Author: adm4abs2020

Middletown, NY  – In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Access: Supports for Living Inc. has launched a Virtual Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care.  Adults and children struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health or substance use concern will have access to this new, virtual resource beginning Monday, March 23^rd at noon. Therapists will be available 24/7 by phone and through telemedicine, with access to psychiatry and peer support for any person in the Hudson Valley who needs help.

“Whether people are struggling with anxiety about COVID-19 or working toward recovery from another mental health or substance use concern, it is more important than ever that our community have safe access to quality care the moment they need it – day or night, regardless of insurance or ability to pay,” said Ron Colavito, President and CEO of Access.

The Access Virtual Urgent Care is part of Access’s Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care, which opened May 1, 2019.  “Our Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care has been used by roughly 3000 people across the Hudson Valley in less than a year,” continued Colavito.  “More than half of those who have visited are new to Access’s services, and nearly two-thirds have sought support for a short-term, bridge prescription to fill a need until they can see their regular provider.  This program has successfully kept people out of hospitals and emergency rooms, which need all the capacity they have right now.  The launch of the Virtual Urgent Care is another step Access is taking as part of the healthcare community’s fight against COVID-19.”

The Access Virtual Urgent Care is available by calling 1-888-750-2266, option 2.

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access is a $100 million non-profit organization mission-driven to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible. Access supports more than 10,000 people each year through services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use concerns, and children and families with a range of needs. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities. For more information, visit the website: www. accesssupports.org or call 1-888-750-2266.

Middletown, NY  – Nick Preddice, CEO of the Affinity Group, will be receiving the Access: Supports for Living Foundation’s Vision of Hope Award this year.  The award is given to a person or organization whose work exemplifies and advances the mission of Access: Supports for Living – to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.

Preddice began his financial services career more than twenty years ago with Connecticut Mutual, and later Prudential.  He found success quickly and was appointed Managing Director at The Mony Group, Inc. in New York City.  In 2002, Preddice decided to use his experience to build a financial services business from the ground up.  Together with Gary Sancilio, he founded the Affinity Group with a singular vision: to make a difference in the lives of our clients, the people we work with, and the community.

Today, Preddice serves as the chairman of the Access: Supports for Living Foundation Board of Directors and supports other organizations including Wildwood School, The Robert W. Preddice Scholarship Fund at SUNY Oneonta, Leake & Watts, To Love a Child, The American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the San Miguel Academy for Boys, the Nora Cronin School for Girls, Mount St. Mary College, and the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties.  He dedicates his time and talent and makes connections between people and organizations to improve quality of life within the community.  A native of Saratoga, Preddice lives in Northern Westchester County with his wife, Lisa, and their two sons.

“Nick has been an invaluable member of the Access Foundation Board since he joined a decade ago,” said Ronald Colavito, President and CEO of Access: Supports for Living and the Access: Supports for Living Foundation.  “He epitomizes philanthropic leadership and has been a champion for people with special needs and children and families facing adversity to live full, healthy lives.  Nick is truly deserving of this recognition.”

“It’s an honor to receive the Vision of Hope award and to lead the Foundation Board. I’ve seen, first hand, the difference that Access makes in people’s lives – the sense of purpose that comes from meaningful employment and the pride of living independently for the first time,” said Preddice.  “I love that Access supports so many in achieving what all of us want, to live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.

Chris Masters, Executive Director of the Access: Supports for Living Foundation said, “Nick’s gift for building connections between people and organizations has had a significant positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. As important as his work is today, Nick is equally committed to demonstrating and cultivating philanthropic behavior, which will benefit the Hudson Valley for generations to come.  We’re proud to have him chair the Access: Supports for Living Foundation and honored to have him accept the Vision of Hope award.”

The Vision of Hope Award will be given at the Access: Supports for Living Foundation annual gala, held this year on November 21^st at Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor.  For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, contact Patti Archiere at 845-673-7127 or parchiere@asfl.org.

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access is a $100 million non-profit organization mission-driven to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.  Access supports more than 10,000 people each year through services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use concerns, and children and families with a range of needs. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities. For more information, visit the website: www. accesssupports.org or call 1-888-750-2266.

Middletown, NY – Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, winner of NBC’s The Voice, and Hudson Valley native Jermaine Paul has joined the Access: Supports for Living Foundation Board of Directors, the organization announced this week.

