The Outreach Report

Welcome to The Outreach Report monthly staff e-news!   

Save the Date! 

• January – February 2025 Payroll Calendar
  January 24, February 7, and February 20 
• Upcoming Holidays
  January 20, 2025 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  February 12, 2025 – Lincoln’s Birthday (Floating Holiday)
  February 17, 2025 – President’s Day
• Free Professional Development Opportunities
  • Outreach University SOR-Funded Professional Development Courses –

To register for the first group of courses below, please use this link:  OASAS-Sponsored Regional EBP Trainings (google.com)

January

Beyond the Test: Empathy, Advocacy and Addressing Bias in Toxicology Testing* (3 Hours)

This training delves into the biases inherent in toxicology testing, emphasizing empathic communication with individuals in recovery, exploring relapse conversations, and advocating to support justice-involved individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

• Date:February 25, 2025
• Time:2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Trainer:Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC Master Counselor, Director, Outreach Training Institute, Outreach Development Corporation

Registration Deadline: January 28, 2025

Psychological Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care* (3 hours)

This course will provide an understanding for all staff members who work in substance use disorder treatment and have client contact, regardless of role. The goal of the course is to help sensitize participants to the impact trauma has on clients and how to interact with clients in a trauma-informed manner. The definition of trauma, its signs and symptoms, and its pervasive impact on individuals will be explored. Principles of trauma-informed care will be presented, and participants will discuss how to apply these to their work settings.

• Date: February 26, 2025
• Time:2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Trainer:Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC Master Counselor, Director, Outreach Training Institute, Outreach Development Corporation

Registration Deadline: January 29, 2025

• • Outreach University Professional Development Courses (courses with * are required for Outreach clinical staff).
    To register for the courses below, please use this link:  Outreach University Professional Development, Staff Development & Re-Credentialing Registration Form – OUTREACH STAFF ONLY (google.com) 

Counseling Special Populations: Trauma* (3 hours)

Psychological trauma will be defined, along with the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this course. The treatment implications for the high co-occurrence between substance use disorders and PTSD will be explored. Participants will learn about trauma-specific and trauma-informed approaches to addressing the effects of trauma in the context of treatment for substance use disorders.

• Date:Tuesday, January 21, 2025
• Time:6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Trainer:Kelly Smith, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline:  January 17, 2025

Counseling Special Populations: Domestic Violence (3 hours)

The causes, prevalence, and dynamics of domestic violence, including issues of power and control, the psychology of the victim and the impact on children, are examined in this course. Participants will learn how screen for DV, get treatment for victims and batterers, and do safety planning with victims of domestic violence.

• Date:Wednesday January 22, 2025
• Time:6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Trainer:Desiree Hamilton, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: January 17, 2025

Motivational Interviewing (12 hours)

If you work with clients, patients or staff members who seem unmotivated to change, adding motivational interviewing to your repertoire of skills may be very helpful.  Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that helps individuals resolve the ambivalence that often underlies the reluctance to make life changes.  In clinical work, it is particularly useful when working with those who come into treatment under coercion or otherwise seem resistant to change.  Similarly, motivational interviewing can be very effective in the supervision of staff.   The course teaches the core theory, assumptions, spirit, and fundamental skills of MI.  Didactic presentation, discussion, film, and “real play” practice is used.

• Date:Wednesday January 22, 2025, Thursday January 23, 2025, Tuesday January 28, 2025, Wednesday January 29, 2025
• Time:6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Trainer: Kelly Smith, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: January 17, 2025

Confidentiality & Legal Issues* (3 hours)

This course will provide an overview of the federal and state laws that govern drug and alcohol treatment, and includes the rationale and history of confidentiality laws,  the requirements and provisions of 42 CFR, Part 2, HIPAA and Jonathan’s Law, the need for and appropriately constructed consent forms, exceptions to confidentiality rules, confidentiality on HIV/AIDS, the need to seek out supervision regarding confidentiality and legal issues and reporting violations of confidentiality laws.  Several vignettes regarding confidentiality and legal issues will be examined by the class.

• Date:Thursday January 23, 2025
• Time:9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Trainer: Dr. Dolores Jewell. J.D., Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor

Registration Deadline: January 17, 2025

Counseling Special Populations: Women (3 hours)

This course makes the point that gender matters in treatment. Participants will learn about the gender-related issues of women with substance use disorders and how treatment programs can be gender- responsive and clinically effective. An overview of female psychology and Relational Theory is presented to help participants understand the foundation of gender-responsive interventions and approaches.

