“The local office prosecutes businesses and individuals engaged in fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or illegal trade practices. In addition to litigating, the Bureau mediates thousands of complaints each year from individual consumers. A large percentage of these complaints are resolved satisfactorily through the mediation process. As part of its mission, the Bureau provides information to consumers and seeks to ensure a fair and vigorous marketplace. The Bureau also drafts legislation and conducts studies and writes reports on emerging consumer problems and issues.”

Provides information about important legislative issues, works to influence the legislative process and offers constituents the opportunity to join them in their efforts. ACS Action Network - Trained volunteer advocates work with lawmakers at the Local, State and Fedral level to implement legislation and programs that will help in the fight against cancer.

If you need assistance locating and applying for affordable and accessible housing in Dutchess County:

TRI can provide you resources, such as applications for available housing, assistance in getting your name on a waiting list, or help in sorting through and filling out paperwork.

If you feel you have experienced housing discrimination due to your disability, TRI can provide support in discussing the matter with the landlord. If you want to file a complaint, TRI can provide resources to guide you.

The NKF helps to shape public policy on behalf of kidney disease patients. The NKF works with Congress, federal agencies, and state governments to further legislation and regulation that improve the care and quality of life of kidney disease patients.

Provides Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) to persons with disabilities in order to gain access to the services and supports necessary to meet their needs. Works to develop, implement, monitor, and maintain individual service plans for their clients. Connects to long-term-care supports and services.

The RISE Residential Program provides shelter for female victims of domestic violence and their minor children. Maximum stay is 30 days. Counseling, advocacy, children's activities, legal information, assistance with public entitlement programs and relocation services provided. Provides food, toiletries, and clothing for residents. Anyone may call on behalf of someone else; however, shelter staff must interview woman in need of services directly prior to approved admission to shelter.

Offers education and support to people with Parkinson's, their families, caregivers and healthcare professional with a "one-stop shop" for Parkinson's Disease. Educational materials available by request or via website for downloading.The Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) is the unified education and advocacy voice of the Parkinson's community working to ease the burden and help find a cure. It is only with the help of grassroots advocacy, that PAN'S mission can be achieved. Local contacts: Southern Tier Chapter-Emily Alonso-568 Owen Hill Road Lisle, NY 607-743-5743 http://congress.nw.dc.us/washtimes/webreturn/?url=http://www.parkinsonaction.org

The Life Choices Center offers a Smart Choices Program that provides emotional and spiritual support for men and women with or expecting children. Offers group parenting classes on: nutrition, first aid, baby-proofing, etc. One-on-one mentoring also available for lessons on: pregnancy, child development, stress management, discipline, and budgeting. Through this program parents can earn points to spend at the Life Choices Center boutique which offers new and nearly new baby clothing, baby furniture, formula, baby food, and maternity clothing.

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) provides education for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States. Their phone is a Video phone for easy communication. They no longer use the TTY. Consumers can call for information about their rights under the law.

Advocacy for the aging means to work and ask on behalf of older people for services that are absent or unavailable to them.

This may include:

•Presenting an older person's case to another agency.

•Encouraging changes in an agency's policies and procedures to make services more accessible to older persons using the Department.

•Pressing for changes in public policy on behalf of all seniors in the community.

If you have a problem you cannot resolve, give us a call; maybe we can help.