Since its launch in January 2022, Allendale’s Community Support Services Program (CSSP) has been a beacon of hope for youth and families navigating the challenges of mental and behavioral health. CSSP was developed to be a preventative service aimed at stabilizing families and reducing the need for higher levels of care such as inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment.
As CSSP enters its third year, the program has provided intensive in-home and community-based treatment and support to 83 youth and their families, fostering resilience and independence through a collaborative, team-based approach.
A Growing Program, A Growing Impact
CSSP was created to expand Allendale’s therapeutic services in an effort to engage with families whose needs extend beyond what conventional office-based mental and behavioral health services can provide. Direct intervention where it’s needed most can have a greater impact—within the home and community. Our treatment approach is family-centered and individualized utilizing a multidisciplinary team, including an in-home therapist, a community support specialist, and a family support specialist, ensuring that the youth as well as the family have the resources and guidance to overcome their unique challenges. Services include comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment planning, 24/7 crisis intervention and stabilization, individual and family therapy, case management and service coordination, and coaching and mentoring services for the youth and the parent.
The results speak for themselves, highlighting CSSP’s effectiveness in helping families build long-term stability while reducing crises and hospitalizations.
- 100% of clients successfully completed the program without needing re-admission.
- 90% of clients maintained their progress and did not require a more intensive, higher level of care.
- 90% of clients experienced a measurable reduction in symptoms by the time of discharge.
Listening to Families: Real Voices, Real Change
Beyond the numbers, client feedback underscores the program’s impact. In satisfaction surveys, 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the services they received. Parents and youth alike shared what made the biggest difference in their lives:
- “It helps me with communication. They give me good advice.”
- “The patience of the team and their efforts to understand our family dynamics.”
- “One-on-one support helps my child learn how to express their feelings.”
- “The open communication with the team.”
These testimonials reinforce the importance of CSSP’s personalized approach, which prioritizes trust, understanding, and practical skill-building in real-life settings.
Expanding Services, Strengthening Support
In 2024, CSSP secured funding to expand its offerings under the state’s Pathways to Success initiative, allowing the program to provide specialized services such as Intensive Home-Based Services, Family Peer Support, Therapeutic Mentoring, and Respite Services. This additional funding has enabled the team to nearly double in size, expanding to a team of nine members, including two new Therapeutic Mentors set to join in spring of 2025.
Our team of dedicated staff share their passion for their work:
Sally Wilkinson, In-Home Therapist: “In-home therapy creates a space where clients feel safe and in control, allowing for deeper trust and connection. Being in their environment lets me observe family dynamics firsthand and tailor interventions that truly make a difference.”
Brionika Woods, Community Support Specialist: “My role is to advocate for children and families, helping them develop skills in real-world settings. Whether it’s at home or out in the community, I support children in expressing themselves and creating a safe, stable environment.”
Colette McGuire, Family Support Specialist: “As a parent who has navigated the system myself, I provide peer support to caregivers, helping them access resources and better understand their child’s needs. I also facilitate a monthly parent group and a weekly yoga class to encourage self-care and connection.”
Meet our incredible CSSP Team (pictured above)! With compassion, dedication, and a drive to uplift others, they work every day to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
As CSSP carries forward, our mission remains the same: to ensure that every family has the support they need to remain together and to thrive together. With continued growth, dedicated staff, and a strong community network, the program is poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.
For families facing mental and behavioral health challenges, CSSP is more than just a service, it is lifeline of hope.
Want to support this vital program? There are many ways you can help!
- Make a donation toward the program!
- Ask your employer if they will match your gift – search here!
- Donate new and gently used supplies from our agency wish list!
Allendale: A tradition of care and service.
For over 127 years, Allendale, a private, not-for-profit organization, has led youth with serious emotional, mental, and behavioral health challenges and their families on a journey towards resiliency.
At Allendale, our aim is to offer every chance for healing and growth – through a myriad of programs and services and a continuum of care including 24/7 therapeutic residential treatment, therapeutic day school programs, outpatient counseling services, foster care, emergency shelter and transitional living and intensive in-home and community support services. Allendale is a place where kids and families can restore their lives and discover a better future.