• Date:Monday January 27, 2025
• Time:6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Trainer:Desiree Hamilton, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: January 17, 2025

February

Ethical Decision Making and Professional Boundaries* (6 hours)

This course acquaints participants with a definition of professional ethics and boundaries and enables them to use appropriate decision-making skills when faced with ethical dilemmas. The following topics are included: the definition of ethics, universally accepted ethical values, professional codes of conduct/ethics, policies that exist in human service organizations related to ethical conduct, the parameters of professional boundaries and how to maintain them, including the use of clinical supervision, and a decision-making model for making ethical decisions when faced with ethically-challenging situations.

• Date:Thursday February 6, 2025 and Tuesday February 11, 2025
• Time:9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Trainer: Dr. Dolores Jewell. J.D., Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor

Registration Deadline: January 27, 2025

The What, Why, and How of Pronouns* (1 hour)

The ultimate tailored primer about Pronouns – what they are, why we use them, and how we can use them in the workplace to create an inclusive space for co-workers.

• Date:Wednesday February 19, 2025
• Time:2:00pm – 3:00 pm
• Trainer:Ernesto Hernandez, Director of Outreach & Impact, LGBT Network

Registration Deadline: January 30, 2025

Seeking Safety Therapy for the Integrated Treatment of SUD and PTSD – for Clinical Staff and Supervisors* (7 hours)

This 7-hour course will teach clinicians how to deliver Seeking Safety Therapy, the only evidence-based integrated treatment approach for SUD and PTSD. Participants will review trauma definitions, explore why present-focused CBT is effective for SUD, and practice key Seeking Safety elements, including facilitating an entire session.

• Date:Thursday February 20, 2025
• Time:9:30 am – 5:00 pm
• Location:Training Room, ORC
• Trainer:Liliane Drago, MA, M-CASAC, MAC, VP of Training

Registration Deadline: February 1, 2025

Assessment of Seeking Safety Fidelity – for Clinical Supervisors* (3 hours)

This 3-hour course introduces clinical supervisors to a fidelity tool for evaluating the quality of Seeking Safety sessions. Participants will review the structure and process of Seeking Safety, use the tool to evaluate a filmed session, and learn to coach supervisees on the proper implementation of this evidence-based practice.

• Date:Thursday February 27, 2025
• Time:9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Location:Training Room, ORC
• Trainer:Liliane Drago, MA, M-CASAC, MAC, VP of Training

Registration Deadline: February 1, 2025

Staff Profiles: Outreach party planner extraordinaires and so much more!

The success of the annual staff Holiday party was the result of a great deal of thoughtful planning and hard work, which also extends to our equally beloved Summer BBQ. As we all know, it takes a village to bring these events to life. We’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two individuals (in alphabetical order) who consistently go above and beyond, doing the lion’s share of the work to make these occasions truly special for everyone:

 

Kristin Cox

Where are you from?
I am from Glendale (Queens) NY – right down Myrtle Avenue (near Richmond Hill).

What are your main job responsibilities?
Purchasing everything from pencils to cars for the company, grant reconciliation, and contracts to name a few. I work very closely with both the finance team and the operations team.

What do you like most about working at Outreach?
Outreach has given me the opportunity to learn every aspect of the business. It’s fascinating to see our mission in everyday life and know all the work and details that go into it.  The best part of Outreach is the staff.  I’ve met so many awesome people here.

What’s your favorite Outreach event? 
That’s a tough question to answer – I like them all. All of them are special in their own way. It’s hard to decide between events. The Metro, the LI Luncheon and the walk are wonderful events where you truly get to see Outreach shine. It highlights how important we are to the community. The speeches always make me cry.  The holiday party and the BBQ are also great events for staff to intermingle and get to know each other a bit better and let loose.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my family, going to my kids sporting events – hockey, volleyball and swim, reading (always looking for recommendations) , dancing and singing.  Hopefully this year, I will be able to hike and take more nature walks.

Marsha Radulov

Where are you from?

I am from an Italian/American background and was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

I have been with Outreach since September of 2005.

Director, Special Events and Fundraising

What are your main job responsibilities?

Coordination of all special events, both fundraising and staff events.

What do you like most about working at Outreach?

I love the incredible individuals I have the pleasure of working with every day. I love what we do and the impact we have on the lives of many. I believe in our mission, and I am happy to be part of the success of our organization.

What’s your favorite Outreach event? 

