Annual Report 2006
7/15/2007
Table of Contents
Page
Executive Director's Letter 2
Board of Director’s Letter 3
Board of Directors 4
Mission and Vision Statement 5
History 6
Administrative Team 10
Summary of Services
County
Profiles 12
Program
Profiles 14
Goals and Outcomes 18
Financial Highlights 23
Dear
Stakeholders:
Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. has enjoyed success over the past year due to the tireless efforts of the agency staff, peers, and Board of Directors. The agency’s commitment to empower consumers to live independently and take control of their recovery programs has been inspiring and rewarding. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to each one of the Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. Board of Directors for their ongoing support and direction in leading Housing Options and to every staff member and consultant whose dedication, commitment and compassion is second to none. To the New York State Office of Mental Health and Erie County, Cattaraugus County, Chautauqua County and Allegany County Departments of Mental Health, we thank you for your dedication and encouragement in supporting peer services.
During 2006 we expanded our self-program and training program and became much more active within the counties we currently serve along with successfully completing the OMH training deliverables to the Chautauqua County Mental Health Association.
With all Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. has accomplished during the last 17 years, the future has never been brighter. With continued passion from the board, staff, and community, the growth and quality of services provided can only exceed all of our expectations.
Respectively
submitted,
Joseph
M. Woodward, CASAC
Executive
Director
Board
of Director’s Letter
The last year has been an exiting time for Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. The Agency is experiencing positive change with the new Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Woodward. He has shown a proactive management style that has been well received by the employees.
Working effectively with the board, he has established a new benefit structure for the employees. Employee rate scales to increase the viability of Peer Advocacy in the community and establish a method for advancement for our employees have been initiated. In addition, we are actively searching for new properties to provide housing for our clients and increase our assets by acquiring real property.
It has been my pleasure to see some of the long term goals and objectives coming to fruition with the dedication and teamwork of the entire agency. At this time our training program is advancing in the community. We are actively networking within the mental health community to acquire new grants. Other programs, such as home ownership, are under investigation for inclusion in our service menu to consumers.
As we go into the future, I look forward to a period of growth for the agency. We seek to acquire additional grants so that we may provide new services for our clients. It is also our hope that we will be able to provide services for more consumers and more jobs within the community.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Coffman
President, Housing Options Made Easy, Inc.
BOARD
MEMBERS 2006
Consultant
Retired Business Owner
Cheryl Story - Treasurer
Branch
Manager HSBC
Jessica
Anderson- Secretary
ACT Program, TLC
Charles
Roberts
Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc. Derby
Supportive Services
Betty
Accordino
Assist. Executive Director, Healthy
Community Alliance
Thomas
W. Becker
Executive Director, Suburban Adult
Services
Chief Financial Officer, Suburban Adult
Services
Retired Social Worker
Lenny
Ligori
Executive Director, Directions in
Independent Living
Rick Huber
Executive
Director, Mental Health Association of Jamestown
Mission
Statement
To provide supported housing and
community support services to individuals diagnosed with mental illness so that
they live with dignity, have choices in their lives, and achieve
interdependence in the community.
Vision
Statement
Housing Options is a
not-for-profit supported housing and community support services agency
developed and operated by and for recipients of mental health services.
Housing Options is committed to
decreasing stigma by increasing awareness of mental illness through
information, education and advocacy. Efforts are focused on recipients, family
members, community members, and mental health professionals in the counties of
Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Allegany.
Housing Options is building a
continuum of accessible services that will meet the needs of recipients. These
services will promote empowerment, wellness and recovery. We respect the
uniqueness and individuality of each person and their right of choice.
Inherent in this is an
understanding and acceptance of the corresponding responsibility accompanying
individual decisions.
Housing
Options Made Easy, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that subsidizes
housing and community support for recipients of mental health services. The agency provides safe and affordable
housing for consumers in Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany counties,
three of which are considered rural.
Housing
Options began in 1990, when a group of past and present mental health consumers
recognized the need to advocate for better and safer housing for individuals
being discharged from the hospitals. “I
drew on my own experiences,” said Ms. Judy Vega, who became instrumental in the
development of the agency. “When I was
leaving the hospital I needed assistance and it wasn’t out there. At first I thought I was an isolated case, but
as I made phone calls and sent out surveys I found out that I was not alone.”
