Outreach News – Fall 2025

Stories and news of growth, recognition & community partnerships  

that continue to strengthen our mission and inspire hope 

 What’s New 

Highlights of upcoming programs and events shaping our future 

Outreach Opens First Residential Program for Young Adults on October 30, 2025 

Outreach is proud to announce a groundbreaking step in expanding care for young adults in our communities. On October 30, 2025, we will celebrate the grand opening of Downstate New York’s first residential treatment program designed specifically for young adults ages 18–25, a transformative space dedicated to healing, growth, and building brighter futures. 

For too long, young adults have been caught between services built for adolescents or older adults. Outreach’s new 15,000-square-foot Young Adult Residence bridges that gap with specialized care, individualized support, and the tools needed to build healthy, independent lives. 

The facility features welcoming bedrooms, communal living and dining spaces, counseling and group rooms, vocational classrooms, and technology labs — all intentionally designed to foster recovery, independence, and family reunification. 

This new program enhances Outreach’s continuum of care at the Brentwood campus — joining Outreach House II (a 45-bed residence for teens), a 25-bed Recovery Residence for Women, six other inpatient and outpatient programs, and a Comprehensive Opioid Treatment Program — serving individuals and families across Long Island and beyond. 

“Young adults face unique biological, psychological, and social challenges as they transition into adulthood,” said Mary Brite, Chief Operating Officer at Outreach. “Our new residence fills a critical gap, offering targeted care that helps young people sustain recovery and achieve brighter futures.”  

The need is urgent: 15% of young adults in the U.S. struggle with a substance use disorder — nearly three times the rate of adults over 26. Outreach’s new program responds directly to this crisis by blending clinical care with holistic supports. Specialized services include: 

• Integrated substance use and mental health treatment 

• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management 

• Individualized recovery planning and relapse prevention 

• Specialized group sessions (anger management, life skills, vocational readiness) 

• Family counseling and education 

• Ongoing recovery and alumni support 

Outreach ensures access for all, accepting Medicaid, Medicare, most insurance plans, and sliding-scale payments. No one is ever turned away due to inability to pay. 

With this groundbreaking new program, we’re opening doors to hope, healing, and new possibilities for young adults and helping to transform the landscape of behavioral health care in New York. 

44th Annual Metropolitan Luncheon to Celebrate Prominent New York City Business and Labor Leaders  

Outreach will host its 44th Annual Metropolitan Luncheon on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:45 AM at Cipriani’s in Midtown Manhattan, honoring three distinguished leaders for their outstanding contributions to business, labor, and the community. Gaston Silva of Vornado Realty Trust will receive the Jim Berg Memorial Award for his exceptional public service; Peter Myers, President of the New York State Ironworkers District Council, will be named Labor Leader of the Year; and Michael J. Bosso of Brookfield Properties will be recognized as Humanitarian of the Year. 

As Outreach’s largest annual fundraiser, the luncheon celebrates transformative programs that help New Yorkers rebuild their lives from addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, with all proceeds directly supporting essential treatment, mental health, and workforce training services across New York City and Long Island. You won’t want to miss this deeply inspiring event, which will also feature a brief video presentation and a powerful personal testimony from an Outreach graduate, a moving reminder of the life-changing impact made possible by the funds raised. 

To purchase sponsorships and tickets click below

Meet the Leaders Guiding Outreach into the Future 

Outreach has been growing and evolving in exciting ways, and at the heart of that progress is a team of passionate, experienced leaders who are shaping our next chapter. As we navigate ongoing change in our world and in our field, and seize new opportunities, these dedicated executives are driving our mission forward and helping us deliver the best possible care and support to the communities we serve. 

Mary Brite – Chief Operations Officer
Mary, who previously served as Chief Compliance Officer, is bringing her trademark energy and strategic thinking to an expanded role as Chief Operations Officer. In addition to leading the Outreach Training Institute, she oversees the daily operations of all our programs, training efforts, and service delivery systems. Mary’s leadership keeps everything running smoothly and ensures we continue providing the highest-quality care.