“Access: Supports for Living’s services are crucial to so many of my friends and neighbors in the Hudson Valley and are personally meaningful to me,” said Paul.  “I’m excited to work with the team at Access and my fellow Foundation Board members to support Access’s mission of helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.”

Access: Supports for Living Foundation Board Chair Nick Preddice welcomed Paul to the Board.  “Each one of us is investing in our community through our service on the Access: Supports for Living Foundation Board,” said Preddice.  “Together, we leverage our time and expertise to support the work of Access: Supports for Living, an organization making a difference in the lives of more than 10,000 people each year with special needs.  Jermaine’s talent and incredible commitment to Access’s mission are a welcome addition to the Foundation Board.”

The Access: Supports for Living Foundation formed in 2006 to support the work of Access: Supports for Living Inc., one of the largest human services agencies in the Hudson Valley.  Access was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access supports more than 10,000 people each year through services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use concerns, and children and families with a range of needs.

“Both Access and the Foundation are fortunate to have skilled, dedicated board members who donate their time and energy to supporting Access’s work and increasing our reach into the community,” said Ronald Colavito, President and CEO of Access: Supports for Living and the Access: Supports for Living Foundation.  “Jermaine’s passion and his belief that every person should have the support they need to live the life of their choosing will, no doubt, distinguish him and his service to the Board.”

Newburgh, NY – Access: Supports for Living, one of the Hudson Valley’s largest non-profit human services providers, has announced its acceptance of a building donation. The building, located at 5319 Route 9W, Newburgh, was the location of the Engel Funeral Home. The donation was made by Robert Engel, and his son, Jonathan Engel, and has been dedicated as the Engel Center.

While potential uses of the nearly 6,000 square foot building are still in development, a significant portion will be a new venue for learning for Access’s staff of over 1,500 and the community.

“The Engel Center is now an integral part of our plans to enhance and expand opportunities for learning and skill development in the treatment of people with a range of needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health and substance use disorders, and children and families experiencing and recovering from trauma,” said Ron Colavito, CEO of Access. “The Engel family’s generosity will impact the lives of people across the Hudson Valley for generations to come.”

“It has been said that generosity is the outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and kindness, and that could not be more true for our family,” said the Engel family. “We are happy to know that this building, maintained by our family for nearly four decades, will continue to be cared for and used in a way that will support people with special needs to live lives of health and purpose.”

Robert Engel, in addition to his work as a licensed funeral director, is also a retired special education teacher who began his career working with people with special needs as a driver for Access, then Occupations, in the late 1960s.

“Within the walls of this building, families have been finding comfort during their most difficult times for decades. Now, as the home to new training space, families will continue to find comfort in knowing that the dedicated staff supporting their loved one with a disability or mental health or substance use concern have the knowledge and skills to provide the best services available,” said Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President of Access.

“One of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be a positive force in the lives of others, and Bob Engel has clearly done that,” said Nick Preddice, Chair of the Access: Supports for Living Foundation. “For nearly 40 years, the Engel name has been synonymous with care and compassion. Now, it is also synonymous with generosity.”

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access is mission-driven to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible and supports more than 10,000 people each year through services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use concerns, and children and families with a range of needs. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities. For more information, visit the website: www. accesssupports.org or call 1-888-750-2266.

Middletown, NY – Access: Supports for Living Inc. (Access) has opened its Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care in both Newburgh and Middletown. Adults and children with mental health and/or substance use concerns can walk in, with no appointment or referral necessary, and begin treatment, including medication assisted treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol.

With the support of a $4 million grant awarded to Access through the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there will be no charge for services not covered by insurance.

“Simply knowing where to start to get treatment is often the biggest hurdle,” said Ron Colavito, CEO of Access. “The Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care will serve as a front door to care for mental health and substance use in the Hudson Valley.”

The Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care team includes psychiatrists, licensed therapists, registered nurses, peers, care managers, and a nutritionist. Primary Care is available onsite through partners, when needed.
“The team will welcome people, along with their friends and family, and work with them to find out what their needs are, then begin treatment,” said Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President of Access. “Care managers will create warm linkages to longer-term treatment, either at Access or with the provider of their choice in the community. Easy access to treatment is the single greatest step we can take to help people start on their path to recovery, whether from a mental health concern or from addiction.”

