The Outreach Report

Welcome to The Outreach Report monthly Staff E-news!   

Save the Date! 

  • August 4: National Night Out (see below where Outreach will be participating!)
  • August 7: All Staff Summer BBQ at OH II from 12:00 pm (see details below!)

July 2026 Payroll Calendar

August 7th & 21st

Upcoming Holidays (Administrative Offices, Most Programs & Services Closed):

  • There are no holidays observed in August

Celebrations in August:

August is:

  • National Wellness Month
  • National Civility Month
  • National Back to School Month

August 6: Transfiguration
August 7: Purple Heart Day
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
August 19: World Humanitarian Day
August 26: Women’s Equality Day
August 28: Raksha Bandha (Hindu)
August 30: National Grief Awareness Day
September 7: Labor Day

 

Join Outreach for National Night Out!

Every year, communities across the country come together for National Night Out, a nationwide celebration that brings neighbors, local organizations, and law enforcement together to build stronger, safer, and healthier communities. It’s a fun evening filled with games, activities, food, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with the people who make our neighborhoods thrive.

For Outreach, National Night Out is more than just a community event, it’s an opportunity to meet people where they are, raise awareness about our services, strengthen relationships with our community partners, and show our commitment to helping individuals and families build healthy lives.

This year, Outreach teams will be out in force at 6 events across Queens and Long Island:

  • Bellport: Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, from 5:00-8:00 pm with Suffolk County Police Department 5th Precinct
  • Brentwood: Roberto Clemente Park, 400 Broadway, Brentwood, from 6:00-10:00 pm with Suffolk County Police Department 3rd Precinct C.O.P.E.
  • Richmond Hill: Victory Field Blacktop in Forest Park, Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue, from 5:00-8:00 pm with NYPD 102nd Precinct
  • Hempstead: Denton Green, 99 James Garner Way, Hempstead, from 5:00-8:30 pm with the Village of Hempstead Mayor’s Office and Police Department
  • Wyandanch: Wyandanch Park, Mount Ave/Birch Street, from 4:00-8:00 pm with SCPD 1st Precinct
  • Far Rockaway: O’Donohue Park, Beach 17th Street & Boardwalk, from 3:00-7:00 pm with NYPD 101st Precinct

Whether you’re volunteering, stopping by to cheer on your colleagues, or bringing your family to enjoy the festivities, we’d love to see you there. These events are a wonderful way to connect with the communities we serve while enjoying an evening of fun.

If you attend, don’t forget to snap some photos and send them to Michael Stewart at michaelstewart@opiny.org so we can share Outreach’s National Night Out moments in future newsletters and on social media.

Recent Community Accomplishments & Celebrations:

Please note: The photo above is shared with the written permission of the clients featured in it.

 

  • Congratulations to the Richmond Hill CCBHC team on hosting its first-ever Client Talent Show, and what a success it was! Clients took the stage to share their talents through music, dance, storytelling, comedy, and artwork, creating an atmosphere filled with positivity, encouragement, and mutual support. All 11 client performers said they had a great time and are eager to do it again. Staff members also joined in the fun, making it a true community celebration. A special thank-you and congratulations to Steve Rahaman, LMSW, the CCBHC’s Clinical Coordinator, for organizing this wonderful event and for bravely taking the stage himself! Thanks to the enthusiastic response, plans are already underway for future talent shows. Bravo to everyone who helped make this inspiring event such a memorable success! The photos above are shared with the written permission of the clients featured in them.

  • Congratulations to Charisse Mercado, Bilingual Case Manager at Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services, on being named June Employee of the Month! Charisse’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing exceptional care make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families she serves every day. Thank you, Charisse, for your hard work, professionalism, and for embodying Outreach’s mission of Building Healthy Lives.

Best wishes to staff who celebrate Birthdays in July!

