SUS Awarded Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International

In August, after an intensive and thorough survey from CARF International (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), SUS was awarded three-year accreditation for:

• Residential Programs for individuals with mental illness and individuals with a developmental disability in the areas of Community Housing and Community Integration;
• Employment Programs in the areas of Community Employment Services: Job Development, Job Supports, Job-Site Training, and Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation;
• Clubhouse Program in the area of Community Services: Community Integration; and,
• Day Habilitation Programs in the area of Community Services: Community Integration.

We are particularly delighted that this international accrediting body, after an intensive three-day survey of our service delivery systems, documentation practices, physical plant, and interviews with staff, participants and board members, concluded that we had demonstrated exemplary conformance to the CARF standards. We believe this achievement is an indication of our organization’s dedication to improving the quality of life of persons served.

As our Survey Report notes, “Staffing personnel demonstrates commitment towards enhancing the quality of life for persons served by respecting, encouraging and nurturing personal aspirations. Staff members are motivated, soulful and passionate in advocating for the persons served.” Further, “SUS is commended for cultivating a family like atmosphere that permeates from the top down.”

Staff and consumers are reveling in this accomplishment and are committed to continuing this “established pattern of practice excellence.”

SUS Members Make their Voices Heard to Amplify Mental Health Awareness

By: Marie Sabatino

Over the last decade or two, the mental health system of care has been paying much more attention to the “peer movement” and the need for individuals receiving mental health services to make their voices heard in mental health programs and other human service organizations. At Services for the UnderServed (SUS), our mental health consumers have taken the peer movement a step further: outside the walls of our programs and into the larger community.

This year’s class members of the SUS Project PREPARE (People in Recovery Engaging People thru Advocacy, Respect and Encouragement) Peer Training Program were invited by NYAPRS to share their experiences about what helped and what hindered the recovery process while hospitalized in psychiatric settings. Two SUS peers, Ann Telesford and Margaret Monroe, from the Project PREPARE graduating class of 2012, as well as an ACT Team member, presented to a range of hospital staff, which included psychiatrists, social workers, nurses and peer-bridgers of the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center on Long Island. SUS peer presenters spoke with eloquence and passion about the critical need to protect human rights and promote alternatives to psychiatric restraints, as well as the importance of staff offering hope and showing a sense of compassion to individuals facing their most difficult times.

In addition, the class of the Project PREPARE Program and SUS Clubhouse peer specialist staff, Maria Sanchez, attended the Mental Health Planning Forum sponsored by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Consumer Affairs. Ms. Sanchez and several peers-in-training provided public testimony about ways in which to improve services and programs in NYC’s mental health service delivery system. Ms. Sanchez described her experience attending the Forum along with SUS peers, “This group inspired me so much that I actually spoke at the forum and I’m basically a shy person when it comes to speaking in front of a large crowd.”

Whether we identify as a peer provider or social worker, consumer or staff, in recovery from a mental health condition, or making our way toward that end…. let us remember that it is each and every one of our responsibilities to promote human rights, share key information and community resources, provide meaningful opportunities to one another, and ultimately, to help eliminate the trauma of stigma that often brings far greater suffering than any mental health condition itself. To paraphrase the great civil rights leader, Mahatma Gandhi, and consider a question that the SUS community often asks ourselves: If we do not take part in the change we wish to see in the world, who will?

Additional Resources:
National Association of Peer Specialist Services: http://www.naops.org
New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services: http://www.nyaprs.org
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Consumer Affairs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/dmh/dmh-oca.shtml

Goldman Sachs Volunteers with SUS Veterans

On Friday, June 22nd, Goldman Sachs employees volunteered their time to assist our Veterans with resume writing, job applications and job readiness.  In addition to the concrete help provided, Veterans left feeling more positive about their job search and employability.  The volunteers said that they enjoyed spending time with the Veterans and getting to know them each individually, as well as explaining the interview process.  Hopefully, the lessons taught and learned will result in each Veteran achieving their employment goals. Thank you to New York Cares for partnering with SUS to make this event happen.

Annual Gala

More than 330 people attended the 2012 Services for the UnderServed (SUS) gala as we honored JWT New York with a Corporate Citizenship Award on June 4th in The Allen Room and Atrium, Jazz at Lincoln Center, in Manhattan. James Beard Award-winning television personality, chef, and food writer Andrew Zimmern served as emcee.

SUS honored JWT New York for building awareness of the work it is doing to meet the needs of individuals who are among New York City’s must vulnerable citizens. Through the execution of groundbreaking ad campaigns, JWT brought SUS to the attention of New York City at-large. One of the campaigns, called “After the Parade,” focused on building awareness of how SUS is meeting the challenges of military men and women coming home to New York City. JWT is also partnering with SUS to develop a Veterans’ food franchise venture and is working with SUS to integrate the city’s Veterans Services through a Veterans Resource Center and centralized web portal.

