 he
Other Place (TOP) is a warm, safe and friendly clubhouse. Its members
are homeless and formerly homeless adults with mental illness, including
mentally ill chemically addicted (MICA) individuals, who have lived
on the streets for as little as a few months to as long as 25 years.
TOP helps its members understand their mental illness and develop
the skills needed to live independently, build
meaningful relationships, and acquire employment and
permanent housing
(in a Goddard Riverside supportive housing residences
or similar setting).
Program activities fit into four broad categories: creative arts,
socialization and daily life skills training, MICA support groups,
and vocational training. As a symptom of mental illness, many members
have difficulty with expression. To help rehabilitation, TOP offers
drama, music, and dance along with painting, poetry, writing, photography,
video, sewing, and ceramics. There is also instruction in hygiene,
dress, shopping, nutritious cooking, laundry, and budgeting. MICA
groups help members address substance abuse. A work-readiness program
adds hands-on training, vocational support groups, and stipended
jobs which can lead to competitive employment with TOP Opportunities.
Goddard Riverside created TOP in 1988 to complement
the services offered by Project
Reachout. Before joining TOP, members typically
have developed relationships with our outreach teams
and received immediate services. Some 50 participants
attend the program an average of 4 days per week and
may attend seven days per week. They range in age
from 18 to 80, although most are 30 to 60 years old.
A gift to Goddard Riverside supports our efforts
to help formerly homeless people develop the skills
to live independently. Donate
now.
Contact The Other Place:
Email: jbutler@goddard.org
Phone: (212) 799-7171
Address: 264 West 87th Street, NY, NY 10024
|
