Celebrating women of strength

Friendships between women are special. In their friendships, women tend to share feelings and problems more than men do with friends; and in times of stress or anxiety, women are more likely to turn to their friends and confidantes for emotional relief.

Many people struggling with substance use disorders, mental illness, or homeless find themselves isolated, and studies show that losing connections with others is a particularly devastating aspect of addiction for women.

That’s why every March, in honor of Women’s HistoryMonth, we host a special Women’s Day event. It’s often the first time the women across our housing programs have a chance to interact. “It’s about introducing the residents to each other, to encourage them to socialize and form a support network,” said Victor Genao, program director of Park Avenue.

This year's theme was “Strong Women Rise,” reflected on a mural painted by several of the women. The celebration was organized by Harriet Turner, who said, 'I believe 'strong women do rise' above all adversities and being a part of the women’s month event at Odyssey House gives me an opportunity to bring together the women we serve and provide a forum of hope and inspiration while sharing stories of encouragement through their own achievements and the stories of others."

The program included a performance by gospel singer Arlethia, poetry readings, and a ceremony honoring a woman from each program. Many of the speakers took the opportunity to share words of inspiration with their fellow tenants and colleagues:

“Everyone sitting at this table, know that you are an inspiration to someone – you are someone’s mother, sister, aunt, niece, daughter. More importantly, you are somebody.”

“You have a purpose in life – be a positive role model, not just at Odyssey House but in the world.”

They even learned how to pamper themselves a little bit. Kelly Ahearn, wellness coordinator, showed the women how to make a simple facial mask at home. 

Integrated health care for older adults

A $250,000 grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health will establish behavioral health care services for older adults through an internal partnership with our Article 28 clinic. The primary project objectives are to screen and assess older adult patients for mental health issues and substance use disorders using validated tools; implement patient navigation and care management services in the medical clinic; and improve mental and behavioral health in older adults. Odyssey House will be able to provide services to 80 older adults, ages 55 or older, with mental health and/or substance use disorders per year, for a total of 240 older adults over three years.

The goal of the program is to seamlessly integrate behavioral health care with physical health care for older adults through care management, patient navigation and treatment planning.  To that end, Odyssey House will hire a geriatric social worker, to be located at the Article 28 clinic, who will meet with older patients to discuss (as well as screen and assess for) unaddressed behavioral health care needs, which often take a toll on physical health. Together, the geriatric social worker and patients will work to develop a treatment plan outlining behavioral and physical health care goals and needs. 

Odyssey House is one of ten agencies that were awarded service demonstration grants authorized by the Geriatric Mental Health Act. These three-year grants will provide $4.1 million to the nonprofit providers and focus on health integration. Because previous projects demonstrated that collaborative partnership models of integrated health care increased the probability of creating and sustaining effective programs, applicants were required to engage in at least one formal internal or external agency partnership in order to assure the on-site provision of integrated services.

Two new supportive housing programs are now open

Please join us to celebrate the openings of our new supportive housing buildings!

Odyssey House Soundview Avenue provides permanent supportive housing in the Bronx for 56 single, low-income adults living with special needs and is our first green building. Odyssey House Tinton Avenue provides permanent supportive housing in the Bronx for 65 single, low-income adults living with special needs. Tenants in both buildings have access to Odyssey House's comprehensive social services programs, including substance use and mental health treatment, community-based recovery networks, medical and dental care, and educational and vocational services.

Each building offers a number of amenities, including community rooms and residential lounges; a communal dining room; 24-hour security; on-site laundry and gym facilities; and a large, landscaped backyard to encourage tenant interaction and activities.

RSVP for the Soundview Avenue ribbon cutting.

RSVP for the Tinton Avenue ribbon cutting.

Learn more about our housing programs and our commitment to responsible neighboorhood development.