The Outreach Vision: Spring 2023 Edition

The Outreach Vision Spring 2023

Mental Health Awareness

In this issue we mark and celebrate Mental Health Awareness month because the more we normalize mental health care, reduce stigma, and expand treatment options for people with substance use and other co-occurring disorders, the healthier individuals, communities, and our society will be. And that’s definitely something worth celebrating.

A Message from our President

DEBBIE PANTIN President/CEO

Outreach Development Corporation

This year during Mental Health Awareness Month, our colleagues at Mental Health America are encouraging people to “look around and look within.” This call to action is important because we need to take in all the different factors that come into play with a person’s mental health – such as their family’s history of substance use and mental health issues, their genetics, where they live, if they have a stable source of income, among other factors and social determinants of health.

We need to ask our clients to look around and within and consider how the environment is affecting their mental health: Does their surroundings impact how they feel? If so, how do those feelings in turn impact their mental health? The good news is that we can help our clients take steps to change their environment and, in doing so, help them take care of their mental health.

For example, having safe, stable, and healthy living conditions can set the foundation for achieving and maintaining good mental health. For many people, not having a stable home base to consistently return to can leave them feeling distressed, disconnected, and isolated. Secure and safe housing allows people to feel settled in their lives, develop routines, and forge deeper connections to family, friends, and their communities, all of which is beneficial for good mental health. Wherever someone calls “home” that place should be one that offers feelings of calm, comfort, and support.

At Outreach, our outpatient, residential and mobile programs offer judgement free, trauma-informed, evidence-based, safe, and supportive environments for people - adolescents to adults - who are in treatment to address substance misuse and other co-occurring disorders, and who are working toward transitioning back into their communities. Our dedicated residential treatment programs for young people (12-18 years old) allow adolescents to focus full-time on their recovery in structured, caring, and supportive living environments, where they receive intensive on-site treatment, education, and family supports and gain the tools and skills they need to live healthy, sustainable drug- and alcohol-free lives, return to school, and rejoin their families.

At Outreach, we are dedicated to providing person-centered care to help each individual we work with –build a healthy life. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact us 24/7 at our toll-free number for a free and confidential consultation: 1-833-OPINYORG (1-833-674-6967).

I also encourage you this Mental Health Awareness Month, and every month, to “look around and look within” yourself and take care of your mental health. You are important. Help is always available. All of us at Outreach are always here to support you and your loved ones.

In Good Health,

President/CEO

Outreach Development Corporation

Look Around,

Look Within:

The team at Outreach’s Adolescent Outpatient Clinic at Brentwood kicked off 2023 on a “kind” note.

Your surroundings say a lot about your mental health:

Thoughts and ideas from our friends and colleagues at the Mental Health Association

Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and grocery stores? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally?

This Mental Health Awareness month, challenge yourself to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what is called “Social Determinants of Health” (SDOH). The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer.

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being.

• Work toward securing safe and stable housing: This can be challenging due to finances, age, and other reasons, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to state/local agencies to secure housing, removing safety hazards in the home, or finding another space (such as a community center or friend’s home) where you can get the comfort you are missing at home.

• Focus on your home: Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly, and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive.

• Create bonds with your neighborhood and community: Get to know the people living around you, join or start neighbors-helping-neighbors groups, and support local businesses to challenge gentrification.

• Connect with nature: Hike in a forest, sit in a city park, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light.

If you’re taking steps to improve your surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing signs of a mental health condition. Get a free, private screening at a local agency, clinic or hospital, to help you figure out what is going on and determine next steps.

Countering Stigma – Speaking as If

Our Words Matter

There are now several identified strategies that can help address stigma toward populations with behavioral health challenges. Some involve providing public education. Some involve the addition of addiction and mental health-related curricula to educational institutions and training programs for all service providers who frequently come in contact with these populations, such as in medicine, social services, criminal justice, etc. Another is to shine a light on people who are in recovery and, in doing so, expose the all-too-often hidden reality that people can stabilize, recover, and more-successfully manage their life and that individuals with behavioral health disorders can be every bit as moral, productive, intelligent, talented, and humanly complex as the next person. We can also create venues for advocating pro-recovery messages, policies and programs as well as promote community spaces where recovery can flourish and serve as a beacon of hope to others.

