YOU can help our community thrive
You can help our community to thrive
Together, we thrive. In the era of COVID-19, it takes on a different meaning. Simply put, The Guidance Center of Westchester (TGCW) must remain here for the 5,000 people who rely on us – and we can’t do it without your help. Here are some of the ways we are continuing to bring wellness and hope to our program participants in our new COVID-19 normal:
We offer teletherapy to everyone in our mental health and substance use programs. While the technology has long been there, many insurance companies were reluctant to approve teletherapy services. COVID-19 changed that. Our clinicians, counselors, therapists, and psychiatric team can provide individual, group, and family therapy via phone, chat, Zoom and other platforms. Our participants often turn to emergency rooms during times of crisis; however, now more than ever, our expertise is needed to keep them out of hospitals.
Intake for teletherapy is 914-613-0700 x7104. Or email: Intake@TheGuidanceCenter.orgAn $8,000 grant from RXR Realty, administered by the Westchester Community Foundation, provides phones and a six-month service plan to help ensure that seniors, a particularly vulnerable population, can connect to our teletherapy services.
Our opioid treatment program is one program that is never allowed to close because people need methadone every day. Because of COVID-19, we have worked with the state to get needed waivers allowing more participants to have take-home bottles of methadone. This way, participants can stay in their homes while still having the medication they need to support their recovery. This means that only 50 participants need to come in daily, rather than the usual 175 – 200, helping with the health and safety of participants and staff. Our staff is checking in daily with all participants.
Our early childhood teachers are helping children and their families through an online community. Teachers share lesson plans and activities to keep the children busy during long days at home. They also have created a virtual circle time, which includes a video of their teacher doing a read along. The early childhood staff are in touch with over 200 families weekly, helping them deal with stress and isolation.
Staff from housing and care coordination are going to the supermarkets, purchasing food and needed items, and delivering them to program participants. Case managers and supervisors are reaching out to over 270 clients via phone calls on a weekly basis and providing support. And if we can’t reach someone by phone, a case manager conducts a safety check in person.
These are just some of the ways TGCW continues to help people learn, work, and thrive in these challenging times. We can't do it without you. Our spring Gala, a source of much needed funding, is on hold. With so much of our connectivity being online, please visit our website to make a donation. Your support will help Westchester’s most vulnerable during this very difficult time.
Together, we thrive -
Amy