Celebrating 50 years of service!

This spring, Odyssey House celebrates 50 years of service to New Yorkers in need of substance abuse and mental health treatment. In 1967, Odyssey House opened its doors as a drug-free Therapeutic Community (TC). The first Odyssey House program was located at Metropolitan Hospital in East Harlem and provided treatment for 17 ex-addicts; it quickly grew into one of the country's preeminent therapeutic communities - catching the attention of public policy and medical experts.

Today, our programs span a range of populations and services for parents and families, youth and young adults, senior citizens, people with mental health and/or medical disabilities, the formerly homeless, and parolees transitioning back into society. We offer 24/7 intensive residential treatment, outpatient services, supportive housing, educational and vocational support, medical and dental care, health and wellness programs, and arts and recreation opportunities.

In 50 years, Odyssey House has grown into a multi-service behavioral healthcare organization recognized for its evidence-based, comprehensive services for New York’s most vulnerable individuals and families, advocacy in fighting the stigma of addiction, and leadership in securing on-going support for the recovery field.

As the year unfolds, we will be celebrating our 50th birthday in various ways, including our signature “Run for Your Life” recovery event on Saturday, September 24th and sharing monthly stories that highlight one of our special populations or programs. We hope you'll join us in celebrating this significant milestone. Stay tuned for more!

Our Summer 2015 newsletter is now available!

The Summer 2015 edition of Odyssey House News is now available online. Read about our renovated medical clinic, latest art show, new services and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. Click here to read it (pdf). If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

And don't forget to join us on September 19th for our 10th Annual Run for Your Life celebration!

Our 2014 Annual Report is now available

Our 2014 Annual Report is now online! The report includes infographics on our treatment services and populations, an overview of our growing portfolio of supportive housing programs, and a look at the key events of 2014.

Most importantly, this report also features profiles of clients who believe in sharing their recovery. They have overcome addiction, mental illness, homelessness, and trauma. For them, and the thousands of people we help each year, we are proud to say Odyssey House is where recovery lives. Read the report here.

Our Winter 2015 newsletter is now available!

The Winter 2015 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our expanded peer mentoring programs, recovery month celebrations, new board members, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

The Summer 2014 newsletter is now online

The Summer 2014 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our supportive housing openings, the latest art show, new grants, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

Odyssey House opens second supportive housing program in the Bronx

More than 100 community leaders, government partners, Odyssey House board members, staff and supporters gathered in the Bronx on April 24th for the Tinton Avenue ribbon cutting ceremony. Tinton Avenue is our second supportive housing program to open in this month.

The event featured tenant-led tours of the buildings and speeches by Moira Tashjian of the NYS Office of Mental Health and Cynthia Stuart of the SupportiveHousing Network of New York. In addition, Adrienne F., a tenant, spoke of her experience being homeless and how having a home has improved her life:  “When you’re in a shelter, you’re not living – you’re merely existing. Now I have a chance at being more self-sufficient and reaching my goals. I can also think more clearly and take better care of myself.”

Photo caption: The architects, contractors, consultants, funders, and Odyssey House management team responsible for the Tinton Avenue development celebrate the official opening. From left, Nick Lettire, Lettire Construction; Joe Olive, Jr., Olive Branch Consulting; Caren Abate and James Lupoli, NYS Office of Mental Health; Tina Mitchell, Odyssey House project manager; Moira Tashjian and Budd Isaacson, NYS Office of Mental Health; Peter Provet, Ph.D., Odyssey House president and chief executive officer; Durga Vallabhaneni, Odyssey House chief financial and administrative officer; Kevin Hoffman, The Richman Group; Amy Larovere and Thomas Wong, A. Larovere Consulting; Akiko Kyei-Aboagye and David Hirsch, Urban Architectural Initiatives.

First green supportive housing building opens in the Bronx

Odyssey House officially opened its first green supportive housing building on Thursday, April 10th. Located on Soundview Avenue, the building provides permanent housing for 56 single, low income adults living with special needs. We'll be posting more photos and details after our second building, Tinton Avenue, opens on April 24th. In the meantime, check out this post by our friends at the Supportive Housing Network of New York and watch this clip from News 12 Bronx.

