The Bob McCarthy Foundation and Interfaith Caregivers Inc., cut the ribbon to open the new Ellicottville Loan Center at 17 Mill Street. This new location will provide services locally and for communities in northern Cattaraugus County. Julie Hall the Executive Director of Interfaith Caregivers Inc, who provide these services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, & Chautauqua Counties, commented that servicing this wide area through a single location in Olean was not optimal. This satellite location expands their footprint to bring their service closer to those in need. Interfaith has been providing operating for over 40 years and have all of the systems and logistics in place to provide for an easy program roll out in Ellicottville. All services offered through this Loan Center are free of charge thanks to the generous contributions from their donors as they do not rely on any government funding.
In December, Mayor John Burrell and the Village Board approved the use of the vacant office in the DPW building to house this group. The storefront was renovated and outfitted with the necessary storage systems funded by the Bob McCarthy Foundation. All the loan equipment and supplies have been provided by Interfaith Caregivers to allow the Loan Center to open fully stocked and ready to service the community. The March 21st soft opening of the facility was done as close to St Patrick’s Day as possible to honor Bob’s legacy.
Coming on April 26th, from 4-7 PM they will be holding a volunteer social at the Town Center to provide information on the groups volunteer needs, programs and future goals. The Olean Loan center will hold the same social earlier that week.
Operationally Interfaith Caregivers will handle all incoming calls, client evaluation, equipment recommendations and set up appointments for pick up at either location. They have an established protocol and procedure with medical personnel who identify the need and suggest the proper supplies and/or equipment needed by our clients. While also handling equipment maintenance, sanitation and transportation to either loan center.
Ellicottville will initially start with the Medical Loan Center but intend to add their RSVP transportation services in short order as we put a volunteer network in place. We are soliciting local volunteers to help us provide the best possible services in our community, so please attend the April 26th social or contact any McCarthy Board member. For more information visit bobmccarthyfoundation.com or interfaithcaregivers.com
