Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc. operates New Directions, a year-round K-12 program that provides education and mental health treatment to children and adolescents. When Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc. wanted to implement their Safety Initiative project, they applied for a CFFC grant in fall 2018 to support the safety, security, and health of clients, their families, and staff.
Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc.’s mission is to “provide comprehensive behavioral health services in a timely, professional, and compassionate manner to promote wellness and improve the quality of life of the children, adults, and families of the tri-state area.”
New Directions provides a unique combination of specialized mental health treatment and comprehensive educational services. It is the only licensed partial hospitalization program in Fayette County as well as a Private Academic School servicing clients from Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland, Washington, and Somerset counties. The ultimate goal is for the clients to be able to successfully re-renter the traditional public school setting, be productive in their communities, and well-adjusted in their families.
Teacher Jenna Plocki spearheaded the New Directions Safety Initiative in light of recent national school tragedies. When seeking funding opportunities, she said they were drawn to the CFFC because it is community-based. An AED was purchased with the CFFC grant, as one of the updates to the New Directions safety and security procedures. “All staff members are trained to operate an AED, and now we have the equipment if an emergency situation would arise. I think everyone feels a bit more secure,” said Mrs. Plocki.
Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc. CEO, Michael Quinn, said, “New Directions helps keep students in their community,” treating students in a school setting and helping prevent client need for services at psychiatric institutions. “The educational and clinical staff function as one unit,” said Mr. Quinn.
Mr. Quinn noted the importance of encouraging students to maintain attendance and find new opportunities to open up to staff members. New Directions Program Manager, Michelle DeMoss, said the STEM classroom and workroom, Makerspace room, and other personalized activities encourage students to show up, participate, and engage with students and staff. Teachers, therapists, nurses, and psychiatrists provide a variety of services to New Directions individuals, groups, families, and parents. Visit the Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc. website to learn more about New Directions and many other services!
