C Magazine #3

C

2 Washington Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10004

Fall/Winter 2012

The magazine of Community Access

SEE OUR COMMUNITY

Transforming people’s lives starts with caring neighbors like you.

PARTICIPATE

CELEBRATE

BUILD

Race for Our Community

Howie the Harp Graduation

Facebook “Like”-a-thon

• • • • •

5K run 1 mile walk Dog walk Block party Prizes and t-shirt giveaways www.raceforourcommunity.org

October 13th

• Luncheon and ceremony • Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Edwards, Director, Kings County Hospital

October 29th

• For every new “like,” our sponsor will donate $10 to Community Access.

• Build our friendship circle and raise money with the click of a button: www.facebook.com/ communityaccess

November 1st to December 31st

For more details about these and other upcoming events, visit www.communityaccess.org

There’s No Place Like Home Community Access tenant, Michele Francis, shares how a little dog named Toto has changed her life.

Parachute NYC Set to Transform Mental Health Care Do Good. Meet Neighbors. Transform Lives.

PET ACCESS

CEO’S LETTER

Toto

More focused than ever on housing, health and wellness Dear Friends, In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot of discussion about health care these days; much of it couched in highly politicized rhetoric that predicts the end of civilization as we know it.

Beyond the shouting, however, real plans and programs are beginning to take shape. While it might be incredibly difficult to sort out all the jargon and concepts buried in the 906-page Affordable Care Act, much of it boils down to some simple themes. Instead of spending billions of dollars after people get sick, it makes much more sense to: 1) reduce barriers to health care, 2) offer a range of attractive options to encourage people to use care, and 3) reward providers who do a good job keeping people well, especially people who suffer from complicated conditions, such as mental illness, diabetes, and hypertension—as do many of our participants.

This issue of C magazine illustrates some simple strategies Community Access has adopted to promote the health and wellness of the people we serve. Our lead story features Pet Access, a program that encourages tenants to adopt any kind of pet they choose. Why? Because the proven health and wellness benefits of pet ownership are outstanding: pet owners exercise more, have more social contacts, and have lower blood pressure than the population at large. In short, they live healthier, happier lives.

We are also pleased to announce the pilot of a new program that we hope will change the course of treatment for people experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Called Parachute NYC, it will offer a non-hospital treatment

option for people who would otherwise be directed to a psychiatric emergency room and inpatient care. This type of “crisis respite” care has proven effective in other communities by eliminating expensive and traumatizing hospital care and replacing it with supportive counseling from trained peers and intensive collaboration with friends and family members. Again, it’s a cheaper, more effective approach that promotes recovery, hope, and a healthy future.

Finally, we are sponsoring our first “active” event on October 13th, called Race for Our Community. While we certainly expect many speedy runners in the 5K race, we are even more pleased that many of our program participants will be joining the one-mile walk—including a team of 25 tenants from Avenue D, two of whom are pictured above (left) with me, along with staff member Karen Hunter. Our goal is to encourage year-round exercise, and we believe this event will help launch many people on a path to increased activity, wellness, and a healthier lifestyle.

– S t e v e Co e , Ch ie f E x e c u t iv e O ff i c e r

C Magazine Publisher: Steve Coe, Chief Executive Officer John Williams, Director of Development and Communications • Jon Curtis, Communications Specialist Jennifer Jacobs, Graphic Designer • Photography by Sean Sime • Community Access, Inc. 2 Washington Street, 9th Floor • New York, NY 10004 Email: news@communityaccess.org • © 2012 Community Access

There’s No Place Like Home W

’hen Community Access tenant, Michele Francis, first moved into our supportive housing program

five years ago, depression was something she knew all too well. Now, with the help of our program staff, and our unique Pet Access animal adoption program, Michele is on a journey that is filled with hope.

“Depression doesn’t make a lot of noise. It doesn’t move fast. And, it isn’t brightly colored,” shares Michele. “But, when it grabs hold of you, no matter how much your heart might hurt—joining in, showing up, going out is what other people do.”

