Community Support Team
The Community Support Specialist (CSS) involves the coordination of various services such as medical, social and psychological care which may be required to provide a complete service program. The CSS is responsible for evaluating the needs of the individual, developing a service plan and ensuring that the individual is provided the needed services by appropriate agencies. A Community Support Specialist is most often provided to chronically mentally disabled persons and is vital to maintaining these individuals in their home community.

Employment
The staff of the N.E.W. Center provide support in areas of pre-employment; job training, job placement and ongoing support for independent employment. The clubhouse enables its members to return to paid work through job support, transitional employment and independent employment. The clubhouse also provides ongoing support to persons through monthly transitional employment dinners. Information is shared about work topics, such as managing benefits and maintaining an active relationship with the Social Security Office. Members share with one another concerns, fears and successful experiences. Employment services enhance the strengths and abilities of each member.

Housing
The N.E.W. Center is committed to securing a choice of safe, decent and affordable housing for all members. The clubhouse provides a supportive environment that encourages members in an independent living situation as well as supervised apartment settings. Within an independent living arrangement, staff help members identify resources for independent living and provide home visits by the Community Support Specialist when needed. The services of the Community Support Program apartments are available for members who choose an independent setting with on-site support. The Center-owned Riverlodge Apartments provide this opportunity in a community setting. Riverlodge is a twelve-unit apartment complex located in Van Buren, Crawford County.

Continuing Education
The N.E.W. Center provides educational and academic support to clubhouse members as well as Community Support Program clients. Several choices utilized within the clubhouse setting are weekly on-site Adult Education classes for persons seeking a General Education Diploma (GED). The clubhouse also maintains brochures and booklets on additional continuing education opportunities available in the community.

Supplemental Education
The N.E.W. Center provides ongoing informative presentations on Mental Health Awareness as well as Alcohol and Substance Abuse Education. An area within the clubhouse is set aside in the library on these topics. Films are shown on related topics in addition to group discussions.

Focus on the Individual
As with all Center services, there are no time limits imposed in the clubhouse programs. All services of the Community Support Program through the N.E.W. Clubhouse are focused on the individual person’s strengths, abilities and needs, while including the desires and choices of each person served.

N.E.W. Center 3109 S. 70th Fort Smith, AR (479)452-9490