $20 worth of checks to low-income Greene County senior citizens.

Please contact the Department of Human Services to see if you’re eligible to receive a coupon booklet. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Community dining or Congregate Services are available Monday – Friday at specific locations in Greene County. Transportation may be available for those who need help getting a meal. 

Each senior center in Greene County services a hot lunch around noon, Monday through Friday. 

All meals include:

• Hot Entrée
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Dessert
• Bread & Butter
• Low Fat Milk
• Coffee and Tea 

Please call at least one day ahead to help us ensure a lunch county. A suggested contribution will be asked for each meal; however, no one will be denied due to the inability to contribute.

Community Dining Centers:

Acra Senior Nutrition Meal Site
Acra Community Center
Old Route 23B
Acra, New York
518-622-9898

Catskill Senior Nutrition Meal Site
Robert C. Antonelli Senior Center
15 Academy Street
Catskill, New York
518-943-1343 

Coxsackie Senior Nutrition Meal Site
Town of Coxsackie Senior Center
127 Mansion Street
Coxsackie, New York
518-731-8901

Jewett Senior Nutrition Meal Site
Jewett Municipal Building
Route 23C
Jewett, New York
518-263-4393    

Rivertown Senior Center
39 Second Street
Athens, New York 
518-945-2700

Nutritional deficiencies can be caused from illness, poor nutrition history, and even medication use. Adequate nutrition plays a central role in keeping us and our family healthy. It benefits your mental and physical health as well as your well-being.

To qualify for meals, education, counseling, and special presentations: 

• You must be 60 years of age or older

Home-bound clients can have their meals delivered directly to their homes. Find out how you may qualify for a consultation and/or assistance from a registered Dietitian through your local Department of Human Services.

Home delivered meals are available for those who need it for a short or long period of time. Nutritious, and balanced meals are an essential part of staying healthy, mentally and physically. Greene County residents who can’t prepare their own meals are brought healthy meals to their residence, up to five days a week. 

Our registered dietitian can help anyone eligible with questions about diabetes, weight gain or loss, and nutrition counseling for healthy eating. This is a referral based program.

Eligible Participants are: 

• Greene County Residents who are 60 years or older. 

To Apply: 

• Call the department of Human Services
• Ask to make a referral for yourself 
• Make a referral on behalf of a senior who is in-need 

What is the cost?

There is no charge for the meals but each participants is encouraged to make a voluntary contribution. These contributions will help continue this program. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Homebound Medical Transportation

The Greene County Department of Human Services provides Medical Transportation, courtesy of a volunteer driver for Greene County residents who are 60 years or older who do not have other available options for transportation to medical appointments and are not covered by Medicaid.

All medical appointments must be scheduled as followed. 
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. 

We require clients to call our office at least two weeks prior to the appointment so the accommodations can be scheduled accordingly. 

All medical transportation for clients will be restricted to four times a month. 

Shopping Bus Transportation

The Greene County Department of Human Services offers a shopping bus to Greene County residents age 60 or older that live in the following towns. 

• Ashland 
• Athens
• Cairo
• Catskill
• Coxsackie
• Greenville
• Hunter
• Jewett
• Lexington
• Prattsville
• Windham

Our driver will pick up seniors at their door, bring them to Catskill for shopping and take them to a local Senior Center for lunch before returning home. 

Our buses are wheelchair accessible but have limited seating up to 16 people. To make arrangements, please call at least one business day in advance. 

Greene County Transit

Greene County Transit, (GCT), system offers safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation throughout Greene County. 

Daily rides are available in the following towns: 

• Athens
• Cairo
• Catskill
• Coxsackie
• Greenville
• Palenville

Please note: Weekly service is available to the areas of Hunter, Tannersville, and Windham. 

To see if you are eligible for a full subsidized Greene County Transit ride, please contact the Department of Human Services in Catskill. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

All too often, mental health problems are under-identified by health-care professionals. Without realizing it, you or your loved ones could be at risk for developing mental disorders.

There are resources and programs available for individuals to find help with mental health. 

Greene County Mental Health
905 Greene County Office Building
Cairo, NY 12413
(518) 622-9163

Please call the Department of Human Services for more information.

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is available to Greene County residents with Medicare as their health insurance. Greene County provides certified counselors to help you make informed decisions regarding health insurance and related issues. 

Services Provided: 

• Interpret Medicare Part A, B, C, and D and explain their benefits.
• Assist with Medicare reviews and/or the appeals process. 
• Explain the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help.
• Help to prevent fraud and abuse.
• Help compare private insurance company policies including HMO’s, Medicare Drug Plans, and Supplemental insurances. 
• Provide information regarding the the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) and help apply
• Make referrals to supporting agencies, if needed.

There is no cost for this service, however contributions for receiving assistance are accepted. Appointments are required. Please contact us to schedule your appointment today.

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

Personal Emergency Response Systems are medical alert devices that help seniors stay independent in their own households. You will have peace of mind knowing medical attention can be contacted with the push of a button. 

The Greene County Department of Human Services provides customer service, reliable monitored support, and advanced equipment so you or your loved ones are only a press away from help. 

Learn how the Department of Human Services in Greene County can help give you or your loved ones a better peace of mind with a personal emergency response system. Find out if you’re eligible today.

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

When you volunteer in Greene County, you’re not just helping others, you’re helping yourself. The high number of senior volunteers and their level of commitment make them an essential resource in meeting critical community needs. Senior Corps and the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects today’s 55+ population with others that need  them the most. 

RSVP Volunteers Requirements: 

• Must be 55 years or older
• Willing to serve on a regular basis 

All volunteers will receive pre-service orientation and training from your volunteer station. RSVP Volunteers will not be paid any wage or stipend, but can be reimbursed for mileage expenses. 

Department of Human Services volunteer Opportunities:

• Homebound Meal Delivery
• Telephone Reassurance
• Rivertown Thrift Shop
• Homebound Transportation 
• Congregate Meal Site Volunteers
• Crafters’ Groups

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Greene County: 

• AARP
• The Athens Cultural Center
• Catholic Charities
• Community Action of Greene County
• Community Hospice 
• Greene County Chamber of Commerce
• CREATE (Formerly known as Greene County Council of the Arts)
• Libraries: D R Evarts in Athens, Heermance Memorial in Coxsackie, and Cairo Public Library
• Nursing Homes: Greene Meadows & The Pines

If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a volunteer member, please fill out our registration form by clicking here. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

The Greene County Department of Human Services provides Legal Services for persons who are 60 years and older through a contract with a private attorney. The attorney is available at the Department of Human Services in Catskill on Thursday mornings by appointment only. 

Please call to make an appointment. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555

The Youth Bureau is a department in local government that funds and assists in both the development and implementation of programs and services for children and young people under 21.

Our major responsibilities include advocacy and the funding of programs aimed at improving and enhancing the welfare of Greene County children, youth and families. The staff is always available to work with citizen groups and organizations on issues concerning youth. 

Please call the Department of Human Services for information regarding Youth Services. 

For more information, contact: 1-518-719-3555