While these efforts might require initiative on the level of policy, resources, and coordination, others can be in our individual hands. One of these involves the skillful use of our language to reduce stigma. George Orwell wrote in Politics and the English Language, “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” If we are trying to address how people think about those with behavioral health disorders, we need to cultivate an awareness and discipline around our choice of words. This is obviously not a new idea and the professional and general culture use of certain “acceptable words” can shift over time. We used to commonly refer to people with an Opioid Use Disorder as “junkies” and individuals with schizophrenia are less-often called “schizophrenic” in order to avoid defining them solely by the symptoms of their disease just as we would unlikely call someone with arthritis an “arthritic.”

The use of “person first” language sees the person before we see what condition they might have. While some are more obvious, such as referring to people with no further use of problematic drugs and/or negative toxicology results as “clean,” versus someone who tests positive as “dirty,” or having “failed” the test, other words, and phrases - especially those pertaining to addictive disorders - might be harder to translate into more neutral language.

To help with this, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released a set of guidelines on how to avoid stigmatizing language, entitled “Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction.” For instance, the guidelines state that saying someone “abuses” drugs open that person up to negative judgment and suggests “uses” instead, regardless of their legal standing or functionality consequences. Prescription drugs might be “misused” if they are consumed outside of how they were intended. Stating someone is on “Medication-Assisted Treatment” is discouraged as the phrase implies that solely using a medication such as methadone or buprenorphine to address an Opioid Use Disorder is not a treatment on its own, just as antidepressants might be a stand-alone therapy for some.

Changing our language use will be difficult in some cases. It might require retraining responses and word usage we have been using a long time as both participants in the general culture and in our professional roles. In addition, some of our patients will find it difficult to go along with these changes. People in some Twelve Step groups often refer to themselves as “alcoholic” or “addict” as an anchoring phrase to remind themselves of who they are or to be consistent with the language of their fellowship, even though the NIDA guidelines discourage this usage, instead preferring phrases such as “Person with a Substance (or Alcohol) Use Disorder.” Some people who identify as a proud and special part of a neurodiverse community might not see why we should not call someone “Autistic.” The harm reduction community has asked us to consider whether labeling someone who has failed at an attempt to change their behavior as having a “relapse,” which implies a discouraging failure as opposed to a learning opportunity which can be part of the journey towards recovery.

The invitation and challenge for us as individuals and/or organizational service providers will be to make thoughtful decisions around using language that can serve to reduce stigma while also continuing to be effective communicators as we conduct our day-to-day interactions and interventions. This can start by considering our own current language choices and which ones have the potential to contribute - even subtly and without any antagonistic intention - toward negative judgments, blame, inaccuracies, etc. which can feed into the very stigma which we and those we serve might encounter. This can be hard, as it will involve changing sometimes long-held and calcified patterns of thought and communication. Some patients will laugh at my referring to them as a person in recovery from an alcohol use disorder instead of their own self-reference as a “former drunk.” That’s okay. Just as a physician might refer to a patient’s self-identified “stomachache” as gastritis, they can still work together towards the patient getting better regardless of whether that “teachable moment” around less-stigmatizing language becomes available.

Likewise, organizations are invited to consider a “language audit” and think about whether their promotional, patient, and professional messaging, forms, handouts, etc. can be considered to have potentially negative and damaging meanings. Sometimes even hearing staff using different word choices with the same meaning, such as one saying “he’s been clean for two weeks” versus another’s “he’s not been using for the past two weeks” can invite a discussion during a supervisory or staff meeting, as can just a general discussion on thoughts and feelings around use of non-stigmatizing language, with examples.

