HISTORY OF THE TROY CENTER

ILCHV Logo: Bird soaring over the Hudson Valley

HISTORY OF THE INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER

OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley was founded in 1987. The Center, which was originally named the Troy Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc., was one of 18 new centers founded by the New York State Legislature that year. There are 38 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in New York State funded with a combination of Rehabilitation Act, Title VII funds, and/or State funds under Chapter 23-A of the New York State Education Law.

The Troy Center was originally incubated by the Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. (CDCI), in the City of Albany. After one year, the Troy Center, as well as all other centers established the previous year, were to become freestanding ILCs. The Troy Resource Center opened its doors in June of 1987. The Center was and remains till this day, located in the Uncle Sam Atrium Mall in the City of Troy, just across the Hudson River from the City of Albany, the Capital of New York. Its founding Director is Denise A. Figueroa. Denise was elected President of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the national spoke agent for nearly 400 ILCs in the United States. Denise served as the President of NCIL from 1991-1995.

In keeping with the independent living philosophy, the Center is a not-for-profit, federally tax-exempt, non-residential organization. The center is managed and staffed predominantly by individuals with disabilities. Likewise, the board of directors, the policy-making body, has a majority of individuals with disabilities. The Center provides a core of ILC services, and serves all people with disabilities. Annually, the Center serves over 1,500 individuals and addresses over 6,000 requests for information and assistance. For a full description of its services click here.

The Center was renamed in September of 1996, soon after it was awarded additional federal funds to operate a satellite center in the City of Hudson, 45 miles south of Troy. The Center serves individuals with disabilities in seven Counties in the upper Hudson Valley, and the Capital District Region. These counties include Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Albany, Columbia, Greene, and Dutchess. These counties are essentially rural in nature, with the exception of Albany. However, these Counties are rich in natural beauty, have enormous historical value for our Country, and are treasures of talent, culture, and diversity. Economically, the region continues to experience both growth and expansion.

Currently, the Center is situated and serves a geographical area that is a strong political district and has as its representative to the State Senate, the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Joseph Bruno. Practically operating under the shadow of the State Capitol, this Center and the sister Center in the City of Albany, play an important role to the network of ILCs in the State. The heart of the State's political aperatus is located in the Capital District. Staffs from both Centers are frequently called upon by State governmental agencies to participate and represent the needs of individuals with disabilities in the State.

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For more information call, write, fax or e-mail:

ILCHV, Inc.

Atrium,

Troy, New York 12180

Telephone (518) 274-0701

Fax (518) 274-7944

For E-mail addresses click here.

The Hudson Office

Fairview Plaza,

160 Fairview Avenue,

Hudson, New York, 12534