Southwestern Independent Living Center

Please contact us via e-mail with any questions or concerns.

(Click on a name to send them an e-mail)

Executive Director Marie T. Carrubba is the first and only executive director SILC has had. In 1983 Michael Raymond, of The Resource Center, hired Marie to be the first director. Marie is a graduate of the SUNY at Buffalo Law School. Marie is active in the community having served as member and Chair of the board of directors of both The Resouce Center and Chautauqua Opportunities.

Marie's law degree has enabled her to represent persons seeking Social Security benefits at the Administrative Law Judge hearing level. Her duties also include directing the staff of SILC. She has received training at several places in the content and inplementation of the ADA, The Americans with Disabilities Act.

Marie resides in Jamestown with her husband, and two sons.

Marie is available to address social and civic organizations on a variety of subjects. For more information contact SILC.

Independent Living Specialist III Linda Rumbaugh has served SILC since 1985 in the position of IL Specialist III. Her duties include processing client intakes, assisting the executive director in the processing of paperwork for social security claims, and sign lanuage services in the community.

Linda completed her MSW degree in 2002 at SUNY at Buffalo and became a certified Social Woker in 2003.

Independent Living Specialist II Christine Ahlstrom has been on the staff of SILC since 1983 during the early stages of formation. Chris was a former employee of TRC. Chris serves SILC as information specialist. She maintains the phamphlet file, resource library, and is editor of "THE INDEPENDENT" a bi-monthly publication of SILC. Chris also maintains a computer listing of subjects or interest to persons with disabilities. For more information contact SILC and see our "services" page.

Chris lives in Jamestown.

Independent Living Specialist I Helen Kern has been a SILC staff member since 1983. Helen's duties include transportation coordinator, housing assistance, architectural barrier awareness, and peer advocate.

Helen has made many presentations to school classes to make students aware of issues and barriers persons with disabilities face. She is available for presentations to social and civic groups as well.

Helen lives in Jamestown with her cats Fred, Boo-Boo and Birdie. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, she is an avid Pirates and Steelers fan.

Bookkeeper Richard Johnson has been the bookkeeper for SILC since 1987. While previously working for TRC, Dick assisted the SILC thru the fiscal management TRC provided during the early years of SILC. He began working part time nights as a van driver in 1986. When a budget increase provided the opportunity to add a bookkeeper/van driver the job became a full time position.

Dick's responsibilities include financial bookkeeping, purchasing, grant reporting, computer program maintenance and upgrade, client budgeting assistance, overseeing membership and volunteer activities, and assistance with income tax preparation.

Dick lives in Maple Springs with his wife. They have four children grown children.

Van Driver Donald Ellis is SILC's full time van driver. Don has been at SILC since 1995. Don's schedule takes him to all parts of Chautauqua County and beyond. SILC offers transportation that is wheelchair accessible and door-o-door. With a grant providing funding, Don also drives during evening and weekend hours. See our services page for more information.

Don is responsible for vehicle care, assisting with the scheduling of transportation, and office and equipment maintenance.

Don lives in the West Ellicott area with his wife. He has 3 grown daughters and is grandfather of six.

5/11/09

Do you have questions about SSI or SSI? Workshops are being planned. Check with staff at 661-3010 for more information and registration forms.

5/11/09

Thinking about buying a home? Some tips for individuals with disabilities can be found here. BUY A HOME

5/10/08

Need help finding a job that will accomodate you?. The disability navigators can help. Call Chautauqua Works at (716) 661-9553 Toll Free 1-877-424-9031

5/6/08

See any curb cuts that need repair or new one put in? Call Helen to let her know the address. Summer is the season when the City does this work. Let us know - 661-3010

5/3/09

Weekend Transportation. Want to get a ride to a ball game? or horseback riding? Reminder that SILC can provide night and weekend transportation to individuals with developmental dusabilities who are living with families. Call Helen to arrange a ride at 661-3010.

Our regular Wheelchair transportation operates from 8 am to 4:30 pm each day M-F. Any disability qualifies for a ride. And you do not have to be in a wheelchair.