Community Resources
LIBRARY CARDS
Libraries provide story hours, free access to books, movies and music, and so many events and programs for the whole family to enjoy. With your library card, you have access to your local library and libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System. That means no matter where you are in Cortland County, you and your family can enjoy all that libraries have to offer.
Cortland County offers the Early Intervention Program (EIP) for infants and toddlers. The “Child Find” component works with infants and children who are “at risk” for developmental delays. The Early Intervention Program provides services to children who are suspected of developmental delay. The program provides treatment services to children who are eligible and their families. For eligibility requirements and program specifics, click learn more.
Check out Bridges for Kids to learn about the YWCA’s mentoring program, which matches a trained adult volunteer to a child between the ages of 5 - 12. To apply as a volunteer, complete this mentor application today. Be sure to check out the other fantastic programs and services offered by the YWCA.
Join Cortland Prevention Services with their Positive Parenting Program. This proven program gives parents of children 0 - 5 the tools they need to raise healthy children. This program offers support for parents who are facing child behavior challenges or transitions. After around four 15-30 minute sessions, parents will feel more confident in taking care of their children, their own health, and encouraging positive behavior. For more information, email Bailey Marks at bmarks@familycs.org or call (607) 756-8970 x254.
Homer youth orchestra
Homer Youth Orchestra is a wonderful opportunity for beginning students to learn a new instrument, and experienced students to play with a group. Ages 4-25 meet weekly on Sunday afternoons at the Center to learn and play music together. The program is free and music lessons and instruments are also available to participants at no charge.
Participants will be placed according to skill and confidence levels, but all will be able to participate. Homer Youth Orchestra meets on Sunday afternoons at the Center for the Arts.
EMAIL: AccessToArtsCortland@gmail.com to join!
Homer Youth Orchestra is organized by Access to Arts Cortland
Parenting wisely program
Parenting can be hard…but Parenting Wisely can help.
Now offering two courses: Young Child (ages 3-10) and Teen Edition (ages 11-18).
Parents will learn to assist their child in:
completing chores and schoolwork
communicating positively with family and friends
reducing negative behavior
Complete this program on your own time at home through videos and practice scenarios with the support of Cortland Prevention Resources staff!
Register now by visiting www.cortlandprevention.org/empower or by calling 607-756-8970 ext. 254 or emailing Bailey Marks, Prevention Specialist, at bmarks@familycs.org.
Learn about CAPCO and Head Start/Early Head Start, where low-income families can receive support for their child from birth to five. This comprehensive support for early childhood development helps to promote school readiness. CAPCO offers home based and center based options. Check out the online application here.
Visit the Child Development Council to help find child care, learn about the costs, available financial assistance, parent child services, quality care child care, and more. The Child Development Council has many services and offerings for families to take advantage of to help your child grow and develop healthily. You can also check out the YWCA’s child care offerings here.
Learn more about local food pantries and soup kitchens available across Cortland County through 211. Also, learn more about Seven Valleys Health Coalition’s Produce Prescription Program, which provides participants with free produce for their families.
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)
The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program seeks to improve the system of care for children and youth with special health care needs from birth and up to 21 years of age and their families. The Program helps to shape public policy so families can get the best health care for their children. Fill out this questionnaire for a referral to the CYSHCN program.