In the spirit of “progress, not perfection,” even those who mindfully work towards changing their personal, professional and/or organizational language choices can expect such shifts to occur only over time, as this includes a deculturation process. Even some of our lead government agencies, such as NIDA, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continue to use the term “substance abuse” in their own titles even though that is considered a less-than-neutral term and does not follow the recommendation that the Office of National Drug Control Policy issued in 2017. There are efforts currently underway to change some of these names.

As with other language shifts that might be occurring in our culture, let us be gentle and understanding of ourselves and others while still actively working towards choosing those words which can advance compassion and proper care for those we serve.

References:

Orwell, G. (2013). Politics and the English language. Penguin Classics.
“Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction” NIDA Addiction Science Series, June 23, 2021
Office of National Drug Control Policy, “Changing Federal Terminology Regarding Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders.” January 9, 2017. Available online at: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2017/01/13/changing-language-addiction

Please note: this article is being republished with permission of Behavioral Health News:

https://behavioralhealthnews.org/countering-stigma-speaking-as-if-our-words-matter/

Outreach to host

29th Annual Long Island Luncheon

Join us on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, Long Island for our 29th annual Long Island Luncheon: Building Stronger & Brighter Futures Together. All event proceeds will enable us to continue and enhance our programs and services that help build healthy lives and brighter futures for children, adults, and families in our community.

At this year’s luncheon, we will also recognize three outstanding individuals whose dedication and support have helped Outreach fulfill our mission to help individuals and families on Long Island turn tragedy into hope:

Christine Ireland-DiLeo, Vice President & Relationship Manager, TD Bank;

Senator Mario R. Mattera, New York State Senate, 2nd District, Business Agent, Plumbers Local #200; and Michael Ward, Senior Vice President, Vanderbilt Financial Group – our 2023 John Brower, Jr. Memorial Award Recipient.

To learn how you can be a part of this event, please link here or

contact Marsha Radulov at marsharadulov@opiny.org.

We look forward to seeing you on June 15!

Treating Teens with Co-Occurring Disorders:

No Longer the Exception, Perhaps the Rule

It was not long ago that the treatment options for teenagers were determined by whether or not their primary diagnosis was mental health or substance use. Sadly, many teenagers and families were denied to the ability to choose their treatment options because of a diagnosis. Today, quality adolescent providers have created highly specialized and person-centered treatment approaches, which address teenagers’ substance use and mental health in a concurrently. A “no wrong door approach” has emerged as the gold standard of care.

Effective and comprehensive treatment for teenagers with co-occurring disorders (COD) include some important considerations. First is the importance of a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis by clinicians well versed in adolescent development, mental health, and substance use. It can be difficult to determine if a teen’s moodiness is due to a mental health issue, substance use or just part of the developmental changes associated with adolescence. Once this is properly diagnosed, an individualized course of treatment and goals can be established and captured in a comprehensive treatment plan.

John Venza, LCSW-R, LMHC

Vice President

Adolescent and Residential Services

Treatment whether it’s for 30 days or six months, is considered “an episode.” After the treatment episode, many adolescents return home. This simple fact necessitates a family-centered treatment approach that provides services for the entire family on a small, pillared treatment track. By doing this, the provider can improve the health of the family system to support sustained recovery in the adolescent.

The program design of an integrated or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is paramount in addressing a teen with a COD. The medical doctor, psychiatrist, nursing staff and licensed clinicians all need to collaborate and conference with an adolescent regularly given the risk factors involved. This is achieved most efficiently by having all these disciplines on one team and in the same building which provides the highest level of continuity in the care of the teenager.

In addition to a diverse and skilled MDT, clinical services for youth with a COD must be eclectic. While evidenced-based talk therapies are a central part of the treatment, they cannot be the only services provided. Treatment for teenagers with a COD is challenging, so it is incumbent on the clinical team to ensure the challenges are tempered with fun. Adolescents are still largely kids at heart and live to have fun. This may be best achieved by infusing the program with experiential, multi-modal therapies including, drumming circles, creative art therapy, yoga, meditation, music therapy, equine and exercise therapy, just to name few. The diversity of these therapies is essential given the range of cathartic experiences a teenager can have. Depending on their specific mental health challenges some teens may struggle with traditional talk therapies, making other fun and innovative approaches critical elements of their care.