Thus
began a grassroots movement, which started with a small office on the grounds
of the Gowanda Psychiatric Center. Ms.
Vega was fond of saying, “we started with a shoe box that held the files.” With the support of Dr. Mary Jo Hodges, a
former administrator for the Gowanda Psychiatric Center, Housing Options Made
Easy, Inc. became incorporated in 1990.
Ms.
Vega was fortunate not only for the support of Dr. Mary Jo Hodges, but from
people in Erie County, such as Kathy Lynch, Dick Chirrali, Jerry Scott and Mike
Wiener, to name a few. Ultimately, in 1991, crisis beds for housing were
created on the grounds of the Gowanda Psychiatric Center, and in 1992 Judy Vega
was hired as Executive Director.
Board
members at the time consisted of Dr. Mary Jo Hodges, Anthony DeVito, MSW, Donna
Tarnish, ICM and Walter Horton representing the community. Consumers at the time were Sheila Ramsy,
Annie Frasier, Herb Simmons who served on the board until 2004, and Darren
Fleegher who served as Board President until the year 2000.
The
agency began to grow and by 1993 received funding from NYS to place 30 mental
health recipients into safe and affordable housing in Erie County. By Oct. of
that year, 20 of these recipients had been placed in the community. Arvela Heider was hired as grant writer.
It
was an exciting year. Ms. Vega also began collaborating with Doug Usiak, from
the Independent Living Center, in Buffalo and with Anthony DeVito from the
Buffalo Psychiatric Center regarding a peer training and support program. Mental health recipients would be trained and
hired as Peer Advocates. The peer would
become a role model for those moving into apartments for the first time. It was also a way of providing mental health
recipients with meaningful work.
Mr.
DeVito initially became involved with this project as Discharge Coordinator for
the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. Because of his enthusiasm for this project he
was asked to become part of the Supported Housing Program for BPC. He was quoted as saying, “it was rewarding to
see the recipient’s potential being realized”.
Today
the agency continues to provide the Peer Advocacy Training, and the program has
grown. Classes are now held on site at the
Gowanda main office and there is a full two-week training held twice a
year. Many are sent from other peer run
agencies. Many have moved on to better
employment, and many because of this opportunity have gone back to school. The agency has become recognized as one of
the few to provide this extensive training in WNY.
All
employees of Housing Options are peers who are in mental health recovery. They share their strengths and experiences to
assist others in achieving personal goals.
The Peer Advocate assists the recipients in finding adequate and safe
housing as well as finding and receiving services that they identify as a
need. Peer services continue for the
duration of the rental stipend services received from Housing Options, as the
recipient strives for health, independence and empowerment.
In
1994, after major renovations were completed, Housing Options took up residency
in the large gray building on 75 Jamestown Street, where it is currently
located. They also purchased two vans
that enabled them to provide transportation for those living in the community.
The
Mental Health Association also presented Housing Options with two awards for
Program and Outstanding Rehabilitation Agency of the Year.
The
agency continued to grow and expand. By
1996, parenting classes, networking classes, and a book club were also added to
the programs available to recipients, and in 1998, The Peer Friendship and
Resource Line was established.
The
Resource Line is unique in that it was a non-crises service phone line that
provided consumers in four counties a place to call after hours and on
weekends. Peers working on the warm line
all go through the Peer Advocacy Training. What made this line unique is that
peers were paid. The warm line is open
seven days a week and on holidays. It
continues to be a success today, with calls averaging about 400 per month.
By
1999 as the agency grew, space was becoming limited. Administrative staff now included not just
Ms. Vega, who continued as Executive Director, but Ms. Tammi Smith as
Administrative Director, and Mr. Preston Danner as Director of Finances. Mr. Denis Bouchard had been hired as Housing
Coordinator, and Jim Hiams was in charge of computers. Clerks included Sharon Kelly, receptionist,
and Betty Smith as Payroll clerk. In
that year Anita Rusiecki was hired as Support Services Supervisor.
If
the first floor was crowded, the basement was becoming worse. It housed the Friendship Line, three desk
areas for peer advocates, as well as another for Sandy Hooten, Peer
Coordinator. It was also filled with tables for group meetings and trainings,
as well as the library.
