Rockland Independent Living Center cuts ribbon for Connections Contact Center

State-funded call center to employ veterans, people with disabilities

BY MICHAEL RICONDA

NEW CITY – The Rockland Independent Living Center opened its new Connections Contact Center in Chestnut Ridge on Friday, May 1, beginning a self-sustaining project that aims to gather work for local businesses, while providing valuable employment for some of those most in need of assistance.

The call center, which was funded with a $350,000 state grant secured by State Sen. David Carlucci, will employ veterans and disabled individuals, whose labor will be available to local businesses who wish to conduct business through the facility.

In effect, the goal of the center will be to create opportunities for those involved with RILC and improve their prospects in the job market with valuable professional experience.

“By securing funding for this exciting program, we are creating self sustaining employment and business solutions in our county,” Carlucci said. “It is important that we think outside the box towards lowering the unemployment rate for veterans and people with disabilities. I would like to congratulate the Rockland Independent Living Center and look forward to seeing the great work they do with the Connections Contact Center.”

Founded in 1987, the RILC is an advocacy and service organization dedicated to empowering those impacted by physical or mental disabilities. As one of 37 independent living centers in New York State, it has worked for practical solutions to persistent, systemic problems which hinder those with disabilities from fully-engaging with their communities and securing their own independence.

The RILC operates employment counseling, job-coaching and basic professional training programs as well. In 2002, they opened their William H. Mullin Computer Center to provide disabled individuals with computer and internet access and skills training. The center moved from its original Spring Valley location to the Nanuet Mall in 2006, then again to New City in 2010.