PRESS RELEASE: Center for Elder Law & Justice to Host World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Press Conference
CONTACT:
Kristie Edwards, Director of Donor Development & External Relations
Center for Elder Law & Justice
kedwards@elderjusticeny.org, 716.853.3087 x 239
Center for Elder Law & Justice to Host World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Press Conference
Community leaders unite to raise awareness and protect older adults across WNY
Buffalo, NY, June 16, 2026 – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), Center for Elder Law & Justice will host a press conference on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to promote a community-wide commitment to protecting older adults. The event will bring together local leaders, advocates, service providers, and community members to discuss the impact of elder abuse in Western New York and the importance of education, prevention, and coordinated support services.
This year’s WEAAD theme, “End Ageism. End Abuse.” highlights the connection between age discrimination and the mistreatment of older adults. By challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting dignity, respect, and inclusion, communities can help prevent abuse and ensure older adults are valued and protected. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one in 10 adults aged 60+ in the U.S. experienced some form of abuse within the last year, most of which goes unreported.
The press conference will feature remarks from community leaders and organizations dedicated to supporting older adults and combating elder abuse throughout Erie County and beyond.
Event Details:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
11:00 am
Front steps of Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY
Rain location: Rath Building, 12th floor media room, 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY
Guest speakers include:
NYS Assemblymember, Jon Rivera
NYS Senator, Jeremy Zellner
Erie County District Attorney, Michael Keane
Erie County Deputy County Executive, Lisa Chimera
Erie County Department for the Aging Commissioner, Randy Hoak
Erie County Department of Social Services Commissioner, Karen Rybicki
City of Buffalo, Commissioner of Community Services, Danielle Roberts
Center for Elder Law & Justice, Chief Executive Officer, Karen Nicolson
Center for Elder Law & Justice, Supervising Social Worker, Kathy Kanaley
NYS Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to treating older adults with the dignity, respect, and value they deserve. Ageism fuels harmful stereotypes that can lead to neglect, discrimination, and abuse. By challenging ageist attitudes and fostering inclusive communities, we can help ensure every older person is seen, heard, and protected. As we come together under this year's theme of 'End Ageism, End Abuse,' we are making it clear that everyone deserves to age with safety, respect, and dignity."
NYS Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Every older adult deserves to age with dignity, respect, and security. Yet far too many seniors face abuse, neglect, exploitation, and isolation, often hidden behind closed doors and too often fueled by harmful stereotypes about aging. As we recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we recommit ourselves to ending ageism in all its forms and ensuring that older New Yorkers are valued, protected, and empowered. I am grateful to the Center for Elder Law & Justice and its partners for leading this important conversation and providing critical resources to seniors and their families across Erie County. Together, we can build communities where every generation is respected and where elder abuse has no place.”
NYS Senator Jeremy Zellner said, "Older adults spent their lives building our communities, raising families, serving others, and helping create the opportunities we enjoy today. They should never have to spend their later years worried about being exploited, neglected, or abused. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a reminder that protecting older adults is everyone's responsibility. We all have a role to play in checking on our neighbors, supporting our loved ones, and speaking up when something doesn't seem right."
Erie County District Attorney, Michael Keane said, “The Erie District Attorney’s Office has a dedicated team of prosecutors who are committed to serving, protecting and obtaining justice for the most vulnerable members of our community. No one, especially senior citizens, should be afraid or embarrassed to come forward about being the victim of a crime. Older adults who are isolated, cognitively impaired or dependent on their abusers are most susceptible to criminal exploitation. I encourage everyone to check on their elderly family members, friends and neighbors… and I urge you to contact my office if you suspect that someone has been the victim of a scam, abuse or other crime.”
“Older adults have the right to age with dignity and respect,” said Erie County Department for the Aging Commissioner Randall Hoak. “As our population ages, we must act now to raise awareness and encourage people to speak up when they see warning signs. Together we can strengthen our community networks of support and help protect some of our most vulnerable residents.”
“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting older adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” said Erie County Department of Social Services Commissioner, Karen Rybkicki. “Every senior deserves to age with dignity, safety and respect, and we all have a role in speaking up and supporting those who may be vulnerable. I encourage residents to check in on older loved ones and neighbors and to recognize the warning signs of abuse. Protecting our seniors is not only a responsibility, but also a reflection of the values of our community.”
Commissioner of Community Services for the City of Buffalo, Danielle Roberts said, "Every older adult deserves to feel valued, respected, and safe. As a community, we have a responsibility to honor the contributions of our seniors, challenge ageism wherever it exists, and stand together against elder abuse. The City of Buffalo remains committed to creating a community where all older adults can age with dignity, security, and peace of mind."
Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader and Ellicott District Council Woman, Leah Halton-Pope said, “We’re all taught growing up that our elders deserve respect, compassion, and quality care when necessary, but too often we see nefarious actors exploit older folks and take advantage of their vulnerability. Every June, we recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month to call attention to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of our seniors – an issue that doesn’t always garner headlines or clicks, but one that nonetheless remains pervasive in society. By being aware of the risk factors, signs, and effects of elder abuse, we can help to put an end to this cruel exploitation – and help ensure that our elders are treated with the compassion and care that they deserve.”
Center for Elder Law & Justice, Chief Executive Office, Karen Nicolson, Esq., said “On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) reaffirms its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of older adults across Western New York. Through free legal services, social service navigation, advocacy, and community education, CELJ works every day to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation while ensuring that older adults have access to the support and resources they need to live safely and independently. WEAAD serves as an important reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, collaboration, and action, and CELJ remains dedicated to standing alongside survivors, strengthening protective systems, and advancing justice for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The event includes the presentation of the Community Exemplary Service Award by the Council on Elder Abuse. This award honors a local organization in recognition of their outstanding work in the prevention of elder abuse. The Council on Elder Abuse is a group of service providers dedicated to keeping older adults both physically and financially safe.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the official color of elder abuse awareness, to show their support.
***
About Center for Elder Law & Justice
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, the Center for Elder Law & Justice advocates for justice at every stage of life, empowering individuals to live independently and with dignity. Since 1978, our team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers has provided free, comprehensive civil legal services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and financially eligible residents throughout Western New York. With satellite offices in Niagara and Chautauqua counties, we work to break cycles of poverty, protect vulnerable populations, and advance justice across the region.
To learn more, visit www.elderjusticeny.org