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Home: Welcome BRIDGING THE GAP FOR A BETTER TOMORROW A free outpatient system of care for young adults (16-25) who are at risk for or living with substance misuse and mental health issues on Long Island, NY. Are you, a family member, or a loved one... ​ Unsure if alcohol or drug use is increasing your anxiety? Smoking to relax, cope or de-stress? Frequently worried about a friend when they go to a party? Looking for support but don't know where to start? ​ Schedule a Discovery Call BRIDGES PROGRAM AT A GLANCE The BRIDGES program seeks to engage, support, and empower young adults (16-25) living with substance misuse, mental health concerns, or are in recovery. Our services are based on a holistic approach that takes into account mental, physical, spiritual, & social factors. learn More Services How it Works Resources Meet the Team UPCOMING EVENTS N-O-T Program: Quit Vaping Today! Time is TBD Zoom Time is TBD Zoom Time is TBD Zoom Join the FREE 8-week N-O-T Program offered by BRIDGES starting in July on Zoom, which provides young adults 16-20 with the necessary options, resources, and support to quit smoking and vaping for good! Register events HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU Whether you are misusing substances and/or alcohol as a means of coping with stress, or looking for recovery support, your BRIDGES team is here to support you. View Services SUBSTANCE USE & RECOVERY SERVICES Develop & maintain recovery plans Linkage to community support Recovery Support groups Early Intervention (i.e, BASICS) Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Maintenance Early Intervention (i.e., BASICS - Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students) Sober Curious Group Teen Smoking Cessation Group MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Screening and Assesment Individual and family counseling Life Coaching Wellness & Self-Care Workshops Medical Screening & Medication Evaluation ​ ​ ​ REFERRALS & SUPPORT SERVICES Support in navigating the complex systems of: ​ Education/Career Housing Insurance Mental Health ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Physical Health Substance Use Vocational Other discovery call

Download the BRIDGES YES App Now! Enhance your BRIDGES experience with our new mobile app, BRIDGES YES! Available for both Android and iOS devices, our app offers a convenient way to stay connected and access our services on the go. SCAN QR CODE or use link below for GooglePlay https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bridges_app_38011&pcampaignid=web_share SCAN QR CODE or use link below for Apple IOS https://app s .apple.com/us/app/bridges-yes/id6472271966

ABOUT BRIDGES YES Community Counseling Center a licensed NYS OASAS facility, has received funding from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to support youth ages 17 to 25 years of age and their families at risk for and impacted by substance use. With our partners, BRIDGES (Building Resources for Individuals to Develop, Guide, Encourage, and Support) will also support historically underserved populations such as young adult veterans, Latinx young adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those involved with the criminal justice system. This program seeks to influence cultural norms that are conducive to reaching young people where they live, learn, and socialize who are living with with substance use and mental health concerns. BRIDGES provides comprehensive strength based prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services, ensuring accessibility to critical services through our grant partners. Training and services are provided to assist schools, colleges, and other organizations to develop a supportive environment for young adults. BRIDGES seeks to engage, support and empower young adults and their families, identify needs, overcome barriers to get help, and to mobilize community recovery support services. about OUR PARTNERS Our Partners Become a Partner Molloy College Island Trees Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) POST NO. 9592 Saint Bernard's Roman Catholic Church Fresh Start Recovery Residence Forge VFR (Veteran and First Responder) Island Trees School District Levittown Public Schools Farmingdale School District ​ Department of Education, Diocese of Rockville Centre Zucker Hillside Hospital The Safe Center LI Adelphi University Long Island Crisis Center/ Pride for Youth Nassau Community College Thrive Recovery Community and Outreach Center Garden City Treatment Center

Acerca de Funding Funding for this website was made possible by Grant number 1H79TI083587-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), Department of Health and Human Services. The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization simply endorsement by the U.S government. Privacy Policy BRIDGES Program respects the privacy of our visitors and does not collect any personal information without their consent. We do not attempt to track individuals in any manner and we do not link the web information to any other databases with the purpose of identifying individual website users. However, we do utilize cookies to collect anonymous information (i.e. Internet Protocol “IP” Addresses) from our visitors in order to better our website and better provide for our visitors. ​ Some pages contain links to third-party websites in an effort to provide relevant information to visitors. However, we have no control over the content of such sites and as a result are in no way liable or responsible for the quality, timeliness, accuracy, legality, functionality and/or content of linked sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of any site you visit. We reserve the right to update, edit or change our Privacy Policy at any time for any reason. ​ Any questions and comments regarding BRIDGES Program Privacy Policy should be directed to: ​ Phone: (516) 719-0313 Email: bridges@yesccc.org ​ Address: 152 Center Lane, Levittown, NY 11756

FAQ How much does it cost to be in our BRIDGES program? There is no cost to be a part of the BRIDGES program. However, if you are referred to a treatment program, we will work beside you to find service options at a reasonable price. ​ Can anyone enroll into our BRIDGES program? * Bridges is appropriate for young adults aged 16 to 25 who are struggling with substance use and/or co-occurring mental health issues or who are in recovery. ​ ​ What does our BRIDGES program holistic approach entail? ​A holistic approach supports individuals through physical, emotional, social & spiritual domains with the goal of meeting ones needs. This could consist of short-term individualized meetups, support & wellness groups, referrals, and wraparound services. ​ How long will I be in the BRIDGES program? The BRIDGES program provides individual and/or family counseling for 6-8 weeks. Sessions can be extended to support the process of finding referrals, such as inpatient treatment or individual long-term therapy. However, young adults who are in substance misuse recovery can attend BRIDGES recovery groups on an open-ended basis. *If you are not 16 -25 BRIDGES is still here to support you and your loved one. Click here for Yes Community Counseling Center. If this is an emergency call 911 or visit the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 Hotline . Reach out Today

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Upcoming Events N-O-T Program: Quit Vaping Today! Time is TBD Zoom Time is TBD Zoom Time is TBD Zoom Join the FREE 8-week N-O-T Program offered by BRIDGES starting in July on Zoom, which provides young adults 16-20 with the necessary options, resources, and support to quit smoking and vaping for good! RSVP Multiple Dates N-O-T Program: Quit Vaping Today! Mon, Jun 19 Zoom Jun 19, 2023, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Zoom Jun 19, 2023, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Zoom Want to quit smoking or vaping but don't know where to start? Join BRIDGES' free N-O-T (Not On Tobacco) program for ages 16-20 beginning in July, on Zoom. N-O-T is among the highest success rates of programs designed to help young adults quit smoking Details

Substance Misuse and Recovery Services ​ Get in touch to find out more about our Substance Misuse and Recovery Services. Contact Developing, & Maintaining Recovery Plans Get support in identifying the people, places, and things that trigger substance use and create a plan to support your recovery goals. Linkage to Community Support BRIDGES will connect you to appropriate recovery resources such as: LICYPAA/AA/NA/ALANON, THRIVE Recovery Community, Pride For Youth, etc. Upon request, our Certified Recovery Support Advocate will accompany you. Recovery Support Groups Meet with peers to discuss struggles, accomplishments, and support each other in recovery. Early Intervention (i.e. BASICS and CASICS- Brief Alcohol and Cannabis Screening and Intervention of College Students) BASICS, CASICS, and Teen Intervene are held at local colleges, high schools, and other organizations for staff, students, and community workers. Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Maintenance Referrals for MAT induction available though our partners. BRIDGES offers MAT education and maintenance.

COMMUNITY COALITIONS BRIDGES partners with community coalitions in providing school-based programs, intervention services, and environmental change strategies. MASSAPEQUA TAKES ACTION COALITION The mission of Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) is to prevent and reduce youth substance misuse to promote a healthy Massapequa. MTAC proactively address the factors in our community that increase the potential for substance misuse, and they promote protective factors that help our youth grow up healthy and drug free. MTAC works tirelessly to support and educate our community about the dangers and prevention of substance misuse. Working together, we utilize evidence-based strategies to promote healthy families Visit Website YES Community Counseling Center’s PACT (Partnering in Action and Change for Tomorrow) project is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA-CSAP). The purpose of this grant project is to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse through the strengthening of prevention capacity and infrastructure at the community level. The program is intended to address one of the nation’s top substance abuse prevention priorities. Visit Website PARTNERING IN ACTION CHANGE FOR TOMORROW LEVITTOWN COMMUNITY ACTION COALITION In 2019, the Levittown School District was awarded the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Grant Program through the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for LCAC. The Levittown Community Action Coalition works to reduce underage drinking and substance abuse in youth, young adults, and their families through collaboration, providing prevention programs and education provided to youth and their families. Visit Website In 2022, YES Community Counseling Center was awarded the Special Populations Community Coalitions grant through the New York State Offices of Addiction Services and Support (NYS OASAS) for the Hispanic Alliance for Prevention Coalition (HAP). YES CCC, in partnership with Hispanic Counseling Center (HCC), are working collaboratively with community members and leaders to provide social, economic, educational, and health resources and support aimed at reducing the risk factors associated with substance use within the population of Hispanic youth ages 12-17 in Nassau County. HAP’s prevention efforts among Hispanic youth and families will be approached with linguistic and cultural competence fit for our Hispanic communities. HISPANIC ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION COALITION