Born and raised in New York City, Michele first began experiencing mental health symptoms as a teenager.

Early on, she reflects, she had learned the skill of blending in, but never really felt comfortable in her own skin. “Even though I was always surrounded by people, there was this feeling of loneliness that I couldn’t shake.

I had little to no confidence, and would just stay inside all the time.”

Her life before Community Access included many challenging years that she prefers to keep to herself.

But, as she sits quietly in the garden of her apartment building, there’s a very special reason why her future is brighter today—a 6-pound Chihuahua mix named Toto.

“

Even when I think about Toto, I smile.

He let’s me know that it’s OK to love and be loved.

”

–Michele

PET ACCESS

CEO’S LETTER

Toto

More focused than ever on housing, health and wellness Dear Friends, In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot of discussion about health care these days; much of it couched in highly politicized rhetoric that predicts the end of civilization as we know it.

Beyond the shouting, however, real plans and programs are beginning to take shape. While it might be incredibly difficult to sort out all the jargon and concepts buried in the 906-page Affordable Care Act, much of it boils down to some simple themes. Instead of spending billions of dollars after people get sick, it makes much more sense to: 1) reduce barriers to health care, 2) offer a range of attractive options to encourage people to use care, and 3) reward providers who do a good job keeping people well, especially people who suffer from complicated conditions, such as mental illness, diabetes, and hypertension—as do many of our participants.

This issue of C magazine illustrates some simple strategies Community Access has adopted to promote the health and wellness of the people we serve. Our lead story features Pet Access, a program that encourages tenants to adopt any kind of pet they choose. Why? Because the proven health and wellness benefits of pet ownership are outstanding: pet owners exercise more, have more social contacts, and have lower blood pressure than the population at large. In short, they live healthier, happier lives.

We are also pleased to announce the pilot of a new program that we hope will change the course of treatment for people experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Called Parachute NYC, it will offer a non-hospital treatment

option for people who would otherwise be directed to a psychiatric emergency room and inpatient care. This type of “crisis respite” care has proven effective in other communities by eliminating expensive and traumatizing hospital care and replacing it with supportive counseling from trained peers and intensive collaboration with friends and family members. Again, it’s a cheaper, more effective approach that promotes recovery, hope, and a healthy future.

Finally, we are sponsoring our first “active” event on October 13th, called Race for Our Community. While we certainly expect many speedy runners in the 5K race, we are even more pleased that many of our program participants will be joining the one-mile walk—including a team of 25 tenants from Avenue D, two of whom are pictured above (left) with me, along with staff member Karen Hunter. Our goal is to encourage year-round exercise, and we believe this event will help launch many people on a path to increased activity, wellness, and a healthier lifestyle.

– S t e v e Co e , Ch ie f E x e c u t iv e O ff i c e r

C Magazine Publisher: Steve Coe, Chief Executive Officer John Williams, Director of Development and Communications • Jon Curtis, Communications Specialist Jennifer Jacobs, Graphic Designer • Photography by Sean Sime • Community Access, Inc. 2 Washington Street, 9th Floor • New York, NY 10004 Email: news@communityaccess.org • © 2012 Community Access

There’s No Place Like Home W

’hen Community Access tenant, Michele Francis, first moved into our supportive housing program

five years ago, depression was something she knew all too well. Now, with the help of our program staff, and our unique Pet Access animal adoption program, Michele is on a journey that is filled with hope.

“Depression doesn’t make a lot of noise. It doesn’t move fast. And, it isn’t brightly colored,” shares Michele. “But, when it grabs hold of you, no matter how much your heart might hurt—joining in, showing up, going out is what other people do.”

Born and raised in New York City, Michele first began experiencing mental health symptoms as a teenager.

Early on, she reflects, she had learned the skill of blending in, but never really felt comfortable in her own skin. “Even though I was always surrounded by people, there was this feeling of loneliness that I couldn’t shake.

I had little to no confidence, and would just stay inside all the time.”

Her life before Community Access included many challenging years that she prefers to keep to herself.

