Outreach News – Summer 2026

Stories and news of growth, recognition & community partnerships  

that continue to strengthen our mission and inspire hope 

What’s New 

As spring turns to summer, we’re reflecting on the growth, resilience, and community that drive Outreach’s mission. Every day, we are inspired by the individuals beginning careers in our field through our Apprenticeship, Internship, and Outreach Training Institute programs, pathways built on dedication, mentorship, and transformation. We are proud to support the next generation of professionals as they grow into lives of service and healing.

Summer also brings our annual Long Island Luncheon, a celebration of the partnerships that make this work possible. This year’s event was especially meaningful as it returned to Outreach House II, one of our two residential adolescent programs, and featured resident artwork exploring the meaning of “Home.” Together, these moments remind us that mentorship, collaboration, and creativity are essential to building stronger, healthier communities.

Outreach in the News 

Celebrating recognition and milestones in our community and beyond  

Groundbreaking Apprenticeship Program Helping to Build a Strong Workforce

 

At the heart of Outreach’s mission is a simple truth: the quality of care we provide depends on the strength of the people providing it. As behavioral health organizations across New York State and the nation continue to face workforce shortages, Outreach is investing in innovative solutions that strengthen the field, expand access to care, and create meaningful career pathways for the next generation of professionals.

In 2025, the Outreach Training Institute (OTI) launched a groundbreaking initiative: New York State’s first Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for the behavioral health field and the first apprenticeship program of its kind approved by the New York State Department of Labor for a nonprofit behavioral health provider. Developed with encouragement and support from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), the program combines paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, clinical supervision, and no-cost training toward Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification.

The program was designed to address a critical challenge facing the behavioral health workforce. While many graduates leave college with degrees in psychology, social work, and related helping professions, they often lack the credentials and practical experience required to work in licensed treatment settings. At the same time, treatment providers face increasing demand for services and ongoing difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified staff.

“With this program we are aiming to address the shortage of qualified workers, which is a problem throughout the field, across the country,” said Liliane Drago, Outreach’s Vice President of Training. “We need to think outside the box. Just going to graduate schools isn’t cutting it. There need to be other ways to develop staff.”

The apprenticeship program does exactly that. Participants earn a salary while receiving the education, supervision, and real-world experience necessary to enter the behavioral health workforce. Recruitment efforts prioritize individuals from underserved communities, including bilingual candidates, first-generation college graduates, and those with lived experience in recovery, helping build a workforce that better reflects and serves the communities Outreach supports.

Outreach is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. Through its integrated network of treatment programs and OTI, an OASAS-approved training provider with decades of experience delivering credentialed education and professional development, the organization has created a model that seamlessly combines classroom learning with practical experience.

“Outreach is uniquely positioned to do this program because we have the training institute here and we operate treatment programs,” Drago said. “We also like to think of ourselves as forward-thinking and adapting best practices and evidence-based practices. There are not any other apprenticeship programs in the substance use disorder treatment field. We wanted to take the lead on it and see what we can do and be a model for other programs.”

The success of the pilot program is already evident.

Dylan Klansky, Outreach’s first behavioral health apprentice, is now nearing completion of the program and preparing to transition into career in behavioral health. His experience demonstrates the power of an “earn while you learn” model that provides both professional development and a clear pathway into the field.

“This experience has vastly influenced my career goals,” Klansky said. “I now know that I want to be a social worker and help people for the rest of my life, which is not something I think I would have said a few years ago. I credit this program for getting me there. This experience has been intense, invaluable and lucrative because it has helped me determine the way my life will go.”

For Klansky, one of the most valuable aspects of the apprenticeship has been the opportunity to learn in multiple settings simultaneously. During the day, he gains hands-on experience working with clients and observing treatment professionals. Outside of work, he continues his formal education through OTI’s CASAC training program alongside others already working throughout the field.

“I love the fact that I am able to work every day and get real-life experiences and then go home and get more of the clinical aspect of it,” he said. “A lot of my classmates are already in this field, so it’s a good opportunity to talk to people in other programs, and it’s a good opportunity to keep learning in a different way.”

The program’s structured supervision model has been equally important to his success. Rather than being expected to immediately take on responsibilities independently, Klansky was able to gradually build his skills under the guidance of his supervisor, the Outreach Recovery Center’s Assistant Director Caitlin Duddy.