“With over 70 employees volunteering thousands of person-hours to work on campaigns and development initiatives, JWT has proven itself to be an example of how positive a difference one company can make,” said Drew Train of JWT.

The gala was followed by an after-party with entertainment by renowned musical group Ron Grant & Friends, currently the “live” entertainment at New York City’s newest hotspot D’ARBY’S, which is owned by Jay Z.

Attendees included Toni Ross, Cicely Carson, Peter Friedland, Jennifer Press, Seth Diamond, Department of Homeless Services Commissioner, Terrance Holliday, Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs, Congressman Robert Turner, top entertainment lawyer Andrew Hurwitz, and Stefan Selig, Vice Chairman, Bank of America.

“I’m a winner!” SUS Annual Olympics

The 2012 SUS Olympics took place at Astoria Park in Queens last Friday (May 18^th). The event, which was a huge success, would not have been possible if it were not for the funds raised by the SUS Young Leadership Council, and the help of volunteers.

Consumers from over 25 SUS Developmental Disabilities programs and houses came together to compete, but most importantly, to enjoy a day with family, friends and the community. It was such a great pleasure to see everyone in the park standing next to each other cheering each other on.

The “Olympics and Family Fun Day” is one of our many efforts that focus on helping individuals live with respect and dignity in the community. For us, a good human services agency provides not only basic needs for living, but also the opportunity to build stronger self-esteem, to learn new living techniques and to become part of community.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the success of the day.  Your help has continued to strengthen the bonds between our consumers, their families, and the community.

Employment & Mental Health

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), an estimated 22.1 percent of Americans age 18 and older – about one in five adults – suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.

Most people living with a mental illness face a number of other life challenges, and many find themselves unemployed.  Although experts suggest that for people living with mental illness, work can be a critical factor in promoting health, recovery and social inclusion, myths and skepticism still exist. Some believe that people with a mental illness lack either  job readiness, or the qualities necessary to meet the job requirements.  Some employers do not want to hire people with a mental illness as they think a working environment will be too stressful for them. These biases only serve to increase barriers to employment for people living with a mental illness.

SUS provides a wide range of services for people living with a mental illness. Founded on the belief that all people can contribute meaningfully to society when given the right supports, SUS offers a full range of Employment Services, including  job readiness, job placement and job coaching. Our programs are designed to assist participants in leading a more independent life by helping them develop a sustainable career path.

Keith Haring

This month, together with tens of millions of people, we celebrate Keith Haring’s 54th birthday, the brilliant artist who died in 1990 of AIDS-related complications. His artwork, simple, colorful and energetic, carries deep meanings. You may have seen his iconic murals of “Happy Valentine New York” in the subway stations, his signature dancing figures on Madonna’s shirt in 80’s, or a “radiant child” coffee mug held in your hands. His work inspired many young artists and designers as well as those who are struggling with various life changing problems.

Long before Haring was diagnosed with AIDS, his distinguished artwork had reflected many socio-political subjects, such as discrimination, AIDS awareness, and the substance abuse epidemic. Over the years, peace, love and equality were the main themes of his work. His last project was called “Tuttomondo” (all-world) on the wall of the church of St. Anthony in Pisa, Italy. All figures link to each other in unique ways, representing different aspects of peace in the world.

Today, we memorize Keith Haring not only because of his outstanding artwork. More importantly, we want to let you know that any help counts. SUS provides tailored services to persons with complex needs such as developmental disabilities, HIV/AIDS, mental illness and homelessness. It is our belief that all people can live successfully in the community as long as they have the right supports. SUS serves more than 3,500 New Yorkers with special needs. But we are not alone. Local communities, educational institutions, business entities and individuals are working together to create more efficient services to help our consumers live more independent, fulfilling lives.  In addition, there are so many ways you can help: a generous donation, voluntary work or simply a word mentioned on Facebook and Twitter.

National Volunteer Week: A Salute to All Volunteers

Since its establishment in 1974 by President Nixon, National Volunteer Week has been successfully calling millions of men and women to dedicate their time and energy to a wide range of fields, such as community, education and human services. This week, we want to pay tribute to the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to helping SUS.

From counting people who live on the street on cold winters night, to packing necessary kits and  personalized holiday gifts for our consumers, SUS volunteer programs give people a chance to learn about those who are underserved and the importance of community based human services. Through these programs, people are building a stronger bond not only to their communities and with other individuals, but also to their life goals. Just as one SUS volunteer has written:

“My volunteer experience with SUS has been wonderful so far. I have learned a great deal about the services SUS offers and the impact it has on people’s lives. I also have a better understanding of the mental health field and the importance of the peer specialist movement. This experience has motivated me to continue working hard at achieving my education and career goals.”

