Donna, whose daughter Julia recently experienced a young negotiators program with a social worker through the Catholic Charities of Buffalo In-School Social Work Program (ISSWP), said the opportunity gave her the “chance to get to know her daughter better.” In turn, Julia said she feels like a “different person” and can “hold my ground more and I have more confidence.”
      
Catholic Charities ISSWP collaborates with 10 Catholic Diocesan elementary and middle schools in Erie and Niagara counties to provide a part- or full-time social worker to address any non-academic barriers to school success. This is the 12th consecutive year Fidelis Care has supported the program, recently awarding Catholic Charities a $403,850 grant to continue its commitment to make a difference in the lives of youth, their families and educators.

County Clerk Chris Jacobs and AAA Western and Central New York teamed up with AT&T, Erie County Sheriff’s Department and New York State Police to raise awareness for AAA’s 100 Deadliest Days for Drivers - the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen crash fatalities historically climb, the AT&T “It Can Wait” campaign and state distracted driving laws. Distracted Driving Awareness Day in Western New York was hosted May 3 at the Erie County Auto Bureau in the Town of Tonawanda, where young drivers, parents and all those that visited the auto bureau were educated about the dangers of distracted driving.

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If you spend a large portion of your day sitting, you're not alone. Inactivity is one of the key factors contributing to the nation's high rate of obesity and its related health effects. Research shows 50 to 70 percent of people spend six or more hours a day sitting, and 20 to 35 percent spend four or more hours a day watching TV.