The Mid-Hudson Valley Benefits Advisory Group (BAG) has been successful in its first year as a stand-alone benefits networking conference in Dutchess County for human service professionals to share their expertise and resources. BAG meetings are held bi-monthly on 3rd Fridays in 2020: February 21, April 17, June 19, August 21, October 16, December 18, from 2-4PM.
TRI’s Mobility Benefits Counselor, Mandi Sheraden formed the group in August of 2019 as a way for community partners to stay up-to-date with ongoing changes to local county, state, and federal programs. “BAG participants have the opportunity to share resources and information in order to guide and assist the people we serve,” says Sheraden. “If you are not able to travel out of county, we encourage you to start a BAG meeting in your own community and reach out to the entire BAG network to build support and momentum,” she adds.
BAG participants share a wide variety of relevant topics, and schedule presenters who are experts in their field. Topics include: Social Security Administration’s SSI and SSDI programs, Department of Community and Family Services programs, Medicaid/Medicare, Special/Pooled Trusts, and ABLE accounts. Group members and participants work together to connect each other to community and/or governmental resources to better assist the people they serve.
Those interested in attending upcoming BAG meetings should contact Sheraden at least two days in advance of meetings at: 845.452.3913 or m.sheraden@taconicresources.org. Special accommodations need to be requested two weeks in advance. Light refreshments are provided.
Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) was founded in 1986 and is Dutchess County’s leading disability advocacy organization, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives. TRI works within the community to provide disability awareness and advocacy for the removal of barriers.