News and Stories of Hope

Featured Program HHUNY

Remembering Jonathan Ard

This month’s Consumer Spotlight is dedicated to Jonathan Ard and the incredible journey he shared with those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Jonathan’s story is one of determination, family, perseverance, and meaningful victories. His accomplishments and the impact he made deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Jonathan was referred to HHUNY in 2025, and his care coordinator, Janelle, had the privilege of beginning that journey with him. When Jonathan first began working with his care coordinator, one of his biggest goals was simple but meaningful: he wanted to be stable and become more independent.

Jonathan worked closely with his care coordinator and the 1115 program to take steps toward achieving those goals. Together, they worked through applications and resources to help Jonathan secure stable housing for himself and his children. Jonathan’s children meant everything to him, and creating a safe and stable home for his family was incredibly important to him.

Jonathan also spoke very highly of his sister, Ann, who was one of his biggest supporters. The love and support of his family were clearly an important part of Jonathan’s life and his motivation to continue moving forward.

One moment that will always stand out to his care coordinator was the day Jonathan received the news that he had secured housing. Jonathan had just come from work, but instead of going home, he made a point of coming to share the news. He was so excited to tell his care coordinator that he had accomplished something he had worked so hard for.

Together, they celebrated that moment. Jonathan proudly said, “This is our victory!” And it truly was. Jonathan’s story is a reminder that success is not always measured by how far someone has traveled, but by the obstacles they overcome along the way. Jonathan worked hard, advocated for himself, stayed engaged with his services, and remained focused on creating a better and more stable life for himself and his children.

Jonathan passed away in June 2026. Although he is no longer here to celebrate the victories he worked so hard to achieve, his care coordinator feels strongly that those victories should not go unrecognized. Jonathan’s life touched those who had the opportunity to work alongside him. His determination, his love for his children, his appreciation for his family, and his willingness to work toward his goals will be remembered. Jonathan may no longer be with us, but his victories remain.

This Consumer Spotlight is dedicated to honoring Jonathan Ard, celebrating the progress he made, and remembering the person behind those accomplishments. His journey mattered. His goals mattered. His family mattered. And most importantly, Jonathan mattered.

Fortitude Award Honors Strength, Service, and Perseverance

The Deb Coble Fortitude Award stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Directions in Independent Living. This special honor celebrates individuals who rise above personal adversity and continue to serve others with compassion, courage, and purpose—embodying the very spirit of independence and advocacy that defines our organization.

Inspired by the remarkable strength of Deb Coble, the award was created to recognize those who demonstrate fortitude in the face of hardship. Deb’s own journey through recovery, marked by perseverance and an unshakable dedication to her work and the people she serves, set a lasting example for all of us. Her courage showed that even during life’s most challenging moments, purpose and service can remain steadfast.

This year, the Deb Coble Fortitude Award was proudly presented to Tammy VanEtten, Directions in Independent Living’s Facilitated Enroller. Tammy exemplifies the core values of this award through her resilience, professionalism, and continued commitment to supporting consumers, even while navigating personal challenges of her own. Her determination to show up, advocate, and serve with integrity reflects the heart of the Fortitude Award.

The Deb Coble Fortitude Award is a project of the Directions Wellness Committee, created to honor those who remind us that strength is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to keep moving forward. Through this award, we celebrate individuals like Tammy VanEtten—whose perseverance inspires our organization and reinforces our shared belief that compassion and purpose endure, even in the face of adversity.

Featured Program Transitions

Forging Future Skills

Directions in Independent Living (DIL) continues to empower individuals through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences—most recently through an educational visit by participants in its Transitions Program to the local CUTCO/KA-BAR facility in Olean.

During the visit, Transitions consumers gained an inside look at what it takes to produce a high-quality American-made product. Staff at the facility walked the group through key steps of the manufacturing process, highlighting precision, quality control, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship. Participants learned how raw materials are transformed into finished cutlery products and how consistency, attention to detail, and accountability play a critical role in maintaining a trusted brand. For many, seeing these concepts in action helped connect classroom learning to real-world employment expectations.

Directions in Independent Living is a consumer-directed nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities in achieving independence, choice, and full participation in their communities. Through advocacy, skill-building, and supportive services, DIL helps individuals identify personal goals and develop the tools needed to reach them.

The Transitions Program specifically focuses on preparing participants for greater independence by building life skills, workplace readiness, social confidence, and decision-making abilities. Community visits like the CUTCO/KA-BAR tour provide valuable exposure to local employers, reinforce the importance of strong work habits, and inspire consumers to envision future career paths.

Experiences such as this not only broaden knowledge but also build confidence and motivation. By connecting learning to real-world environments, DIL’s Transitions Program continues to open doors—helping consumers move forward with skills, insight, and a stronger sense of possibility