For many individuals, the onset of mental illness occurs during the crucial years of early adulthood, between the ages of 17 to 25. This critical time of exploration which centers on finding one's new adult identity, is now disrupted by the need to make sense of a mind-altering illness. The focus shifts from self-discovery and new beginnings, to staying out of the hospital and coping with a major medical condition.
The illness during this age can interrupt or interfere with many natural and new experiences -- a first job, going to college, the first significant relationship, and moving away from home. These experiences teach us about ourselves, and provide us with a foundation for learning how to make good decisions.
Pathways was created to assist adults recovering from mental illness in developing the personal tools needed to make good decisions and to pursue self-chosen goals. Designed as an adult learning center, we utilize classroom instruction and one-to-one guidance to help motivated individuals move beyond the illness in order to get on with their lives.
How the Pathways Project Works:
If you are recovering from a diagnosed psychiatric illness and want to make serious changes in your life, Clubhouse of Suffolk's Pathways Project can help you to:
- Self-evaluate your readiness to make changes that match your desires and abilities.
- Choose goals and desired new environments in work, school, housing or leisure.
- Make connections to the most effective supports and resources.
- Develop skills that will help you to get yourself into those new environments.
- Prepare for potential obstacles so that you can keep your newfound roles and lifestyle.
Who we are and what we do:
Pathways Project staff members are licensed or certified professionals, trained in using contemporary tools and techniques of psychiatric rehabilitation counseling.
Working one-on-one, in small and large group settings, we help you design a Personal Rehabilitation Plan to help you to reach your specific goal.
This Plan makes use of:
- Tools that help you shape your goals and strategies.
- Consultations with people who have reached goals you desire.
- Resources that exist in the community.
- Exercises that would build skills and strategies that are necessary for life-long success in your new, chosen environment.
Cost and extra benefits:
If you receive Medicaid, the costs of the Project's services are covered. For all others, a sliding scale fee will be determined with you.
Because project participation is generally less than 15 hours each week, you can continue to make use of other treatment, support, training or personal activities in which you are involved.
Getting Started:
Contact us! Call us at 471.7242 or e-mail contact@clubhouseofsuffolk.org to set an appointment for a tour and screening, and obtain a referral form to complete with your treating practitioner.
Pathways Project is located in Ronkonkoma, convenient to major highways, buses, and trains that serve Suffolk County.
Here's what Pathways particpants are saying:
"Pathways has served as a bridge in my recovery. It has helped me to build trust in relating to others, finding self-esteem again, and a ladder out of the pit of despair and aloneness mental illness often brings."
--S.W., A Pathways participant
"Pathways enlightened me on my ability to change my life. to think positive and put it to use. without pathways, I don't know how much time I would have continued to waste. it has changed my life forever."
--Michael, a Pathways Participant
"Pathways has given me hope again. I honestly feel that i can go out and tackle the world once more. A sense of purpose, a reason to live, happiness is now in my life."
--Roger, a Pathways Participant
Proof that Pathways works:
Pathways outcomes 1993-1998
- Work: 47% people went to work in competitive jobs
- School: 21% people started/returned to college or technical training
- Housing: 16% people went to live in independent housing
- Social/Leisure: 11% people joined recreational or social activities in the community
Pathways Project, an initiative of Clubhouse of Suffolk, Inc., is licensed and reviewed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the Suffolk County Department of Health, Division of Community Mental Health Services.
For information, call (631) 471-7242, or e-mail:
contact@clubhouseofsuffolk.org
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