News and Stories of Hope

Featured Program OPWDD

History Comes Alive

Participants in the Directions in Independent Living OPWDD Program recently enjoyed a meaningful day of learning, connection, and community exploration during a visit to the historic Bartlett House in Olean. The outing began with a relaxing breakfast at Sprague’s Maple House, setting a warm and social tone for the day ahead.

Following breakfast, the group toured the Bartlett House, learning about the rich history of the home and the remarkable family who once lived there. Built in 1881, the house was the residence of Frank Bartlett, a railroad investor and president of the Exchange National Bank, and his wife, Fannie. The Bartletts were known not only for their prosperity, but for their deep commitment to philanthropy and community service. Frank Bartlett’s passing in 1922 was widely mourned, with local papers noting that he found joy in providing opportunities and support for others.

After Fannie’s death in 1927, their daughter, Nancy Bartlett Laughlin, carried on her parents’ legacy. In the late 1920s, she made significant charitable contributions, including a donation to Alfred University, and ultimately gifted the family home to the City of Olean. The house became the Bartlett Memorial Community Center, serving for decades as a hub for health, welfare, and youth services.

Today, the Bartlett House continues to serve the community as a museum, research facility, and gathering space. For OPWDD participants, the visit offered more than a history lesson—it was a chance to connect with local heritage, enjoy time together in the community, and reflect on how generosity and service can leave a lasting impact.

Fortitude Award Honors Strength, Service, and Perseverance

The Deb Coble Fortitude Award stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Directions in Independent Living. This special honor celebrates individuals who rise above personal adversity and continue to serve others with compassion, courage, and purpose—embodying the very spirit of independence and advocacy that defines our organization.

Inspired by the remarkable strength of Deb Coble, the award was created to recognize those who demonstrate fortitude in the face of hardship. Deb’s own journey through recovery, marked by perseverance and an unshakable dedication to her work and the people she serves, set a lasting example for all of us. Her courage showed that even during life’s most challenging moments, purpose and service can remain steadfast.

This year, the Deb Coble Fortitude Award was proudly presented to Tammy VanEtten, Directions in Independent Living’s Facilitated Enroller. Tammy exemplifies the core values of this award through her resilience, professionalism, and continued commitment to supporting consumers, even while navigating personal challenges of her own. Her determination to show up, advocate, and serve with integrity reflects the heart of the Fortitude Award.

The Deb Coble Fortitude Award is a project of the Directions Wellness Committee, created to honor those who remind us that strength is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to keep moving forward. Through this award, we celebrate individuals like Tammy VanEtten—whose perseverance inspires our organization and reinforces our shared belief that compassion and purpose endure, even in the face of adversity.

Featured Program Transitions

Forging Future Skills

Directions in Independent Living (DIL) continues to empower individuals through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences—most recently through an educational visit by participants in its Transitions Program to the local CUTCO/KA-BAR facility in Olean.

During the visit, Transitions consumers gained an inside look at what it takes to produce a high-quality American-made product. Staff at the facility walked the group through key steps of the manufacturing process, highlighting precision, quality control, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship. Participants learned how raw materials are transformed into finished cutlery products and how consistency, attention to detail, and accountability play a critical role in maintaining a trusted brand. For many, seeing these concepts in action helped connect classroom learning to real-world employment expectations.

Directions in Independent Living is a consumer-directed nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities in achieving independence, choice, and full participation in their communities. Through advocacy, skill-building, and supportive services, DIL helps individuals identify personal goals and develop the tools needed to reach them.

The Transitions Program specifically focuses on preparing participants for greater independence by building life skills, workplace readiness, social confidence, and decision-making abilities. Community visits like the CUTCO/KA-BAR tour provide valuable exposure to local employers, reinforce the importance of strong work habits, and inspire consumers to envision future career paths.

Experiences such as this not only broaden knowledge but also build confidence and motivation. By connecting learning to real-world environments, DIL’s Transitions Program continues to open doors—helping consumers move forward with skills, insight, and a stronger sense of possibility