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Dimensions Support Center

Description

Dimensions started in 1994 as The Empowerment Center’s base initiative in conjunction with advocacy as one  and one of its two core programs.  Through the years Dimensions has helped people move from the extreme of society into the mainstream on their own terms.

A multi-faceted program, Dimensions serves as a community center for adults in need.  Staff and members work together forming a cooperative community of support who reach out to one another.  Our Peer Advocates, toll-free peer support telephone line, mutual-support groups, Howie Alternative Resource Library, internet access, lecture series, hosted local politician town meetings and varied programs provide an array of support to people with a mental illness label.

Dimensions' warm physical setting is the backdrop or safe haven for people in need of a community.  It’s a place to come to share support, spend time together and have a hot meal.  And it's a place where one can find links to the information one needs.

Among the regular peer-operated activities are planning meetings, daily mutual-support groups, renowned guest speakers and educational classes and expressive workshops besides opportunities within the larger community.  Dimensions offers breakfast, luncheons, food pantry, cultural educational activities, picnics and on- premise parties with live music. 

Currently over 200 people benefit from the easy access peer support groups and social activities that foster expression and dependability on each other.

Dimensions hours are 8:00AM to 8:00PM weekdays and 12:00Noon to 5:00PM weekends.

All activities are chosen by the people who visit the Dimensions.  All staff members have experience as recipients of the Mental Health system and participate in Peer Advocacy Training.  Each spring at Dimensions is The Empowerment Center's annual membership meeting where members and staff for vote the Board of Directors.

Loneliness walked down the street with me

It held my hand - cold comfort - no warmth

I entered Dimensions doors - your eyes greeted me

“I wish you here” they said.  So I stayed.

In the morning a cup of coffee is an expected event.

But for some it is not life as usual.  It is not for me.

I appreciate the fragrance of morning coffee at Dimensions.

I look forward even with eager anticipation to arriving there.

That morning cup of coffee feels like home.

What place is this? I was sent to “Dimensions”.  That was an unique name.  A vision of a club with loud music and strobe lights flashed through my mind.  Or an English men’s club with austere quiet, large leather club chairs, heavy carpeting and stern old men ponderously reading papers and books.  No, no, I laughed to myself.  Not any of that but what?  What could it be?  I was greeted by a tall good-looking man.  Dennis was his name.  The first thing I knew about this place - Dimensions - was acceptance.

Outside the rain poured down, lightening flashed in brilliant bursts through the glass of windows and doors.  Booming peals of thunder shook the walls.  But I was inside - inside Dimensions.  Secure, laughing with the group seated around the long dining table.  Secure, yes, here it is safe.

We spoke in soft whispers.  Alternately fear and anger flashed in her eyes “What he did to me. . .”, the story came out.  Sisters, we’re sisters”, she said.  A place to speak and share, Dimensions.  This is a good place.

Smiles, greeted smiles.  Shouted exchanges of humor, poking fun at the little quirks of all set the tone of warm camaraderie and familiarity.  Dimensions - here we’re family.

Collective Reality:  Pam

Dimensions

 Peer Support Center

612 Main Street

New Rochelle, New York 10801

1 (877) HELP 800 (toll free)

office: (914) 576-7022

fax: (914) 576-7118

                                          Strawberry Field

Cut off from the outside community with little chance of returning home, the people living at the Residential Community Care Alternative (RCCA), a 135-bed group home, located on the grounds of Rockland Psychiatric Center, can come daily to Strawberry Fields.

Strawberry Fields was started in the winter of 2000 as an enclave of peer support in a previously neglected arena.  Named by the residents in loving tribute to the principles of peace and compassion as espoused by John Lennon, it is a place of healing and comfort where friendship flourishes with mutual respect and understanding.

As a Peer Support Center, Strawberry Fields provides conversation and the wisdom of experience offered from like minded individuals who have experienced the personal isolation common within the mental health system.  Residents of the RCCA are met with a palpable sense of joy and can often be seen having fun dancing with each other or singing to Billy Joel on the Jukebox, a response to a newly restored sense of personal worth.

Staff is upbeat and personable while giving credence to the authentic experience within individual life context.  There are no patients here, only friends.

Contact us at:

(845) 398-7509

140 Old Orangeburg Road

Orangeburg, New York 10962