Cazenovia Recovery’s Veterans Services

This article was previously featured in the May 2014 issue of the Cazenovia Compass and is about Cazenovia Recovery’s Veterans Services:

As Americans pause to honor the nation’s past and present military veterans on Memorial Day, May 26, Cazenovia Recovery Systems, Inc. takes pride in working with veterans who have served bravely and now need our agency’s help.

According to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), about 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness and – with considerable overlap – slightly more than 70% suffer from alcohol or other drug abuse problems. Nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless and perhaps twice as many are at risk for homelessness.

Liberty Hall

Since 2011, Cazenovia Recovery has operated Liberty Hall on the grounds of the VA Medical Center in Batavia, NY, to serve homeless veterans who also have substance abuse disorders.  Transitional housing is offered in a structured, substance-free environment.

Each resident receives individual services. Direct care, adult living skills training and individual and group counseling are provided. Specialty groups focus on relapse prevention and recovery maintenance. Co-case management occurs between Cazenovia Recovery programs and outpatient clinics.

Those facing such personal challenges access services that support their physical and mental health and their recovery.  The VA links patients to primary care, psychiatry and counseling. Vocational, rehabilitation and employment skills are included, in conjunction with VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans. The Batavia VA provides a work program for those eligible.

Stephen and Nick are among Liberty Hall’s residents. Stephen cited “a lot of support,” a more relaxing atmosphere and “servicing here is great” as his top likes about the program. He works with elderly veterans on the VA campus, socializing and accompanying them on nearby community visits. Nick reports that, “the staff show concern for me.” He values the mutual support of fellow veterans. Nick enjoys creating books of inspirational quotes and sharing those thoughts with fellow patients.

Both men look forward to attending Memorial Day activities at the VA and are welcome, as are all veterans, to be part of a parade in Batavia.