A Time of Growth and Achievement
We're thrilled to share some exciting news and celebrate recent successes that underscore CRi's commitment to expanding services and making a positive impact in our community. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, the support of our community, and the vision that drives our organization forward.
CRi has made significant strides in expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of our community. Over the past two to three years, we have successfully launched three new vital programs: Tenant Support Services, Root and Rise, and Permanent Supported Housing. Each of these programs addresses a critical need and provides essential support to individuals within our community.
Tenant Support Services
Tenant Support Services (TSS) is a vital program dedicated to ensuring that housing is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all members of our community. In close partnership with Wesley Housing and DBHDS, TSS works diligently to connect individuals with disabilities and mental health needs to safe and stable housing options. What sets TSS apart is its unique on-site team model. Our dedicated staff members are not only trained in the intricacies of property management but also possess specialized training in mental health support. This dual expertise enables them to forge strong, supportive relationships with residents, creating a foundation of trust and understanding.
The TSS team plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to achieve a better quality of life. They provide comprehensive assistance, from assessing individual housing needs and navigating the often-complex application process to connecting residents with essential benefits and support services that are vital for maintaining long-term housing stability. They act as advocates, navigators, and community liaisons, ensuring that each resident has the resources they need to thrive.
A key ingredient in the success of TSS is its unwavering commitment to community integration. The team understands that housing is just one piece of the puzzle. True well-being comes from a sense of belonging and connection. To that end, TSS actively collaborates with a network of external agencies, non-profit organizations, and faith-based communities. These partnerships create a rich tapestry of support, fostering a strong sense of community for each resident and ensuring that they are connected to the resources and relationships that will help them flourish.
Root and Rise
At the heart of our mission lies the motto, “Grow where planted.” When we created our mental health program, we carefully chose a name that embodies both expansiveness and inclusivity, one that welcomes all individuals, no matter their journey.
We offer a supportive home where people can decide whether to stay for the long term or work towards gaining the skills they need to live independently. Our program helps individuals transition from the most restrictive environments to more community-centered living, giving them a chance at a fulfilling life outside the confines of institutions.
When we think about mental health, words like struggle, triumph, and resilience often come to mind. But there's so much more to it. Our residents include those who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI), deemed unreasonably incompetent to stand trial (URISTs), or are mandatory parolees--terms that can sound intimidating at first. These are individuals who have spent years, sometimes over a decade, in locked facilities. Now, they are being given another opportunity to reintegrate into society and build as normal a life as possible.
We remain hopeful for their recovery and their ability to move beyond the limits they have faced. Mental health work is challenging, but we are deeply grateful for the dedicated individuals who walk alongside them on this path. Together, we continue to work toward a brighter future, one where the stigma around mental health is broken down, and all people have the chance to thrive.
Permanent Supported Housing
CRi's Permanent Supported Housing (PSH) program is our newest initiative, designed to make housing not just temporary, but truly sustainable. PSH is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to live with stability, autonomy, and dignity. We partner closely with Fairfax County CSB and Prince William County CSB to address the critical issue of homelessness in our community. This program prioritizes individuals ready to transition to independent living from state psychiatric hospitals, those with a history of long-term homelessness, and individuals currently residing in residential settings who are prepared for greater independence.
Our dedicated PSH team is involved in the entire process, working towards the ultimate goal of long-term independent living for each participant. They act as a crucial link between residents and landlords, managing these important relationships and ensuring a smooth transition. Critically, our team members receive specialized training in identifying and supporting individuals with mental health needs. This expertise allows them to effectively reduce barriers to housing stability by providing ongoing support and coordinating comprehensive care. PSH is more than just housing; it's a pathway to a more stable and fulfilling life.
Community Leadership: Sheandar Peterkin Joins Human Rights Committee
We are also incredibly proud to announce that Sheandar Peterkin from CRi has joined the Prince William Human Rights Committee. This appointment reflects Sheandar's dedication to advocacy and human rights and strengthens CRi's connection to community leadership. We congratulate Sheandar on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to the positive impact she will make.
These recent accomplishments represent significant milestones for CRi and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to serving our community. We are grateful for the support that makes our work possible and look forward to continuing to expand our reach and impact in the years to come.