David Vizzini – Chief Administrative Officer 

David, who has been with the agency for many years and was most recently our Vice President of Operations, has stepped into the role of Chief Administrative Officer, where he oversees Human Resources, Facilities Management, IT, Capital Projects, and more. Known for his deep knowledge of Outreach and steady leadership, David plays a key role in keeping our operations strong and our teams supported as we grow.

Angela Murdock Ridley – Chief Financial Officer

We’re thrilled to welcome Angela Murdock Ridley as our new Senior Vice President and CFO starting October 2025! Angela is an accomplished financial leader who has helped nonprofits and healthcare organizations grow and transform. Most recently, she was Deputy CFO and VP of Treasury at One Brooklyn Health. A former member of our Board of Directors, Angela already knows and believes in our mission and her financial expertise will be a huge asset as Outreach continues to grow.  

Our executive team’s passion, experience, and vision are driving Outreach toward an exciting future. Together, they’re building on our strong foundation, helping us grow in new ways, and making sure we continue to deliver exceptional care and services to the communities that count on us. 

Christal Montague – Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

Christal’s role as Chief Strategy Officer has expanded to Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, taking her leadership to the next level. Alongside leading Fundraising, Development, and Communications, she’s launching a brand-new Business Development department in collaboration with Adina Kolatch Consulting. Christal’s forward-thinking vision is helping Outreach grow strategically and expand our impact.

Alexis Gadsden – Chief Diversity Officer

With over 40 years of experience in the nonprofit and behavioral health world, Alexis is a true champion for equity and inclusion. Since joining Outreach in 1997, she’s held key leadership roles and now leads our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work, making sure we meet the highest standards and stay aligned with our mission and values. 

 

Outreach in the News 

Celebrating recognition and milestones in our community and beyond  

Outreach + Stop & Shop: Community Bag Program 

We’re excited to share that Outreach was once again selected as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program! Throughout September, Outreach received a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold at the Stop & Shop located at 64–66 Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, NY. We thank our partners at Stop & Shop for this simple yet impactful initiative that gave shoppers an easy way to support Outreach’s mission while also helping the environment. 

Outreach Training Institute (OTI) Awarded Additional Grant to Offer CASAC Scholarships

We are proud to share that Outreach has received a new grant from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), funded by the state’s Opioid Settlement Funds, to support scholarships for aspiring Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC). This grant will provide full scholarships for the 350-hour CASAC training program offered by OTI, removing financial barriers and strengthening the substance use disorder workforce across New York. “This funding not only removes financial barriers for aspiring counselors but also helps ensure that individuals and families impacted by addiction have access to compassionate, well-trained professionals,” said Chief Operating Officer Mary Brite. This investment underscores the state’s commitment to building a healthier New York and expanding access to high-quality care for those affected by substance use disorders. To find out more – visit our OTI scholarship webpage here 

Outreach Recognizes National Recovery Month 

In recognition of National Recovery Month, each September our calendar here at Outreach is filled with events that celebrate recovery, wellness, and community connection. Across Long Island and beyond, staff, clients, and partners come together to raise awareness and promote hope. Highlights this year included:   

• 10th Annual John Brower, Jr. Memorial Walk – Nearly 400 hundred participants — including Outreach leadership, staff, and clients — joined this moving tribute to those impacted by the opioid crisis. Founded in memory of John Brower, Jr., who lost his life to an opioid overdose in 2014, the walk raises awareness and funds for prevention, education, and treatment programs. Held on the historic Jones Beach Boardwalk, the event is both a commemoration and a call to action, bringing together families, advocates, and community members to stand for recovery. Click here to read the Newsday article about the event

• National Night Out with Assembly District 18 – Our Nassau County-based REACT Center and the Outreach EQuiTY teams proudly joined NYS Assemblyman Noah Burroughs at National Night Out events across Hempstead, Baldwin, Freeport, Roosevelt, Lakeview, and Uniondale. Together with local partners, we celebrated unity, safety, and connection — building healthier neighborhoods for all.
  

