At Our Core: Empowering Individuals and Families

ICAN, or Integrated Community Alternatives Network, is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families throughout Central New York since 1997. Our mission is empowering individuals and families, and our vision is keeping families together. Through services in homes, schools, and the community, we help people build on their strengths, navigate challenges, and work toward the goals that matter to them.

Our work is rooted in the Wraparound philosophy: a collaborative approach that brings individuals, families, providers, and trusted supports together. Every family has its own strengths, experiences, and needs, so support should reflect those differences. We listen first, develop a plan together, and adjust as needs change.

Family voice and choice guide this process. Individuals and families are active partners in shaping their care, with their priorities, values, and preferences at the center. By building on existing relationships and connecting people with additional resources, we help create a network of support that extends into everyday life.

That same philosophy guides our partnership with Little Falls City School District. Each student is a whole person whose experiences at home, at school, and in the community are connected. Working alongside students and the people who care about them, we help strengthen those connections and create opportunities for growth.

Connecting Students, Families, and Community

The Little Falls City School District partners with ICAN to support the well-being, engagement, and success of students throughout the district. Through school-based services, ICAN helps students navigate challenges, build positive relationships, develop important life skills, and connect with resources that support their success in school and beyond.

ICAN's team includes two full-time Wellness Coordinators who provide support throughout the district, including at the Junior and Senior High School, and a Clinical Care Coordinator at Benton Hall Academy. Working collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners, ICAN helps identify individual needs, reduce barriers to learning, and connect students and families with appropriate support and resources.

How ICAN Supports Our Students

Wellness and Behavioral Support

ICAN's Wellness Coordinator, Sue Wallace-Eaton, at the Junior and Senior High School works with students to reduce barriers to learning, strengthen positive peer relationships, and support student engagement. Through collaboration with school staff, the Wellness Coordinator helps identify student needs and develop strategies that promote positive interactions and continued access to instruction.

Clinical Care Coordination at Benton Hall Academy

ICAN's Clinical Care Coordinator, Haley Ashton, at Benton Hall Academy provides counseling to students and helps connect students and families with appropriate supports and services based on individual needs. By collaborating with school personnel, families, and community resources, the Clinical Care Coordinator helps strengthen connections to services and promote continuity of care.

Social-Emotional Learning and Student Connection

Through programs such as Kindness Club and Gardening/Social Club, students have opportunities to strengthen communication, teamwork, responsibility, empathy, and relationship-building skills. These activities encourage collaboration, foster a sense of belonging, and help students contribute to their school community.

Family Support and Resource Connections

ICAN works with families and school personnel to identify barriers that may affect a student's school experience. When additional support is needed, ICAN helps connect students and families with appropriate resources, including counseling, mentoring, family assistance, and community services.

Career Readiness and Workforce Development

Through the Teen Workforce Development Program, students in grades 8–12 gain hands-on experience and develop skills that prepare them for future employment. Community partnerships provide opportunities for students to practice workplace communication, time management, teamwork, customer service, and responsibility in real-world settings.

Family Engagement and Community Partnerships

ICAN helps strengthen relationships among the school, families, and community through family activities, school-wide events, seasonal assistance, and community-based initiatives. These efforts create opportunities for connection, encourage student participation, and help families access resources when additional support is needed.

Upcoming Events

ICAN is excited to support opportunities that bring students, families, and the community together.

Making Christmas Cards for Little Falls Nursing Home Residents
Students will have an opportunity to spread holiday cheer by creating Christmas cards for nursing home residents, sharing kindness and connection with older members of the community.

January 14, 2027 | Movie Night at BHA
Join us for a movie night at BHA, offering an opportunity for students and families to connect and enjoy time together.

April 15, 2027 | Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Engagement Event at BHA
An opportunity to engage students and families in activities that encourage social-emotional learning, connection, and personal growth.

Check back for additional details and future opportunities to connect with ICAN!

Making a Difference

During the 2025–2026 school year, ICAN's Wellness Coordinators contributed to student support and engagement throughout the district.

· 115 students supported through a combined individualized caseload.

· 492 student group sessions focused on social-emotional development, relationships, collaboration, and engagement.

· 235 classroom support interventions to assist students and staff.

· 21 school events supported, including Morning Meetings, Career Day, and Financial Literacy Day.

· 226 participants across family and community engagement opportunities.

· 100+ students supported school supplies, clothing, and wellness resources.

These efforts demonstrate the value of a coordinated approach to student well-being that recognizes the importance of relationships, individualized support, and access to resources.

Building Stronger Futures, Together

ICAN is proud to partner with the Little Falls City School District to help students feel connected, develop essential life skills, and access the support they need to participate and thrive in school.

By bringing together students, families, educators, and community partners, ICAN helps strengthen the network of support surrounding students and the broader school community.

ICAN: Empowering Individuals and Families. Keeping Families Together