Synergy opened its doors on October 6, 1994. Since that day, it has continued to develop opportunities designed to enhance and enrich the lives of individuals who are recovering from mental illness. Among these are employment, educational pursuits, empowerment, skill development and managed recovery.

Synergy Center is a place where members and staff develop meaningful relationships based upon mutuality, respect and trust. Conducting the day-to-day operations of the Center, members establish personal goals and realize their potential. Basic to Clubhouse's philosophy, members are assisted in making their own decisions and choices concerning the direction of their personal recovery. Membership at Synergy Center is at no cost and without time limits.

Work-Ordered Day Program

There are extraordinary barriers created by the occurrence of mental illness and its consequences. The lack of self-confidence and stamina often hinder an individual’s ability to find productive and gainful employment. Synergy Center offers those who have struggled with mental illness opportunities to develop skills and resources needed to move forward in their lives.

Members and staff work side-by-side to accomplish all the tasks of the business and activities of Synergy Center. Members find meaningful experience honing their food preparation skills in the kitchen and operating the snack bar, working on various tasks in the computer-oriented clerical unit, and conducting tours and orientation in the membership unit. Members and staff jointly manage reach out programs in the membership unit and all other areas critical to the smooth functioning of the Center.

Educational Services

Special instructional help supplements the experience of the work-ordered day program by placing an emphasis on individual tutoring sessions as well as group instruction. These classes, some through an arrangement with the Patchogue-Medford School District, include computer and typing instruction, academic brush-up, G.E.D. and college preparation, life skills development, as well as work adjustment and career development skills training.

Transitional Employment (T.E.)

The Americans with Disabilities Act recognizes that individuals recovering from mental illness can achieve successful careers in competitive industry when effective supports and opportunities are provided.

Synergy Center's T.E. Program obtains entry-level paid employment opportunities in local business to help members work toward independent employment by:

• Regaining confidence in one’s abilities
• Filling in gaps in work histories
• Evaluating one’s vocational and educational directions
• Obtaining job references

Job placements can include clerical, production, stock, food service, maintenance, and service work in places of business ranging from small, local enterprises, to large national corporations.

Employers find great benefit in forgoing a T.E. partnership with Synergy Center including:

• Guaranteed 100% coverage of entry-level jobs
• Reduced costs in training
• High degree of motivation and conscientiousness
• A moral booster for other employees

Clubhouse programs believe that it is the normal work environment that provides the best assessment of work potential.

Additional Resources Offered at Synergy include:

• Evening Social and Educational Programs
• Case Management Support
• Supported Housing Assistance
• Support and Assistance in Maintaining Independent Employment

For information, call (631) 369-0022, or e-mail:
contact@clubhouseofsuffolk.org