WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS IN 2026

As affordability challenges and skyrocketing costs threaten staff, families, health coverage, and the stability of our care system, CBS, Jawonio, and 35 partner providers expect federal and state elected officials to be true partners; to advocate, protect Medicaid, invest in the workforce, ensure access and dignity.

The challenges facing Community Based Services this year, along with our sister agencies in New York State are undeniable. Inadequate funding, increasing operational costs, and the growing needs of the communities we serve are putting immense strain on our ability to deliver vital programs and services.

CBS is taking a stand. We believe that state leaders have a responsibility to adequately fund the critical work of nonprofit providers like ours, particularly those serving individuals with special needs.

Your participation and advocacy is crucial.

That’s why we’re urging you to join us at our March 13th Rally in the Valley at Rockland Community College Field House. Held at 145 College Road in Suffern, NY, this will be an indoor event.

 This is our opportunity to:

• Amplify our collective voice: Thousands of advocates from more than 20 of our sister agencies, together, will send a powerful message to Albany that non-profit providers are essential service providers and must receive sustainable funding.
• Demand equitable resources: We need to ensure that funding reflects the true cost of providing high-quality services and supports for individuals with special needs.
• Advocate for policies that empower our communities: We will push for policies that strengthen our agencies.

  • A 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase – Without additional funding to meet inflation, Medicaid reimbursement will continue to lag behind costs, leaving non-profit agencies unable to fairly compensate direct support professionals (DSPs), maintain utilities, transportation, food, insurance, housing, and more.
  • CareForce Affordability Initiatives – Key proposals include establishing incentives to expand housing opportunities. Additionally, funding for childcare centers, expanding the NYS Child Tax Credit for human services workers, and increasing healthcare coverage funding will help address the affordability challenges the workforce faces.
  • Infrastructure and Care System Investment – Strengthen the care system through targeted investments that modernize facilities serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Every voice matters. Let’s show the Governor and our NYS elected officials the strength and determination of our workforce, individuals we support, families and the larger communities here in the Hudson Valley and across NY State. Let’s demand the support we need to continue serving our children and adults with excellence. 

RSVP Here: Rally in the Valley

Finally, we ask that you share this article and registration information via link through email or on your social media. For additional information, or to get involved, please email: Diana.Hess@jawonio.org

Thank you Jawonio and to our rally co-sponsors:

Abilities First, Access Supports for Living, Adapt HV
AHRC Nassau, AHRC NYC, Another Step
The Arc New York, The Arc Rockland, The Arc GHVNY

The Arc Westchester, Birch Family Services
The Center for Discovery, Coordinated Care Alliance
CP State, CP Unlimited, CP Unlimited HV, CP Westchester

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Gateway, Greystone
Independent Living Inc, InFlight, Inspire CP, New Hope Community
New Horizons, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation

Opengate, Richmond Community Services, St Dominic’s
UCP Nassau, UCP Suffolk, Venture Together
WIHD, Wraparound Services, YAI