But, as she sits quietly in the garden of her apartment building, there’s a very special reason why her future is brighter today—a 6-pound Chihuahua mix named Toto.

“

Even when I think about Toto, I smile.

He let’s me know that it’s OK to love and be loved.

”

–Michele

PET ACCESS

PET ACCESS

Toto and I will be “joining the Race for

Our Community dog walk as part of Team Gouverneur Court.

It’s a great way to show my appreciation for an agency that has helped me in so many ways.

– Michele

Community Access created Pet Access in 2003, because we recognized the healing power of pets in people’s lives. We wanted to offer our tenants at our housing programs around the city a chance to welcome animals into their homes and lives. We knew from the start that when a tenant was ready to make a leap forward with adopting a pet, rewards would follow: from building self-esteem, to creating a nurturing bond, and forming lasting friendships. These are exactly the kinds of relationships that people need the most.

From the warm glow in Michele’s eyes, it is evident how important Toto is in her life. “He chose me,” Michele remembers, “gazing right at me, kind of like love at first sight.”

”

Since that first meeting, Michele and Toto have been inseparable—always looking out for each other and the very best of friends. “He’s intuitive and knows when to come and cheer me up, and he’s very protective of me, a tough guy in a little package. Since I’ve had him, I’ve been a lot more active going out and about, and I feel like I can accomplish more. I’ve met new neighbors too when I’m out walking Toto.”

Now, Michele has a home of her home, lots of love from her canine friend, and a strong support system from program staff. She is also enrolled in career counseling and job training through ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education ServicesVocational Rehabilitation). Through this education

initiative, Michele is focusing on goal-setting and building skills for independent living.

“I’m too busy to feel lonely anymore, and I don’t feel depressed. It’s a new and exciting feeling.”

Are you a pet lover? Help Community Access make an even bigger difference in our participants’ lives through our Pet Access animal adoption and therapy program. You can make a contribution online at www. communityaccess.org/donate, or by calling 212-7801400, ext. 7772.

It’s amazing to see “ the joy that Toto brings to Michele’s life. He’s a new member of our community.

”

– Janice Guest Staff Member

PET ACCESS

PET ACCESS

Toto and I will be “joining the Race for

Our Community dog walk as part of Team Gouverneur Court.

It’s a great way to show my appreciation for an agency that has helped me in so many ways.

– Michele

Community Access created Pet Access in 2003, because we recognized the healing power of pets in people’s lives. We wanted to offer our tenants at our housing programs around the city a chance to welcome animals into their homes and lives. We knew from the start that when a tenant was ready to make a leap forward with adopting a pet, rewards would follow: from building self-esteem, to creating a nurturing bond, and forming lasting friendships. These are exactly the kinds of relationships that people need the most.

From the warm glow in Michele’s eyes, it is evident how important Toto is in her life. “He chose me,” Michele remembers, “gazing right at me, kind of like love at first sight.”

”

Since that first meeting, Michele and Toto have been inseparable—always looking out for each other and the very best of friends. “He’s intuitive and knows when to come and cheer me up, and he’s very protective of me, a tough guy in a little package. Since I’ve had him, I’ve been a lot more active going out and about, and I feel like I can accomplish more. I’ve met new neighbors too when I’m out walking Toto.”

Now, Michele has a home of her home, lots of love from her canine friend, and a strong support system from program staff. She is also enrolled in career counseling and job training through ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education ServicesVocational Rehabilitation). Through this education

initiative, Michele is focusing on goal-setting and building skills for independent living.

“I’m too busy to feel lonely anymore, and I don’t feel depressed. It’s a new and exciting feeling.”

Are you a pet lover? Help Community Access make an even bigger difference in our participants’ lives through our Pet Access animal adoption and therapy program. You can make a contribution online at www. communityaccess.org/donate, or by calling 212-7801400, ext. 7772.

It’s amazing to see “ the joy that Toto brings to Michele’s life. He’s a new member of our community.