“Being in a structured apprenticeship position, rather than a traditional onboarding situation, has made the transition a lot easier to enter into this specialized field,” Klansky explained. “During the first few weeks (at Outreach’s Men’s Community Residence), I was able to shadow my supervisor, observe groups, individual sessions, intakes and psychosocial assessments, anything clinical, essentially. Then once I felt comfortable leading groups myself, Caitlin was still there but a little more hands-off. It felt like a natural integration into the work.”

That intentional mentorship model benefits not only the apprentice but also the people receiving services. Duddy has watched Klansky grow both professionally and personally over the course of the program. “I can tell that Dylan is implementing what he’s learning at OTI as well as what he’s learning on the job,” she said. “He’s putting more time into self-care and realizing how important that is in this field. And he is really honing his skills as a clinician. I’m excited to see where his care and education take him.”

She has also observed the impact his journey has had on Outreach residents. “I think it is interesting for our residents to watch him grow and grow themselves alongside him,” Duddy said. “They feed off each other, and Dylan is a wonderful support to them.” That dynamic reflects one of the program’s greatest strengths. Apprentices are not simply learning about treatment, they are becoming active members of the therapeutic community, building relationships, developing clinical skills, and contributing to the recovery journeys of others while establishing their own professional identities.

As workforce shortages continue to affect providers nationwide, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid crisis, Outreach believes innovative approaches like the Registered Apprenticeship Program are essential. Suffolk County, where Outreach operates eight outpatient and residential programs, continues to experience significant treatment needs. Expanding the pipeline of qualified professionals is critical to ensuring that individuals and families can access timely, high-quality care.

The long-term vision extends beyond a single apprentice. Outreach has applied for grant funding to expand the program and continue refining what has already proven to be a successful model. “I hope this motivates other people to come into this field,” Duddy said. “We need a lot more people in this field who care as much as Dylan does.”

Liliane Drago agrees. “This program has showed us what is possible,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll receive funding to expand it so we can be a model for the field.”

With decades of experience serving communities across Long Island and New York City, Outreach has the infrastructure and expertise to sustain and grow this effort. As apprentices transition into permanent positions, they help fill critical workforce needs while strengthening the organization’s ability to deliver culturally responsive, high-quality care. Most importantly, the program demonstrates that workforce development is about more than filling vacancies. It is about investing in people, creating opportunities, and building a stronger future for the behavioral health field. Through the Registered Apprenticeship Program, Outreach is doing exactly that, one future clinician at a time.

Video Newsletter

The Outreach News Video Newsletter highlights some of the key insights and stories from this issue, while the written newsletter includes the full update. Watch the latest episode on our YouTube channel, and subscribe to stay up to date with future releases.

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Our 2025–2026 Interns: Building the Future of Behavioral Health

Each year, Outreach proudly welcomes 20–30 interns from colleges, universities, and accredited training programs across the country, including students from Outreach Training Institute’s Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) program. These internships provide aspiring professionals with meaningful, hands-on experience in the behavioral health field while helping to strengthen and grow the next generation of our workforce.

As the 2025–2026 academic year comes to a close, we are proud to recognize the interns who dedicated their time, talents, and enthusiasm to our clinical programs this past year. Their contributions have made a positive impact on the individuals and communities we serve, and we are grateful to have been part of their professional journey.

Fartun Aliduux, Outreach House II
Ileanette Amaya, Outreach Recovery Center
Jaime Barahone, Outreach House I
Jesse Dela Cruz, Outreach House I
Manjot Kaur Dhaliwal, Outreach House II
Laura Feeley, Bellport Outpatient Services
Vanessa Francois, Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
Sarah Gillen, Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
Brineka Goodridge, Outreach House I
Jamila Havercome, Outreach House I
Sondra Huggins, Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
Karen Isme, Outreach House II
Kailly Jimenez, REACT Center
Gabriella Kemmerer, Outreach House II
Abigail Lambert, Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
Aryeh Litt, Richmond Hill Certified Community Behavioral Health Centr
Vincent Mastromarco, Bellport Outpatient Services
Akber Naqvi, Outreach House II
Jalen Obas, Information Technology
Daniela Andrea Orellana-Salazar, Outreach House II
Yaneidy Michel Reyes Holguin, Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
Angelisa Rimondi, Outreach House II
Paul Jordan Samms, REACT Center
Emilia Souza, Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
Crystal Chevon Talbert, Bellport Outpatient Services
Anastasia Nicole Torres, Outreach House I
Chiara Tufano, Outreach House II
Desiree Wallace, Outreach House II
Danielle Marie Ward, Bellport Outpatient Services

How OTI is Building the Next Generation of Behavioral Health Professionals

The Outreach Training Institute (OTI) continued its longstanding commitment to workforce development and professional excellence throughout the 2025 academic year, helping hundreds of individuals enter and advance within the addiction and behavioral health fields. As one of New York State’s oldest and largest OASAS-approved CASAC training providers, OTI remains a trusted leader in preparing the next generation of substance use disorder professionals.

