Family Resource Program
The Family Resource Program supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing family-centered services. From respite programs and parent informational resources to programs that help people reach their goals at home and in the community, these services 
promote individual choice, independence, and community participation. They are provided in the individual's home or in a community setting through two avenues: Home and Community Support Based Services and Family Support Services.
Home and Community Support Based Services
These family-centered services are designed to promote individual choice, independence, and community participation. They are available to applicants who have Medicaid or who meet the requirements of the Medicaid Waiver and meet the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) criteria. Service opportunities include:
Day Services Individuals are supported as they explore their communities, fostering independence and choice through participation in skill building activities outside the home such as shopping, banking, use of public transportation and the making of new friends.
In-Home Services Independence is fostered at home through skill building activities such as housekeeping, food preparation, personal care and safety, reading, writing and playing games.
Waiver Respite Caregivers are provided a break from their role of primary support of an individual with developmental disabilities. Waiver Respite is through three different avenues:
At Home Waiver Respite - Care is provided in the home to give relief to the primary caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Overnight/Evening Respite - Small groups of individuals with developmental disabilities can spend the night or participate in an evening recreation program with peers at a community location.
RRAP: Racker Respite Afternoon Program (Tompkins County ONLY) Individuals attend an afternoon program at TST BOCES to give caregivers a break from their role of primary support and care provider.
These family-centered services extend the opportunity for education, support, and respite to people playing a key role in the life of their family member with a developmental disability. The programs below are available to individuals who meet the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) criteria. Unless otherwise indicated, programs are available in Tioga, Tompkins and Cortland Counties.
Equal Partners Project (Tioga and Tompkins Counties ONLY) provides training and consultation to parents of children with disabilities on how to be actively involved in their child's education and build strong partnerships with teachers and schools.
Family Resource Fund (Cortland County ONLY) offers financial assistance to meet urgent special needs, for which no other funding is available.
Friendship Network (Tioga and Tompkins County ONLY) creates opportunities for individuals to develop relationships by supporting involvement in areas where they can meet people with whom they share common interests. Friendship Network works with community groups to promote independence, foster participation, and build a neighborhood where everyone is a valued member.
Parent Network (Cortland County ONLY) gives parents opportunities to share information and hear speakers on a wide variety of topics related to disabilities.
Tioga and Cortland County Recreation Respite Program trained staff work with local community resources to provide safe, fun, free activities for individuals while providing several hours of respite for their families.
Respite Programs Temporary care is provided to a family member to allow parents or guardians the opportunity to pursue other interests. Both of the options below offer funding assistance to help cover the cost of the services.
Rest-A-Bit furnishes a list of trained providers available to support families.
Family Partnership allows the family to use a person of their choice.
Supporting Success: Strength Based Approaches for Challenging Behaviors offers consultation and training services by a Behavior Management Specialist who works with individuals with behavioral challenges and their families to foster increased opportunities for success.
