Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News)- Access CNY is a place for people in the community to reach out for help and guidance. Access CNY provides services that help people with their struggles with mental health, physical issues and learning disabilities. Paul Joslyn is the executive director of Access CNY and is proud to serve his community. He believes Access CNY is about helping people to get where they want to be in their recovery and in their lives. There are many programs in place for children, adults and senior citizens who seek help but may not have somewhere to turn to.
Children are in need of help as they get older, but many parents do not know where to turn to get the proper help for their child if the child has a learning or behavior disability. Access CNY has resources to assist with these problems. There are clinics services for children to be given help with their problems. These clinics can help children with harmful behavior, late learning disabilities and mental health.
” So we offer occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy to children and adults. We also offer Applied Behavioral Analysis Services, that is a program that is geared towards children on the autism spectrum disorder, and it helps them work to eliminate harmful behaviors, improve communication, improve their academic success, through hands on support from a trained behavioral analyst.” Joslyn said.
One of Access CNY programs are Self Direction, this specific program is for children and adults with a developmental disability. A budget is provided, and the person must see fit how they want to spend the budget based on the support he or she needs.
Adults asking or trying to seek help for mental health can be a challenge itself. Only because of the stigma many people face with mental health. When anyone is seeking mental health services they’re either not taken seriously or not encouraged. Access CNY tries to make anyone who seeks help feels comfortable and heard. The center has two peer run programs that are overseen by staff who has their own experience with mental health services. These programs allow anyone to walk in and talk to someone about whatever is on their mind.
” So those are two programs that I think are especially accessible to people with a mental health diagnosis. We have many other programs for people with mental diagnosis and including employment, and other social related programs as well.” Josyln said.
Access CNY has many services available and one of them being a program for people with learning disabilities. They have an education support program that helps people get through the education system. The staff offers services such as applying for student’s loans, class registration or help finding tutoring resources. The goal is to help people who may be a little behind has the ability to be on the right track.
Caring for senior citizens is a part of Access CNY services as well. There is a program called Personal Assistance Program, which is not only for the seniors but also children can access it. The program is funded through Medicaid. The purpose of this program is for seniors who want to continue to live in their homes and this program will allow them to hire their own staff. Access CNY helps with setting up the process, the payroll and training people as needed.
” And it’s incredibly beneficial, the folks that live there, and I think there’s nothing more important to people as they age to is to remain living in their home, right, where they’re comfortable.” Joslyn said.
Access CNY does not only have benefits for people young and old, but also family resources. One of the programs providing help to families is the Family Education program. This project offers at least 10 classes a week to any families who has someone in their family with a mental health disorder. The mission of the program is to give families the opportunity to understand what the struggles is their loved-one is going through, what is the next step and how to build a support system.
Having a community around someone who is going through a tough time with their health is very important to person’s journey. Access CNY provides families the resources to educate themselves about the different types of mental health diagnoses, medications and services.
” As you can imagine, having a family member diagnosed with mental health, diagnosis can be hard for people to absorb, right, because there’s just a lot for them to think about to help them support their family member.” Joslyn said.
The community has been very helpful and encouraging towards Access CNY for their services to help anyone in need. From elected officials giving praise, citizens in the community and funding towards the programs is what gives Access CNY the pride to serve Syracuse to their best ability.
Access CNY wants people in the community to succeed and will provide the resources to help people to achieve their goals as needed.
Derricka Settles, NCC News