During 2025, OTI enrolled 288 students in its Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) program, with 154 students successfully graduating and moving one step closer to careers dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. In addition, OTI delivered 86 professional development courses, generating more than 1,500 registrations and serving 634 unique professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and strengthen their clinical skills.

The impact of this work extends far beyond the classroom. New York and communities across the nation continue to face workforce shortages in behavioral health and addiction services. By providing accessible, high-quality training, OTI helps ensure that agencies have qualified, compassionate professionals equipped with evidence-based practices to meet growing community needs.

A key factor in OTI’s success is its ability to connect students and professionals with scholarship opportunities and grant-funded training. Through support from OASAS, Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Funds, 1199’s Center for Workplace Development, ACCES-VR, and other funding partners, OTI has helped remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent individuals from pursuing careers in the field.

“Every scholarship awarded represents an opportunity for someone to transform their future while strengthening the behavioral health workforce,” said Liliane Drago, Vice President for Training. “By making education accessible, we are investing not only in individual careers, but in healthier communities for years to come.”

Opening Doors, Building Partnerships: Women’s Residence Hosts Successful Open House

Kudos to the Women’s Recovery Residence staff and Community Partnerships Team for hosting a successful open house that welcomed 22 colleagues from state, city, and nonprofit agencies. The event featured an engaging workshop on Women and Substance Use led by Vice President of Training Liliane Drago and showcased the team’s passion, expertise, and commitment to collaboration.

32nd Annual Long Island Luncheon Honors Local Leaders and Raises Critical Funds

Thanks to the generous support of friends, sponsors, and community partners, Outreach’s 32nd Annual Long Island Luncheon, held on June 10, 2026,was another resounding success. This year’s event was especially meaningful as it returned to Outreach House II, the agency’s adolescent residence in Brentwood, for the first time since 2016. Bringing the luncheon back to the residence provided guests with a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the place where young people begin their recovery journeys and build brighter futures.

The luncheon raised vital funds to help Outreach continue its mission of creating stronger, healthier futures for Long Islanders facing substance misuse and behavioral health challenges. Adding a deeply personal touch to the afternoon, guests viewed a powerful art exhibition featuring works created by Outreach House II residents exploring the theme of “home.” Curated by the residence’s Art Therapist, Lindsay Augustine (see her curatorial statement below), the collection offered an inspiring glimpse into the experiences, hopes, and resilience of the young people served by Outreach.

Emceed by Long Island Luncheon Committee Chair Matthew Aracich, the event brought together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate three outstanding individuals whose dedication has strengthened the health and well-being of our region. This year’s distinguished honorees were Michael Fina, Executive Director, and Stefanie Fina, Director of Operations, Union Labor Advisory Network; Joseph Montalbano, Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs; and Barbara Sena, Managing Director of CBIZ, recipient of the 2026 John Brower, Jr. Memorial Award.

The afternoon featured several memorable and moving moments. Interim President and CEO Paul Vitale warmly welcomed guests and introduced young people from Outreach House, our residential treatment program for adolescents. One of the most powerful highlights came from Natalie, a 2023 graduate of Outreach House, who courageously shared her story of growth, recovery, and resilience.

Reflecting on her journey, Natalie told guests, “Three years ago, I sat in a chair in this very building scared, broken, and honestly not sure I needed to be here. Today I’m standing in front of you sharing how I’ve overcome my obstacles with Outreach. I’m not here because I have it all figured out. I’m not here to tell you that life becomes perfect. But I am grounded and myself again. I wake up every morning, and I recognize the person in the mirror. And for a long time, I couldn’t see that.”

Natalie was introduced by her mother, Ana, whose heartfelt remarks resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. “When they sent us here to Outreach, that was the first time I felt that someone listened,” she shared. “I got so much information. I learned a lot. I saw Natalie progress. I am very happy and grateful for this place. I am very happy and proud of my daughter.” Together, their stories served as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of Outreach’s programs and the hope that recovery brings to individuals and families alike.

