Neighborhood News October 2020 |
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Patricia spent 20 years of her life addicted to heroin, alcohol, and crack cocaine. Her addictions led to a life on and off the streets, in and out of shelters, and cut off from her family. In January 2019, a counselor from Chance for Change, our out-patient substance-use clinic, led an information session at Patricia’s shelter.
Patricia signed up for the session, began attending Chance for Change… and a year and a half later, she is sober, living in the NCS Residence, and achieving her goals! She now sees her family every day, even during the pandemic (with masks and socially distanced) and says that they are a source of inspiration and continue to motivate her.
Prior to COVID-19, Patricia had begun applying for jobs but is now using the extra time to think more about her goals, continuing to identify positive ways to cope and remain optimistic. She hopes to become a peer counselor so that she can help others through the challenging aspects of recovery.
“Chance for Change and NCS have been there for me through everything. They have consistently provided me support and encouragement since day one.”
Patricia says that she is able to be more honest with herself, can think more clearly, and feels safe expressing her thoughts. For the first time in a long time, she is excited to see what’s next in her life.
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When the pandemic hit and Chance for Change had to close its physical doors, individual counseling sessions moved to telehealth. All but one client remained active in the program through telehealth visits, which were a lifeline for those struggling to overcome addiction during a time of unprecedented stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, group sessions could not continue as there was no way to ensure confidentiality if clients were on mobile devices in shelters or public spaces.
Patricia and other clients asked every week during individual counseling sessions when group sessions would begin again. They missed the Chance for Change community. Last month Patricia and her fellow clients received their wish when Chance for Change hosted its first in-person group counseling session in the NCS Residence rooftop garden. Wearing masks and keeping a safe distance apart, clients and staff were able to come together again!
As virus numbers remain low in NYC, we hope that our Chance for Change clients can continue to come together in person in safe and healthy ways to continue on their path toward sobriety as a community.
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After a six-month hiatus, everyone at NCS was excited to welcome back volunteers from the NextGen Network who resumed their monthly dinner volunteer events!
While we couldn’t invite the residents into the kitchen for a social gathering, the three volunteers (decked out in masks and gloves) made dinner, packed individual to-go containers, and distributed them to the tenants.
“It was great to see the residents, even if just for a moment and from a distance,” shared NextGen Network Co-Chair, Matthew Hughes, who led the event. “I was so happy to be back at the Residence and to come together with fellow volunteers for such a great cause. I hope that more people join us over the coming months.”
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The NextGen Network connects young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are committed to NCS’s mission. The Network provides meaningful opportunities to learn about and help address homelessness in NYC, volunteer at NCS programs, have fun at various social events, raise money to support our mission, and build relationships with like-minded peers. During COVID-19, NextGen volunteers have helped with virtual mock interviews and tutoring for Louis Nine House residents.
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Please tell the young professionals in your life who like to have fun while helping others about the Network!
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Creative solutions to homelessness have never been more important and we’re looking for problem solvers with big ideas! Apply for the 2nd annual NextGen Innovation Award.
Please share news of the award with your friends, family, colleagues, and social media networks. You never know—you might help us find the next big solution!
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Thank You for Helping NCS Clients Join the Labor Force This Labor Day! |
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Thank you to everyone who helped us exceed our fundraising goal this Labor Day! Together we raised more than $1,000. Every contribution will help an NCS resident join the labor force by sponsoring Metrocards that they'll use to get to school, interviews, and jobs.
NCS provides housing and supportive services, including vocational, educational, and employment help for individuals with little to no employment history and significant barriers to employment. Your support makes this work possible!
Learn more about Options, our vocational, education, and employment program.
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Administrative Office
50 Broadway
Suite 1301
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (212) 537-5100
Fax: (212) 860-2301
ncs@ncsinc.org
www.ncsinc.org
Board of Directors
David A. Oliver
President
Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr.
Stephanie W. Guest
Thomas J. Kilkenny
Stuart N. Siegel
Vice Presidents
Susan Stevens
Treasurer
Jan F. Golann
Secretary
Victoria Bert
Barbara Chocky
Anne S. Davidson
Abigail Black Elbaum
Patricia Falk
Alice Greif
Matthew D. Hughes
Oren. K. Isacoff
Ann Ross Loeb
Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Marta Radzyminski
Stephanie Shuman
Christopher W. Solomon
Ann L. Shalof
Chief Executive Officer
NCS Programs
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive. We create innovative solutions and engage community partners to provide housing and support that can transform lives.
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