Melville, NY (November 23, 2016) – On Friday, November 4, 2016 H2M architects + engineers celebrated the groundbreaking of a Community Residence for Women in Brentwood, NY. H2M’s project leaders, and some influential people from local communities were present at the groundbreaking ceremony. The project has been in the making for several years, and H2M is extremely excited for the start of this project and the positive impact it will have for the Long Island community.
Outreach was selected by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to construct a 25-bed Community Residence for women on their existing campus. H2M architects + engineers was called upon by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) for the design of the new facility. H2M also provided interior renovations in the existing facility for adolescent rehabilitation, inclusive of new flooring, ceiling, and lighting. H2M is also in the construction documents phase for a new young adult facility to be added onto the campus. H2M’s Senior Architect and Project Manager Eric Maisch, Senior Architect Kevin Medler, Project Designer Jessica Freitag, and Staff Architect Dana Nally are some of the architects behind the project. New York State Senator Phil Boyle, Assemblyman Andrew Raia, Suffolk County Legislator Monica Martinez and Suffolk County Executive AnnMarie Csorny spoke at the groundbreaking event. Once the construction is complete New York State has committed the funds necessary to operate the program on an ongoing basis.
“It is a privilege to work on projects that provide such a positive impact and serve to shape our communities. These types of projects become very fulfilling when I hear about the positive effect that it has on individuals and their families that are in need of facilities like this.” stated Kevin Medler, R.A., Senior Architect at H2M architects + engineers.
One speaker named Maggie touched the hearts of everyone in the audience at the ceremony. Maggie is currently in outpatient treatment at Outreach for opioid addiction. Maggie has had a tumultuous relationship with drugs and alcohol since she was 13 years old. She is currently living in a “sober house” and has been clean for nearly one year. Although Maggie is now clean, she is unable to have overnight visits with her children, and she is a perfect example of a woman who needs a facility like the one Outreach is creating. In order for her to re-establish a relationship with her children, a facility like the new Outreach residence is needed to provide a safe and reliable facility for her to start over.
“It’s very gratifying to be a part of a project that will ultimately have a positive effect on the community.” said Jessica Freitag, Project Designer at H2M architects + engineers. “Many people’s lives have been touched by addiction, and unfortunately Long Island is the epi-center of opioid abuse. It is facilities such as this one that are critical to the betterment of our communities and welfare of its people.”
“I thought it was great to see the support of the community behind the use of this building, to help better the lives of those who need the help. When guest speaker Maggie finished her personal story, you knew she touched the entire room.” added Dana Nally, Staff Architect at H2M architects + engineers. “When everyone gave her a standing ovation, it brought tears to my eyes. I am glad to be a part of a project which is going to better the lives and even save the lives of hundreds of women in Suffolk County.”
A new community residence provides a temporary home for women who are unable to maintain a stable residence as a result of issues such as poverty, mental illness, and domestic violence. In order for many of these women to become self-sufficient, they need a home with a safe and supportive living environment. Residents of the home live in a supervised, safe, and supportive environment to help overcome previous troubles in their lives. The residence will give the women an opportunity to acquire new skills necessary to live as independently as possible. Some of the women who need this residence may have lost custody of their children to child protective services and/or foster care. The level of care supported by the community residence will also promote reunification with their children and rebuilding of family health. H2M is proud to work on a project that will have a huge positive impact on Suffolk County and Long Island.
About H2M
H2M is a full-service consulting and design firm offering the expertise of more than 350 architects, engineers (water supply, civil/site, structural, M/E/P, wastewater and environmental), planners, designers, inspectors, surveyors and scientists. H2M meets the challenges associated with buildings and infrastructure and has been serving various markets throughout Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut for over 80 years. For more information, please visit www.h2m.com.
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H2M continuously seeks motivated college graduates and experienced professionals to join our team. The firm offers a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefit package that includes: medical, dental, vision, and life; FSA/HSA and long and short-term disability insurances; 401(k) retirement savings plan; bonus plan; tuition reimbursement; and professional development opportunities. To view current job openings, please visit www.h2m.com/careers.
