NY Connects Program Receives County E-MDT's Service Award

The Chautauqua County NY Connects program was honored this week with the Chautauqua County Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team's (E-MDT) 2026 Service Award in recognition of its commitment to serving older adults, caregivers, and vulnerable residents throughout the county. The award was presented during the county's recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mike Lee, who represents the Center for Elder Law & Justice in Chautauqua County, who presented the award, says the program is a lifeline for older adults...

Mike Lee: lifeline to older adults

County Office for Aging Services Director Dana Corwin says the recognition reflects the dedication of staff members who work behind the scenes every day to help residents navigate complex situations...

Dana Corwin: stepped to the need

The NY Connects team includes Coordinator Bridgette Paoletta, Aging Services Aide Rebecca Byczynski-Bradley, and staff members Jennifer Beal, Karie Jurczak and Brenda Rodriguez. The Chautauqua County Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team brings together professionals from aging services, Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, legal services, health care, mental health, and other community organizations to address complex cases of elder abuse through coordinated intervention and support.

Pictured, from left to right: Office for Aging Services Director Dana Corwin, Rebecca Byczynski-Bradley, Karie Jurczak, Brenda Rodriguez, Bridgette Paoletta, Mike Lee, County Executive P.J. Wendel. Not pictured is Jennifer Beal. Photo by Chautauqua County Government