The Access Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care is open to residents from across the Hudson Valley 7 days per week – from 11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday at Access’s Community Counseling Centers at 16-24 Union Street, Middletown and 21-23 Grand Street Newburgh. More information is available by calling 1-888-750-2266, option 2.

5.1.2019 Access Supports for Living Urgent Care Press Release

Town of Wallkill NY – The Board of Directors of Access: Supports for Living Inc. announced the appointment of Ron Colavito to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective January 3, 2019. He will be the fifth Chief Executive Officer in the agency’s 55 year history.
Colavito, 41, joined Access as a Cost Accountant in 2003 and has steadily taken on increased leadership roles, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the $90 million agency. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from SUNY Geneseo and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University.

“Ron is a savvy leader who excels in developing strategies in furtherance of our mission of helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible,” said Todd A. Kelson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His tenure at Access is distinguished by the implementation of data-driven solutions and strategic growth. We have every confidence that, under his leadership, Access will continue to thrive.”

The current President and CEO, Amy Anderson-Winchell will remain with the agency in a part-time capacity as President.

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access is one of the largest human services organizations in the Hudson Valley and touches more than 10,000 lives annually through services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse needs, and children and families with a range of challenges. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities. More information about Access is available at accesssupports.org. To make an appointment or learn more about available services, call 1-888-750-2266.

Photo and bio below

Ron Colavito

Ron Colavito joined Access: Supports for Living in 2003 as a cost accountant before being promoted to Finance Director in 2007, Comptroller in 2009, Vice President in 2012, and Senior Vice President of Industrial Operations and Program Services in 2014. In February 2015, Ron became Access’s Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President & COO in October 2017. In 2019, Ron Colavito becomes the fifth Chief Executive Officer in the agency’s 55 year history.

Since joining Access, Ron has led growth and performance improvement across the agency, with particular focus on business intelligence and implementation of data-driven solutions. He partners with cross-functional teams to promote organizational efficiencies, leading to quality improvement. His steadfast commitment to the adults and children Access serves is evidenced by his dedication to continually evolving the agency to meet the needs of the community and enhancing quality outcomes for the people it serves.

Ron is the Vice Chair of the NYIN IPA Board of Directors and a member of Board of both the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation and Meaningful NY. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from SUNY Geneseo and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University.

Middletown, NY – Access: Supports for Living Inc. (Access) has been awarded nearly $4 million over the next two years to create an innovative, behavioral health urgent care at their community counseling centers in Middletown and Newburgh, giving residents of Orange County and around the Hudson Valley on-demand treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

When operational, Access: Supports for Living will offer immediate access to care for people with mental health and substance use disorders, including opioid addiction, at the Middletown Community Counseling Center and the Kaplan Family Counseling Center in Newburgh.

The award, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), enables Access to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), a federal initiative to increase access to mental health and addiction services in community-based settings.

“Far too often, adults and children experiencing an urgent behavioral health need utilize their local emergency department because there are not yet options for immediate care in the community,” said Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President and CEO of Access: Supports for Living.  “This award will change that by creating a welcoming alternative that provides immediate, evidence-based treatment and integrated care with our partners in the community.”

Access’s innovative model will provide immediate screening, assessment, and access to the right combination of care, including behavioral health recovery services, primary care, and peer support, for people seeking treatment, including those who have been hospitalized for a mental health or substance use disorder or have been treated with naloxone (NARCAN). Adults and children will have treatment close to home, the moment they need it.

“Access is one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the Hudson Valley and proud to be on the cutting-edge of service delivery,” said Ron Colavito, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Access.  “While this funding will substantially increase our capacity to serve the community and create a new model for care, it will take all of us, including other behavioral health providers, FQHCs, hospitals, government, and schools, working together to create real change and reverse the devastating impact of opioid addiction and suicide risk on our community.”

“It seems a week does not go by without hearing or reading about a young person unexpectedly struck down in their prime, and I can’t help but fear that opioids may have been involved,” said Todd Kelson, Chair of the Access: Supports for Living Inc. Board of Directors.  “This transformative grant will help Access address an urgent need for behavioral health services in our community.”

Access: Supports for Living was founded 55 years ago by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today Access touches more than 10,000 lives annually and provides services to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health needs, and Children and Families facing challenges. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities. The Access: Supports for Living Foundation supports the work of Access through ongoing and annual fundraising events.  More information is available at accesssupports.org or by calling 845-692-4454.