Bridges of New York programs offer a continuum of care with the ultimate goal of reversing the cycle of substance abuse that produces disregard for others and self-destructive behavior.
Bridges of New York consists of two community residences located in Nassau and Orange counties. We are a blended community of men in recovery. We receive residents from three sources: the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Department of Social Services, and self-referred Christian men.
We provide temporary housing and case management services to include referrals to licensed out-patient substance abuse providers in the community. Employment assistance, self-help groups, and other support services are available to help our residents maintain a drug-free, crime-free lifestyle.
This continuum is individually tailor to meet the resident where he is RIGHT NOW, direct him to the proper resources, and help him transform his decision-making process before he returns to the same environment that ultimately led to incarceration in the first place.
The residence is designed to assist individuals who need limited supervision, yet are still connected to a community of motivated peers, counselors, support groups and organizations. Once a resident has completed the Bridge and has re-entered society, the Bridge continues to welcome him back to the house to participate in any activity or simply fellowship with peers. This allows the person to retain their support and promote success while already back in society. Bridge clients are substance abusers who have committed a non-violent felony in some way related to drug abuse. They are typically unemployed and require employment counseling.
Some specific goals of the programs include:
- Establish safe and secure housing
- Develop productive use of leisure time
- Secure gainful employment opportunities within the community
- Establish healthy relationships within a peer led/peer driven community
- Encourage links to the community, including recovery support and connections to a church
