The Fortune Society Inc

Our ati programs reduce the prison and jail populations, save taxpayers millions of dollars, and each year help hundreds of men and women learn how to lead crime-free, productive lives. clients participating in our ati programs are still under criminal justice supervision while in the community, but they also receive the life-stabilizing services they desperately need. those who complete their program successfully receive sentences that require no further incarceration, including probation and community service. in fy2024, we served 341 participants in our ati programs and successfully graduated 82% of clients eligible for completion.

Fortune has offered mental health services since july 2011 through the better living center (blc), our nys office of mental health (omh)-licensed article 31 outpatient mental health treatment clinic. the blc works to facilitate a seamless transition for individuals with mental health issues who also have histories of incarceration by providing the supportive environment, treatment, and therapy they need to manage their mental illness, while also making progress towards achieving their other life goals. in fy2024, we served 342 clients through the blc's mental health services. our nys office of addiction services and supports (oasas)-licensed outpatient substance abuse treatment services program empowers clients to address and overcome substance use issues. our outpatient treatment program supports clients' efforts to achieve recovery from the life-long chronic illness of substance use and as part of their larger transition to a pro-social, self-directed life in our communities. we provide client-centered treatment that is geared towards the overall improvement of each client's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. every client begins his or her journey with a full assessment and program orientation, followed by intensive individual and group counseling. we also offer lifetime aftercare, so our clients know they can rely on us to help them navigate future challenges. in fy2024, we served 481 clients in our substance abuse treatment program. 37% of the clients discontinued substance use upon discharge from fortune's substance abuse program.

Transitional services: the transitional services program provides discharge preparation services to eligible men and women during their incarceration on rikers island, continuing reentry support following their release. in fy2024, 472 people enrolled in the program after their release from rikers. benefit access: the benefit access program is an integral part of fortune's admissions and intake process. we help clients find out if they are eligible to receive public benefits from any of the government programs available to low-income individuals. we then work with clients to navigate the application process so they can secure critical benefits such as snap (food stamps) and medicaid and stabilize themselves financially. in addition, the program connects clients with expert advice to help with a wide range of issues, such as child support, evictions, accessing and correcting rap sheets, legal services, financial services, credit assistance, and much more. in fy2024, we screened 5,356 individuals in our benefit access program, assisting them in obtaining cash and non-cash public benefits. notable accomplishments in fy2024 included 431 snap benefit recipients, 282 medicaid recipients, 330 financial assistance recipients, and 131 legal counseling sessions.education: our education program empowers clients to achieve personal and professional goals and make progress toward the high school equivalency (hse) diploma, attending college, and preparing for today's job market. clients have the opportunity to develop essential reading, writing, math and computer skills with the support of fortune's dedicated teachers, counselors, and volunteer tutors. our small class size allows each individual to progress at his or her own pace in an environment where all students fe