The Fall 2016 edition of Odyssey House News is now online. Read about our 50th-anniversary celebrations, our new website, graduation ceremony, and more! Check it out (pdf) and let us know what you think on our Facebook page or on Twitter.
And don’t forget to join us on Saturday, September 24th for our 11th Annual Run for Your Life event!
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, each month we will be sharing a story that highlights one of our programs or treatment populations. Below is Kenneth’s story, who found creating art helped keep him focused on his recovery.
Art has been a part of Kenneth’s life for more than 40 years. Growing up, the comfort of creation helped distract Kenneth, 55, from the stresses of growing up in the projects with a single mom raising him and his siblings. As Kenneth reached his teenage years, art gave way to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. For the next twenty-five years, Kenneth struggled with his addiction to cocaine and alcohol and found himself in and out of treatment programs.
A few years ago, Kenneth became homeless after he lost his job, and he had no money to pay his rent. Feeling hopeless about his future, Kenneth isolated himself. He relapsed, and knowing he needed to make a change, he entered residential treatment at Odyssey House.
In treatment, Kenneth found sanctuary by participating in workshops at the Odyssey House expressive arts studio. Kenneth says creating art allows him to express himself in ways he cannot verbally, and supports his recovery in a safe and sober environment. “The Odyssey House Art Project helped me find myself. I can find joy in life again.” This July, Kenneth celebrated one year of sobriety, giving him a more hopeful outlook on his life: “Now that I’ve reached this milestone, it’s going to be a brighter future for me.”
For more than a decade, our expressive arts studio has been a therapeutic oasis for clients of our residential treatment and housing programs, enabling them to find new ways to exercise their creativity and communicate their feelings. Art helps clients to open up, which also opens doors to improved treatment and healing.
Last month, Odyssey House hosted a performance by the Mexican student choir Estudiantina La Salle with special guest, renowned tenor Mauricio Trejo, at our Manor Family Center. The performers, 15 men and two women dressed in traditional costumes, played a mixture Mexican folk songs, pop tunes, and love songs.
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The performers were just as moved by the experience as the clients were. Mr. Trejo, right, an alumnus of the Estudiantina La Salle choir, said, “My soul was happy, my heart uplifted, and the image that will remain is all the people at the house becoming one.”
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| The clients and staff in attendance participated enthusiastically, singing and clapping at their seats, and dancing with the performers. |
Russell M. recalled how he had faced off with the courts after struggles with substance abuse.
It was August 2014, and he needed to make a change.
His break came, he said, in being referred to Odyssey House.
The social services agency, which offers comprehensive programs in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, seeks to assist individuals and families deal with substance use disorders, mental illness, homelessness, and medical problems. Founded in 1967, Odyssey House offers services to community members of all ages, from adolescents to senior citizens.
Once enrolled, Russell M. was provided supportive housing, rehabilitative treatment and social services that helped him get back on surer footing.
This past Thurs., July 9th, Russell gathered with fellow members of the Odyssey House Art Project, which presented the group’s eighth exhibition at the Haven Art Gallery on East 121st Street in East Harlem.
This year’s exhibit explored the Native American concept of “spirit animals” as a means of expression. Artists undertook a study of shamanic traditions, in which it is believed that spirit animals are beings that empower, guide and protect. Each artist then chose his or her own animal to depict, using a variety of techniques.
The show will run now through December 9th and is called “What is your spirit animal?”
Russell M. presented three pieces which honored, among other animals, otters.
The mammals had a special place for him as some of the idiosyncratic characteristics of otters, such as loyalty, playfulness and curiosity, were ones with which he identified.
“I am a fairly loyal person, childish at times, very playful, very free,” he observed.
Odyssey House programs serve approximately 2,500 at-risk people a year with, among other services, group and individual counseling, medical care, job skills training, housing support, family interventions, wellness and art programs.
The organization manages 13 sites throughout Manhattan and the Bronx.
President and CEO Peter Provet noted that the vibrant art programs are a significant component of the program.
“The real point is that the clients do art, but it is not art therapy,” he said. “We just want the people to express themselves.”
Learning about new techniques and media also serves to increase collaboration, socialization and a sense of accomplishment among peer clients.
“They learn new skills, how to work with people, in groups, and [how to make] a project they can be proud of,” reported Jerald Frampton, Odyssey House’s Expressive Arts Coordinator. He noted that most participants had no prior experience creating art.
“They explore something about themselves through art,” added Isobelle Surface, Senior Vice President.
“They are better equipped to manage their addiction, be able to live independently, and engage with what the city has to offer.”
Russell M. says he is seizing on the opportunity to do just that.
Though he intends to move back to his hometown in Virginia eventually, he is now focused on furthering his work at Odyssey House – and using his artwork to help him sustain a sober life.
“I want to continue [here] in New York.”
The Winter 2015 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our expanded peer mentoring programs, recovery month celebrations, new board members, and more. Click here to read it (pdf). Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you’d like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhousenyc.org.
For more than a decade, the Odyssey House Art Project (OHAP), people living with substance use and mental health disorders, has been helping its members find new ways to access feelings and a new medium in which to express them. Since it’s inception, the OHAP has produced a vast body of incredible work and put on seven exhibitions.
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| “Tattoo Boy,” created by young men in treatment at the Leadership Center, at the book launch party held at Pablo’s Birthday in the Lower East Side. |
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| The team behind Release: Chris Cantley, Jennifer Eggers, Jerald Frampton, Justin Peters, Chad Porter, Isobelle Surface & Mike Begley |
Please join Odyssey House as we celebrate the launch of Release: An Odyssey of Art and Recovery, a provocative book with over ninety artworks created by individuals living with substance use and mental health disorders.
Visit odysseyhouseart.org to preview the book and make a donation to receive a copy. All proceeds go directly to support the Odyssey House Art Project.
OPENING RECEPTION
Monday, November 24, 6-9 pm
LOCATION
Pablo’s Birthday
57 Orchard Street, New York, NY
RSVP
(requested, but not required)
212.361.1660 / cabrams@odysseyhouseinc.org
EXHIBITION
The artwork will remain on view November 24-26
The Summer 2014 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our supportive housing openings, the latest art show, new grants, and more. Click here to read it (pdf). Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you’d like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.