News: Re-purposing an Old Building, Our New Shelter Breaks Ground in the Bronx

Project Renewal has begun renovating its newest shelter, our first in the Bronx and the first to be owned by us.  This shelter will serve on the frontlines of our efforts to overcome homelessness by offering 108 homeless New Yorkers a safe and supportive setting and assistance in moving into permanent homes.

By customizing the design of the space and the structure of the program, which will house men with histories of mental illness, we can better serve this hard-to-reach population.  The shelter’s dorm areas will help build a sense of community and including a Peer Counselor on our staff will be of great assistance during the crucial period when clients transition from the shelter into housing.  In addition to services provided by on-site nurses and mental health providers, primary care will be available to residents through our licensed medical vans.  This shelter will help meet the record demand for shelter in New York City as well as help the City meet its commitment to provide clean and safe shelter to every homeless person who seeks it. 

On May 3rd, Project Renewal closed on the purchase of the 20,900 square foot building in the Wakefield neighborhood of the Bronx.  Formerly used as a car repair shop called Garrett’s Garage in the 1920s, the building went on to be used as a factory to make sights for bombers during WWII.  It is located on the second to last stop on the number 2 line, near the Nereid Avenue stop.

In early June our contractor, Erin Construction & Development Co., began the first stages of gut rehabilitation.  The new design by Architects Edelman Sultan Knox Wood will include skylights to let in sunlight from the roof to the second floor, resulting in an open and inviting atmosphere.  We are accepting proposals from local artists to incorporate artwork on the building’s front entrance gate.

The total development cost for the project is just under $11 million, financed by a construction loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank’s Community Development Group and the Contact Fund.

Read more about how we help homeless New Yorkers with Mental Illness.

News: Project Renewal Supports Human Services Council Campaign to Protect Funding

Willie McCartha, center, with State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, left, and Patrick Paglen, Case Manager at 3rd Street on right.

Project Renewal joined HSC’s statewide advocacy campaign “Who Cares? I Do.” to spread awareness of the impact that funding cuts have on New Yorkers. Clients and staff travelled to Albany in March to meet legislators and share with them the importance of protecting funding for programs that provide healthcare and housing for Project Renewal clients. Specific concerns include: the implementation of Medicaid Reforms that threaten to reduce funds for human services and make access to services challenging for many vulnerable populations including homeless New Yorkers, and the suspension of the $15 million NYC shelter supplement that ended the Advantage rental subsidy for many shelter residents.

Client Willie McCartha has been directly affected by the loss of the Advantage rental subsidy. The program helped him move from our Third Street Shelter to a one-bedroom apartment in Washington Heights last year. Willie expressed his fears to NY1 News, “I don’t know which way to turn or which way to go… How can you cancel a program that help so many people? It’s sad.”

Willie travelled to Albany to share his concerns with legislators. “It was amazing to talk to people regarding the problem at hand. Each meeting was a little different and we covered all the bases. We spoke to the Social Services council, the Ways and Means Committee, and a representative of Senator Patrick Gallivan.  I spoke of my concern not just for myself but for the disabled, elderly, and children who would be forced into the shelter system.”

Watch the NY1 story with Willie McCartha.

Make your voice heard.  Sign the petition, share your story and spread the word.

March 2012

Our Secret Ingredient? Occupational Therapy Clinical Interns!

If you haven’t heard of Occupational Therapy (often called OT by insiders), occupational therapists work to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of their patients with a physical, mental or developmental condition.

Occupational Therapists often collaborate with clinicians from other disciplines, including medicine, nursing, social work, among others.

For many of our clients coming in off the streets, living independently presents many challenges that you might take for granted. For example, developing a menu plan for the week, shopping for groceries, learning how to keep food from going bad, or how to organize your living space might be something you learned growing up. OT steps into that role for our clients, aiding them in navigating the many new problems they face.

Now imagine how much harder this can be with those who also struggle with mental illness…not easy, right?

Our students are with us doing the psychiatric rotation of their training, and they come from the Masters in Science program in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University. Their enthusiasm and helpful trainings don’t just help clients, they help the students to gain a knowledge of how the least served in our community can benefit from this useful discipline!

So get to know our summer interns—and reach out to us if you want to know more!

_____________________________

Ashley Hunsberger, Occupational Therapy Intern (Columbia University)

3rd Street Recovery Center

Q) What are you working on?

