Available for Westchester County through the Westchester Library System, a NY Project Hope provider.
How NY Project Hope started…
A Presidential Disaster Declaration was made on March 20, 2020. The declaration allowed New York State to apply for a Crisis Counseling grant to assist with the impact of COVID-19, the most unprecedented public health crisis that NYS has ever faced. The grant began with an Immediate Services Program where the foundation for services was developed and set for the Regular Services Program which began September 17 and will run until June 16, 2021.
A little background…
In April of 2020, Governor Cuomo directed NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) to initiate a COVID-19 helpline response to assist NYS residents. Following the award of the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) grant, OMH’s Emotional Support Helpline initiative transitioned to a support line staffed with trained NY Project Hope crisis counselors from around New York State who answer calls providing a listening ear, coping tips, resource linkages and much more.
Who we are now…
NY Project Hope is a Crisis Counseling Program that provides support, resources, and education to assist individuals and communities working to cope with COVID-19. It is a strengths-based program offering support that promotes resilience, empowerment, and recovery.
Statewide…Project Hope services include a statewide Emotional Support Helpline and a website that features information about managing stress, coping skills, and links to much-needed resources.
Community level services…
NY Project Hope services also include the provision of assistance on a community level. New York City and the seven counties in New York state that have been most impacted by COVID-19 have community crisis counseling programs that allow for direct services to their residents. Community-level crisis counseling is available through 40 plus provider agencies located throughout the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange Dutchess and Erie counties.
Who NY Project Hope serves…
NY Project Hope is a statewide initiative and services are available to every New York resident. Crisis Counseling is free, confidential, and anonymous.
The goals of the Crisis Counseling Program are:
- Help those impacted by COVID-19 understand their current situation and reactions;
- Reduce stress and provide emotional support;
- Assist survivors in reviewing their recovery options;
- Promote the use or development of coping strategies;
- Connect those adversely impacted with other people and agencies who can help them in their recovery process.
How NY Project Hope is supported…
Funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Administered by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
NY Project Hope is a program of the New York State Office of Mental Health
COVID-19 emotional support, coping tips, and resources are available for Westchester County through the Westchester Library System, a NY Project Hope provider. Call our free and confidential helpline at (914) 361-5252 or visit our website https://conversations.westchesterlibraries.org/ny-project-hope/ for more information.