JAMESTOWN, NY – On May 25, WRFA continued its series of Community Conversations, this time focusing on poverty in Chautauqua County. The discussion involved challenges and barriers for those living in poverty or near poverty in Chautauqua County.

Our panel included:

• United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, Executive Director Amy Rohler
• Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., Deputy Director of Housing & Community Development Amanda Straight
• Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Loan Officer Elia Sostre

It was moderated by WRFA Public Affairs Director Julia Ciesla-Hanley.

The discussion was broadcast live on WRFA radio, with video streaming available on the WRFA Youtube Channel.

Funding for the Community Conversation is made available by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s American Rescue Plan Act stabilization grant fund.

(left to right) Amy Rohler, Amanda Straight, Elia Sostre, and Julia Ciesla-Hanley

Taxpayers either visited a traditional VITA preparation site, opted for virtual preparation, or completed their tax returns using MyFreeTaxes.com.

For the first time this year, United Way of Northern Chautauqua County and United Way of Southern Chautauqua County shared a VITA Program Administrator, who provided support and coordination to 58 volunteers. These volunteers prepared taxes, assisted with intake information, and provided site coordination—logging more than 3,500 hours of service to the community.

In addition, United Way collaborated with the Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, who shared 6 volunteers with the VITA program, providing translation services and tax return preparation. The Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union program prepared more than 780 tax returns.

A rendering of what the new Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union Jamestown branch on E. Second St. The branch will have entrance and exit off of Lindsey and Woodlawn Avenues.

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Post Journal is reporting that the Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union will be moving one of its branches to a new location on the east side of Jamestown.

The city Planning Commission Tuesday approved a site plan for the project, which is located at 1283 E. Second St. The plan involves the credit union purchasing several adjoining pieces of property, tearing down several buildings, while using one of them to house the new branch, which will be 3,800 square feet.

The credit union currently has a branch on the Jamestown Community College campus. It’s headquarters are located in Lakewood with other locations in Brocton, Cherry Creek, Clymer and Westfield.