The Greenwich United Way, Liberation Programs, and YMCA of Greenwich announced the launch of Greenwich Connects, a program offering mental health and family support for young adults age 18 to 25. The program consists of three components: mental health and wellness support, family-centered engagement, and resource coordination and family support. Greenwich Connects is run by a full-time Family Life Coach (FLC) and a part-time clinical supervisor aided by the additional support of Dr. Amir Garakani, MD, DFAPA, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Greenwich Hospital.
Beneficiaries of Greenwich Connects are young adults who may have trouble securing gainful employment, transitioning from education to the workforce, and/or may be living with the challenges of mental health struggles. The program, which opened July 1, is housed at the Greenwich YMCA and offers one-on-one services, workshops, and connections to care for young adults and families.
“According to Dalio Research, 119,000 or one in five Connecticut 14 to 26-year-olds are at-risk or disconnected. Springboarding off the success of the recently opened intensive outpatient program for youth and adolescents, Greenwich Connects serves the unmet needs of the disconnected young adult demographic in town, up to age 25,” said David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way.
“The Greenwich Connects program is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together to meet urgent community needs. We’re proud to partner with the Greenwich United Way and the Greenwich YMCA to reach disconnected young adults and help them build trust, find stability, and connect to the resources and relationships that can truly make a difference,” said John Hamilton, president and CEO of Liberation Programs.
“Too many young people are struggling with isolation, uncertainty, and limited access to the support they need. The Greenwich Connect coaches provide consistent, compassionate guidance to help them reconnect – whether it’s through mental health support, job training, education, or just someone to talk to. We’re here to help them build a future they can be proud of,” said Dr. Maggie Young, Chief Recovery Officer at Liberation Programs.
“The YMCA is incredibly excited to partner with Liberation Programs and the Greenwich United Way on this vital new program,” said Matthew Skaarup, CEO of the YMCA of Greenwich. “It is through innovative and creative alliances like this that we can truly make a difference, combining our strengths and resources to provide the support and opportunities our community needs.”
To support the Greenwich Connects program, contact the Greenwich United Way. To learn more about the program or seek assistance, call Dr. Maggie Young at 203-399-2206 or visit www.liberationprograms.org
About Greenwich United Way
The Greenwich United Way (GUW) is a privately incorporated, locally governed, non-profit agency. It shares its mission as one of more than 1,100 United Way chapters around the world. A volunteer-driven organization, the Greenwich United Way exists to help identify and address the health, educational and self-sufficiency needs specific to the local community and to create and affect meaningful, lasting solutions. Through various fundraising efforts and ongoing research, the organization directly grants the funds necessary to accomplish this goal. The Greenwich United Way also invests in and conducts collaborative efforts to address broad-based community needs with partnering nonprofit agencies. For more information, visit greenwichunitedway.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
About the YMCA of Greenwich
The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich. Founded in 1916, the YMCA of Greenwich offers programs and services that promote and sustain healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility to nurture the potential of everyone in our community. Our YMCA is a membership organization open to all people. The YMCA welcomes people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities and financial circumstances. With our “Y For All Membership” program, your rates are based on total household income and circumstance.
About Liberation Programs
Liberation Programs is one of Fairfield County’s leading nonprofit providers of mental health and substance use services. Since 1971, the organization has offered prevention, treatment, and harm reduction programs that address both immediate challenges and support long-term wellness. With services spanning Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull, Liberation Programs reaches more than 5,500 individuals each year gain and maintain recovery, improve mental health, and build healthier, more stable lives.
