On September 17, 2024, Leadership Cattaraugus participants gathered for a full-day immersive exploration of the diverse support systems available to residents of Cattaraugus County.
With the theme “Human Services Across the Life Span,” participants engaged in real-life scenarios, explored social service resources, and reflected on leadership moments that emphasized the importance of work-life balance and community care.
A Day in the Life: Navigating Human Services Scenarios
After a warm welcome and breakfast at Intandem, the cohort broke into small groups to participate in a series of challenging role-play exercises.
These scenarios, which spanned the morning, placed group members in the shoes of individuals facing significant life challenges:
- Scenario A: A homeless family navigating local resources
- Scenario B: A veteran struggling with PTSD and homelessness
- Scenario C: A single parent coping with behavioral issues in school
- Scenario D: A newly widowed stay-at-home spouse entering the job market
Each group rotated through these scenarios, engaging with human service agency representatives who guided participants toward potential solutions.
From accessing housing assistance to school counseling services, the exercise highlighted the complexity of navigating the human services system and underscored the importance of empathy and resource literacy in leadership.
Panel Debrief and Insights
Following the scenario sessions, participants gathered for a panel discussion featuring representatives from the agencies involved in the day’s activities.
This debrief provided valuable insights into the real-world challenges faced by local residents and the critical role human service providers play in addressing these needs.
Leadership Cattaraugus members—many of whom work for human service agencies—identified essential leadership skills that help providers serve the community effectively: empathy, communication, and building connections.
The group also discussed the stress many human services workers face as they strive to support others through difficult times.
“The success stories help get us through the hard days,” shared Susan Ostrander, one of the day’s team members and a program director at Total Senior Care.
Foster Care Awareness
Program day team member Jasmine Killingbeck from the Department of Social Services introduced Jesse Blakeslee, a 2022 LC alum, who provided an eye-opening presentation on the realities of foster care in the county.
He emphasized the growing need for foster families, sharing stories of children whose lives were transformed by caring adults. In the past year alone, the number of foster placements has nearly doubled—from 59 in 2023 to 100 so far in 2024.
Blakeslee also encouraged participants to consider fostering, noting that training for potential foster parents is provided by the county. Whether you are an older or younger adult, a working or stay-at-home parent, or a homeowner or renter, foster care or adoption may be a good option. Learn more about becoming a foster parent.
Leadership in Action: Work-Life Balance
Jason Miller, a 2010 Leadership Cattaraugus alum and the day’s mentor, delivered a Leadership Moment on achieving work-life balance.
Miller’s talk sparked a thoughtful group discussion about strategies to maintain well-being amidst personal and professional demands.
Exploring the Child Advocacy Center
Participants then traveled to the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center (STCAC) for a presentation and tour.
The center’s staff provided a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work they do to support children and families affected by trauma.
STCAC is designed to prevent further victimization of children by streamlining how agencies respond to abuse cases. Executive Director Dave Chambers shared the origin of advocacy centers, explaining how they began to prevent child victims from having to recount their trauma repeatedly to different authorities.
Today, the STCAC operates as a child-friendly space where more than 50 professionals from 16 agencies in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties collaborate to investigate abuse cases and provide services. Children tell their story once, and the cooperating agencies work together to act on it.
A Better Understanding of Our Community
Human Services Day provided participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing many people in the community and the importance of having strong, interconnected support systems. Through hands-on learning and meaningful discussions, the cohort left with a renewed commitment to serve others and lead with empathy.
Leadership Cattaraugus extends its gratitude to Intandem, the Child Advocacy Center, and the many local agencies that made this program day a success.
Special Thanks to the Human Services Day Team
Special recognition goes to Jasmine Killingbeck, Susan Ostrander, Donald Bentley, Caitlin Metler, and Kristen Everetts for curating a meaningful and impactful day.
A special thanks also to Jason Miller for his insightful leadership moment and to everyone who contributed their time and expertise.
Looking Forward
Would you like to learn more about joining Leadership Cattaraugus for the 2025 cohort? Contact us at contact@leadershipcattaraugus.org or apply!