What's New at Outreach?

Check back from time to time for news about new happenings at Outreach Project.


16TH ANNUAL OUTREACH LONG ISLAND LUNCHEON: A RECORD $150,000 IS RAISED AS ORGANIZATION MARKS 30 YEARS BUILDING HEALTHY LIVES

Outreach will held its 16th annual Long Island Luncheon on Thursday, May 20 at noon, honoring three prominent leaders in the local business community - Thomas Gesualdi, President, Building Material Teamsters, Local 282; Edward J. Blaskey, Market President, Suburban NY/Long Island, TD Bank, and; John J. Molloy, P.E., President and CEO, H2M.

(Left to Right): Neil Sheehan, Executive Vice President of Outreach; New York State Senator Brian X. Foley; John J. Molloy; Edward J. Blaskey; Jessica, a graduate of Outreach House who spoke at the luncheon; Kathleen Riddle, president of Outreach; Thomas Gesualdi; Rev. Edwin Reed, and Brian Edwards, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Astoria Federal Savings, who was luncheon chairman.

This year marks Outreach’s 30th year designing and operating specialized programs for individuals and families struggling with addiction, programs that change lives and rebuild families. On Long Island, services include comprehensive residential an outpatient substance abuse treatment for adolescents, 12-17, and their families; after school outpatient substance abuse treatment for adolescents (with two locations); intensive daytime treatment for women and women with children; adult outpatient substance abuse treatment, and the Outreach Training Institute (OTI), an alcohol and substance abuse counselor training program certified by New York State.

For more pictures of the luncheon, visit our Facebook Fan Page!


Outreach House in Brentwood featured in News 12 LI "Drug Abuse Trends" segment

News 12 Correspondent interviews the adolescents at Outreach House in Brentwood, Long Island about their experiences with substance abuse. Outreach's John Venza, VP of Adolescent Residential Services discusses national trends in abuse. Several teenagers were asked to comment about the growing trends in teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Originally aired on March 2nd, 2010

Footage provided by News 12 Long Island.


Announcing Outreach Training Institute Summer Training Series: Courses offered End of July and August 2010!

Take advantage of our summer courses! Open to current students, alumni, Outreach staff, and general public where appropriate. For more information:

Courses are $50 a day upon single purchase and additional purchases are 1/2 price

Current OTI students and Outreach staff can attend free of charge.

All trainings are approved for OASAS-recertification hours.


Outreach Training Institute announces full scholarships for economically disadvantaged students!

Through a generous grant OTI is able to offer full scholarships to
economically disadvantaged students interested in receiving formal
CASAC training. Check our flyer to see if you qualify by meeting the criteria.


OUTREACH'S ANNUAL METROPOLITAN LUNCHEON HONORS BUSINESS LEADERS

Three top real estate and union leaders were honored at the Outreach metropolitan fundraising luncheon which set a record for donations.  More than 600 people gathered at Cipriani in midtown Manhattan.  Honored at the event were: Robert Barriero, Senior Director, Global Operations Management, Pfizer, Kuba J. Brown, President & Business Manager of IUOE Local 94-94A-94B, and Jean Savitsky, Managing Director, Project & Development Services of Jones Lang LaSalle.  Funds will help the organization provide drug and alcohol treatment services and to achieve its mission of “building healthy lives." 


Pictured (left to right) are Ray Ortiz, a manager at Outreach House; Robert Barriero; Kathleen Riddle, president of Outreach; Jean Savitsky; Randi Gustitus, an Outreach House graduate; and Kuba J. Brown.  The luncheon chairman was Paul O'Brien, managing director of the Building Contractors Association and Outreach Project, Inc. Board Chair.

 

To see more photos of this annual event, visit our photo album
on Facebook.
 

Outreach Training Institute announces new OPEN HOUSES!

Ever wonder what it would be like to reach out and touch the lives of those who are suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse?

Join us for an Open House at the following locations. Tour the facility and meet our staff. Registration is not required.

Richmond Hill, Queens: The following Tuesday dates at 7:00pm:

  • August 3rd
  • September 14th
  • October 5th
  • November 2nd
  • December 7th

* Applicants are invited to take their reading and writing admissions exam every Tuesday at 6PM

Greenpoint, Brooklyn: Wednesdays at 3:30pm:
*Applicants are invited to take their reading/writing admissions exam at the Richmond Hill, Queens site.

Brentwood, Long Island:

  • OTI in Brentwood is currently not scheduled to hold Open Houses in August. For those interested in the Long Island program, please don't hesitate to call.
     

Please check our flier for more details.