We work to help the clients take the next step in their necessary process. This includes life skills such as communication, stress management, and goal setting.

Q) If you could be any super hero who would you be?

UnderDog—he always surprised everyone by saving the day.

_____________________________

Konju Briggs Jr., Mental Health Occupational Therapy Intern (Columbia University)

3rd Street Recovery Center

Q) What are you working on?

Mental Health occupational therapy fieldwork at the Recovery Center on 3rd Street, running groups and doing one-on-one sessions with clients.

Q) If you could be any super hero who would you be?

Zen Master Bodhidharma

_____________________________

Hoan Nguyen, Occupational Therapy Intern (Columbia University)

3rd Street Recovery Center

Q) What are you working on?

I am running the Lifeskills group at the Recovery Center, as of right now we are focusing on stress management.

Q) If you could be any super hero who would you be?

If you have heard of the legendary Monkey King, a Chinese legendary god figure, I would be like him. I grew up watching the Chinese TV series with my family and he made a great impression on all of us.

_____________________________

Anna Czinn, Occupational Therapy Intern (Columbia University)

In Homes Now

Q) What are you working on?

I am running health and wellness groups and completing home visits to help individuals live more functionally and independently.

I am also assessing clients and writing letters on their behalf in order to assist them with obtaining disability funding.

Q) If you could be any super hero who would you be?

I would be Spiderman (but the female version)

_____________________________

Heidi Woo, Occupational Therapy Intern (Columbia University)

Clinton Residence

Q) What are you working on?

I’m working at the Clinton Residence this summer, developing groups to facilitate the development of functional skills, and working with individuals one-on-one to identify goals and improvement areas in their daily occupations.

Q) If you could be any super hero who would you be?

Athena (old school “superhero”)

_____________________________

Stephanie Crane, Occupational Therapy Intern (Columbia University)

Clinton Residence

Q) What are you working on?

I am working to empower the residents there with independent living skills like money management, stress coping strategies, symptom recognition, and meal planning.

Q) If you could be any super hero who would you be?

There are so few female super heroes that the choice is somewhat limited, but I would want to be Elasti-girl from the Incredibles. She is a strong, independent woman who balances her dedication to her family with her duty to society.

Want to learn more? Ask Doug Warn, our Director of Training and OT Supervisor a question!

What is new on the farm?

What’s new on the farm?

Summer has arrived in Upstate New York! Learn more about Renewal Farm, a six-month work-training program for 24 homeless men in recovery from substance abuse who are struggling to rebuild their lives.

The men learn to operate an organic farm and retail business, and the program trains men in marketable skills and places them in jobs and housing when they complete the program. Along with the vocation component, farm participants participate in St. Christopher’s Inn intensive 60 day substance abuse treatment program.

News: Project Renewal's Medical Vans Front Page in Pharmacy Today

The front page of the June issue of Pharmacy Today features Project Renewal’s medical vans in glowing terms. Check out this excerpt of the interview with van Pharmacist John Conry, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP:

“The urban homeless population faces numerous obstacles that hinder its ability to effectively receive the appropriate health care, even in the safety net,” Conry says. These obstacles can include the lack of financial resources, lack of stable housing, social isolation stemming from prior physical or sexual abuse, social stigma, literacy and health literacy issues, and language barriers. Even the forms to get Medicaid are tough.

Imagine being on the streets and really being challenged by these issues in the application process. It really becomes unbearable for many of the patients, so they just give up.

Second, the lack of housing leads to a variety of medication issues such as proper medication storage, rules on medication carrying and storage at homeless shelters or other structured living environments, proper medication administration, proper medication monitoring, and adherence issues.

Lack of stable housing is recognized as a risk factor for medication nonadherence. So we have to be really careful in terms of educating our patients on the importance of taking their medications exactly as prescribed, using language that they can understand.

Conry added that his patients who are homeless are very interested in their medications, contrary to what many people believe about this population. His patients “sincerely appreciate the counseling sessions and disease state education.”

I hear from my students every single month. … They’ll say, wow, these patients really listen to me. They’re talking to me. They’re engaged. They’re not just there to grab their medicine and go home.

