Ombudsman Program

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County sponsors and coordinates the Onondaga/Oswego County Ombudsman Program, a program mandated by the federal and state government to provide advocacy to frail elders. Over 5,000 seniors presently reside in long-term care facilities in the two counties and many have no family support. Ombudsmen investigate, mediate, and resolve issues pertaining to frail elderly living in long-term care.

  • Location: Based at Salina Civic Center.
  • No fee.
  • Eligibility: Be available for 2 to 4 service hours per week.
  • Information and application: Onondaga County, please call Coordinator Toni Buckley at 315-424-1810, x13. Oswego County, please call Coordinator Carolyn Schloss, 315-350-9969.
  • Good to know: Volunteers must complete a 36-hour training program to become certified. Training and supervision are provided by Catholic Charities.