Funds
were finally secured to renovate the third floor, as well as putting in an
elevator, and the move to the third floor was completed in January of 2000,
providing more space for the growing agency.
Growth
did not stop with just the renovations.
By the time of the agency’s 10th anniversary, the agency went
from a few crises beds to 180 beds, covering four counties, Erie County,
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany.
Staff
grew as well. In 1994 the handful of
Peer Advocates were trained and working out of Erie County. By 2000, over 26 Advocates were working out
of the four counties. Erie had two full
time advocates and Cattaraugus County had one full time advocate, and 23 hourly
peers working throughout all four counties.
The
agency celebrated their 10th anniversary on May 5th,
2000. Ed Knight, Chief Executive officer
of the Mental Health Empowerment Project, was the keynote speaker. A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to
Mary Jo Hodge who had been instrumental helping in the development of the
agency in its early days. A Media Award
was also presented to Rich Newburg from Channel 4; he was given this award for
his compassionate and informative coverage of mental health issues in the
community.
The
year 2000 was also to become a year of changes for the organization. As with any organization that grows, it was
not without internal problems.
Organizational skills and abilities could not catch up with a growing
budget, and increasing and ever changing staff.
Ms.
Tammy Smith resigned in Feb. of that year, and Mr. Glenn Hooten was brought in
as consultant to assist with the changes that needed to be made. In June of
that year, because of physical problems, Ms. Vega resigned, followed by Mr.
Danner. During this interim Mr. Hooten
became Acting Executive Director and eventually Executive Director.
The
agency was again fortunate enough to have the support of Kathy Lynch, from
Recipient Affairs, as well as Dick Charrali, Gerry Scott, and a host of others,
including Peter Asheden and Ike Powell from the Mental Health Empowerment
Project.
Under
Mr. Hooten’s leadership the agency continued to grow. Beds were again added to Erie County and Cattaraugus
County. A part time financial
consultant, Mr. James Carline, was hired, and well as Ms. Monica Boyd for the
Human Resource Dept.
In
2001, the Peer Accreditation association of Albany presented Housing Options
full accreditation, making the agency the only peer-accredited facility in WNY.
The
number of consumers and staff in Cattaraugus County were accumulating at a
rapid pace and in 2001 our first off site office was opened in Olean. The staffing pattern consisted of one full
time peer, one part time peer, and three hourly peers. Everyone was excited. Staff no longer had to work out of their
homes and cars. They had a place where
they could meet with recipients, do their paper work and have it all in one
spot. There was room for meetings as well
as groups. The agency also assigned a
peer to work at the Drop In Center two doors away.
Within
six months another office in conjunction with the Mental Health Association was
opened in Jamestown, and by 2004 Erie County opened up its office on Kensington
Ave. They quickly outgrew this office, and in 2005 a new office opened on
Elmwood Ave.
In
2002 Housing Options received a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor
Pataki, for Standard of Achievement.
It
was also the year the agency branched out. Under Mr. Hooten’s leadership and
with the approval of the board, Housing Options purchased two homes on Chestnut
Street in Gowanda. Both houses would provide six apartments for mental health
recipients. It was a highly successful investment. Mr. David Spulecki was hired as Computer
Specialist.
By
2003, board members had resigned and new ones joined. Cyndie Koener became
President after Donna Tarnish resigned.
Mike Coffman, a former employee, became vice president, and eventually
took over as President, a position he holds today.
By
the time the agency celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2005, Housing
Options was serving 231 mental health recipients in four counties, a far cry
from those 30 beds in Erie County. Staff
was now full or part time, and receiving full benefits. Two new vans were bought and in 2004 a van
was purchased for Olean.
But
2005 was also to be a year of sadness for all involved with Housing
Options. Sandy Hooten passed away in
Sept. of that year. Sandy had always
been a driving force at Housing Options when it came to the peer movement. It was because of her influence that changes
made for peers working at Housing Options became possible. She left Housing Options in 2004 because of
an injury…but she was always a part of us.
Sandy’s
passing not only affected the staff of Housing Options, by all who knew
her. In January of 2006, Mr. Glen Hooten
resigned as Executive Director.
