New York State Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) has successfully secured a Capital grant for Occupations, Inc. through the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program in the amount of $250,000 for costs associated with construction and expansion of its
Mental Health and Child Welfare Treatment Center in the City of Newburgh.
"It is my belief that the needs of the disabled population and those who care for them have never been greater in New York State," said Senator Larkin. "The important work that Occupations, Inc. does every day to help the children and adults under its care is truly a testimony to the dedicated staff who serve so many families in Orange County and beyond. It is particularly satisfying to be in a position to advocate for funding for such a deserving organization. It is my hope that this grant will create more opportunities for Occupations, Inc. to grow and to continue to do the important work it does for those it serves as well as for the entire local community."
Currently, Family Counseling of Occupations, Inc., a New York State licensed mental health clinic and family service center provides critically important mental health and child welfare services at its 21Grand Street location. Also located at 21 Grand Street is Newburgh Healthy Families, a primary prevention program, utilizing a nationally-recognized model to reduce child abuse & neglect, supports & educates at-risk families, encourages maternal/infant health & promotes family self-sufficiency. As the need for these services grow, Occupations, Inc. desperately needs additional space to provide its specialized programs to the children, adults and families in this community.
"We are thrilled with Senator Larkin’s efforts to support this critically important fundraising effort to assist the people in the city of Newburgh to access essential clinical services. Senator Larkin has been a champion in advocating for services and funding for people with disabilities and we applaud him for his efforts in these difficult financial times," commented James B. DeStefano, president and CEO of Occupations, Inc.
Occupations recently purchased the vacant 23 Grand Street building for the purpose of expanding program and service opportunities to the people in Newburgh.
The project, "Revitalizing History and Hope," will strategically and efficiently combine both 21 and 23 Grand Street buildings, and will offer more than 12,510 square feet of usable space.
Occupations Foundation, Inc. continues its fundraising effort to raise a total of $2.5 million to renovate and develop the new complex, and is planning a groundbreaking for later this summer.
"Senator Larkin has always been a strong supporter of Occupations, and we are eternally grateful for all he has done," commented Dr. Thomas B. Glendening, chairman of the Occupations Foundation, Inc. Board of Governors.
Occupations, Inc., programs include outpatient mental health services, case management, child welfare, emergency services, residential services, and employment opportunities to people with developmental disabilities and individuals recovering from mental illness. Occupations, Inc., also provides an extensive transportation system throughout Orange County. Occupations will celebrate 45 years of services in September 2008. All of Occupations, Inc.’s services can be accessed 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week, through one toll-free call to the Service Access Center at 1-888-750-2266.
