GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO     

COMMISSIONER ARLENE GONZÁLEZ-SÁNCHEZ

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services today announced that $1.5 million is now available for the development and implementation of six “Youth Clubhouses” throughout New York State. The Youth Clubhouses will provide a safe place for youth and young adults who are at risk for addiction disorders or who are recovering from a substance use disorder to gather and participate in social and skill-building activities that promote a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.

“Teens and young adults need a place in their community where they feel safe and supported by their peers,” said NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “Through participation in a Clubhouse, right in their neighborhood, more youth and young adults who have been affected by addiction will have the opportunity to make friends, reengage in healthy ways with family and community members, and learn new skills focused on obtaining employment and furthering their education.” 

The aim of these Clubhouses is to provide a restorative environment for young people whose lives have been disrupted because of a substance use disorder. Individuals will receive support from peers who are also in recovery and will benefit from services geared toward continued long-term recovery from addiction. Individuals will be able to interact socially with other youth and young adults who also want to congregate in a safe, drug-free environment. The Clubhouse is intended to serve adolescents (12-17 years of age) and/or young adults (18-21 years of age) who have or are at risk for a substance use disorder.  

NYS OASAS is seeking applications from Local Governmental Units (LGUs) interested in pursuing the Clubhouse either through direct provision of the service or in collaboration with qualified not-for-profit organizations. LGUs that do not plan to directly operate the program may subcontract with a not-for-profit organization that will operate all or part of the program. Subcontractors include, but are limited to not-for-profit organizations such as NYS OASAS-certified treatment programs, NYS OASAS prevention programs, or other not-for profit organizations. Applicants should describe how they will use the $250,000 to develop a “Youth Clubhouse” in their area.  

The application can be submitted through a planning supplement available on the NYS OASAS website. Information about bidder inquiries can also be found on this site. LGUs should submit a plan to NYS OASAS for evaluation by Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 at 5 p.m. Final awards are expected to be announced in October 2015. 

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can call or text the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY (-877-846-7369). The HOPEline is staffed by trained clinicians who are ready to answer questions, offer treatment referrals, and provide other vital resources to facilitate that first step into recovery. In May, the HOPEline was enhanced to accept text messages.

For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the State’s Talk2Prevent website here.

For resources to help those struggling with substance abuse and additional information about substance use disorders, visit the NYS OASAS website here. A list of addiction treatment providers is available here.

For information about combating heroin use and prescription opioid drug abuse, visit New York State’s #CombatHeroin website. Information about anti-opioid overdose medication training is available here.

###