The aurora residence provides residential treatment for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and chemical dependency.

Self contained, secure residence

Single and double occupancy rooms, renovated and newly furnished 24 hour supervision

Treatment provided by and interdisciplinary team of professionals and paraprofessionals including:
Program Supervisor
Case Managers
MICA Specialist
Health Counselors
Rehabilitation Counselor
Psychiatrist

There are three program phases:
Orientation
Treatment
Discharge Readiness

Program services include:
On-going assessment and service planning
Individual and Group Therapy
Peer Support Groups
Periodic Urine Screening
Behavioral Contracts
Referrals to Collateral Services

Residents are trained in the following areas of restorative services:
Daily Living Skills Socialization
Health Services Symptom Management
Medication Management and Training Parent Training
Substance Abuse Services Skill Development Services
Assertiveness And Self Advocacy Rehabilitation Counseling
Community Integration/Resource Development

The following special services are provided:
Family Counseling
Double Trouble Counseling
Employment Assistance

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the AURORA Residence should meet the following criteria:

1. A designated mental illness diagnosis with co-existing substance dependency and one of the following
SSI or SSDI enrollment due to a designated mental illness
Extended impairment in functioning due to a designated mental illness

2. Lack a regular night time residence; or whose primary residence is a supervised shelter designated to provide temporary housing; or an institution which provides temporary housing; or an institution which provides a temporary bed for persons needing to be institutionalized; or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

3. Between the ages of 18 and 60.

4. Physically capable of, or having the potential for, caring for themselves.

5. Having a desire and willingness to learn needed community living skills and to seek assistance in attaining a substance free existence.

Referral sources will be required to submit an approved HRA 1995 and current supporting documentation including:
A psychosocial summary
A psychiatric assessment
A physical examination

All referrals are logged in on the day they are received and an appointment is scheduled within 48 hours. All persons referred who meet the basic criteria will be interviewed.
Within 15 working days after submission of all necessary documentation, a screening meeting is held wherein a summary of the referral information and subsequent interview is presented to the Intake Committee. This committee consists of the Director of Clinical Services or a designee, Consulting Psychiatrist, Program Director, Supervising Case Manager, Case Manager, and MICA Specialist.
An on-site interview will be scheduled. A written explanation will be provided to the referring Agency in the event of a rejection or decision to defer. This will include short term objectives needed in order for the applicant to be admitted when appropriate.



For Admissions/Information call:
Pamela Pannell, Supervising Case Manager
Community Residence Program
Phone: 212-866-2600 X 27
E-mail: ppannell@heritagehousing.org