Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa recently met with Seaway House members in Ogdensburg to talk about a host of state issues.

Seaway House is a community wellness center for individuals living with mental illness. Under the auspices of Catholic Charities, the center provides individualized, comprehensive services for those struggling with mental illness, empowering them to live as independently as possible.

"It was a pleasure to meet with residents from around the region as part of their Education, Registration and Accommodation program at Catholic Charities’ Seaway House in Ogdensburg," Jenne said in a news release. "Like so many area residents, access to healthcare, jobs and good housing rose to the top of the priority list. They are at the top of my list as well, in addition to strengthening our agriculture industry and expanding economic opportunity along the St. Lawrence River.”

Program educator Eileen Premo said Seaway House runs its Education, Registration and Accommodation program each year prior to Election Day. The goal is to educate its members about the importance of voting and the widespread impact that policy decisions have on their lives. Seaway House also invites candidates to come to their clubhouse and explain their stance on the issues.

Jenne talked about her roots in the region.

"I'm a local girl, my family has lived here forever. I'm the seventh generation in my family to live in the North Country. My grandmother was one of 12 children who lived to adulthood. My mom has 50 first cousins. We are all one big, happy family," she said. "Some of you have had struggles, and I've had members of my family that have had problems. We know it's important and part of our responsibility to be there to offer each other support. I have friends that struggle, and I don't abandon them when they are facing setbacks.”

She then answered a number of questions from program participants, many of which centered on the challenges of finding employment when you have a mental health diagnosis.

Jenne acknowledged they may have been impacted by a Supreme Court decision that has led to the closing of a number of sheltered workshops, which offer employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Supreme Court ruled that keeping people with disabilities in separate work settings is discriminatory. She acknowledged replacing those jobs in integrated settings has proven to be challenging in St. Lawrence County.

Jenne also highlighted the need for more living wage employment opportunities as the major issue facing the region.

"We used to have a lot of jobs in agriculture, trucking and manufacturing, but a lot of those jobs have disappeared. I'm working to stabilize that, with a focus on the agricultural sector of our economy. And we've got the beautiful river right here,” she said, speaking in a building just a couple of blocks from the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

Jenne also answered questions about the availability of quality subsidized housing in the region and the need for infrastructure improvements in the Ogdensburg area, as well listened to residents’ concerns that state-level officials don't focus on the needs of the North Country