We are excited to announce two groundbreaking initiatives: one aimed at reducing substance use disorders among perinatal women, and the other supporting homeless individuals with serious mental illness. These initiatives, funded by the Elevance Health Foundation and the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), respectively, demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to those in need.
Empowering Mothers
Odyssey House has been awarded a $300,000 grant over three years from the Elevance Health Foundation to combat substance use disorders among perinatal women. This grant will support the Connections to Care Expansion program, focusing on vulnerable women in the Bronx.
Highlights of the program include:
- Family Care Coordinator (FCC): The grant will fund an additional FCC to join an existing team comprised of one FCC and a Family Peer Advocate. This team operates from the NYC Administration for Children’s Services office in the Bronx.
- Targeted Outreach: The new FCC will focus on outreach to hospital systems, harm reduction settings, and opioid treatment programs. The goal is to screen, assess, and refer perinatal women to appropriate treatment and resources.
- Addressing Barriers: The program aims to mitigate the fear of the child welfare system, which often prevents perinatal women from seeking the help th
ey need.
Transforming Lives
Our supportive housing initiative is set to make a significant impact in the Bronx, New York. This OMH-funded project will provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment for 60 homeless individuals living with serious mental illness. By creating an integrated setting, the initiative aims to help these individuals remain stably housed while receiving the necessary support to thrive.
Key components of the program include:
- Evidence-Based Programs: Tenants will benefit from trauma-related services such as Seeking Safety and programs like Wellness Self-Management Plus to build life skills.
- Individual Service Plans: Each tenant will have a personalized plan that provides access to a variety of onsite and community-based services. These services include housing case management, counseling, crisis intervention, life skills training, health education, public benefits management, and social/recreational activities.
- Culturally Competent Care: Services will be strengths-based and sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of the tenants. The initiative’s operating budget of $1.9 million includes a robust staffing plan. This plan comprises a full-time Program Director, three full-time Case Managers, an Entitlement Specialist, and a Peer Specialist.
These initiatives underscore our dedication to innovative, evidence-based approaches in addressing the complex needs of our community members. By providing supportive housing and targeted outreach, we aim to create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve