"A Vision for Recovery, Rehabilitation and Rights involves a dedication to the belief that all people can grow, change and gain desired opportunities and roles in contrast to perspectives that view some people as ‘too sick’ to reach a vision of recovery. This vision includes recognition for a world free of barriers where all people with psychiatric disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities to achieve their maximum potential. A world where equal access, freedom of movement and civil liberties are guaranteed and a world where individuals coping with psychiatric disabilities can freely pursue their goals and aspirations unfettered by the dual burden of stigma and discrimination. Values inherent in this vision of recovery are self-determination, choice, growth, and hope."

(Adapted from NYAPRS' Vision for a Recovery-Centered Mental Health System,
September 2000)

• Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS)
• The PROS Social Club
• Supported Education Program
• Supported Employment Program

PERSONALIZED RECOVERY-ORIENTED SERVICES (PROS)

PROS Learning Center is a complete recovery program that brings rehabilitation, support and clinic services together into one plan that supports your ambitions and your hopes. PROS services are broken down into four categories of services. The Individualized Recovery Plan keeps everyone working in the same direction – towards your desired life role.

PROS Learning Center Mission

To partner with participants to learn to live past the negative consequences of their mental illness and achieve life roles of their choosing with success and satisfaction.

TYPES of PROS SERVICES:

Community Rehabilitation & Support (CRS) - CRS Services are designed to help you restore the skills and supports necessary to find and maintain wellness.

Intensive Rehabilitation (IR) - IR Services help you to attain specific life roles such as returning to school, getting into independent housing and getting a job.

Ongoing Rehabilitation & Support (ORS) - ORS are services that will help you as you join and maintain a place in the competitive workplace. To qualify for this service, you will need to work for at least 15 hours per week.

Clinical Treatment (CT) - Clinical treatment services help you manage your illness so that you can pursue your desired roles. CT services are coordinated with the PROS Program with everyone working toward your goals.

Individualized Recovery Plan - This is the plan that you develop with your supports that details how you will reach your goals. It focuses on who will help and what community resources and professional resources will help you along the way. A few key points of the Individualized Recovery Plan (IRP) are:

• All decisions about your IRP are made in true partnership between you and PROS staff.
  
  
• The entire plan focuses on your life goals, as you state them.
  
  
• When you sign your IRP, you are saying that you were an equal partner in the creation of the plan.

If you would like to find out more about PROS, schedule an appointment with our Intake Coordinator by clicking here.

The PROS Social Club

The PROS Social Club operates on a clubhouse/membership model providing socialization and recreation services for adults in our community who have experienced a serious mental illness and are actively engaged in the PROS program. The "Club" helps individuals to build social relationships, develop leisure skills, and it provides opportunities to network with others around work, school, family and other issues. The Club meets Friday afternoons and Saturdays, where members plan and participate in a wide range of activities with support of program staff. Vocational rehabilitation activities are also offered through the Club providing assessment, skill development, work adjustment and placement activities in cooperation with New York State VESID.

Supported Education Program

Learning Unlimited is a supported education program which is designed to support individuals with mental illness to further their educational background. Possible goal direction may include acquisition of a GED, pursuing an associate's, bachelor's or graduate level degrees, or vocational training.

Supported Employment Program

Resources Unlimited is a supported employment program which assists individuals with psychiatric disabilities in securing and sustaining competitive employment in the community. An employment specialist determines the readiness of an individual and refers him or her to the program. A job developer markets the program to prospective employers and assists in matching positions with the individuals. An employment counselor provides on and off-site counseling, job coaching, advocacy and additional support services, as needed. If you would like to view a PowerPoint presentation of this program by our WOW (World of Work) Business Council which was developed as part of an MHANYS and OMH initiative, click here. If you would like to download a complete copy of the presentation click here.

The Work Opportunities Program is a collaborative effort with the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the Welfare-to-Work initiative. This program provides an initial classroom experience that involves goal setting and issues related to work. There are two internship experiences, in the community at various settings, with the eventual goal being competitive employment.

Milestones Employment Services is a new venture among Resources Unlimited, NYS Office of Mental Health and VESID. Anyone who is or was a recipient of mental health services and is over the age of 18 is eligible if they are interested in working or have had trouble in the past getting or keeping employment. This program helps participants identify job goals and assists them in getting and keeping the job they desire. Participants are in control of how the process unfolds for them - each situation is individualized.