I love them all. No favorites here. Just watching the happy faces of the staff enjoying each other’s company is so warming. The special events always warm my heart. Hearing and seeing the outcome and success of our services, and the last event at Cipriani’s really made me proud of the work we do.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

I love to cook; it is my therapy. I have two grandchildren that I love with all my heart, and I love spending all my time with them. They are the brightly shining light in my heart. My family means the world to me – They are my world.

Outreach Events

Annual Staff Holiday Party
The annual all-staff Holiday Party, held on January 10th at Douglaston Manor, was a wonderful celebration enjoyed by all who attended. Staff were treated to a festive afternoon filled with delicious food, dancing, Outreach-branded bags, caricature artists, raffles, and, of course, the popular annual Pet Contest.

Congratulations!

Employees of the Month

 

Stacey Bridgeford was named Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services Employee of the Month for December 2024.

Longevity Awards

At the annual all-staff Holiday Party, 17 individuals were recognized for their dedicated service at Outreach for 5, 10 and 25 years! Congratulations to the following staff members receiving Longevity Awards:

25 Years of Service:

Mary Brite, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer

Kathleen Norman-Edwards, Secretary, Bellport Outpatient Services

10 Years of Service:

Jessica Alvarado, Program Coordinator, Bellport Outpatient Services

Michael Grant, Maintenance Worker, Outreach House II

Linda Woodard, Case Manager, Richmond Hill Wellness Center & CCBHC

Krista Renee Whitman, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

5 Years of Service:

Maria Bak, Administrative Assistant, Greenpoint Outpatient Services

Samuel Bello, Instructor, Outreach House II

Katherine Bollman, Case Manager, Men’s Community Residence

Meghan Byrne, Peer Mentor, SOR Long Island

Enoch Chan, MD, Medical Director

Gene Howard, Driver, Bellport Outpatient Services

Catherine Maguire, Program Director, Outreach House II

Christal Montague, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer

Letticia Riveria, Biller, Outreach House II

Vanessa Saunders, Men’s Community Residence

Douglas Sloan, Cook, Outreach House II

Best wishes to staff who celebrate Birthdays in December & January

Liza Almontero
Amy Altobelli
Jessica Alvarado
Gabriella Auricchio
Jeffrey Tremayne Ball
Alannah Bilal
Talia Brecher
Martha Lucia Calero
Lateisha Cardona
Alvaro Chavarriaga-Monsalve
Tiffany Cuellar
Caitlin Duddy
Nathaneal Dunkley
Maria Empaynado
Tiara Ferebee
Joshua Fernandez
Damayra Figueroa
Kaeleigh Forsyth
Alexis Gadsden
Walid Ghanimeh
Nytiah Germain
Kara Hackett
Angel Hernandez
David Holliday
Ebony Hood
Gene Howard
Paul Hoyle
Maria Jaramillo
Kevon Lightbody
Johana Lizarraga
Maria McClean
Alyse McCullough
Kevin McGuire
Alexandra Mason
Nancy Medina-Edwards
Stephanie Munoz
Danielle Murphy
Nicole Nagy
Latoya Nelson
Rose Marie Oliviero
Thomas Olivo
Irina Rosa Quintana
Samantha Rauch
Darlene Ritter
Keisha Rowland
Andreas Sacripante
Susan Sappleton
Douglas Sloan
Kalisha Smith
Lisa Tannenbaum
Kevin Wadalavage
Krista Whitman

Welcome to New Employees Hired Between November 16, 2024 – January 13, 2025

Lindsay Augustine
Andrea Barnes-Baker
Ashley Bryant
Renne Ann Calabrese
Brianna Christiano-Adams
Brittany Clark
Marissa Coble
Sabrina De La Cruz
Kyria Dubique
Lisa Fox
Yolanda Johnson
Audra Litwin
Cailin McDermott
Marie Magloire
Danessy Medina
Emily Pier
Filomena Russo
Christen Schilling
Kara Sonos
Tzvia Waronker

Outreach is Hiring!  

Full-time and part-time career opportunities are available throughout the organization. If you are interested in any position, please speak with your immediate supervisor, and/or feel free to apply directly to the position by linking here: ADP Workforce Now – Career Center or, here: www.opiny.org/careers.  If you have any challenges in applying for open positions listed on Workforcenow, please call the HR Department at ext. 2230 or email HR@opiny.org.

Outreach Fun Fact

In 1986, Outreach was officially authorized to “establish, own, operate, and maintain outpatient and residential facilities for the diagnosis, care, treatment, rehabilitation, or training of individuals affected by alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and their significant others.” This authorization allowed the agency to expand its programs from Queens to eastern Long Island.