Mental Health Access & Support
Hudson Valley Clubhouse
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 98 Cannon Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support
About:The Hudson Valley Clubhouse (HVC) offers adults living with serious and persistent mental illness a supportive community to foster long-term recovery. Using this non-clinical method, we work to improve health, increase opportunity, and end social and economic isolation for people most impacted by mental illness. The Clubhouse provides an opportunity center though which members can access needed supports within the community. Members join the Clubhouse voluntarily and choose how and when they utilize the Clubhouse.
The Clubhouse is a therapeutic, working community which utilizes a “Work Ordered Day” as a vehicle for recovery and rehabilitation. Members and staff of the Clubhouse develop “work units,” such as Career and Communications, Employment, Housing, Health and Wellness, etc though which members build meaningful relationships, confidence and skills.
The Clubhouse follows the international Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation that was developed at Fountain House in Manhattan in the 1940’s and that is now implemented in more than 350 sites in 32 countries. Clubhouse programs are Accredited and trained by Clubhouse International and all Accredited Clubhouses utilize 37 International Standards as a Bill of Rights and a code of ethics.
The HVC plans to become the first Accredited Clubhouse outside of New York City in New York State and we are positioning ourselves as a Pilot program for Clubhouses in small cities and rural areas in upstate New York.
Position description:The student would be expected to participate in our Work Ordered Day and unit structure alongside staff, members and interns. The work of assisting members in their process of recovery and rehabilitation takes place within this structure. Throughout the day, the student might assist members in navigating public benefits, seeking suitable housing options, writing resumes and engaging in job searches, offering guidance and modeling around personal and interpersonal issues, seeking educational and training programs and many other activities. The student would learn about the local social service sector and assist members in connecting with health, mental health and substance use services. The student might also engage in advocacy and educating the community about mental health and social and political issues. There would be room for the student to bring forth new ideas about internal and external programs and activities that they think might improve our community.
Desired Skills:Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Public speaking/presenting, Social media management, Interest in working side by side with program members, modeling positive behaviors, ability to motivate people, interest in learning about the local social service sector
Hours:as many hours as possible. We are flexible
Positions Available: 1
Are you interested in getting involved with the Clubhouse HV? Visit here for your next steps.
Dutchess County Department of Mental Health Services – FULL FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER
https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/Mental-Health-Services.htm
Government department
Address: 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health
About: Mental health services include services and programs for individuals living with mental health and/or substance use issues. Some services are offered directly by the County, and others are offered by our contract agencies.
Position description: Student CEL Projects could include
1) Supporting Meloxicam Programs – calling and connecting with organizations to distribute Meloxicam, resources, and trainings
2) Resources Support with the Leave Behind Project. Creating care packages and resources for first responders share
3) Street Team Street Outreach
4) Student Identified Projects – the Department is open to projects that are within the areas of the student(s) interest
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Research
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available: 1-4
Are you interested in getting involved with the Department of Mental Health? Visit here for your next steps.
The Brain and Body Coalition, LLC
For-profit, 5-10 team members
Address: based in Poughkeepsie, NY
Action Areas: Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health, Racial Justice
About: We are a BIPOC Mental Wellness organization. We support Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange County. Our focus is getting individuals in the community trained and educated on the connection between culture and mental health. By doing so and collaborating with organizations we work to break down the barriers of stigma. We provide culturally competent resources, Narcan training, wellness tools, and mental health workshops as a proactive approach to mental wellness and mental health literacy. We hope that by doing this we can support our community and support our youth that live within them.
Position Description: Students will engage in community events and help promote the mission of The Brain and Body Coalition. Students will receive training in Mental Health First Aid, and Narcan training as a way to support those that they interact with. Students will also help build on a directory of culturally competent providers in Dutchess and Ulster County as a means to create a diverse resource for an underserved population. Promoting events may also include social media promotions.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Previous experience working with young people, Data collection/analysis, Lived experience – Students living with a mental health condition or those that have supported a family member or friend with a mental health diagnosis. Driver’s license a plus but not preferred
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Brain & Body Coalition? Visit here for your next steps.
