Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc.

Our April newsletter is out. This month, we’re looking at what it means to invest in communities before the doors even open — starting with our Highbridge development, which has already brought more than $23 million into the Bronx economy. We’re also taking this work beyond New York, sharing Samaritan’s approach to integrated, person-centered care at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing conference. Take a look at how this work is coming together — and where it’s headed next here: https://conta.cc/4taIcCV

Occupational Therapist Clinical Supervisor Katrina Torre, OTD, OTR/L joined other occupational therapists from across the country for THE AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION, INC Annual Conference. While at the conference in Anaheim, CA, Katrina presented her poster, “Using Sensory Rooms to Support Trauma-Informed Care for Individuals in Substance Use Treatment.” Her work highlights how sensory-based spaces - like Samaritan Daytop Village’s Recovery Corners - can help individuals regulate emotions, feel safer, and stay engaged in treatment. With donations, we have been building a Recovery Corner at every site in our network of programs. It's one more way we’re providing innovative care that supports people on their path to recovery. #OccupationalTherapy

It takes a village... Currently under construction, the $335M Highbridge project will provide 422 units of permanently affordable, supportive, and transitional housing to low-income and formerly homeless families and individuals in the Bronx. The award-winning, sustainable building will have a low-carbon footprint, thanks to a design and construction that prioritizes high-efficiency electrical systems over fossil fuels. The solar panel installation is just one of numerous green features that will reduce the building's total carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality, and enhance resilience, while aligning with New York State's net-zero 2040 goals. The project is also making an economic impact, already bringing $23 million and hundreds of jobs to the Bronx. To learn more, read our Highbridge Economic Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/e3EPNCkd

We’re excited to be presenting at this week’s NatCon 2026, the nation’s largest behavioral health conference. If you’re in Denver, join us for two sessions this Tuesday and Wednesday: April 28 | 1:15–1:45 p.m. “Poster 101 – Breaking Down Silos: A Proven Model Integrating Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, Opioid Treatment Programs, and Residential Care to Transform Outcomes” Featuring Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Carol Slattery EdD, LCSW-R; Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer Alicia Mcfarlane; VP of Residential & Recovery Services James Hollywood; and Medical Director maya hambright, MD April 29 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. “Integrating Verbal Intervention Training for Addiction Professionals in Residential Settings” Featuring James Hollywood; AVP of Residential Treatment Deirdre Rice-Reese; Melissa J. Earle, Ph.D., LCSW, PhD (Clinical Associate Professor, Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare); and VP of Development & Communications Jill Poklemba Register for NatCon: https://lnkd.in/gHqpYqnk #NatCon2026 #NatCon26 #BehavioralHealth #IntegratedCare #AddictionRecovery

Studies consistently show that affordable, supportive, permanent housing adds value to neighborhoods and communities, changing the lives of individuals and families in need of this support. Now, a new report documents the economic impact that Highbridge – our $335-million, 400+ unit mixed-use development – is bringing to the Bronx even before the first residents move in. More than a year before its scheduled opening, Highbridge has already brought $23 million in local spending and hundreds of well-paying jobs. This project demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships and sets a new standard for environmental responsibility, community-centric design, and economic impact. We are very proud to partner with Mega Contracting Group and many other entities to make it happen. Read the announcement: https://lnkd.in/eYwS8-kz View the full report: https://lnkd.in/e3EPNCkd

When surveyed, 66% of pregnant women said marijuana use would not affect their developing fetus. Yet, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Research shows that cannabis exposure during pregnancy can impact a baby's growth and lead to lower birth weight. As children age, they may face additional challenges, such as cognitive impairment, memory problems, and behavioral concerns such as aggression and anxiety. Our Medical Director Dr. Gregory Bunt recently led a Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. webinar called "Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women," exploring the gap between science and perception. The webinar breaks down the science, clinical findings, current guidelines, and the effects of THC on fetal brain development and long-term outcomes. Watch the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eH54Cp7Q.

Suleiman Rifai, a beloved Social Worker at our Forbell Men's Shelter in Brooklyn, completed the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris this past Sunday! Suleiman, who is visually impaired and walks the streets of NYC with a mobility cane, ran alongside two volunteer guides on the Achilles International team. He completed the race in just under 6 1/2 hours. You may recall that last year we shared photos of Suleiman completing the TCS New York City Marathon - his 20th time. We are extremely proud of Suleiman and his latest in a long list of lifetime achievements.

The Samaritan Daytop Village Alumni Association recently hosted its annual Spring Fling, bringing together 140 clients, alumni, and staff to celebrate recovery and strengthen connections within the alumni community. This year’s keynote speaker, Angel Porter, Assistant Director of Operations at Veritas House, shared her touching story of growing up with a parent struggling with addiction. She witnessed her mother find a new life in recovery and as an addiction counselor. So inspired by her mom's transformation, Angel would later become a counselor herself. During the event, the Recovery Coach Scholarship Award was awarded to Amanda Farrentello. The scholarship honors the memory of Matty Pennachia, former VP of Outpatient Services at Daytop Village. Matty was a dedicated leader at Daytop's Family and Alumni Associations. We are grateful to the Pennachia family for generously supporting this year's award! Thank you to Leticia Figueroa and Jimmy Haynes for emceeing. And thanks to the Samaritan Daytop Village executives who spoke at the event: President & CEO Mitchell Netburn, VP of Residential and Recovery Services James Hollywood; AVP of Residential Treatment Deirdre Rice-Reese, and Sr. Director of Recovery Services Jessica Feliciano. Interested in joining the Alumni Association? Email samdayalumni@gmail.com. To learn more about treatment services, call (855) 322-4357. Individuals in recovery can contact PARC (Peer Alliance Recovery Center) in Queens (929-244-1445) or the Bronx (929-244-1500). #RecoveryCommunity #RecoveryIsPossible #RecoveryWorks #RecoveryFromAddiction #AddictionRecovery

We’re excited to be presenting at NatCon 2026 in Denver later this month. Join us to hear insights about integrated care and learn a few of our innovative approaches in behavioral health. 📅 April 28 | 1:15–1:45 p.m. “Poster 101 – Breaking Down Silos: A Proven Model Integrating Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, Opioid Treatment Programs, and Residential Care to Transform Outcomes” Featuring Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Carol Slattery EdD, LCSW-R; Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer Alicia Mcfarlane; VP of Residential & Recovery Services James Hollywood; and Medical Director maya hambright, MD 📅 April 29 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. “Integrating Verbal Intervention Training for Addiction Professionals in Residential Settings” Featuring James Hollywood; AVP of Residential Treatment Deirdre Rice-Reese; Melissa J. Earle, Ph.D., LCSW, PhD (Clinical Associate Professor, Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare); and VP of Development & Communications Jill Poklemba If you plan to attend, we’d love to connect. 🔗 Register for NatCon: https://lnkd.in/gHqpYqnk #NatCon2026 #NatCon26 #BehavioralHealth #IntegratedCare #AddictionRecovery