News and Stories of Hope

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 COMPEER

Friendship and Fun

The spirit of Halloween was alive and well during COMPEER’s annual Halloween party, where members came together for an evening filled with creativity, laughter, and connection. The event featured pumpkin painting, Halloween cookie decorating, and a lively costume showcase that brought out everyone’s imagination.

Participants competed for fun prizes, showing off everything from spooky outfits to silly and inventive designs. The laughter and friendly competition made it a night to remember for all who attended.

At its heart, COMPEER is about building friendships and strengthening community connections. The program pairs individuals living with mental health challenges with caring volunteers, fostering companionship, understanding, and emotional support. Through social gatherings like this Halloween celebration, members can form meaningful relationships that help reduce loneliness and promote mental wellness.

Events like the Halloween party not only bring smiles and laughter but also embody the mission of COMPEER—to create a supportive network where friendship and acceptance thrive. These gatherings give participants the opportunity to express themselves freely, try new activities, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Featured Program Dwyer Veterans Peer to Peer

Strengthen bonds, promote wellness, and foster lasting friendships!

On October 7th, the Cattaraugus County Dwyer Veteran Program wrapped up its golf season with one final outing at Cardinal Hills Golf Course in Randolph, NY. Although the forecast called for rain, that didn’t stop a dedicated group of veterans from coming together to enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, laughter, and friendly competition.

What began back in April 2025 as a small gathering of just two participants and Dwyer Coordinator Brian has grown into a much-loved monthly event, drawing between 16 and 20 veterans each time. The outings were intentionally designed as veteran-only events, giving participants a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences while exploring different golf courses across the county.

Over the months, the group visited a variety of local courses, each offering new challenges and memories. As the season came to a close, veterans voted Cardinal Hills as their favorite stop of the year—making it the perfect choice for their final round.

Beyond the sport itself, these golf outings became a powerful way to strengthen bonds, promote wellness, and foster lasting friendships. The Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Program is proud to provide opportunities like these that help veterans connect, heal, and thrive—one swing at a time.