Chance for Change (CFC), NCS’s out-patient substance-use treatment program, is uniquely designed to serve individuals who are homeless and battling addiction, often combined with mental illness. We’ve formed a strong partnership with Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s Women’s Mental Health Shelter (WMHS) located at the Park Avenue Armory. This program serves women with severe and persistent mental illness.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, substance use disorders— the repeated misuse of alcohol and/or drugs — often occur simultaneously in individuals with mental illness, usually to cope with overwhelming symptoms.
The partnership with WMHS ensures coordinated treatment is available for the 80 unhoused women living at the shelter, approximately 80% of whom suffer from a substance use disorder.
It is a partnership that works for WMHS, CFC, and— most important— the clients.
“We like sending clients to Chance for Change because the counselors there really listen and we see a difference in our clients,” said WMHS Social Worker Laury Dyke. “They feel heard and taken care of. But it’s not just that. It’s a great partnership due to the strong communication we have with [CFC Substance Abuse Counselor] Stephanie Hervey.”
Stephanie echoed this sentiment, sharing that “we are able to collaborate so well because we communicate and coordinate the clients’ care together. The social workers at the shelter are extremely responsive.”
This partnership became even more important when the pandemic hit and Chance for Change was forced to move to remote sessions. The WMHS social workers ensured that the shelter residents had a private office and the technology they needed to continue their confidential appointments with Chance for Change counselors remotely.
Last June a new client moved into WMHS and overdosed several times in a short period. Narcan was used each time to save her life and she spent one month in rehab before returning to the shelter. Once she moved back into WMHS she also enrolled as a Chance for Change client— and hasn’t overdosed since. “This is a huge improvement,” shared Laury. “We wouldn’t have seen her succeed without our close collaboration with Stephanie and the entire Chance for Change team. Their support saved her.”
Chance for Change provides a full spectrum of services that focus on the whole person. WMHS Social Worker Noemi Lemasson added that this is crucial because it helps their shelter residents become ready for the housing process. “Chance for Change excites the clients and motivates them to want to move out of the shelter. It gives them purpose.”
“Together we are teaching the clients coping skills so that they can reach their potential and can be independent,” Noemie explained.
Thank you to the entire team at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s Women’s Mental Health Shelter for being our partner in change.
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In addition to the successful partnership with Chance for Change, WMHS has also worked with us to move their clients to NCS's permanent supportive housing. In fact, you may have already “met” some of the women who once lived at WMHS and have made the move to our residences.
Both Patricia and Donna live at NCS’s Upper East Side residence. Shaquasha, who lives at Louis Nine House, will be spotlighted in our upcoming print newsletter. Sign up here to make sure you are on our mailing list so that you don’t miss out on her inspiring story.
