Seeing thousands of advocates brave the cold, from every corner of New York State was a powerful declaration of solidarity that we, as a community, will not stand idly by while essential services are being eroded. The collective voices of individuals with disabilities, staff, family members and providers echoed throughout the stadium during the 90 minute rally. With candor and urgency, our speakers insisted that our federal representatives prioritize the well-being of those who rely on Medicaid. At the same time, asked for a commitment from our NYS Legislators to make the necessary investments in our services. Advocates stressed the need to pay staff a living wage, as well as increasing resources for services and programs. See media coverage from News 12 and LoHud.com

Medicaid is so much more than healthcare coverage – it is the lifeline that enables them to live with dignity, independence and critical supports for their physical, mental health and well-being. As our Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro shared in her remarks – “The time is now for our elected officials to recognize the difference between needs and wants. To know the difference between something that may enhance a person’s life versus something that protects and SAVES LIVES”.

Our Collective Power

The Rally in the Valley underscores our unwavering commitment to advocacy. We understand that our strength lies in unity. We are building a powerful advocacy block, uniting staff, providers, families, and allies associated with the disability and mental health communities. Our collective responsibility and call to action is: “If not us, who? And if not now, when?” The time is now.

Moving Forward: Our Commitment

Jawonio will continue to partner with our statewide leaders and collaborate with our sister agencies at all levels to ensure that Medicaid healthcare coverage remains intact and does no harm to our most vulnerable individuals.

CALLING ALL FAMILIES, ALLIES and ADVOCATES for Disability Rights – We need you!! Just a small amount of your time, talent and energy can lead to big change. Please help us and support our staff, who dedicate their professional lives in services to others, while at the same time many of our staff work two jobs just to pay the rent, put food on the table, and manage their households. They have two families to support: their own and their Jawonio family members in their care. As Nichelle Brown, (Jawonio Sr. Employment Counselor, Community Employment Services) shared “Without Medicaid we don’t get paid…and there’s no reason why anybody who provides services and support for the people we serve should be competing with McDonalds.”

All of us can do hard things to make a big difference. Do not think you are powerless. We are stronger together. Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world. Here are a few action steps you can take right now:

Find your Congressmember online or Call the House switchboard at (202) 224-3121 – share your personal stories and insist that they protect Medicaid. Send an online message to Congress using this LINK to Congress today!

Activate your notifications and curate your social media news feeds. Use keywords like “Protect Medicaid” “Medicaid” “Congress” “Disability Advocacy” and “Disability Events”. This will help provide dates, times and locations as to where your local, state and elected officials are hosting town halls or participating in disability events. Start by signing up at the ANCOR website for federal/state news and take action. For NYS issues, you can stay up-to-date on the  NY Disability Advocates website for NYS advocacy. 

Set up in-person visits to both your Federal and NYS Legislative district offices*. (Especially now, when the NYS Assembly and Senate are preparing their “one house” budget bills which will then go on to the Governor. The deadline to pass the NYS budget is April 1.

Follow* our sister agencies and state associations who joined with us at the rally on social media. This will help us communicated in a collective voice and build a powerful movement for change. (*Follow/Like Jawonio if you have not already on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In)

The Rally in the Valley was a testament to the power of community. It demonstrated that when we stand together, we can make a difference. Let’s build on this momentum and ensure that Medicaid remains a lifeline for those who need it most. We must protect and strengthen these essential services, ensuring a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s continue this conversation. Share your thoughts and experiences and let us know what ideas and suggestions you have and how are you contributing to the advocacy efforts to protect Medicaid. 

Thank you to the HVSP providers who worked tirelessly to engage their board members, staff, individuals, families and their own communities for this effort including: NY Disability Advocates, CP State New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation Abilities First Access: Supports for Living AHRC New York City Another Step Inc The Arc Rockland The Arc New York The Arc Westchester Constructive Partnerships Unlimited Community Based Support – Aged and Disability Care Services Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Gateway Hudson Valley New Horizons Resources, Inc , New Hope Community Services Independent Living Inc In Flight Inc, INSPIRE – THE CP CENTER Richmond Community Services Venture Together WIHD Wraparound Family Services

Finally, it takes a village to plan a large-scale event like this. Led by Audra Morrison and Diana Hess from Jawonio, we want to thank them and the team of volunteers consisting of: Jawonio board members, employees including our Maintenance staff and Cleaning Company. Everyone went above and beyond to ensure the success of this statewide event. Shout outs to Ramapo Supervisor Michael Hecht, Michele Antosca Town of Ramapo, Director, Parks and Recreation – could not have done it without you; to Karen McCombs, Jessica and Jim Houston, Jr, thank you for your help as part of the NY Boulders team; and to LCM247 for their stellar creativity and professionalism on this critically important project. Thank you to our elected officials for joining us at the Rally including Congressman Mike Lawler, Ellen Hendrickx, representing Congressman George Latimer; Senator Shelley Mayer, Senator Bill Weber and Assemblymen Pat Carroll and Chris Eachus; RC Executive Ed Day, and RC Clerk, Donna Silberman.

Stay tuned for details of Rally in the Valley 2026. Coming Soon.
Please email diana.hess@jawonio.org to get involved in our advocacy efforts.