”

– Janice Guest Staff Member

PARACHUTE NYC TO CREATE SOFT LANDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS IN CRISIS T’

oday, in much of the United States, someone experiencing a psychiatric crisis (caused by schizophrenia and related mental health conditions) has very limited treatment options. For most, their default destination will be the emergency room at a hospital.

While these facilities are expertly staffed, the care provided emphasizes short-term stabilization using medication, rather than long-term recovery and wellness.

Unfortunately, the outcomes for this standard form of intervention are not great. Over 80% of the people who arrive at emergency rooms for a psychiatric crisis report that they are traumatized by the experience. This pattern of treatment eventually features more and extended hospital stays, deteriorating physical health, loss of connection to friends and family, and the eventual transformation of a person into a patient.

Thanks to Parachute NYC funding, Community Access is preparing to open New York City’s first Crisis Respite Center at 315 2nd Avenue in Winter 2012. This innovation in behavioral health care will offer a warm, friendly, safe, and supportive home-like environment, with 24-hour peer support, selfadvocacy education, and self-help training.

In New York City, however, this damaging cycle is set to change with the implementation of Parachute NYC, a cutting-edge Department of Health and Mental Hygiene project more than two years in the making. Community Access has played a leading role in designing and implementing this project. Supported by a federal health care innovation grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it is projected to reduce health care expenditures by $50 million over the next three years, while also improving the care and health of participants.

A “soft-landing,” community-based alternative to emergency hospitalization, Parachute NYC will offer people experiencing a psychiatric crisis a form of treatment that relies less on medication management and more on engaging the family and the participant in developing a comprehensive recovery plan. It will do so through training all staff in the principles of the “Need-Adapted Treatment Model,” “Intentional Peer Support,” and “Peer Health Navigation.”

Cal Hedigan, Deputy CEO, Steve Coe, CEO, and Alysia Pascaris, Deputy CEO, meet with Jody Silver, Director of Consumer Affairs, NYC DOHMH, at the future home of NYC’s first Crisis Respite Center.

“

Parachute NYC is a great example of how providers and government can partner to bring about large-scale, systemic change that will improve health care for thousands of people AND save millions of dollars in taxpayer money. It’s a common sense approach that treats people in need with respect and dignity.

”

–Steve Coe, CEO Community Access

PARACHUTE NYC TO CREATE SOFT LANDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS IN CRISIS T’

oday, in much of the United States, someone experiencing a psychiatric crisis (caused by schizophrenia and related mental health conditions) has very limited treatment options. For most, their default destination will be the emergency room at a hospital.

While these facilities are expertly staffed, the care provided emphasizes short-term stabilization using medication, rather than long-term recovery and wellness.

Unfortunately, the outcomes for this standard form of intervention are not great. Over 80% of the people who arrive at emergency rooms for a psychiatric crisis report that they are traumatized by the experience. This pattern of treatment eventually features more and extended hospital stays, deteriorating physical health, loss of connection to friends and family, and the eventual transformation of a person into a patient.

Thanks to Parachute NYC funding, Community Access is preparing to open New York City’s first Crisis Respite Center at 315 2nd Avenue in Winter 2012. This innovation in behavioral health care will offer a warm, friendly, safe, and supportive home-like environment, with 24-hour peer support, selfadvocacy education, and self-help training.

In New York City, however, this damaging cycle is set to change with the implementation of Parachute NYC, a cutting-edge Department of Health and Mental Hygiene project more than two years in the making. Community Access has played a leading role in designing and implementing this project. Supported by a federal health care innovation grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it is projected to reduce health care expenditures by $50 million over the next three years, while also improving the care and health of participants.

A “soft-landing,” community-based alternative to emergency hospitalization, Parachute NYC will offer people experiencing a psychiatric crisis a form of treatment that relies less on medication management and more on engaging the family and the participant in developing a comprehensive recovery plan. It will do so through training all staff in the principles of the “Need-Adapted Treatment Model,” “Intentional Peer Support,” and “Peer Health Navigation.”

