Teens attend town hall meeting on prescription drug abuse

Last week, 30 Odyssey House clients from the Teen Leadership Center attended a town hall meeting in Albany to discuss prescription drug abuse. It was a great learning experience - the teens learned how to identify prescription drug abuse and how to find and access prevention and treatment services. There were approximately 400 attendees, including treatment professionals, state agency representatives, law enforcement officials and community members. The panel discussion was lead by Jeff VanVonderen, an interventionist on A&E's Intervention; Billy Fusco, executive director of Dynamic Youth Community; District Attorney David Soares; and Brooke Schewe, Statewide System of Care Director for Families Together.

According to the panel, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in New York State - surveys have found that 18% of high school seniors in NY abuse prescription drugs, compared to 13% nationwide. The Drug Abuse Warning Network, which tracks drug-related emergency room visits, reports that prescription drugs account for more ER visits than marijuana and heroin combined. The drugs most commonly abused by teens are OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax and Adderall.

Sponsored by Time Warner Cable, A&E and the Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Providers of New York State, the town hall included a screening of an episode of Intervention. The meeting was filmed and will be aired on Time Warner's Local On Demand stations throughout New York sometime in June. We'll post more information as we get it. For photos from the event, visit the OASAS page on Facebook.

An evening with "Grace"

Last week, the Odyssey House Theatre Project had its first field trip to see The Book of Grace at the Public Theatre. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, The Book of Grace explores family dysfunction and themes of revenge and betrayal in the story of border patrol officer Vet; Buddy, the son he hasn't seen in 15 years; and Vet's optimistic second wife, Grace. OHTP director Tom Demenkoff said it was an inspiring evening:

"Walking down the steps back to the lobby, I discussed what we had just seen with our stage manager, Anna, and OHTP members. The consensus was clear: The Book of Grace was an exciting and thought-provoking play that challenged us to stretch the limits of our imagination as both writers and actors."

But the evening didn't end when the play did: Suzan-Lori Parks surprised the teens by appearing in the lobby, offering advice and signing autographs. The teens also had the opportunity to meet actor Amari Cheatom, who plays Buddy. He spent some time with the group talking about the program and even offered to spend an afternoon working out with them in Harlem.

Read more about the teens' experience on the Odyssey House Theatre Project blog.


Amari Cheatom with teens from the OHTP.

Celebrating women in recovery

Every year, Odyssey House commemorates Women's History Month with events that are 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. This year, the Haven celebrated the achievements of women in recovery with a special event for staff, residents and their families. The program included musical performances, two inspirational guest speakers - Adrianne Walker and Betty Jean Robinson - and poetry readings from Haven residents.

At the end of the program, the "Woman of the Year" award was presented to Cynthia S., a resident who is "leading by example" and has made significant strides in her life since moving into the Haven, including reconnecting with her family and encouraging her neighbors to maintain their sobriety. Accepting the award, Cynthia said, "I have the greatest support right here in this building to help me through. Thank you so much."


Cynthia & the Haven staff

Women's History Month traces its beginnings to the first International Women's Day in 1911. The idea was first put forward at the turn of the 20th century amid rapid world industrialization and economic expansion that lead to protests over working conditions. In the US, International Women's Day came to commemorate the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. In 1981, responding to the growing popularity of the event, Congress passed a resolution recognizing Women's History Week and in 1987, Congress expanded the focus to an entire month.

Supportive housing building opens in East Harlem

Construction on our 50-unit long-term housing development on 123rd Street - named Park Avenue - has finally been completed. The residence, which officially opened for occupancy on March 9th, will provide transitional housing to individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Odyssey House will provide supportive services for the residents, many of whom will be reintegrating into the community after a period of hospitalization.

Check out some of the photos of the building, which was designed by Urban Architectural Initiatives. We'll post more when the art installations and landscaping have been completed. Photos of the construction in progress can be seen here and here.

Park Avenue

Lobby

Kitchen (for special events)

Lounge

Typical residential floor

Unit kitchen

Introducing the new Odyssey House website!

The new Odyssey House website is more user-friendly, with easier navigation, a more intuitive design and vibrant colors. Take a look at how you can browse and engage our website in whole new ways.

The redesigned website was built with a grant from the Taproot Foundation, which disburses grants of high-quality, professional consulting services, rather than monetary awards.