OTI Announces a CASAC Exam Preparation Class!*

The class will cover the structure of the CASAC exam, the strategies to correctly answer questions, the studying guidelines unique to test takers strengths and knowledge gaps, and numerous practice questions. Students can expect to leave the class with a clear sense of what to expect on the exam as well as what they need to do to successfully prepare for it.

This class is designed to utilize the study guide, "Getting Ready to Test
(#M404): A Review & Preparation Manual for Drug & Alcohol Credentialing Exams". We strongly suggest that you buy this book in advance of the class & bring it with you. It can be purchased from: Getting Ready to Test (#404): A Review and Preparation Manual for Drug and Alcohol Credentialing Exams or (http://dlcllc.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page1.html).

The cost of the Prep Class will be $100.00 for alumni/$125.00 for non-alum. Seats are limited & must be reserved by pre-payment no later than August 9th, 2010. To reserve your seat, mail your interest, contact info and money order to the Richmond Hill, Queens Training location

Questions? Please call Tatiana at 718.847.9233 x309

*The next class will be held in November; date to be decided.


A New Cycle of Department of Health Funding to support CASAC training will be starting May 2010!

A limited amount of seats are available immediately with additional seats available in the fall for Outreach Training Institute's 350 Hour CASAC Diploma Program!

OTI is offering full CASAC training scholarships to applicants who are currently employed in, at risk of lay off, or laid off from the Healthcare field. To qualify, applicants cannot have a credential or other certification that qualifies them as a Qualified Health Professional (QHP).

Applicants must have a minumum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, work full time or part time (or recently bene laid off) at an OASAS approved facility within the NY metropolitan area, and meet various admissions criteria. Fill out an application today!

For NYC Healthcare workers:
Contact Tatiana Bedoya 718.847.9233 x309
For L.I. Healthcare Workers:
Contact Lorraine Stewart 631.951.2613 x150

Department of Health Flyer


NYS OFFICE OF ALCOHOLISM & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES (OASAS) HONORS LIFE-SAVING WORK OF ADDICTIONS PROFESSIONALS: OUTREACH’S JOAN LOHNES RECOGNIZED AS 2009-09 ‘ADDICTION NURSE OF THE YEAR’

To mark the 20th anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of addictions professionals in New York State, the Office of Substance Abuse Service (OASAS) recently designated September 30th as Addictions Professionals Day. In conjunction, OASAS Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo named the recipients of the state's annual addictions professionals awards, which included Outreach Supervisor of Nursing  Joan Lohnes, RN, BS, CD, ADS, LMHC, who was named by an OASAS panel of her peers as Statewide 2008-09 Addiction Nurse of the Year.  The judges determined that Ms. Lohnes is "the nurse who best exemplifies excellence and quality service to the field."  The honor is presented to "an individual who has earned widespread recognition from his or her peers and whose work reflects the highest level of professional conduct and dedication to serving individuals and families suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse," said OASAS. 

Present at the October 1st ceremony at the Outreach offices in Richmond Hill, Queens, were (pictured left to right): Debbie Egel, Senior Attorney, OASAS; Kathleen Riddle, president of Outreach; Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo; Ms. Lohnes; Mark Armiento, vice president, Outreach Training Institute, and Peggy Bonneau, Director of Health and Wellness, OASAS.


OUTREACH CONGRATULATES NANCY DIAZ, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES COORDINATOR, HONORED BY QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT FOR OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT

In association with October 2009 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Nancy J. Diaz, Outreach’s Domestic Violence Services Coordinator, and adolescents from Outreach’s residential program presented a workshop and performance event on ‘Teen Dating Violence & Substance Abuse’ at the Domestic Violence Conference sponsored by Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall and the Queens Task Force on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Maltreatment & Elder Abuse. 

In recognition of her outstanding commitment to the Borough President’s Task Force, Ms. Diaz was presented a ‘Declaration of Honor’ by Queens Borough President Marshall.  Presented at Queens Borough Hall on October 23rd, the Declaration acknowledges Nancy in grateful recognition of her outstanding commitment to the Borough President’s Task Force.  Citing effective coordination of workshops for the domestic violence conferences and her diligent assistance to victims of domestic violence, Nancy’s exemplary leadership was credited for improving awareness and services for domestic violence victims and their families.


CON EDISON “SUMMER OF SCIENCE” GRANT A GREAT SUCCESS!
Science Brought to Life for Adolescents at Ridgewood Facility

 Con Edison’s award of a “Summer of Science” grant to Outreach Project successfully concluded in August, having brought hands-on learning experiences for teens at Outreach Project's Ridgewood facility.