Photo caption: Odyssey House management and board members gather to cut the ribbon. Front row, John Tavolacci, EVP, chief operating officer; Annise Weaver, senior director of admissions & residential support services; Peter Provet, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer; Colleen Beagen, VP, director of human resources; Stephen Gross, Marianne Guschwann, M.D., and George Rosenfeld, Odyssey House Board of Trustees; Durga Vallabhaneni, SVP, chief financial and administrative officer. Back row, Janice Slaughter, director of mental health and housing services; Jeff Savoy, VP, director of clinical support services; Darrin Brown, senior director of correctional & residential youth programs; Whittaker Wright, program director, Soundview Avenue and Tinton Avenue; Isobelle Surface, SVP, director of communications; Justin Mitchell, VP, director of adult residential services.

The Fall 2013 Newsletter is now available!

The Fall 2013 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our recovery month events, how our corporate partners are supporting recovery, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

Run for Your Life celebrates recovery for eighth consecutive year

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 28th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 8th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. WPIX reporter Jay Dow emceed the event, which also featured fitness competitions, zumba lessons, children’s races and activities, and the presentation of the CASAC of the Year Award to Milton Slaughter, coordinator of residential admissions at Odyssey House.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, though unable to attend, sent a message of support: “For nearly 50 years, Odyssey House has provided invaluable support to those suffering from mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and HIV/AIDS by providing therapy and health services, housing, vocational training, and more. As people from across the five boroughs come together to recognize National Recovery Month, we applaud Odyssey House and all those associated with it for their unwavering dedication to individuals and families in need, and together, we look forward to building a stronger, healthier future for us all.”

Participants included clients from other NYC-based treatment agencies, friends and family of people in recovery, as well as representatives from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and our corporate partners. Thank you to everyone for making Run for Your Life such a successful event!

Odyssey House employee named CASAC of the Year

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has named Milton Slaughter, coordinator of residential admissions at Odyssey House, CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) of the Year.

As coordinator of residential admissions, Mr. Slaughter conducts intake interviews, new patient orientations and comprehensive psychosocial assessments. He often engages in intensive case management activities, gathering information from and following up with a range of collateral service providers both during and after intake, and assures that patients’ needs are addressed through well-coordinated, multi-disciplinary interventions.

Mr. Slaughter first entered Odyssey House as a client in 1992. He took full advantage of his time at the Leadership Center, earning his GED and participating in vocational training programs. Two years after completing treatment, Mr. Slaughter returned as an employee, working his way up from a food service worker at the Harbor and counselor at the Leadership Center to progressively responsible positions in the Admissions department. In 2005, he received his CASAC.

Each September in observance of National Recovery Month, OASAS acknowledges addictions professionals across New York State who provide exceptional services ranging from chemical dependence prevention, treatment and recovery, to problem gambling services for persons and communities in need. This marks the fourth consecutive, and sixth overall, Addictions Professional Award given to an Odyssey House employee.

Our 2012 Annual Report is now available

Commitment to a Cause

Helping people with substance use disorders and mental health challenges rebuild their lives requires a special kind of commitment. It’s a commitment that demands resiliency, gives hope, rewards effort, and embraces challenges. It’s the kind of commitment that puts people first and expects the best from everyone.

By setting a standard of commitment, OdysseyHouse has created a culture of achievement and expertise that stimulates personal growth and encourages resourcefulness. This year's annual report explores how Odyssey House is maintaining high treatment standards - built on evidence-based practices and decades of clinical experience - in the face of a changing environment.

Download our new brochures!

Learn more about Odyssey House's programs and services in our new brochures. You can download them from our Admissions page or email us at admissions@odysseyhouseinc.org to order a hard copy set. Give us your feedback in the comments or on our Facebook page.

The Winter 2013 newsletter is now available

The Winter 2013 edition of Odyssey House News is now available online! Read about our recovery month events, Hurricane Sandy volunteer efforts, board leadership changes and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info@odysseyhouseinc.org.

Odyssey House wins second supportive housing award

The New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance AbuseServices (OASAS) has selected Odyssey House to receive $375,000 in annual funding to provide 15 two-bedroom units of permanent supportive housing.

The apartments will provide supportive housing to homeless families completing residential drug treatment, connect them with aftercare treatment for substance abuse and other essential supportive services, and help them work toward independent living. 

“Transitioning from residential treatment to independent living can be very difficult for our clients. This grant will enable our clients to secure safe, affordable housing without jeopardizing their recovery,” said Dr. Peter Provet, president of Odyssey House. 

