What We Do
DMHAS Mental Health Waiver (MHW) Program
Description:
At two congregate sites located in New Haven, CT, Marrakech provides trauma-informed and gender-responsive residential services to young adults, 18 to 25 years old, with behavioral health service needs, as well as to young adults living on their own in the community. The two congregate sites are similar in that they are apartment-style homes, have 24/7 staff onsite, and provide support and instruction to increase the residents' abilities to manage symptoms and live more independently in the community. Residents of all locations receive clinical and vocational services through the West Haven Connecticut Mental Health Center's Young Adult Services team.
Gilbert Avenue
Gilbert Avenue provides transitional services in four apartments to young adults for up to 24 months. The staff teaches social and life skills so that individuals will move on to living independently in the community. While there is 24/7 onsite staff, the residents must be able to be alone in the apartments, can independently perform basic activities of daily living, may access the community without supervision, and with monitoring have the ability to administer their medications independently.
The program focuses on providing direct learning experiences, therapeutic and recreational groups, individualized services, and nurturing support from staff. Each young adult has a "Dream Team", made up of the CMHC/YAS staff, Vocational staff, and the Marrakech team to assist with developing a recovery plan focused on the young adults’ goals. Typical goals are assisting each person in maintaining a clean and safe apartment on their own, completing their education, and seeking job experience and training. The mastery of these goals leads to a successful graduation from the program.
Sherman Avenue
The Sherman Avenue young adult program is designed for Individuals with more intense support and supervision needs. This is a three-story house with five bedrooms and two kitchens and living rooms. There is also 24/7 staff in this house. While the program is also transitional, the transitional period may be extended beyond two years. Programming also centers on the individuals’ goals and dreams, teaching and learning life and social skills.
Residential Case Managers have Bachelor's Degrees and/or several years of related experience. All staff are required to complete all of Marrakech's core in-service training, which includes CPR, First Aid, and Abuse and Neglect, and specialized in-services addressing trauma-informed and gender-responsive care. In addition, the staff attends specialized training conducted by the clinical team in teaching strategies for specific mental health diagnoses and conditions. The Program Directors and Vice President hold Master's Degrees in related areas.
YAS Community Support Services
Marrakech provides individualized support for young adults with service needs living on their own in the community. It is a step down to greater independence for many of the young adults who leave the transitional program. Staff continues to provide individualized one-to-one and group support for activities of daily living, community integration, transportation, and financial management services to assist them in creating a life where they can thrive independently in the community.
Eligibility: Admission to the program is a team process. Individuals are referred by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service’s Young Adult Services Unit to the Catchment Area. Jointly, Marrakech and CMHC/YAS review referrals, make preliminary assessments of each individual's needs, and decide if this program is the right fit.
Contact Information
Terri Alford
Director of DRS Community Support Services
(203) 389-2970 Ext. 1348
talford[at]marrakechinc.org
Lori Angeloff, M.S., LADC
Vice President of DRS
(203) 389-2970 Ext. 1314
langeloff[at]marrakechinc.org
Mailing Address:
Marrakech, Inc.
Six Lunar Drive
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Main Telephone: (203) 389-2970
Main Fax: (203) 397-0658
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