Tonianne Ach, MSW Youth Support Coordinator Email: tach@yesccc.org Tonianne is a Master Level Social Worker who studied at Fordham University with a clinical concentration. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and the Visual Arts from Dowling University. Tonianne is BRIDGES' Lead Social Worker, supporting transitional youth through barriers, challenges and goals. She is also a certified life coach who successfully reaches the young adult population where they are at through holistic and personalized approaches and experiences. She collaborates with each young adult to navigate their self-discovery. Caryn Sawyer, Psy.D. Grant Coordinator Email: csawyer@yesccc.org Dr. Caryn Sawyer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who earned her doctorate at the Ferkauf School of Psychology. She attended Lehigh University for her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She has extensive experience conducting psychotherapy in a broad range of settings including hospital and health care facilities, college counseling and private practice. She has a strong background is substance abuse prevention, grant oversite, administration and health and wellness programming. Dr. Sawyer is excited to work as the Grant Coordinator for the BRIDGES team to support young adults in meeting their full potential. Corrine Alba, LMHC, CASAC Project Director of Bridges Associate Director of YES Community Counseling Center Email: calba@yesccc.org Corinne Alba is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Professional. She obtained her Masters Degree in Counseling from Long Island University and has been working at YES Community Counseling Center since 2007. As the Associate Director of Community, Outreach and Training she works with local communities, schools, coalitions, and businesses to provide outreach and education. Corinne facilitates the training and education programs and oversees the Federal Grant Programs awarded to the agency to support prevention, treatment and recovery efforts to address substance use. Michelle Lavoie, LCSW-R Supervising Social Worker Email: mlavoie@yesccc.org Michelle Lavoie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University and her Bachelor’s Degree from the University at Albany. Michelle has been working in the field since 2006 and has extensive clinical experience working with adults, families and children focusing on their overall mental health and wellbeing. Michelle is excited to be a part of the BRIDGES Team and work collaboratively with young adults to support their individual goals. Larry Kirschner, RN, MS ​ Medical Consultant Email: lkirschner@yesccc.org Larry is an RN who earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from LIU. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Binghamton University, and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from SUNY Broome. Larry's experience includes extensive critical and behavioral health care as well as substance dependence work in both in and outpatient settings. Larry is committed to providing medical support and education, and supporting recovery for our clients. Dawn Carroll CPNP, PMHS Nurse Practitioner Email: dcarroll@yesccc.org Dawn is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatric Adolescent and Young Adult primary care. She received her Master’s degree as an NP at Molloy. Dawn went on to receive additional certification as a Pediatric/Young Adult Mental Health Specialist. Dawn is committed to improving access to mental health services and medication management in the community. Lillia Kaminski Direct Services Facilitator Email: lkaminski@yesccc.org Lillia is a Masters Level School Counselor who earned her Masters of Science degree at LIU and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from NYIT. Lillia has worked with middle and high school students as a counselor and teacher for the past ten years. Lillia is passionate about supporting the mental health needs of young adults, and is thrilled to be a part of the BRIDGES team. As Direct Services Facilitator, she will schedule appointments, conduct discovery calls, and direct our BRIDGES Program participants in the right direction throughout their journey! Alysia Aponte, MSW Young Adult, Family and Outreach Social Worker Email: aaponte@yesccc.org Alysia is a Master Level Social Worker who studied at Stony Brook University with a concentration in Families, Youth, and Transition into adulthood. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work at SUNY Plattsburgh. Alysia's clinical experience includes working with at-risk youth and adults struggling with mental illness and substance use by providing supportive individual and group therapy. Alysia is excited to be a part of the BRIDGES team and further advocate for our young adult population! Mirna Scarpulla, MHC-LP Young Adult Community Counselor: Bilingual-Spanish Email: mscarpulla@yesccc.org Mirna graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Molloy University with a Master's Degree as a Mental Health Counselor. She earned a bachelor's degree of Arts Psychology and an Associate's Degree in Science. As a bilingual- Spanish Young Adult Community Counselor at BRIDGES, Mirna being fluent in both Spanish and English enriches her abilities to connect with and help a diverse range of clients. Kayla Dignan, LMSW Young Adult, Family and Outreach Social Worker Email: kdignan@yesccc.org Kayla is a Masters Level Social Worker who studied at Adelphi University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development at SUNY Oswego. Kayla's clinical experience includes working with individuals diagnosed with dual-diagnosis of a substance use disorder and a severe mental illness. Kayla is excited to facilitate positive change amongst the young adult population!

Veteran Support 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. VA Crisis Hotline Forge VFR (Veteran and First Responder) Forge VFR (Veteran and First Responder) mission is focused on improving the mental health and well-being of active-duty service members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Visit Website