 

• Bellport Outpatient Clinic Open House & Client Art Show –
  Our Bellport team hosted an inspiring Open House and Art Show, showcasing the incredible creativity and talents of both our clients and staff. The event highlighted the healing power of self-expression and the strength of the Outreach community.
  

 

• Community Wellness Event in Connetquot Library – On Saturday, September 27, Outreach joined forces with the Connetquot Central School District’s Mental Health Advisory Council and Islip Goes Purple for a family-friendly event at the Connetquot Public Library. Attendees explored healthy living resources, learned about mindfulness and exercise practices, and discovered the many benefits of self-care. ***************

Partner Spotlight 

Celebrating the organizations and allies walking this journey with us 

Expanding Whole-Person Care with Damian Family Care Centers

We’re thrilled to share that, in partnership with Damian Family Care Centers, Inc., Outreach has reopened the physical health clinic at our Richmond Hill Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This collaboration means individuals can now access substance use, mental health, and primary care services all under one roof — a major step forward in delivering the wraparound care our community deserves. Damian’s healthcare team is available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. To schedule an appointment, call (347) 571-5922. 

Outreach & ULA Network: A Shared Commitment to Labor and Veterans

Outreach is proud to partner with unions, trade associations, and local businesses to connect their members with vital services and strengthen community support. A powerful example of these valued partnerships is our ongoing relationship with the Union Labor Association Network (ULA), founded by Michael Fina, whose mission is to share resources, stories, and events that uplift labor members and their families.

Our connection with ULA is grounded in a shared commitment to serving union members, including those who are veterans. At Outreach, we provide specialized treatment services designed to meet the unique needs of veterans (you can learn more at opiny.org/ veterans-drug-alcohol-outpatient-treatment). ULA, in turn, honors veterans through its annual Veterans Service Awards Reception, now in its third year, which will take place on October 29 in Franklin Square, NY. This inspiring evening celebrates the courage, leadership, and lasting contributions of those who have served our nation. For tickets and details, visit ulanetwork.com. 

 

What We Are Reading 

Insights and reports shaping the conversation around health and recovery  

At Outreach, we know that staying informed is part of supporting the health and wellbeing of the young people and families we serve. Each of these highly readable, timely resources connects directly to the challenges we address every day and offers insights that can guide families, providers, and advocates alike: 

• Youth and Vaping – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  As youth vaping continues to impact physical health and long-term recovery, this new guide breaks down current trends, emerging health risks, and evolving regulatory responses. It’s a practical resource for parents, caregivers, and anyone working with young people to better understand—and help address—this rapidly changing landscape. 

• Maternal Mental Health – Behavioral Health News (Summer 2025 Edition)
  Produced in collaboration with the New York State Office of Mental Health, this issue reframes maternal mental health as a public health priority. Through personal stories, clinical perspectives, and systemic analysis, contributors explore inequities, trauma, substance use, and workplace stress while highlighting solutions like peer and doula support, integrated care, and workforce training. These conversations resonate deeply with Outreach’s mission to expand access to compassionate, equitable care for all families.

 

Make a Difference: Join Our Team!  

Exciting – High Energy – Rewarding 

At Outreach, you’ll discover more than just a job — you’ll join a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. We offer an excellent benefits package, generous vacation time to help you recharge, and abundant opportunities for professional development and growth. Most importantly, your work directly supports individuals and families in our community as they build healthier, more stable lives. 

If you’re seeking a workplace where you can advance your career while contributing to something truly impactful, Outreach is the place to be. 

Below, hear firsthand from our staff about why they love being a part of the Outreach team. 

 

To learn more about the exciting professional opportunities available at Outreach, visit our Careers Center webpage today! 

 

Get Involved 

At the heart of everything we do is a shared belief: building healthy lives builds stronger communities. None of our work would be possible without the incredible support of people like you. Your involvement fuels our mission, expands our reach, and helps us create lasting change for individuals and families in need.  

Take the Next Step 

 

Whether you give your time, share your resources, or walk alongside us in service, you are an essential part of this journey. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build healthier, brighter futures together.