This week’s guest speaker was Patrick Smeraldo, founder of Collaborative Children’s Solutions (CCS). Patrick is a retired adaptive physical education teacher who has worked in many roles to support children in Chautauqua County. He was a longtime service coordinator with Chautauqua Connections, one of the three coordinators for Toys for Tots, and now works in business development for The Resource Center/Allied Industries.
In 2021, Patrick launched CCS to help give kids the support and opportunities they need to thrive. One of CCS’s latest projects is CCS-TV, an online educational streaming service that began in December 2023.
About CCS-TV
CCS-TV is a youth-led media platform where teens (ages 13–17) learn how to create and share original video content. With access to a modern studio and support from mentors, young people explore storytelling, media production, and broadcasting. They gain skills, confidence, and a chance to express themselves — all while creating content that entertains and educates viewers of all ages.
Patrick also talked about some of CCS’s community events, including the Christmas Parade, Memorial Day events, Christmas in July, the Gus Macker tournament, and Labor Day celebrations. CCS also brings inspiring speakers for local youth, such as retired NBA player Chris Herren, Paralympian Trevon Jenifer, and NFL player Harrison Phillips.
He gave special credit to Justin Gould, founder of WNY News Now, for helping spark the idea for CCS-TV.
Visit www.ccs-tv.com to see the platform and learn how to get involved!