Honoree Barbara Sena also delivered a message that reflected the spirit of the day, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing substance use disorders. “Addiction is not a choice, it is a disease,” she said. “A lot of people don’t understand that. There is a lot of stigma. But recovery is possible. Please don’t ever give up hope.” Her words reinforced Outreach’s mission and the collective commitment shared by those gathered to support recovery and wellness in our communities.

Outreach extends its heartfelt gratitude to our generous event sponsors. Reception Sponsor: TD Bank; Gold Sponsors: Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties, Building Material Teamsters Local 282, IBEW Local 25, Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York, New York State Iron Workers District Council, and Teamsters Local 25; Silver Sponsors: CBIZ, Inc., Construction & General Building Laborers Local 79, General Building Laborers Local 66, PharMerica, and PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP; Journal and Invitation Sponsors: Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, International Union of BAC Local 7 of NY & NJ, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 28; Adolescent Sponsors: Bancker Construction Corp., Collins Building Services Inc., NECA-IBEW Local 25, and TLC Hauling; and Frontline Worker Heroes: Iron Workers Local 361, Teamsters Local 731, and Union Labor Advisory Network.

We are also deeply grateful to the dedicated members of the 2026 Long Island Luncheon Committee, led by Chair Matthew Aracich, for their leadership and unwavering support. Special thanks to Marsha Radulov, Director of Special Events and Fundraising, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes helped make this heartwarming and impactful event possible.

By returning to Outreach House II, honoring exceptional community leaders, and sharing the voices and creativity of the young people we serve, this year’s Long Island Luncheon was a powerful celebration of hope, recovery, and the collective commitment that makes Outreach’s mission possible.

 

“We put it all together here. We don’t have clients going from person to person. We take the whole person into account and work with everything they have. This is what we do to change lives.”

— Paul Vitale, Interim President & CEO

 

 

“In so many ways our mission is at the heart of Outreach. Because at the end of the day, we all are in the business of helping people. We show up. We don’t walk away. We fight for a better life for those we serve.”

— Honoree Michael Fina

 

 

 

“It is truly an honor to be honored by an organization that reaches out and helps so many young men and women get a second chance at life.”

— Honoree Joseph Montalbano

 

 

Curatorial Statement: Home Is Where the Art Is: Creating Safety and Sobriety in Residential Treatment by Lindsay Augustine, LCAT, ATR-BC, Outreach House II

This theme for our annual event embraces the power of art therapy in behavioral health treatment, especially for individuals living with substance use disorder. Art therapy offers an active, visual way to foster safety, empowerment, and connection. Through creating, we learn that healthier lives can be built. “Home” is not just a place, but a feeling. When we feel at home, we feel secure, nurtured, protected, and connected (to ourselves and others). We no longer need to rely on substances to escape painful emotions because we are equipped to experience distress rather than avoid it.

When residents arrive at Outreach, they may feel unsafe, lost, neglected, or abandoned. They often have no sense of belonging, either within the physical space they occupy or within their own bodies. They can feel overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions, disconnected from themselves, distrustful of others, shut down, aggressive, or quick to flee adversity. Many struggle with a fragile sense of self and limited belief in their own abilities or future. In this context, drugs and alcohol can become the fastest and most accessible means of relief from emotional and physical pain. Over time, the temporary escape that substances provide reinforces a cycle that deepens suffering rather than easing it. To treat substance use disorder is to treat trauma. Living after a traumatic event, or through ongoing trauma, can lead to profound mistrust, hypervigilance, disruptions in sleep and eating, emotional shutdown, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, among many other challenges.

Because of this, our work begins with helping residents establish a sense of “home” within the body and mind. Even when life feels empty or dark, there is something within each person capable of creating the home they need and deserve. At Outreach House II, I have had the privilege of working with our teenage residents as they use the creative process to experience “home” on multiple levels. Through artmaking, residents metaphorically build a home within themselves. In creating, they witness change. They discover the ability to take what exists internally and make it visible. They develop trust in themselves, strengthen their voices, and begin to understand and connect more deeply with both themselves and one another.

