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A private non-profit with a simple belief.
We believe people with mental illness can live satisfying, productive, independent lives. Since 1980, STEL has made that possible across Western New York.
What we do
Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. provides residential and rehabilitative services to people in our community experiencing mental illness. Our housing continuum extends from community residences with 24-hour staff to supported apartments, single-room-occupancy homes, affordable housing, an adult home, care management, employment services, and a volunteer friendship program.
We are committed to supporting people through times of need, empowering them to remain safely housed, live in stable environments, and avoid hospitalization whenever possible.
Who we serve
- Individuals who need assistance with housing and mental health
- Family members concerned about a relative
- Professionals referring their participant
- People in need of affordable living
Counties we serve
STEL serves Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Southern Erie counties, with residences and offices in Dunkirk, Fredonia, Gowanda, Jamestown, Olean, South Dayton, and Wellsville.
Housing development & consulting
STEL was the first non-profit organization to use Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to finance construction of licensed New York State Office of Mental Health housing, with more than 25 years of experience developing and managing housing for persons with mental illness.
We partner with other non-profits to develop affordable housing for people with special needs — from identifying financing and producing applications through construction management, initial occupancy, and compliance monitoring. To discuss a project, contact the Executive Director's office at (716) 366-3200.
Our team
Leadership.
Thomas J. Whitney
Executive Director
(716) 366-3200
Jennifer L. Nagel, LMSW
Quality Assurance Director / Corporate Compliance Officer
nagelj@stel.org(716) 366-3200 ext. 225
Administration.
Alyce Johnson
Consumer & Workforce Engagement Liaison · Assistant Residential Manager
johnsona@stel.org(716) 664-6597 ext. 442
Management.
Bruce Clarkson-Hendrix
Residential Manager · Dunkirk Treatment Apartments
clarksonhendrixb@stel.org(716) 366-8796
Amanda Bailey
Assistant Residential Manager · Dunkirk Treatment Apartments
baileya@stel.org(716) 366-8796
Jamie Hilliker
Residential Manager · Perkins Hall CR / Gowanda CR / Perkins Hall SRO
hillikerj@stel.org(716) 532-5724
Cheryl Vaillancourt
Administrator · Southern Tier Meadows Adult Home
vaillancourtc@stel.org(716) 679-4883
Cheryl Fricker
Residential Manager · Park Avenue Community Residence
frickerc@stel.org(716) 366-7144
Jessica Boozel
Assistant Residential Manager · Park Avenue Community Residence
boozelj@stel.org(716) 386-7144
Emily Garey
Residential Manager · Aldrich St. CR / Gowanda Treatment Apartments
gareye@stel.org(716) 532-2097
Amanda Vasquez
Assistant Residential Manager · Aldrich St. CR / Gowanda Treatment Apartments
vasqueza@stel.org(716) 532-0342
Maintenance
