Reintegration is an essential part of recovery, and the Resource Center provides a place for clients to reach their goals regarding employment, education, and socialization. Located on West 123rd Street in New York City, the Center offers a studio for art and photography workshops, a kitchen for cooking classes, and an open suite that hosts classes in computers, communications, anger management, and harm reduction. GED and employment search classes are also offered.

At the Resource Center, clients are encouraged to help themselves by making decisions about classes, programs, and policies. The Center is not a refuge from the world; it is a place to gather the resources necessary to engage with the world. The Center emphasizes education and collaborative learning, and many clients use the Center as a way to find part-time work, to further their education, and to explore other career and life opportunities.

Art is not about homelessness. It is not about mental illness, or treatment, or stigma. It is about creating something in the world that did not exist before. Pathways NY provides a space for clients to inspire us all through the art and writing workshop and photography class. The creative art space leaves stigma at the door and allows people to explore themselves, to tell their story, enjoy the beauty and discuss the meaning of each piece. The photography class and the art and writing workshop creates a social support network of artists integrating into the community. Their work has been featured at venues throughout New York City including; SoHo Gallery, Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, NY Public Library, St. Peter’s Church, and the Pathways to Housing offices.

The photography class is taught by Pam Parlapiano, a photographer who has dedicated her life to being a human face to individuals who in spite of life’s challenges lead lives of dignity and courage. She teaches the class in this way and her students rise far and beyond to show us the hope, energy and life that exists in this world and that is evident through their photographs. More info

Pathways NY also holds a weekly art and writing workshop taught by Rachael Romero who encourages her students to engage in self-determined art exploration. She states, “looking over my students art portfolios and the photographic and video footage I’ve shot in the last 16 years, it occurs to me that there exists at a trove of information that shows how participation in the art & writing workshop can be a major contributing factor in people starting to believe in themselves.” More Info

The Supported Employment services at Pathways to Housing are based on zero exclusion: the belief that everyone who professes desire to work can and should receive support to that end. Pathways NY incorporates an Employment Specialist on each ACT team. The Employment Specialist works on-on-one with interested clients, aiding in rapid job search, individual placements based on client preference and providing the support and encouragement to gain competitive employment. The Resource Center is a venue where clients can work on resumes or cover letters, search the internet for open positions and training opportunities, and consult with staff. The employment specialist also works as a job developer within the community, identifying open positions and seeking opportunities for Pathways clients. As a result, Pathways consumers are employed in a variety of settings across New York City, including state and local agencies, small businesses, corporations, as well as Pathways to Housing itself.

Pathways NY has participated in a nation-wide research study, the Social Security Administration’s National Mental Health Treatment Study (MHTS) since 2006. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of mental health treatment and/or employment supports and the outcomes of these supports on recovery and employment.

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