To make art is to envision a place for yourself beyond, and often shaped by, your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. What we create reflects where we are, but it can also help us imagine where we hope to go. This celebration includes artwork created by our residents for attendees to experience and reflect upon. Each piece is displayed with the same love and care with which we display photos and artwork in our own homes. I hope you are as moved as I am by the powerful artwork our residents have created.

Inside Outreach’s 2025 Annual Report: Recovery Through Art

Outreach’s 2025 Annual Report features artwork created by residential clients in our adolescent and adult programs. Woven throughout the report, these inspiring pieces reflect the strength, hope, and transformation that are at the heart of recovery.

At Outreach, we believe healing extends beyond treatment alone. Creative expression provides individuals with a powerful outlet to process experiences, build self-confidence, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. The artwork featured in this report stands as a testament to the resilience of the people we serve and the life-changing impact of compassionate, holistic care.

View the full report here

By embracing creativity as part of the recovery journey, Outreach continues to advance its mission of helping individuals and families achieve healthy, productive lives, supporting healing of the body, mind, and spirit.

Senator Addabbo Helps Outreach Strengthen Access to Care in Richmond Hill

Thanks to the ongoing help and support of New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Outreach recently completed a major capital improvement project at our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Richmond Hill. Funded through a New York State capital grant administered by DASNY, the project included the renovation of the clinic’s parking lot, installation of new fencing and gates, and replacement of the surrounding sidewalk. These improvements created a safer, more accessible, and welcoming environment for the thousands of community members, from children to adults, who rely on the clinic each year for substance use disorder, mental health, and primary care services.

The completed renovations eliminated longstanding safety hazards, improved accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, enhanced security, and strengthened the overall functionality of the site. These upgrades are especially important in Richmond Hill, where many residents face barriers to accessing healthcare and behavioral health services. By improving access for clients, families, staff, and visitors, the project helps ensure that Outreach can continue providing high-quality, integrated care in one of New York City’s most diverse and underserved communities.

Our sincere gratitude to Senator Addabbo, a longtime champion of the Richmond Hill community and a steadfast supporter of Outreach’s mission and programs. His continued advocacy and commitment to investing in local resources have helped strengthen access to essential services and improve the quality of care available to community members for years to come.

Partner Spotlight 

Celebrating the organizations and allies walking this journey with us 

Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Strong partnerships are at the heart of Outreach’s mission to provide comprehensive, person-centered care. In May, Outreach’s Community Partnerships Team, Outpatient Services, and the Outreach Recovery Center’s Comprehensive Opioid Treatment Program welcomed Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities for a tour of our Brentwood Outpatient facilities. The visit provided an opportunity to share best practices, showcase the programs and people that drive our success, and strengthen a partnership that continues to expand support and opportunities for the communities we serve.

When Outreach opened its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Richmond Hill, Elmcor became one of our first Designated Collaborating Organizations (DCOs). Since then, Elmcor has played a vital role in helping ensure clients have access to the comprehensive, wraparound services that support long-term health and recovery. Through this collaboration, Outreach clients can connect with a broader network of resources that address behavioral health needs alongside housing, education, workforce development, and other essential social supports.

Founded in 1965 by local activists and community leaders in Corona and East Elmhurst, Elmcor has grown into Queens’ longest continuously operating Black-founded and Black-led organization. For more than 60 years, Elmcor has empowered individuals and families through a wide range of programs, including behavioral health treatment, youth development, senior services, supportive housing, workforce development, and community-based resources.

We are proud to partner with an organization whose commitment to equity, opportunity, and community well-being aligns so closely with Outreach’s mission. Together, we are building stronger pathways to recovery, resilience, and hope for the individuals and families we serve.

Make a Difference: Join Our 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 

 

Thank you helping us build healthier, brighter futures together.

Happy Independence Day from Outreach!

At Outreach, one of our cherished traditions at special events is inviting our adolescent clients to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. It is a meaningful moment that brings us together in quiet reflection and gratitude, for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and for the opportunity to serve our fellow citizens with compassion, dignity, and high-quality care during times of need. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary this July 4th, we extend our gratitude and allegiance to you, our community. We wish you and your loved ones the many freedoms, opportunities, and blessings that come with living in this remarkable country. Happy Independence Day.

Save the Date!

Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for the 11th Annual John Brower, Jr. Memorial Heroes Against Heroin Walk at Jones Beach. This fun, family-friendly event helps support Outreach’s mission to Build Healthy Lives through lifesaving programs and services for individuals and families affected by substance use. Visit our website this summer for event details and registration information!