Individuals who receive mental health services from SUS' mobile team participated in a half-day event that showcased and celebrated their diverse talents. Twelve individuals performed at the 2nd Annual SUS Got Talent event in front of 100 guests at SUS' Marcy Hart residence in Brooklyn. Performances included singing, dancing, rapping, and poetry and were followed by food, dancing, karaoke and raffle giveaways. Winners of the contest were chosen by a panel of judges and took home great prizes. The day stands as a testament to the potential of these individuals to excel in their own creative passions. 

SUS has been awarded $2 million from SAMHSA's Minority AIDS Initiative Continuum of Care Pilot (MAI CoC) Program. The grant will increase SUS' capacity to better integrate HIV testing, treatment and other care into existing mental health and substance use treatment programs for individuals in the Bronx and Brooklyn who are most at risk for or living with HIV. The program, which is estimated to serve 320 individuals over a four year grant period, will target current and potential participants of SUS' outpatient programs and residents of SUS' transitional residences, focusing on those from minority communities.

As we recognize Disability Awareness Employment Month, SUS celebrates the recognition of our Urban Farms Initiative as a Non-for-Profit Business Employer of the Year, a 2014 Works for Me Award granted by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The Initiative was selected for demonstrating a commitment to workforce diversity by creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. SUS was also selected for the award based on the valued contribution of SUS urban farmer Phill Cayenne and his peers who have used urban farming as an opportunity to enter the world of work and gain greater independence. SUS will receive the 2014 OPWDD Works for Me Award at the annual awards ceremony in November. Read More

Last week, SUS honored Mental Illness Awareness Week, in which mental health advocates across the country join with others in their communities to sponsor activities for public education about mental illness. Beyond the week, we encourage all SUS friends to serve as mental health advocates by helping to dispel the myths about mental illness. You can start by reading and sharing the week's blog post on SUS' website. Read More