Throughout
the past 15 years staff has come and gone, as with any growing
organization. Some to move to better
things, others have left for a variety of reasons. Others, such as Arvela Heider, and James
Carline have remained steadfast.
Board
members were the same. Some have come and gone for a variety of reasons. The agency has been fortunate in that some have
gone only to come back. Cheryl Story and
Betty Accordino are back. Newcomers have
joined us, such as Tom Becker, Charles Roberts, Shawn Cunningham, Jessica
Anderson, Nan Cobb, Lenny Liguori.
Others
have remained steadfast; Cindy Koener, Bill Young, and Mike Coffman. Mr. Coffman’s position as President has not
always been easy. Yet the agency has
benefited from his loyalty to Housing Options, the agency’s vision and mission,
and his loyalty to staff.
In
May of 2006 Housing Options entered another era. Mr. Joe Woodward, BS, CSAC was named
Executive Director. Mr. Woodward came to
Housing Options with a lengthy history in the field of mental health and
substance abuse. His vision for the agency is that of growth, just as his
predecessors. He is looking at growth
and expansion in housing, staff development, VESID (employment opportunities),
and expanding the agency’s training program.
What
Mr. Woodward has brought to the agency in a year is what Housing Options has
always been about…Motivation, excitement, growth and opportunities, which has
always been the vision and mission statement of Housing Options.
SO
THE HISTORY CONTINUES!
Executive
Director - Joseph M.
Woodward
Housing Options Made Easy, Inc.
Board of Directors appointed Mr. Joseph M. Woodward, B.S., CASAC as Executive
Director, effective May 8, 2006. Mr. Woodward comes to Housing Options with
over 22 years of experience in the alcohol, drug and mental health field. Most
recently, he was Executive Director of Action for Mental Health, Inc. where he
has been known for developing numerous community partnerships and programs and
was instrumental in creating a strong mental health anti-stigma outreach
campaign in Erie County. Mr. Woodward has an Associates degree in Liberal
Arts and Community Mental Health, along with a Bachelors of Science in Mental
Health Program Development and Evaluation; he has been a Certified Alcoholism
and Substance Abuse Counselor since 1987, is close to finishing a Masters of
Divinity Degree and has completed a Masters level Administrative Management
Certificate Program through the University of Buffalo School of Social Work
Continuing Education Program. He has
authored numerous newsletter articles on “Wellness through Relationships”,
hosted a weekly radio show regarding wellness through relationships and
breaking mental health stigma. He is
also trained in Person Centered Planning and is known for his training skills
in Leadership, Supervision, PCP, Stigma and mentorship.
Housing Coordinator - Denis
Bouchard
Mr. Denis Bouchard has been employed with Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. since 1993. Mr. Bouchard has been involved in many of the changes at Housing Options Made Easy, Inc., in particular at the beginning of the peer advocacy movement. Mr. Bouchard has also seen an increase in supported housing beds during his time at Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. with a current count of 238 beds in the four counties served. Mr. Bouchard has been a resident of Gowanda since 1992 and is also a former client of Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. assisted him when he was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety. After his recovery, Mr. Bouchard applied for a part-time position at Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. and was hired. Since that time he has become a full-time employee and eventually worked his way up to his current position. Mr. Bouchard enjoys his work at Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. where he has the chance to help others as he was once helped. When not working, Mr. Bouchard spends his time with family and friends who have been his greatest support.
Support Services Coordinator — Anita
L. Rusiecki
Ms.
Rusiecki has been working in the field of Mental Health since 1981, when she
became a therapist aide at the Gowanda Psychiatric Center. At that time she was married, had three
children and was living in Eden NY.
In
1981, she enrolled at Empire State College, earning a B.S. in Community
Services. She was elected valedictorian at graduation in 1983, graduating at the
top of her class. While at GPC Anita became involved in numerous committees,
and as Chairperson for the Employee Assistance Program was selected to attend
the Rutgers University Training program on Alcoholism in 1985. In 1989, Anita
was promoted to Social Worker Asst., and covered five counties including, Erie,
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany, and Wyoming.
