Care Coordination
Federation of Organizations provides care coordination services in Queens, Kings, Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, chronic medical conditions, and/or substance abuse disorders are eligible to receive a care coordinator who will help that individual manage all aspects of their healthcare. Care coordinators link clients to behavioral health specialists and primary medical care as well as housing services, vocational services and entitlements. Coordinators work with each individual to follow up on appointments including, medical, specialist, and mental health treatment to ensure individuals are receiving the necessary care to keep them well in the community.
Care coordinators contact the client or referring provider within 24 hours and upon completion of all necessary documentation, services are provided within the first 5 business days. Care Coordinators also spend time with each individual, providing educational information in order to help the person stay well and prevent worsening of their conditions.
Homeless Services
Federation’s P.O.W.E.R (Peer Outreach With Evening Recreation) Program, based in Suffolk County, provides services to people who are homeless and living with mental illness as well as those with other co-occurring disorders. We specialize in serving people who don’t have access to services and our goal is to connect people to long term supports. We help people get their lives back and we recognize each person’s situation is unique. We start with the person, wherever they are at, whether that means living on the street, in encampment parks, soup kitchens, shelters, train stations, hospitals, etc. We offer help with accessing housing, entitlements, medical coverage and employment and provide information and referrals. We respond to requests from families, businesses, social services agencies, churches and faith based organizations, law enforcement and civic groups among others.
We encourage people to come to our evening meal program on Wednesdays at our Patchogue Community Center for additional services including peer support, clothing, a free hot meal, an on-site food pantry, an employment group, as well as advocacy.
Patchogue Community Center
456 Waverly Avenue
Patchogue, NY
(631) 631-447-6460
Peer Support Services
Federation of Organizations’ Peer Support Services are based on the simple principle that all people, regardless of psychiatric disability, substance use or trauma-related condition, have the capacity to recover and that all people should be afforded the opportunity to try. Federation offers a range of peer support services to assist people toward recovery.
In our experience, we find recovery specialists have instant “street credibility” with the people they serve. They have an ability to form unique, trusted relationships which are essential to recovery. They engage individuals on a personal level as they share their own experiences to help people take charge of their situation and re-establish hope. Hope is an essential element to engagement and to foster motivation and follow through. Recovery specialists provide this as well as living proof that recovery is possible.
Hospital-Based Peer Services
Federation offers a range of peer support services to assist people toward recovery, including self-help groups offered at inpatient psychiatric units of local hospitals. There, recovery specialists with personal experience managing mental health issues, substance abuse and chronic health conditions, share their knowledge and provide hope, inspiration, and resources to help others work through a crisis and regain control over their life. These resources include mental health providers and other health service organizations, support groups, 12-step groups as well as other local resources that can help a person stay out of the hospital. Participants have the opportunity to learn from others what may work for them to achieve recovery.
Peer Bridger Services
Through Federation’s Peer Bridger Services, recovery specialists with personal experience managing mental health issues, substance abuse and chronic health conditions, work one-to-one with individuals in the inpatient-behavioral unit to leave the hospital and return back to the community. They share their knowledge, experience and provide information about a broad range of valuable resources that people can access after discharge from the hospital.
This hands-on approach has proven to be effective for many and provides hope and inspiration. Often people experience barriers that prevent them from connecting to treatment providers and other services following an inpatient stay. Barriers may include the lack of housing, no access to a phone, limited finances, lost connections to family and friends, a lack of transportation, and substance abuse issues among others. Recovery specialists work with each person as intensively as needed to overcome these barriers and keep them hospital free.
Peer Respite Services
The Respite Plus Program offers families caring for a family member who has a mental illness, the opportunity to take a break and have some free time. Respite Plus provides a trained respite worker with personal lived experience in recovery who will provide companionship to the individual. Respite Plus offers the kind of support that fosters an independent lifestyle and an improved quality of life, while giving families peace of mind and time to focus on their own self-care. Services include peer support, home visits, companionship and outings in the community to help open the door to socialization and independence. Overnight stays are available at our respite apartment, introducing independent living as an option. There is absolutely no fee for any Respite Plus service.
After– Hours Social Program
Federation of Organizations’ After-Hours Social Program operates two peer-supported, self-help community centers for adults with mental illness. The program offers people an opportunity to socialize and have fun in a safe, informal and relaxed setting. Those attending may choose to join various activities or just drop in, have a meal and perhaps meet new friends. Some of the many activities offered are karaoke, games, crafts, theme parties and outings in the community. People can visit as often as they like at either of our two locations. All activities are free of charge.