Through the “Summer of Science” initiative, a specialized curriculum touching on a broad array of science related topics was taught by one of the certified science teachers from PS 318 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and included lab work and field trips. 

“This generous grant from Con Edison provided an exciting opportunity for these adolescents to learn about science, and to help them develop a sense of academic accomplishment and higher self esteem,” said Kathleen Riddle, president of Outreach. “For teens fighting drug or alcohol addiction, a key component for long term success is giving them the confidence to remain substance free. The ‘Summer of Science’ program offered teens a dynamic, engaging opportunity to see how education leads to success and achievement later in life.” 

“Con Edison knows the importance of supporting science education for K-12 students,” said Carol Ann Conslato, Director, Queens Public Affairs, Con Edison. “Outreach Project’s efforts will help provide a solid base in science for these students, which will hopefully expand their opportunities in the future.”

Read more about Outreach’s “Summer of Science” in The Queens Courier. 

OUTREACH PROJECT HONORS THREE LEADERS IN BUSINESS AT 
ANNUAL LONG ISLAND LUNCHEON

More than 250 individuals representing businesses from across Long Island, along with all the residents of Outreach House, were present at Outreach Project’s 15th Annual Long Island Luncheon.  

A big success, particularly in light of the challenging economic conditions, the luncheon grossed $120,000 to support the enhancement and expansion of drug and alcohol treatment services on Long Island.  

Honored at the event were: James Castellane, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Tom Murray, Managing Partner of Albrecht, Viggiano, Zureck and Co., PC, and Peter Frangos, the parent of a graduate of Outreach House, the agency’s residential program for teens.

Pictured at the event, from left to right, are: James Castellane, John Maher, C.M., Chairman of the Outreach Development Corporation Board of Directors, Brian Edwards, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Astoria Federal Savings, who was luncheon chairman, Tom Murray, Peter Frangos and Kathleen Riddle, president of Outreach Project. 


Big Apple Circus 2009 Benefit for Outreach Project

Proceeds from the May 28th Big Apple Circus benefit for Outreach Project will help the agency expand and enhance substance abuse treatment and training services.  The Cunningham Park performance of “Play On” was a wonderful evening for all who participated!  Pictured below are Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, who served as honorary ringmaster (left), Robert A. Taylor of the Walter Kaner Children’s Foundation, a sponsor of the event, with Grandma the Clown (top right), and (bottom right), clockwise from top, Neil Sheehan, Executive Vice President, Outreach Project; Carol Conslato, Con Edison; Kelly Mattone, Grandma, Peggy Mattone and Joseph Mattone, Jr. of the Mattone Group; Albert Pennisi, president, Queens Chamber of Commerce.  Special thanks to the event sponsors:  Walter Kaner Children’s Foundation, Mattone Group, LLC, Mutual of America and the Dragone Family.


Newsday Charities Awards Outreach Project Grant to Expand Long Island Services 

Outreach Project was honored to be chosen as recipient of a grant in the sum of $10,000 from Newsday Charities, a fund of the McCormick Foundation.  The funds will be used to support a project that provides ongoing education and support services for graduates of Outreach House and their families.

 

Pictured (L to R): Tim Knight, Newsday Publisher; Christine Casiano, VP, Outreach Project; David Vizzini, Clinical Coordinator, Outreach House II; Ken DePaola, Executive VP, Sales and Marketing, Newsday; Deirdre Parrish Williams, Director, Community Affairs and Media Relations, Newsday; and Paul Fleishman, VP Public Affairs, Newsday.

 


OTI Announces Good News for Veterans!

The Outreach Training Institute is pleased to announce that United States Veterans can now attend the Institute’s 350-Hour Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Diploma Program COMPLETELY TUITION FREE!  In just 11 short months, veterans can train for and start a life-long career that will provider personal satisfaction and have a positive impact on others and can earn college credits at the same time.  For more information on eligibility and how to apply, click here.  Read the New York Daily News article about this training program: Military veterans can help other veterans beat addiction.

Learn about the recent visit of Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Colonel James McDonough, Jr. (Retired) to this unique training program in the Queens Chronicle: Richmond Hill vets get certified. 

Beginning in April 2009, the Veterans CASAC training program is now also offered at OTI’s Brooklyn Campus in Greenpoint.  Announcement and celebration of the additional CASAC training class and expanded partnership with the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs’ at Greenpoint was featured in the Greenpoint Star: Reaching Out Even Further and the Greenpoint Gazette: Rocking the Rock Reform at Outreach Project Greenpoint.

View NY1’s feature - Vets Work Together to Fight Abuse Problems - which aired on the 24-hour news channel beginning October 23, 2009.

 


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© Outreach Project 2009