New York’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has committed a $3.5 million annual investment in FSS Programs across the State to support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) living at home with their families.

For the initiated, FSS, or Family Support Services, helps families who are caring at home for a relative with a developmental disability by providing aid to the caregiver, enhancing family stability and preserving family unity.

The Statewide FSS Committee has created an anonymous survey to help them better understand the need for additional FSS programs across the State in preparing for a Request For Proposals (RFP) designed to turn this $3.5 million into new FSS programs in 2024.

Families will only have a voice in allocating the funds in those regions with active Advisory Councils. Westchester, FYI, is the only remaining Council in Region 3, south of the Capital Region, and it currently has very few registered members.

If you live in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Greene, or Columbia counties, and you have a loved one living at home and want a voice in allocating these new monies, complete the attached forms, found at this link.