Community Centers and Hours
Patchogue
465 Waverly Ave
Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 447-6460 Ext.2122
Hours:
Thursday & Friday 5:00pm- 8:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm
Copiague
1375 Akron Street
Copiague, NY 11726
(631) 447-6460 Ext. 2122
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday 5:00pm-8:00pm
Supported Employment Services
Federation of Organizations offers Supported Employment Services for individuals recovering from mental illness who are ready to engage in meaningful work. Whether returning to work or just entering the workforce, we offer a variety of programs, each of which focus on an individual’s skills and strengths, in order to help them find and successfully maintain employment. Through our employment services, individuals receive assistance in planning and managing how working can impact their SSI and SSDI as well as other public benefits. Individuals are guided to make informed decisions about career paths and receive support with creating resumes, conducting job searches, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and developing work skills. Continued support is available throughout an individual’s employment.
Adult Career and Continuing Education SERVICES- Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCESS-VR)
Federation of Organizations can work with individuals seeking employment through the Supported Employment Program at ACCESS-VR. This intensive program is for individuals who need support with finding, securing and successfully maintaining competitive employment in the community. Federation’s Employment Specialists work one-to-one with individuals in order to assist each person with meeting his or her employment goals. Individuals who may be eligible for this program must be highly motivated to find employment, in need of job coaching whether on the job or off-site, in need of ongoing support and must be able to get to and from the work site independently.
Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program
Federation of Organizations is an Employment Network (EN) that provides employment support services to individuals with mental illness through the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. The goal of this free and voluntary program is to assist Ticket beneficiaries in finding employment and working towards financial independence. To be eligible to participate, the beneficiary must be between the ages of 18-64, an SSDI or SSI recipient, and have the goal of eventually becoming self-sufficient. If the beneficiary is making timely progress in the program, the Continuing Disability Review (CDR) can be delayed and the beneficiary may also be able to maintain their health benefits.
To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, visit the website www.yourtickettowork.org or call the beneficiary hotline at (866) 968-7842 or Federation’s Employment Specialists at (631) 447-6460 Ext. 1212.
The Companion Program
Federation of Organization’s Companion Program provides opportunities for people in recovery to explore vocational goals by volunteering at community sites such as social programs, adult homes, hospitals, outreach programs, food pantries and soup kitchens. Through the principles of peer support and self-help, companions strive to improve the quality of life for other individuals within the mental health community. We believe that people with common life experiences can be mutually supportive and, through shared activities, help each other to reach goals and foster increased self-worth. Participants in the Companion Program may receive a meal allowance, travel reimbursement; paid vacation, sick and personal days. They also receive on the job training and support. In addition, individuals can benefit from involvement in social activities, peer support and friendship
Financial Management
Federation of Organizations provides a variety of financial management programs to assist individuals with disabilities.
Representative Payee Program
Federation of Organizations can serve as a Representative Payee and provide financial management services to individuals with a primary psychiatric diagnosis who are experiencing difficulty managing their finances. Individuals may voluntarily participate in the program or come to us under a court order. A doctor must certify in writing the individuals’ need for representative payee services.
The goal of the Financial Management Program is to increase an individual’s financial stability, maintain safe housing and develop their financial skills. The ultimate goal of the program is to assist the participant to move towards self-sufficiency and independence.
Click here to download the Representative Payee Flyer
Veterans Fiduciary Program
Federation of Organizations Veterans Fiduciary Program provides money management services to disabled service connected veterans. This is a fee for service program with the fee set by the Veterans Administration. The VA appoints Federation to serve as fiduciary based on the veteran’s inability to manage or direct their own finances.
As fiduciary, we work with the veteran, their social worker and field examiner to develop a working budget. We utilize the veteran’s VA benefit to pay rent, utility costs, medical expenses and any other miscellaneous expenses. We issue a VA approved personal needs allowance based on the individual’s needs and resources.
Federation is responsible for reporting any changes that could affect the veteran’s benefits. These changes can include: change of address, change of income, death, incarceration and hospitalizations. These changes are reported to the VA Field Examiner and/or the VA Fiduciary Unit.
Federation is required to maintain a federally insured savings account(s) for the veteran. Any funds not spent on the veteran’s behalf are saved in these interest bearing accounts. Federation is required to maintain all financial statements with regards to these accounts. A yearly accounting is provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veteran.
