HISTORY
Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services has grown substantially since its inception. Our evolution has been shaped largely by the emerging needs of consumers as they move along the process of recovery.
Downloads:
•2011 Annual Report
Some brief highlights of our history include:
•Central Nassau opens as a single outpatient mental health clinic in 1972.
•The Pretty New Thrift Shop begins operation later that year.
•Outpatient substance abuse treatment program added in 1973.
•First housing developed in 1989.
•Barbara Bartell, LCSW named as Chief Executive Officer in 1992.
•Permanent supported housing for clients begins in 1992.
•Apartment Treatment program offered in 1992 as a transitional housing model.
•Central Nassau takes over Connections Clubhouse in 1993 from a group of family members associated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
•The Continuing Day Treatment Program, The Haven, opens in 1995 to serve consumers as they work through a range of both mental health and substance abuse issues.
•HUD Shelter Plus Care program to serve formerly homeless, mentally ill individuals started in 1997.
•Five adjacent townhouses purchased in 2001, launching a new model for consumers who no longer need the intensive supports of a community residence but still aren’t ready for regular supported housing.
•The Starry Night Café, an outgrowth of the Connections Clubhouse, begins operation in 2001 as a consumer run business catering to individuals with disabilities.
•15-bed MICA Recovery Residential Program (MRP), located on the grounds of Pilgrim State Hospital, opens in 2003 to provide specialized services for mentally ill clients facing particularly difficult substance abuse problems.
•Blended Case Management program is launched in 2003 to provide care coordination and community-based support services.
•Central Nassau takes over a specialized mental health service program for the deaf and hearing impaired from Nassau County in 2003.
•The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, a mobile, multi-disciplinary mental health treatment team, is launched in 2006.
•The Congregate Treatment program better serves Suffolk County residents with the opening of the Ronkonkoma residence in 2007.
•Pathways to Recovery opens on the grounds of Pilgrim State in 2010.
•Roads to Recovery opens in Hicksville after the merging of Connection Clubhouse and The Haven in 2010.
Mission Statement
The mission of Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, Inc. is to provide clinical treatment, rehabilitation, housing opportunities, social and support services, counseling and guidance to individuals, families and the community affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, psychological difficulties, addiction and/or dependency problems.