Through the use of the OASAS “Two-Phase Approach” to program development, the apartments will initially be located in individual sites throughout Manhattan. The second phase will be to develop and build a single congregate site where all apartments can be located.

OASAS awarded Odyssey House a similar grant in January (pdf), increasing our housing capabilities for homeless families by 35 units this year.

Odyssey House social worker honored by New York State

Cailin McGreevy (left) with OASAS Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez and Odyssey House President Dr. Peter Provet.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance AbuseServices (OASAS) named Odyssey House clinical supervisor Cailin McGreevy “Social Worker of the Year” at the 2012 Addictions Professionals’ Awards. The awards are given to individuals whose work reflects the highest level of professionalism and dedication, and whose “compassion and commitment to the addiction field offers hope for long-term recovery to countless individuals and their families.”

Accepting the award, Ms. McGreevy said, “I am both pleased and honored to have been named “Social Worker of the Year. I want to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at Odyssey House for creating a positive and supportive work environment.  I truly feel that this award is an acknowledgment of Odyssey House’s comprehensive programs and their dedication to providing cutting-edge treatment services.”

Ms. McGreevy has been working with pregnant and postpartum women in the Healthy Mothers Healthy Families program since joining Odyssey House in 2010. She has more than 15 years of experience as a social worker, working primarily with homeless youth and single mothers with substance use disorders.

Our 2011 Annual Report is now available

Life Changing Recovery

Odyssey House recognizes that recovery is a process and that while it is different for every individual, the goals are the same: abstinence from addictive substances, improved health and wellness, independence and engagement in family and community life. 

In our 2011 annual report we look at how our programs and services prepare people to embrace health, create a home, find purpose, and foster community.

Merging missions for good health

The gym at Odyssey House Park Avenue.

In the latest issue of Addiction Professional, Odyssey House Vice President & Director of Human Resources Colleen Beagen talks about our staff wellness initiative and how we are using it as a model for our clients.

"Bringing wellness into the workplace is a natural development at New York City-based treatment organization Odyssey House, where the overall mission is to promote a healthy recovery for individuals and families facing a range of life challenges that can include substance use disorders, mental illness, homelessness and chronic medical conditions. In 2011, Odyssey House introduced a free, voluntary wellness program called R U Fit?! to encourage staff to improve their overall health and fitness.

"This staff wellness initiative represents a continuation of Odyssey House's commitment to support and promote good health among treatment program participants."

Click here to read the article.

Odyssey House welcomes a new board chairman

Odyssey House is pleased to announce the election of Richard O’Connor to chairman of the Odyssey House Board of Trustees. Mr. O’Connor, vice president of marketing at CVS Caremark, has served on the Board of Trustees as vice chairman from 2010 and has held positions on the strategic planning and finance committees since joining the board in 2002.

Mr. O’Connor said he sees his role as one of championing the holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation pioneered at Odyssey House for people with substance use disorders and mental illness.


Passing the torch. George Rosenfeld (right),
retiring as board chairman after ten years,
congratulates Rick O'Connor (left)
on his election to the chairmanship.

“Over the ten years I have been closely involved with Odyssey House I have seen the agency grow into a multi-faceted social services organization that offers a continuum of care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Many of the individuals who turn to Odyssey House for help with substance abuse and mental health problems have been homeless, suffer from physical and mental trauma, and have educational deficits that severely limit their job prospects and ability to take care of themselves and their family.

“I am excited to be a part of this mission and look forward to continuing the organization’s role as a leader in the field of recovery for a broad population of teens, families, senior citizens, and people with medical and mental health problems. I am also honored to be following in the footsteps of George Rosenfeld who retired as chairman following ten years of innovative leadership.”

Peter Provet, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Odyssey House, said, “Rick has been an invaluable member of our board for ten years. We are delighted with his election to Chairman of Odyssey House. He brings an extensive background in health care, wellness, and the treatment of intellectual and learning disabilities to our recovery-based organization, both as a skilled communicator and a strategic business thinker.”

Visit our YouTube channel to watch a short tribute to George Rosenfeld's tenure as chairman.

The Spring 2012 newsletter is now available

The Spring 2012 edition of Odyssey House News is now available online! Read about our new housing programs, get an update on OHROCS (Odyssey House Recovery Oriented Care System), and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Summer 2011 newsletter is now available

The Summer 2011 edition of Odyssey House News is now online! Read about Odyssey House's wellness and nutrition programs for staff and residents, our newest board member, the current art exhibition, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.