Cal Hedigan, Deputy CEO, Steve Coe, CEO, and Alysia Pascaris, Deputy CEO, meet with Jody Silver, Director of Consumer Affairs, NYC DOHMH, at the future home of NYC’s first Crisis Respite Center.

“

Parachute NYC is a great example of how providers and government can partner to bring about large-scale, systemic change that will improve health care for thousands of people AND save millions of dollars in taxpayer money. It’s a common sense approach that treats people in need with respect and dignity.

”

–Steve Coe, CEO Community Access

RACE DAY

PARACHUTE NYC

We’re “launch

very excited to this innovative project, to improve future outcomes for people who experience psychiatric crisis and ultimately to prevent long-term disability resulting from untreated mental illness. Expanding a network of supportive services including large scale development of the peer workforce in New York City is an exciting challenge in which we are pleased to have such committed community partners.

–Trish Marsik,

”

A s si sta nt Comm is s io n er, Bu reau o f Me nta l Hea lt h , N YC DO HMH

Four new crisis respite centers, new and enhanced mobile crisis services, a peer-staffed warm line, and integrated primary health care will maintain a continuity of care and support.

The benefits for program participants will be many and varied. Crisis respite centers will offer a warm, friendly, safe, and supportive home-like environment, with 24hour peer support, self-advocacy education, and selfhelp training. Similarly, Parachute NYC’s warm line and mobile crisis teams will enable individuals with psychosis to develop trustful relationships and support networks that endure far beyond the emergency room visits of old.

Importantly, almost 90% of the individuals hired in over 150 new positions will be people with experiences of psychiatric treatment and recovery. Community Access will provide training for this new workforce through an expansion of its Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Center, made possible by a portion of the federal grant.

This project is supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS1C1-12-0001 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

The contents of this article are solely the responsibility of Community Access and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.

PEERS WANTED I’s an exciting time for consumers wanting to be a peer worker in NYC. Community Access encourages consumers to apply for any of our available positions.

All job openings are listed at www.communityaccess.org/jobs. If you don’t have the training or experience, but want to learn more about developing a career in human services, please attend an open house at our Howie the Harp Advocacy Center. For details about times and topics, visit www.communityaccess.org/hth.

10-13-2012 www.RaceForOurCommunity.org

RACE DAY

PARACHUTE NYC

We’re “launch

very excited to this innovative project, to improve future outcomes for people who experience psychiatric crisis and ultimately to prevent long-term disability resulting from untreated mental illness. Expanding a network of supportive services including large scale development of the peer workforce in New York City is an exciting challenge in which we are pleased to have such committed community partners.

–Trish Marsik,

”

A s si sta nt Comm is s io n er, Bu reau o f Me nta l Hea lt h , N YC DO HMH

Four new crisis respite centers, new and enhanced mobile crisis services, a peer-staffed warm line, and integrated primary health care will maintain a continuity of care and support.

The benefits for program participants will be many and varied. Crisis respite centers will offer a warm, friendly, safe, and supportive home-like environment, with 24hour peer support, self-advocacy education, and selfhelp training. Similarly, Parachute NYC’s warm line and mobile crisis teams will enable individuals with psychosis to develop trustful relationships and support networks that endure far beyond the emergency room visits of old.

Importantly, almost 90% of the individuals hired in over 150 new positions will be people with experiences of psychiatric treatment and recovery. Community Access will provide training for this new workforce through an expansion of its Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Center, made possible by a portion of the federal grant.

This project is supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS1C1-12-0001 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

The contents of this article are solely the responsibility of Community Access and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.

PEERS WANTED I’s an exciting time for consumers wanting to be a peer worker in NYC. Community Access encourages consumers to apply for any of our available positions.

All job openings are listed at www.communityaccess.org/jobs. If you don’t have the training or experience, but want to learn more about developing a career in human services, please attend an open house at our Howie the Harp Advocacy Center. For details about times and topics, visit www.communityaccess.org/hth.

