Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) is initiating a program that emphasizes the value of self-sufficiency among citizens who must manage mental illness and addiction. The program will provide supportive employment services to citizens who are clients of NE Delta HSA and its integrative behavioral and primary healthcare network, including citizens who are non-violent criminal offenders and those who are being released from incarceration.
“The NE Delta HSA Second Opportunity Workforce Solutions (SOWS) program is an important addition to our integrative behavioral and primary healthcare network. This program addresses access to employment, which is a social determinant that significantly affects a person’s health and ability to thrive in society,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director. “SOWS will use evidence-based practices to develop an Individual Outcome Plan for every client who is admitted to the program, which will reinforce a client’s treatment progress. Job readiness skills will be provided to assist participants in achieving and maintaining employment in their community of choice.”
“We are very excited to assist our long-time partner, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, as they seek to address the complex needs of their clients who have been diagnosed with serious mental health or addiction issues,” said David Tinkis, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana President and CEO. “Through this critical program, we will work to help NE Delta HSA’s clients obtain competitive work in the community and provide the supports necessary to ensure their success in the workplace. We are very grateful for this opportunity.”
“This meaningful program, which was developed to help reduce prison recidivism and improve treatment outcomes, works in conjunction with the behavioral health treatment a citizen receives within our clinics,” said Dr. Sizer. “By providing job readiness skills and active support for finding employment, SOWS will enhance a citizen’s ability to thrive and live a healthy life within the community. Additionally, access to behavioral health treatment can prevent new entry into the prison system and it can also help reduce recidivism.”
Click here to see photos of the contract-signing today at NE Delta HSA regional offices.
NE Delta HSA currently employs citizens with developmental disabilities and mental health issues throughout the northeast Louisiana region to perform janitorial and outdoor maintenance.
Additional work by NE Delta HSA to support self-sufficiency among citizens in northeast Louisiana includes the upcoming Law Enforcement/Mental Health public symposium, which will focus on “Alternatives to the Prison Pipeline.” In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Ruston, the symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 at the Ruston Civic Center. Click here for event registration information.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA)
NE Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders.
NE Delta HSA is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential. NE Delta HSA uses a nationally-recognized, integrative approach that addresses citizens’ behavioral and primary healthcare needs. The agency works collaboratively with regional partners in prevention, education, business and in regional municipalities and parishes to serve its citizens. NE Delta HSA works to reduce barriers to quality healthcare that arise from negative societal health determinants such as poverty, joblessness and access to adequate housing.
Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. NE Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please visit our website at www.nedeltahsa.org or call 318-362-3270.
NE Delta HSA Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street ▪ Monroe, Louisiana 71201
Phone 318-362-3270
jill.hirsekorn@la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press and Media