This Saturday (April 21), the SUS urban gardening program is holding a volunteer event for Earth Day. To learn more about how you can volunteer at SUS, please e mail Minjung Park mpark@sus.org.

SUS Veterans Service Fair

With the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and those returning from Afghanistan, there are a great number of skilled workers re-entering the job market. However, not all returning veterans are able to successfully make the transition back to civilian life without a little help.  Many Veterans face issues such as legal problems, physical injuries, mental illness, homelessness and unemployment.  To continue SUS’s history of assisting Veterans tackle these issues, SUS will be hosting the second Veterans Service Fair on May 23^rd at the Brooklyn Borough Hall.

The goal of the Fair is to provide veterans and veterans’ families with (1) a single point of entry into the network of government and non-profit agencies that help veterans address the major issues of housing, mental and physical wellness, criminal justice, and family reintegration, and (2) access to companies with jobs for veterans as well as assistance in the practical skills necessary for identifying and securing job opportunities.

SUS already has a long list of employers and service agencies signed up to participate in the fair.  More information on who is attending can be found by visiting this page on our website.

If you are a business owner who would like to hire returning heroes or to participate in the Veterans Service Fair, please contact Jason Dubrow jdubrow@sus.org (917-291-7215).

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Q&A

Over the years, SUS Developmental Disabilities Services (DD) has gained a reputation and expertise in working with individuals with severe behavioral challenges. This March, in observance of the 25^th  National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we want you to join us in helping people living with such challenges work towards greater independence and to reaching their individual potential as members of society.  Below are the answers to some common questions we get asked about people living with developmental disabilities and the services we provide:

Q: I’ve heard about Autism, but what other issues affect people with developmental disabilities?

A: Developmental disabilities are lifelong disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairment, manifested prior to the age of 22 (Centers for Disease Control). People with developmental disabilities can have challenges with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living.

Q: Why is March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?

A: President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987. This observation is a call to each individual in society to become educated about people with such disabilities and the possibilities that lie within them.

Q: What kind of services does SUS have for people with developmental disabilities?

A: SUS offers a wide range of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, many of whom have multiple challenges. Comprehensive and targeted services are tailored to the needs and preferences of the individuals. SUS provides services in a variety of settings (community residences, private homes, day and after school programs), that offer opportunities for naturally occurring learning and engagement. Specific services offered include life skills development, employment readiness, medical and nursing services, speech therapy, social work, psychological counseling, recreation and nutrition assistance.

Residential Programs

Supervised group living – a home with 24 hour staffing and supervision (ICF and Supervised IRA);
Supported (“semi-independent”) group living – a home with less than 24-hour staffing and supervision;
Non-Certified Housing Options – services that assist persons to locate, lease or buy, and access residential arrangements that are alternatives to traditional group living situations (e.g. Individualized Support Services (ISS))

Day Habilitation Programs

SUS operates community-based day habilitation programs. These programs consist of daytime activities including skill development, and prevocational services to people with developmental disabilities. Services vary in the staffing arrangements, locations, and supports they offer based on individual needs, interests, and preferences. The program focuses on reducing barriers to community inclusion and increasing each individual’s practical skills. Our individuals are involved in volunteer activities including “God’s Love We Deliver” (package lunches and deliver to homes), hospital work (cafeteria service and housekeeping), and training at trade shops (e.g. mechanics).

Respite Services (Recreation)

These services are provided during the day, evening, or weekend offering leisure-time and social activities. SUS’ After-School Programs are located in the Bronx, and provide individualized attention and care in the evening Mon-Fri and/or Saturday mornings for children and adolescents.

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC)

Services focus on assisting people with developmental disabilities to gain access to necessary services and supports within the community appropriate to their needs and life goals. It is provided by qualified service coordinators and uses a person centered process to develop, implement and maintain an Individualized Service Plan (ISP). SUS provides MSC for individuals who live in our residences as well as for individuals who live at home with their families.

Family Support Services

These include a wide variety of services directed at parents, siblings, and other relatives that enhance a family’s capacity to continue caring for a family member with a developmental disability living at home. As part of Family Support Services, SUS administers a Family Reimbursement Program.

Under the Family Reimbursement Program, families apply to SUS for financial reimbursement for expenses not covered by Medicaid for service needs of their children with developmental disabilities. Services reimbursed include weekend getaways, babysitting, and medical equipment not covered by Medicaid