Cathy Ahlgren
Amber Arena
Francisco Bejarano
Donna Bornfriend
Renee Ann Calabrese
Cristine Contreras
Nya Cort
Abigail De La Cruz
Ayanna Y. Dorsett
Botticelli Elysee
Rebecca Etwaru
Davina Galindez
Gianella Guzman
Laura Hagmeyer
Desiree Hamilton
Shanta Jerry
Dolores Jewell
Michael Judge
Pawandeep Kaur
Stephanie Laureano
Yvonne Mann
Delvis Medrano
Dalvis Medrano
Meghan Montgomery
Tanjina Mozumdar
William O’Leary
Gabriella Panetta
Gail Raghubar
Mohammad Rehman
Angelisa Rimondi
Leticia Rivera
Christine Selario
Nicole Sklavonitis
Jillian Southall
Kizzy Dinelle Springer
Anastasia Nicole Torres
Joseph Trimarco
Sarah Triola
Asha Vereen

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities:

CRPA Scholarship Opportunity

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is now accepting applications for Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Scholarships for individuals with lived experience in gambling recovery. The scholarship is designed for New York State residents who are interested in becoming a CRPA and are committed to completing the required coursework, service hours, and certification exam. Applicants must also provide two references and complete an application. If you or someone you know may be interested, scan the QR code on the flyer or contact RLauria@nycpg.org for more information.

Important Reminder re: CASAC Renewal Applicants

OASAS has advised that it continues to conduct random audits of CASAC renewal applications to verify the continuing education hours claimed by applicants. In recent years, OASAS changed the renewal process, allowing applicants to attest that they completed the required 60 hours of continuing education rather than uploading course completion certificates. However, individuals selected for an audit must be able to provide documentation supporting all claimed training hours. Failure to do so may result in sanctions, including the possible loss of CASAC credentials. Please be sure to save all continuing education certificates and related documentation in a secure location so they are readily available if your renewal application is selected for audit.

Welcome New Outreach Hires!

Victoria Ashley DelGuidice, Weekend Counselor, Young Adult Residence
Franceska Fortune, Counselor, Outreach House I
Lloyd Fraser, JIRA Administrator / 3rd Party Software Administrator
Karen Isme, Sibling Counselor, Outreach House II
Shanta Jerry, Milieu Counselor, Women’s Recovery Residence
Tori Johnson, Finance Clerk, Finance Department
Nikitha Marapaka, RCM Systems Administrator
Lauren Perillo, Primary Counselor, Bellport Outpatient Services
Angelisa Rimondi, Floor Counselor, Outreach House II
Josephine Rivera, House Manager, Outreach House I
Lemmew Samuel, Milieu Counselor, Outreach House I
Danielle Shea, Administrative Assistant, Outreach Recovery Center
Clinton Simon, Accounting Manager, Finance Department
Stephanie Wisboro, Case Manager, Young Adult Residence

The Social Feed

Thank you to everyone who joined our Building Your Professional Presence on LinkedIn training! During the session, staff learned how to use LinkedIn as a professional networking platform, build their online presence with confidence, engage professionally, and leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to create meaningful content. It was a great opportunity to learn, ask questions in a supportive environment, and explore practical strategies for professional growth.

If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry! We will be offering another Building Your Professional Presence on LinkedIn training on August 27th at 3:00 PM. Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or simply looking to become more confident using the platform, this practical, judgment-free session will cover LinkedIn best practices, privacy settings, and easy ways to use AI to help create professional posts and content ideas.

Follow this link to register for the August 27th training: https://forms.gle/YupXUzG3DXGJuEiB9

Stay connected and keep up with everything happening across the agency by following Outreach’s social media:

Need assistance signing up? Contact Communications Manager, Michael Stewart at michaelstewart@opiny.org.

Thanks for following!

National Wellness Month: The Importance of Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others

August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on the small, everyday habits that support our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At Outreach, wellness is at the heart of our mission. Every day, our staff help individuals and families overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve lives of unlimited potential. That important work begins with caring for ourselves as well.

Working in behavioral healthcare is deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Taking time to recharge isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential part of sustaining the compassion, energy, and professionalism that our clients depend on. When we prioritize our own well-being, we are better equipped to support those we serve and one another.

Next month, and every month, make wellness a priority by taking a few simple steps:

  • Take a pause: Even a five-minute break to stretch, breathe, or step outside can help reset your day.
  • Stay connected: Reach out to a colleague, share a laugh, or check in with someone who may need encouragement.
  • Move your body: A short walk or a few minutes of physical activity can improve both mood and energy.
  • Hydrate and nourish yourself: Small healthy choices throughout the day can make a big difference.
  • Set healthy boundaries: Give yourself permission to unplug after work and make time for the people and activities that bring you joy.
  • Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on something positive—whether it’s a client success, a supportive coworker, or a personal accomplishment.

Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and heart you bring to Outreach every day. This National Wellness Month, remember that taking care of yourself is one of the most important ways you can continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Here’s to a healthy, balanced, wellness and joy filled August!