…

When I say the health care system has forgotten the uninsured and homeless, I’m particularly concerned with the general lack of ready access to primary and preventive care medicine and services. By no means do I intend to blame these problems on the already overwhelmed hospitals and the dedicated professionals who work there. But I do question the logic of a health care system that lets some of its most vulnerable patients proceed without proper care and follow-up.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL-TEXT PDF

John Conry, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP is an Associate Clinical Professor and the Assistant Dean for Service Programs at St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Queens, NY, Conry splits his time between teaching, administrative responsibilities, and university committees; and practicing on the Project Renewal medical vans and at an HIV clinic within the shelters, often with student pharmacists on rotation. His work with Project Renewal is fully funded by St. John’s University. 

Project Renewal ScanVan Patient Gives Back

ScanVan patient KS Stevens is giving back! Check out the premiere June 6th of BIG EXCELLENT 20TH REUNION with a Reception at 6:30 P.M. and the show at 8pm. Stevens is encouraging audience members to Project Renewal and similar charities.

At Theatre 80 (80 Saint Marks Place, between 1st and 2nd Avenues). The show runs for a 3-Week-Limited-Engagement—more info here:

http://www.ksstevens.com/be20r.html

News: Project Renewal Changes Lives! Parole Support and Treatment Program Graduates Share their Stories

When men with a criminal history try to turn their lives around, often the doors to permanent housing are shut to them.

We came alongside the men in our Parole Support and Treatment Program (PSTP) and secured permanent housing for 20 of our graduates.

Some comments from the clients in the graduate program:

Raymond J:

One of my greatest accomplishments has been decorating my new apartment. I can definitely call it home. Dealing with my anger through groups and being aware of my triggers has allowed me to live independently in the community.

Thank you Project Renewal.

Ivan B.

Having my own apartment has been a great experience for me. After having a roommate for some time, I really feel more independent. I am able to shop for myself and come home to my own place. Thanks to Project Renewal.

Frank C.

I am so grateful Project Renewal reached out to me while I was incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. In my life I have experienced many great things, and one of those has been Project Renewal. I am very excited about having my own apartment in the Bronx and being able to work on “my music”. Even recently diagnosed with cancer, I remain grateful for this wonderful life that I have and for the opportunity that Project Renewal has given me.

Michael K.

What I remember is that Project Renewal has always been there for me. Helping me with budgeting, and encouraging me to take my medication. Now I know why!

Having my own apartment in the Bronx I am able to do these things independently. I have a checking account with direct deposit, my own computer and some nice things in my apartment. It beats being in jail!

Thanks Project Renewal.

Warren E.

It’s like living a normal life. I used to struggle with certain things in my life, but not anymore the Project Renewal staff are always there to help me and I am glad to say things have gotten better.

Thanks Project Renewal.

Carmelo R.

It’s the freedom that I feel when I enter my apartment each day. Not having a roommate means I can cook at any time without any interruptions. Having my own apartment has allowed me to work on my personal goals. I have completed an internship with Howie T Harp and because of that, I am working as a peer specialist. This program works if you work it. Thanks Project Renewal!

E. Taylor/Case Manager

As the Graduates of PSTP made their comments. I felt proud of the accomplishments and delighted to have been a part of their milestones. In a years’ time I have witnessed improved health, financial independence, family unification, community stability, and most of all a sense of pride that shines in each Graduate. Continued Success Guys!

D. Lindsey/Housing Counselor

I would like to thank all of the Graduates for allowing me to be a part of your ongoing success. Just being able to assist and encourage you all makes my Job meaningful and for that I am grateful. Rock on.

R.. Blocker/Program Director

I am very proud to lead the teams that were the conduits of our residents successful outcomes. I am still hoping for the day that all Project Renewal clients who put in the hard work toward positive change in their lives, have an appropriate place to call home.

You guys are certainly our role models, Continued success in your journeys.

Donate to help more men like these!

Free Mammograms on Staten Island this Sunday

Women (both insured and uninsured) who have not received a mammogram in the last year and are over age 40 can receive a free mammogram this Sunday on Staten Island. The van will be located outside Assemblyman Michael Cusick’s office at 1911 Richmond Ave., Bulls Head, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 800-564-6868.

The mobile radiology clinic will feature mammographies and clinical breast exams as well as instruction on breast self-examination. Additionally this program provides no cost follow up diagnostic services for an abnormal finding and treatment should a cancer be found. Insured women can also be screened using their insurance and no other out of pocket expense( ie co-pay or deductable) If you want more information on this program call 718-226-6447.

Please note that an appointment is needed. For availability at other times and in other boroughs please check Project Renewal’s ScanVan site here.