10-13-2012 www.RaceForOurCommunity.org

RACE DAY

Do Good

Meet

Neighbors Celebration Run and Walks On race day, you’ll be part of a special celebration in New York City where you’ll meet many neighbors who also care about Community Access.

Check-in for runners, walkers and dogs will be between 9:00 A.M. and 10:15 A.M. on Washington Street between Battery Place and Morris Street. The 5K Run begins at 11 A.M., and the walks start shortly thereafter.

2 Washington Street is easily accessible by several subways: 1

Join us for our first annual 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, Dog Walk event

1

Register online at www.raceforourcommunity.org

2

Follow the steps to set up your personal fundraising page, and set a goal to raise $100, $200 or whatever you can in support of Community Access.

3

Invite your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to join you at the day’s festivities.

R

4

5

Party at Battery Park When you cross the finish line, enjoy our block party, which includes food sampling, arts and crafts, raffles, dog costume contests, entertainment, and an awards ceremony for walkers and runners. We gratefully acknowledge the local businesses who will be there to help add some fun for the whole family: • Abhaya Yoga Studio • Art Collective, featuring original paintings and handcrafted books • Big Apple Circus • Cucina Liberta • Jessys Pastries • Mama Chia • New York Sports Club • North Shore Animal League • Petropolis • Taro’s Origami Studio • TD Bank • And more!

Event Sponsors

CMJ Underwriters, Ltd. The Stillman Group and Birchall LLC TD Bank

Annual Sponsors

Butler Woodcrafters HSBC Bank USA Mega Contracting Group LLC IRL Systems USI Insurance

RACE DAY

Do Good

Meet

Neighbors Celebration Run and Walks On race day, you’ll be part of a special celebration in New York City where you’ll meet many neighbors who also care about Community Access.

Check-in for runners, walkers and dogs will be between 9:00 A.M. and 10:15 A.M. on Washington Street between Battery Place and Morris Street. The 5K Run begins at 11 A.M., and the walks start shortly thereafter.

2 Washington Street is easily accessible by several subways: 1

Join us for our first annual 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, Dog Walk event

1

Register online at www.raceforourcommunity.org

2

Follow the steps to set up your personal fundraising page, and set a goal to raise $100, $200 or whatever you can in support of Community Access.

3

Invite your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to join you at the day’s festivities.

R

4

5

Party at Battery Park When you cross the finish line, enjoy our block party, which includes food sampling, arts and crafts, raffles, dog costume contests, entertainment, and an awards ceremony for walkers and runners. We gratefully acknowledge the local businesses who will be there to help add some fun for the whole family: • Abhaya Yoga Studio • Art Collective, featuring original paintings and handcrafted books • Big Apple Circus • Cucina Liberta • Jessys Pastries • Mama Chia • New York Sports Club • North Shore Animal League • Petropolis • Taro’s Origami Studio • TD Bank • And more!

Event Sponsors

CMJ Underwriters, Ltd. The Stillman Group and Birchall LLC TD Bank

Annual Sponsors

Butler Woodcrafters HSBC Bank USA Mega Contracting Group LLC IRL Systems USI Insurance

C

2 Washington Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10004

Fall/Winter 2012

The magazine of Community Access

SEE OUR COMMUNITY

Transforming people’s lives starts with caring neighbors like you.

PARTICIPATE

CELEBRATE

BUILD

Race for Our Community

Howie the Harp Graduation

Facebook “Like”-a-thon

• • • • •

5K run 1 mile walk Dog walk Block party Prizes and t-shirt giveaways www.raceforourcommunity.org

October 13th

• Luncheon and ceremony • Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Edwards, Director, Kings County Hospital

October 29th

• For every new “like,” our sponsor will donate $10 to Community Access.

• Build our friendship circle and raise money with the click of a button: www.facebook.com/ communityaccess

November 1st to December 31st

For more details about these and other upcoming events, visit www.communityaccess.org

There’s No Place Like Home Community Access tenant, Michele Francis, shares how a little dog named Toto has changed her life.

Parachute NYC Set to Transform Mental Health Care Do Good. Meet Neighbors. Transform Lives.