Mary Cariola Children’s Center of Rochester, New York

Mary Cariola Children's Center provides evidence-based solutions in education and life skills development for children and youth with complex disabilities.

Mary Cariola's Medicaid Service Coordination program (MSC) assists children and youth from age 3- 21 who live in Family Care, Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA), or their own home. For many active MSC participants, this program is their only involvement with Mary Cariola Children’s Center (MCCC). There are currently four full-time Medicaid Service Coordinators that serve more than 100 individuals and families.

The MSC program is a Medicaid state plan and is clearly defined by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Eligibility requirements are very specific and are closely monitored. MSC is the active assistance offered to people as they navigate the community and various service systems in pursuit of their personal goals. OPWDD provides services directly and subcontracts with organizations such as ours. MSC offers individuals and families services that are tailored to specific needs.

Services and support include:

-Environmental modifications for the home
-Ramp
-Respite
-Adaptive equipment
-Food
-Clothing
-Energy assistance
-Recreation opportunities
-Family reimbursement funding
-Home Health Aide service
-Clinical services
-Adult Program Transition Planning

You can expect the following from your MSC:

-A comprehensive, customized plan to assist with meeting your child's goals
-A minimum of three face-to-face visits per year which includes one annually required home visit
-Precise record keeping
-The ability to be flexible, adaptable, and an effective advocate

Although MSCs primarily work independently, the cohesive, team-based approach at MCCC has been highly effective in promoting the growth, development, independence and productivity for each person we serve.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • help pay for utilities
  • maintenance & repairs
  • clothing
  • assistive technology
  • relief for caregivers
  • navigating the system
  • in-home support
  • one-on-one support

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (585) 271-0761 to book your appointment.

Address :

1000 Elmwood Ave, SUITE 100,
Rochester, NY 14620.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Genesee
  • Livingston
  • Monroe
  • Ontario
  • Orleans
  • Wayne

Appointments

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.

For the full set of services, you can call (585) 271-0761 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.

Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry

Show up early.

This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.

You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.

Remember all documentation.

Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.

This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.

It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.

Use several food banks.

Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.

For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.

Eligible for other programs?

Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.

They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

Ask about extras.

If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.

Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.

Go on different days of the week.

Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.

Be polite to workers.

Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.

FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.

2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?

Specifically, food banks often need items like:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Canned beans
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish

3. Who can go to food pantry?

At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.

4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?

A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.

5. How does a food pantry work?

Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.