Celebrating “Women with a Vision”

Every March, Janice Glenn-Slaughter, director of community housing at Odyssey House, commemorates Women's History Month with a special event that is aimed at boosting self-esteem and encouraging female bonding. It's an important event here as many of the women in our programs are coping with low self-esteem and a history of domestic violence or sexual abuse.

“My goal is to give the women in our programs a day to celebrate their achievements,” Ms. Glenn-Slaughter said. “They have been through so much in their lives, and by looking back at the challenges they faced before coming into treatment, they are able to fully appreciate and be proud of their accomplishments.”

This year marks the fifth year Ms. Glenn-Slaughter has organized a women’s day event and the program included musical performances, two inspirational guest speakers from Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) and poetry readings by tenants from our housing residences. Many of the speakers, such as Valerie F., regained custody of their children while in treatment and shared their stories of reunification. Valerie said, “At Odyssey House, I learned how to be accepting of myself and how to be a loving parent.”

At the end of the program, the "Woman of the Year" award was presented to Denise P., an Odyssey House alumna, for her dedication to her peers. After completing treatment at the MABON and Outpatient Services, Denise became one of the first mentees to enroll in OH ROCS. She is now president of the OH ROCS Council and continues to mentor others in early recovery. 

Denise P. (center) with Odyssey House housing staff.

New program to enhance adolescent treatment in the Bronx

Odyssey House Outpatient Services is introducing a new evidence-based program for adolescent boys (12-17 years) with substance use disorders. Called the Seven Challenges, the program will be incorporated into our existing BUY-In program, which was recently awarded a three-year, $1.3 million contract by the NYS Office of Alcoholism & SubstanceAbuse Services (OASAS).

The Seven Challenges program is designed to motivate a decision and commitment to change – and to support success in implementing the desired changes. The program helps young adults address their drug problems as well as their co-occurring life skill deficits, situational problems, and psychological problems.

Odyssey House kicked off the program with a community meeting to introduce the program to referral sources. Attendees included representatives from OASAS, the Bronx Borough President’s office, Bronx Futures, and Bronx Community Services.

Seven Challenges is intended to avoid power struggles between the client and counselor, instead focusing on encouraging honesty. Richard Barr, director of training and support for Seven Challenges, said, “It is an empowering model – designed to help adolescents make thoughtful decisions: internally motivated and committed. We want clients to take charge of their own lives.”

Robert Anderson, director of adolescent, outpatient and admissions services for Odyssey House, said, “We are very excited about this opportunity to implement yet another evidence-based practice of the quality that Seven Challenges exhibits. The training was very valuable and we look forward to providing to great services to the youth we serve.”