At a time when adolescents are entering treatment far more progressed in their mental health and substance use disorder symptomology, providers must think outside the box. By being creative and providing high quality and fun treatment experiences, engagement and retention of teens in treatment can and will improve. By stabilizing and improving an adolescent’s mental health while addressing their recovery from substances, a young person with COD will have a solid foundation to build on as they move forward on their recovery journey.

Renewing Our Focus on Quality

Kelsey Silver, LMFT

Assistant Vice President of Quality and Data Analytics

While quality of care has always been central to the Outreach mission, using data analytics is also critical to ensure continuous improvement has been integrated into our everyday practice. By utilizing evidence-based practices integrated into our clinical records, and visualizing a client’s improvement through analytics, our clinicians are well-equipped to serve an increasingly complex population. Previously, information about a client and the population served lived deep within the client’s chart, requiring time to access and potentially impacted client care.

Since 2021, the prevalence of co-occurring diagnoses (COD) present within the population Outreach serves has increased over 10%, with over a third of our population seeking support for both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. By moving towards an “at-your-fingertips” approach to our Electronic Health Record (EHR), Outreach is committed to ensuring clinicians have information about the client when they need it, and when it is most actionable to positively impact client care. This includes our continued focus on co-occurring diagnoses and how we may best treat them to uphold the quality of care our community expects.

Leave No Man or Woman Behind:

Outreach’s Commitment to Serving Veterans

“Leave no man or woman behind.” Variations of this quote are found in the Soldier’s Creed for all branches of service and imbedded in our programs and services for veterans here at Outreach. We are committed to ensuring that every veteran who comes through our doors knows that we are here to support them through their recovery journey and transition back to civilian life.

Men and women who have served this country and are in need of drug and alcohol treatment deserve a specialized treatment approach that is uniquely designed for them. Their experiences, communication styles, and distinctive set of traumas, call for counselors who can speak their language. At Outreach, our dedicated staff of treatment professionals include those who are veterans themselves. Their shared experience lends credibility for veterans, and helps them feel comfortable in their treatment environment, and therefore increases the likelihood that they will complete their treatment program.

As a behavioral health provider, Outreach is committed to using the latest evidence-based practices in our services for veterans, including Seeking Safety which focuses on PTSD, Strength of the Struggle, Trauma-Informed Care and more. Our Outpatient program for veterans offers both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as case management and vocational services, where we address drug use, co-occurring issues, and life skills deficits. The focus is not just on past traumas but also on grounding and identifying coping skills on how to heal from those traumas.

Our Outpatient program houses a veterans’ lounge which provides a quiet and supervised retreat where veterans can search for jobs, and socialize and connect with other veterans. Most of the group sessions for veterans are held in the veterans’ lounge, and discussions range from relapse prevention, to mindfulness, to emotional regulation, grief and loss, and creative arts therapy.

Outreach recently welcomed a new fulltime Veterans’ Counselor, Danielle “Dani” Koulermos, to help facilitate groups and administer art therapy. According to our Outpatient Services Director Thomas Olivo, “We felt Dani was our missing link. We are thrilled to have her onboard and deepen the work with our clients who are veterans.”