Federation of Organizations Community Trust Program
Many people are concerned that an inheritance or a sudden windfall of money may cause difficulties for individuals with disabilities who are receiving government benefits. Assets can disqualify an individual from receiving SSI and Medicaid benefits in New York State.
In response, Federation of Organizations has established a community pooled trust for individuals with disabilities. Federation’s Community Trust Program will provide for the future needs of people with a physical, mental, or developmental disability without jeopardizing public benefits. Funds from the trust can be used to supplement the individual’s needs.
The Community Trust allows individuals with disabilities, their parents or grandparents to fund a trust account on behalf of the individual.
Disbursement Form—See attached Word Document
Help Sheet—See attached Word Document
For more information on any of the above programs, please contact Financial Management Services at (631) 321-9556
Senior Support Services
The Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program offers volunteer opportunities to low-income seniors who wish to remain active in their communities by providing one-to-one assistance to children in elementary schools, Head Start Centers and day care centers throughout Suffolk County. Our goal is to make a difference in the life of a child while at the same time enriching the life of the senior. The children served through the Foster Grandparent Program have been identified by their teacher as having special needs and include students who may have learning difficulties, who speak English as a second language, or who may be struggling with emotional challenges. Foster Grandparents assist children by tutoring in reading or math, helping with the completion of class assignments, providing emotional support, and helping a child to remain focused in class. With the individualized attention of a Foster Grandparent, many students overcome theirchallenges and succeed in school.
Federation of Organizations has served as the sponsoring agency of the Foster Grandparent Program in Suffolk County since 1977.
Some Benefits of Volunteering in the Foster Grandparent Program:
•Satisfaction of helping others who truly need it
•Enjoy peer socialization and support
•The opportunity to make new friends
•Monthly in-service trainings provided
•Receive a tax-free stipend
•Paid vacation and sick leave
•Receive a transportation and meal allowance
•Recognition Luncheon
Eligibility
Applicants must be aged 55+, income eligible to receive stipend, able to pass a background check, in good health, motivated, enthusiastic, have a desire to work with children.
Click here to apply to be a Foster Grandparent Volunteer
Click here for our 2016 Foster Grandparent Locations
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering or learning more about the program, please contact the Foster Grandparent Program at (631) 321-8229 Ext. 1224
The Senior Companion Program
Senior Companion volunteers help other adults live fuller, more independent lives. This remarkable program pairs healthy older individuals with seniors who are frail, homebound, or isolated. Companions offer friendship and support as they help their recipients remain in their own homes and live independently. Additionally, friendly visits from a Senior Companion help families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in good company and are safe. Senior companions provide friendly visits and socialization; help with preparing light meals, medication reminders, light household duties, accompaniment on occasional outings and errands, and connecting the recipient to additional resources.
Federation of Organizations has been the sponsoring agency for the Senior Companion Program in Suffolk County since 2002.
Some Benefits of Volunteering in the Senior Companion Program
•Satisfaction of helping others who truly need it
•Enjoy peer socialization and support
•The opportunity to make new friends
•Monthly in-service trainings
•Tax-free stipends
•Paid vacation and sick leave
•Transportation and meal allowance
•Recognition Luncheon
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be aged 55+, income eligible to receive stipend, in good health, able to pass a background check, motivated, enthusiastic, have a desire to help others. No background in health care needed.
Click here to apply to be a Senior Companion Volunteer
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more, please contact the Senior Companion Program at (631) 321-8229 Ext. 1224
Suffolk County Respite Care Program
The Suffolk County Respite Care program allows caregivers to take a well-deserved break from the emotional and physical stressors of daily care giving. With the assistance of the respite care program, caregivers are able to take time to tend to their own personal needs, and have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe and secure in the comforts of their own home.
We are dedicated to providing assistance and support to those caring for family members, friends or loved ones throughout Suffolk County. This program is funded by the Suffolk County Office for Aging and NYS Office for Aging.
Respite Care Services Provide:
•A companionship level of care and support
•Socialization & recreational activities
•Relief to the caregiver in comfort of their own home
•Preparing and serving light meals / light housekeeping
•Attention to overall well-being of the client
•Hourly fee based on sliding scale
If you would like more information about the Suffolk County Respite Care Program, please call (631) 321-8229 Ext. 1229.