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue
Non-profit, 30+ team members
Address: 2699 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY
Action Areas: Animal welfare, humane education, equine-assisted development
About: People Helping Horses Heal People is the mission that guides everything we do. It holds us to the highest standard of care and rehabilitation for our horses and is at the heart of our educational approach and programming. As a sanctuary, we are committed to the life-long wellbeing of our horses and believe in the healing bond between humans and horses.
Since Lucky Orphans opened its barn doors in 2008 we have helped many horses, along with some sheep and goats, find a more promising and meaningful future. It is our goal to not only save these wonderful animals but to also strengthen the relationship between people and animals to build a more compassionate future.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
Students can engage in equine experiential education, equine-assisted development, volunteer opportunities, event planning, social media/website design.
Desired Skills: Depending on internship focus: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Social media management, Web design, Video editing/production, event planning & fundraising.
Additional Requirements: Background check
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available: as many as are interested in learning about a working non-profit horse sanctuary
Are you interested in getting involved with Lucky Horses? Visit here for your next steps.
Family Services – Children’s Center
29 N. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
About: Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley.
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health, youth services, gun violence prevention, domestic violence
Position Description: The Children’s Center Intern assists the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher at the Children’s Center at the Dutchess County Family Court in compliance with all NYS Office of Court Administration Children’s Center Program agreements. The Intern provides a safe and creative curriculum for children while their families attend to court business and offers consultation to families for resources within the community. The position enthusiastically supports, practices, and communicates the agency’s Mission and Statement of Values. Under the supervision of program staff, interns may facilitate activities with children and offer supportive counseling to parents. In addition to direct-services, interns will assist with administrative and clerical duties. Intern responsibilities will be inclusive of areas identified in their respective college/university learning plan. Children Center Interns enthusiastically support, practice, and communicate the agency’s mission and statement of values.
Role/Responsibilities:
- Responsible for assisting with the direct care and safety of the children left in the center
under the supervision of program staff.- Implements and maintains the health and safety protocol/procedures and maintains visible instructive printouts of these procedures.
- Will assure center is in compliance with all program safety and confidentiality guidelines.
- Under the supervision of program staff, assisting with required intakes and reports.
- Prepares and submits information for monthly reports to appropriate entities.
- Secures the intake paperwork in proper location.
- Maintains statistical records necessary for reports and research.
- Planning, development and evaluation of program activities.
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
development of children in center at any given time. - Develops and implements monthly/seasonal themes and constructive activities in
a long-range plan - Will implement the established curriculum guidelines
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
- Assisting with the distribution of referral and resource information to caregivers based on their and their children’s needs.
- Remains informed on current local resources and services.
- Assesses the needs of the caregiver and will respond to them through referrals to
appropriate agency/program.
- Assisting the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the planning and coordinating the Children’s Center/Supervised Visitation Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Associate Director and Director of Family Support Services
- Completion of all required training for staff.
- Providing appropriate, creative, supportive interactions with the children in the center in group and individual activities.
- Develop creative “in-class” programs based on age and present teachable
Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the Children’s Center? Visit here for your next steps.
Family Services
https://familyservicesny.org/
Volunteer-run, 30+ team members
Address: 29 North Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, gun violence prevention, crime and violence victim services and support, family supports
About: Founded in 1879, Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley. Our program areas include Behavioral Health, Victim Services, Family Programs, Youth Services, Community Safety, and Prevention. Last year, nearly 17,000 children, adults, and families benefited from Family Services programs in Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties.
Family Services also manages the Family Partnership Center as a location where the community can come together for conversation and the exchange of ideas, participate in athletics and arts programming, and where a variety of nonprofits and related organizations can co-locate and collaborate to offer enhanced services that create real access. Last year over 70,000 people took advantage of services or activities on this 100,000+ square foot campus.