Dani Koulermos shared that oftentimes after discussing their feelings and past trauma in groups many veterans find it hard to identify the language to explain why they feel a certain way. Art offers a way to express something that has happened to them or is happening in the moment, without having to use words and share too much about their past. “Clinical art therapy is a growing modality within the mental health umbrella which services allow people to create rather than speak,” says Koulermos. “Art can be anonymous so whether the barrier is shame, confusion, memory loss or just lack of words to describe what we have lived through. Art making allows the vessel to process trauma with a clinician in a safe space without using triggering details of storytelling.” Art therapists who practice trauma informed care can help direct veterans suffering from PTSD graduate to post traumatic growth by using psychoeducation to help teach and learn about their emotional triggers, creating their own personal narrative, and encouraging acceptance by being open and honest about their recovery. Art therapy is very versatile because you can choose so many different mediums like music in song writing, passages from books, motivational speeches on audiobooks as well as the traditional tools like drawing, painting, and sculpture. Utilizing art therapy, the clients have the autonomy to choose what they would like to use and what they feel comfortable exploring. For our clients at Outreach, and veterans alike, choice is something that they have not always had throughout their lives, whether it be in the military following orders, being incarcerated, or addicted to substances itself. So having the choice over which medium to use or what they design is paramount in their recovery to make good decisions and trying new things.”

Veterans can also take part in Outreach’s new 16-bed intensive residential treatment program which is centered around the evidence-based Rehabilitation to Care practice. The program, which lasts approximately 28 days (though the length of stay is ultimately based on the individual’s needs) offers the skills necessary to establish sobriety. Upon completion of the program, veterans are referred to the next appropriate level of care, either residential living or outpatient treatment. All options are explored, discussed, and determined in collaboration with the client to ensure that they are fully engaged in the continuation of their recovery. Clients also have access to veteran support groups and community resources through Outreach. These services include referrals to agencies that can help them overturn an dishonorable discharge status in order to be eligible for military benefits.

Tom Olivo and colleagues laying wreaths

at LI National Cemetery.

At Outreach, we are constantly seeking to learn more about the resources and supports available for our veterans. Jessica Shuren, Director of Outreach’s Men’s Residence and a veteran herself, chairs the Veterans Committee of the New York State Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers (NYSASPAP). This Committee seeks to enhance the quality of services that veterans receive through the prevention, treatment, and recovery network. This includes veterans who have less than honorable or dishonorable discharges because they as well as believe that regardless of discharge status, substance misuse is an issue that must be treated with the appropriate benefits and services.

Recently, New York State instituted a Change to the Military Discharge Status due to former drug use or even discharge due to sexual orientation as highlighted in the federal government’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

Our staff also seeks out ways in which to give back to the veteran’s community in meaningful ways. One of those ways through our annual participation in Wreaths Across America. For the past 4 years staff have participated in wreath laying ceremonies at veteran cemeteries in Long Island to show our support in memory of our fallen soldiers.

Counselor and Art Therapist Dani Koulermos shares:

Below is an example from our Veterans Grief and Loss group. “A hand to hold on to, a hand to let go,” says Koulermos, “is an art directive I used to show that although loss is the main catalyst of grief, we always learn or gain something from every experience. There is a positive and negative from every situation. There are things we would like to keep and things we would like to get rid of in different areas of our lives as well, so the veterans had a choice on what they were going to write about. The veterans traced their hands or asked for a helping hand to trace and then wrote inside each of the outlines.”

To learn more about how Outreach is serving those who served us, please see our Veterans Services flyer below. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of treatment and support services, contact us 24/7 at our toll-free number at 1-833-OPINYORG / 1-833-674-6967).

Outreach CEO Named by Crain’s

One of 2023’s Notable Black Leaders

Each year Crain’s Business New York recognizes 50 Black New Yorkers who are

exemplars of leadership in their offices and in their communities.

Outreach is thrilled and honored that our very own President and CEO Debra Pantin

was named as one of Crain’s 2023 Notable Black Leaders. To qualify, candidates

must self-identify as Black and have held a leadership position in the New York

metropolitan area for at least five years. The Black professionals who make up

this year’s list represent a broad range of backgrounds, occupations,

and leadership styles. Below Debbie Pantin shares, in her own words,

what this recognition means to her, her approach to leadership, and how

she is inspired to mentor the next generation of Black leaders.