After
the closing of GPC, Anita transferred to Buffalo Psychiatric Center, where she
worked until 1991, when transferred to the West Seneca Developmental Center as
Supervisor for a Cottage of 24 consumers. At this time, she also began working
on her Master’s in Educational Counseling at Canisius College. She graduated in
1993, and at the same time began working at the Lake Shore Mental Health Unit as
Senior Counselor. As a Senior Counselor, her duties included facilitating
several groups and doing assessments and intakes for consumers presenting in
the ER.
Ms.
Rusiecki is a mental health consumer who joined the Housing Options team in
1999, in her current position of Peer Supervisor. After years of working on
mental health units, Anita has enjoyed the transition of observing first hand
how today’s consumers have opportunities to empower themselves, to see so many
of them grow and succeed.
County
Profiles
Cattaraugus County Profile
Chautauqua County Profile
Allegany County Profile
·
With
Reinvestment Funds, Housing Options operates a supported housing program for up
to three (3) people. [413]
Program Profiles
RENTAL ASSISTANCE
AND SECURITY DEPOSITS
Coordinator
of service: Denis
Bouchard
Other
staff: Lorraine
Thorp
Mary
Pope
Program Description
Rental assistance is available
through an application process. In 2006,
326 individuals received a monthly stipend that is sent directly to the landlord. An individual selects an apartment of his/her
choice, renting it in conjunction with the fair market rate. The total household income, rental amount,
and the number of people in the household (including children), are taken into
consideration when computing the rental portion. Individuals pay 30% of their income toward
their rent and utilities, which is considered the standard for affordable
housing. Rental assistance is available
until a Section 8 opening occurs or another subsidy takes effect.
Security
deposits are available for those who request them. Only one security deposit is issued. The deposit is returnable only to Housing
Options. Reissue of security deposit is
based on a percentage rate. If only 50%
of the deposit is returned, then 50% of the next apartment's deposit is
issued. If 100% is returned, then 100%
is reissued. If someone loses all of the
security deposit, and it was not their fault, other arrangements are made on an
individual basis.
START-UP
Coordinator
of service: Denis
Bouchard
Other
staff: Lorraine
Thorp
Mary Pope
Average Start-Up
Cost $2,000
Program Description
Start‑up needs are available upon
request. When an applicant fills out the
application packet, s/he request any items needed for the household (at this
time only). Such items as a couch,
chair, bed, end tables, toaster, lamps, sheets, etc ... may be requested to be
purchased. Not all requests are granted, but if it is needed, the
request for the items must be submitted with the application. Start‑up is one time only.
No items can be replaced if stolen or broken. Funding is very limited.
TRANSPORTATION
Coordinator
of service: Denis
Bouchard
Program Description
Transportation options have
increased since the organization first began in 1990. If an individual lives in an area where bus
transportation is available, then a bus pass may be purchased. There were bus passes in Erie County and in
Chautauqua County. We also have a driver and van to transport consumers who are
in need.
PEER
ADVOCATE SPECIALIST SERVICES
Coordinator
of service: Anita
Rusiecki
Other staff Laura
Bentley
Program Description
Peer
advocate specialists are
individuals who have been through the mental health system themselves and can
help someone who needs some support, hands on assistance and a role model to
support their stability in the community.
The peer may assist in many different areas such as budgeting, transportation
needs, grocery shopping, etc... A few examples of their services are an
individual may need assistance in obtaining their entitlements or maybe they
are not sure on how to use the bus. A
person may need a peer to assist with baby sitting so that they can attend a
doctor's or therapy appointment. An
individual may be lonely and have no family support or friends and peers are of
great help in these situations.
PEER TRAINING
Coordinator
of service: Anita
Rusiecki
Other staff Laura
Bentley
In 2006,
we trained 20 persons in our two week Advocacy training and we trained another
231 individuals on a variety of topics related to empowerment, advocacy and
personal wellness.
Through
the past ten years, Housing Options has trained 257 recipients of mental health
services. Of those, better than 33% have
achieved independence and remain in the peer field. Another 10% have moved to other fields. Approximately 85% of those persons were
recipients of our housing services. This
is an area to nurture and promote.
Interest
in our peer training is coming to us, unsolicited, from other agencies and
workforce programs.