Position description: Family Partnership Center (FPC) Ambassadors are unpaid volunteers who create a welcoming environment for FPC visitors and assist with connecting people to services. The FPC is available to the community as a place to come together for conversation and the exchange of ideas, to participate in athletics and arts programming, and where a variety of nonprofits co-locate and collaborate to offer enhanced services that create real access. It is estimated that the Center serves between 45,000 and 70,000 individuals a year with more than 110,000 service interactions.
We also have an opportunity to assist with our Communications and Marketing department.
Desired Skills:Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Writing
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Family Services? Visit here for your next steps.
Finish Strong Wellness Center
https://www.finishstrongpk.com/
Address: 29 N. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
About: Finish Strong provides non-contact boxing and other activities as well as mental health counseling to address trauma and build resiliency in youth and young adults. They strive to bring experiences to the classroom that youth would not otherwise encounter, such as:
- Students can receive training in Restorative Practices and lead youth in said practices.
- Students can also assist in providing youth with academic support, emotional support, in additional to other forms of self-expression, art, sport, and wellness.
Position Description:
- CEL students should be able to assist youth with social emotional learning & emotional support using various outlets such as arts & crafts and other therapeutic practices.
Are you interested in getting involved with Finish Strong? Visit here for your next steps.
Mediation Center of Dutchess County
https://dutchessmediation.org/mediation-restorative-justice/restorative-justice/
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 205 South Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Youth and Community needs, Racial Justice, Education Policy and Equity, Mental Health Access and Support
About: The fundamental principles of a Restorative approach are that all humans:
- Wish to be in good relationship with others;
- Need to feel a sense of belonging in order to thrive;
- Need to feel seen and heard in order to feel they belong;
- Are more likely to consider the impact of their actions on others if those challenging their actions are those with whom they are in good relationship; and
- Have the capacity to be accountable for their actions when they are supported through a non-judgmental process of self-reflection and perspective-taking.
Position description: Helping structure the internship (building systems, data collection)
- facilitating/helping with circles
- write circles (restorative and community-building)
- Creating a resources and guide (for community, colleges, age groups)
- Shadowing/Observing
- Sharing insights, perspectives, and ideas
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Web design, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the MCDC? Visit here for your next steps.
Boys and Girls Club of Poughkeepsie
Non-profit, 30+ team members
221 Smith St. / 120 Hudson Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY , 12601
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Housing Insecurity/Justice, Mental Health Access and Support
About:
Our mission is to enable all young people especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as caring, productive, responsible citizens through daily homework help, programs and strong relationships.
Position Description:
- Creating lessons catered to our program schedule, helping with homework, being a mentor to provide wisdom through their own knowledge and life experience.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Previous experience working with young people, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 4hrs/week; 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the Boys and Girls Club? Visit here for your next steps.
The Growing STEMZ Foundation
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 295 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Racial Justice, Equity in STEM Education
About:
The Growing STEMz Foundation is an organization dedicated to empowerment for communities through STEM/STEAM education via consulting, program development, professional development, tutorials, parent engagement and more.
Collaboration with others and Expressive Arts meets Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, are the hallmarks of our mission. We envision community engagement through project based experiences and developing 21st Century Skills for a competitive global marketplace. We advocate for Educational and Environmental Justice, Equity in STEM Education, and Social Justice.
Our ideal customers are students, educators, and parents. Our ideal partnerships will lead to increased exposure, learning, and college/career readiness for urban, underserved and marginalized communities in STEM.
Position description:
- Informal direct teaching (Teachers Assistant) via Science LABs, Science Club, Science Research in Elementary School Environment.
- Audit Teacher Planning Meetings
- Develop Youth Workshops (STEAM, Field Research)
- Assist in Planning and Coordinating STEM FEST Event May 2025
- Conduct and analyze surveys and questionnaires for organizational development
- Conduct Materials and Resources Inventory (develop a system)
- Enhance Organization Social Media
- Outreach
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Fact-checking, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Data collection/analysis, Familiarity with STEM ideals
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Growing STEMZ Foundation? Visit here for your next steps.