IN HER OWN WORDS

Thoughts on Leadership

Debra Pantin, President and CEO

I am truly honored to be a part of Crain’s 2023 Notable Black Leaders. For me it’s all about doing the work. While the opportunity to be recognized feels good, it also, quite frankly, feels a little weird. I approach leadership through service, and this is just a natural part of what I do.

My priority is, and has always been my staff, to support them and keep communication open and transparent. To be an effective leader, especially one of color, you must be tuned into your staff. People need to feel that you are involved and that you care about them. People in our field don’t always feel that. I think it is so important to be respectful of others. I try to inspire respect.

As a woman of color in this field, I have worked with a variety of leaders and learned a lot from everyone. Throughout my career, it has been important for me to bond with my sisterhood, and brotherhood too for that matter, and to learn from and connect with other Black leaders; because our experience is different, especially for those of us who are C-suite executives. The sisterhood connections I’ve made have been with women leaders across race and ethnic groups. We play an important role for each other and for women of color who are up and coming. It is important that we support each other along each step of the way.

For me, mentoring is vital to helping people get to where they need to go. This can be done by taking the time for a talk, a meal, or, meeting up informally to listen and give advice. In a true mentorship relationship, you are learning a lot from each other; it’s a give and take that goes both ways. It is also important to mentor people who look like us. I especially enjoy mentoring young people; their perspectives are always so fresh and different. Hearing from them helps me refine my leadership approaches. I also love sitting down and talking to people who are just interested in our field.

I think the way to address the workforce issues our field is facing is through mentorship. There must be a way of steering and guiding people, especially people of color, into leadership roles. A lot of that has to do with instilling confidence. There are a lot of passionate, smart, and dedicated individuals out there, but the ability to cultivate their leadership is missing. This is where education needs to be coupled with leadership opportunities. A lot of people of color in our field don’t have the same starting point as others do to get to a master’s level degree.

I am part of a working group with ASAPNYS and the Coalition for Behavioral Health that is looking into how to identify and cultivate leaders of color in the behavioral health space. Thanks to a two-year start up grant from OASAS, OMH and a private foundation, we kicked off this initiative in March 2023. The idea for this project came about when we started talking about the sustainability of our field. As we were talking about workforce on a broader level, we felt it was important to focus on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion issues. We’re in the planning process now, working with leaders across the field, including CEO and lead program positions at organizations throughout New York State. We are developing a (to be named) leadership institute that will provide training curriculum and mentorship for people of color. Individuals will be nominated and sponsored by organizations. The leaders of the sponsoring organizations will take part in the institute alongside their mentee to ensure that they learn and grow together. Our plan is to start with 25 individuals, and then enroll more participants each year.

Outreach has long been committed to equity work; this is not something new here. Cultural diversity is part of our organizational values, and we instill that in our staff starting at orientation through our ongoing staff development trainings. It has been exciting to build on this foundation. Right now, we are focused on ensuring that all the aspects of the National CLAS standards are integrated into everything we do here at the agency.

As black leaders, it is critical that we approach the work through the lens of imbalance due to systematic racism in our society. We need to steer the ship forward in a more balanced way and always through a justice and equity lens.

I am honored to be among those nominated and recognized for Crain’s list of 2023 Notable Black Leaders. Now that we have this recognition it is even more important that all of us on the list continue to do this important work and inspire and encourage others to join us.

Staff Accolades, Transitions

& Promotions

Debra Pantin, President and CEO, and John Venza, Vice President for Adolescent and Residential Services served as panelists at the 2nd Annual Strengthening the Systems of Care for Co-Occurring Disorders for Long Island conference. The event was a coordinated effort of legislative officials and providers from throughout New York State. The goal of the conference is to promote integration of co-occurring services across our system of care knowledge about co-occurring disorders and highlight the value of integration of care to pave the way for advancement in the field of co-occurring disorders treatment to best serve the complex needs of individuals and their families.

John Venza presented on Youth and Cannabis at the Suffolk County School Superintendents conference at the Stony Brook University’s Wang Center, as well as on THC and Youth at an event sponsored by the Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harris.

