Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Mental Health Honored at HOPE House

Nov. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact:
Yvonne M. McCormack
Talk of the Town PR
717-659-1411
yvonne@talkofthetownpr.com
www.talkofthetownpr.com

Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Mental Health Honored at HOPE House Eighteenth Annual Open House

On Wednesday morning, October 24th, a record number of 84 persons – standing room only – attended the Eighteenth Annual Open House of HOPE House, celebrating the year’s programs, applauding the accomplishments and often moving testimonials of its members, and honoring three outstanding HOPE House supporters. HOPE House, a psychosocial clubhouse located at 100 Abendroth Avenue in Port Chester, draws over 160 members from across Westchester County who are recovering from serious mental illness. It is a program of Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW), a not-for-profit community-based organization which is the largest provider of case management and residential services for adults recovering from psychiatric illnesses within Westchester County.

HOPE House provides a place where members can find the support and resources they need to return to the mainstream, by utilizing the many opportunities to pursue employment, education, volunteer positions, skills acquisition, and social activities offered through the clubhouse. HOPE House is open six days a week, including holidays. It is run by its members, with staff support.

The program was introduced by HDSW Executive Director Andrea Kocsis, LCSW, and by HDSW Deputy Director, Kathy Pandekakes. Honored this year was Grant E. Mitchell, M.D., Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health for Leadership in Advocacy. In accepting his award, Dr. Mitchell lauded HOPE House as a “model clubhouse,” and particularly noted its outstanding Peer Case Management Program. Also honored was George Joseph, Manager of the Joyce Leslie women’s clothing store in Pelham Manor, as Employer of the Year, for Joyce Leslie’s exemplary leadership in hiring HOPE House members. The third honoree was Mary Zingaro, a longtime supporter of donor to HOPE House, who was recognized as a “HOPE House angel.”

Proud fellow clubhouse members, family members, HOPE House and HDSW staff, community supporters and neighbors, and public officials including State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, helped celebrate the day. Delicious refreshments concluded a memorable program, and heartwarming celebration.

For more information, please contact :

Nada Beth Glick
Nada Beth Glick, Ed.D.
Director of Development
Human Development Services of Westchester
914-835-8906 ext. 1002
Email: nglick@hdsw.org
www.hdsw.org