(see picture).

Thank You, Christine!

After over three decades at Outreach, our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Christine Casiano has stepped down. Christine joined Outreach in 1992 as a grant researcher working on a NIDA project, and steadily grew within the ranks of the agency. Most notably, Christine is credited with establishing Outreach’s first Human Resources Department. Her efforts established the initial organization and structure to the department while providing pathways of communication for managers and staff. Afterward, she shifted focus to Outreach Training Institute (OTI) for which she had already developed a familiarity through the numerous grants she helped secure over the years. One of the grants – the Department of Health’s retraining grant – helped kickstart the growth of the OTI.

Christine was also instrumental in successfully leading the agency program operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing onsite leadership, managing shifting protocols and requirements, making fast paced critical decisions to help ensure the safety of clients and staff while providing critically needed services.

Full Scholarships Now Available

For Casac Training For Suffolk County Residents

Applications are now being accepted for the Suffolk County Department of Health scholarships for Suffolk County residents who wish to obtain CASAC certification at the Outreach Training Institute (OTI). This funding is made possible out of the first phase of the Opioid Settlement funds in Suffolk County.

The Suffolk County Workforce Development Scholarships (SCWDS) will be targeted at individuals seeking to pursue their CASAC certification and who have demonstrated an interest and passion for helping people in the Suffolk County community. These individuals might be those who work in Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and Office of Mental Health (OMH) programs, human and social service agencies, or at health facilities. They may have been involved in volunteer work in their communities and/or religious, civic, or cultural institutions. They could be individuals in recovery who provide peer-to-peer support to others.

Two programs will be funded, the full 350-clock hour program needed to obtain CASAC certification and a 135-hour program for master’s level social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, and psychoanalysts.

To apply for the 350-hour program, click here:

https://opiny.org/350-hour-casac-training/

To apply for the 135-hour program (master’s level only), click here:

https://opiny.org/postgrad-casac-training/

STAFF PROMOTIONS AND TRANSITIONS

Vaughn Flake

Vaughn Flake was promoted to Porter Supervisor and is now responsible for coordinating facility cleanliness and porter coverage for all of Outreach’s programs on Long Island.

Elizabeth McNamee

Elizabeth McNamee was promoted to Director of Outreach House II, the agency’s residence for adolescents in Brentwood, Long Island. Elizabeth started at Outreach as an intern and grew to become a Substance Abuse Counselor and then the House Manager at OH II. She earned her CASAC while serving as a counselor and is now enroute to becoming a CASAC-A.

KLydia McNeilT

Lydia McNeil has been named Director of Human Resources, after serving as Interim Director for the past six months, and prior to that as an HR Specialist. Her new responsibilities will encompass guiding, implementing, and managing all HR services, policies, and programs for the agency. Lydia brings vast professional and academic experience in human services and holds two Bachelor’s, two Master’s and is currently earning her PhD in Strategic Leadership. She has also earned an Advanced Certification in Human Resource Management from Cornell University.

Suzanne Soganics, LMSW, CASAC

After 24 years working and leading Outreach House II, the agency’s residence for adolescents in Brentwood, Suzanne Soganics is transitioning into a new role as the Outreach Recovery High School Coordinator/Clinical Social Worker. In this new role, Suzanne will bring her extensive clinical and administrative experience to Aspire Academy (aka Recovery High School) which is only in its 2nd year, and help shepherd the program’s growth.

Janet Walpole

Janet Walpole, who joined Outreach five years ago as Director of the Greenpoint, Brooklyn Outpatient Clinic and its ReStart Academy for high school students transitioning back into the public school system following substance use treatment, was promoted to Director of the agency’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Richmond Hill, Queens. Janet has more than 20 years’ experience providing services to underserved populations and has worked in the behavioral health field managing a wide array of services including substance use, mental health, HIV/AIDS, primary care, and homelessness, bringing breadth of vital experience and skills to Outreach’s new CCBHC.