Since September 11, 2001, Safe Horizon has been on the front lines of the relief effort, assisting individuals and families who lost loved ones, those who were physically injured, residents who were displaced from their homes, those who were economically impacted, and New Yorkers psychologically affected by witnessing the attack and its aftermath. Through our partnerships with the September 11th Fund, the 9/11 United Services Group, and Project Liberty, we continue to offer many of the same services that we have been providing since September 11th, and we have also added new programs as the needs of those affected have changed. The September 11th Support Hotline 1 (866) 689-HELP (4357) Safe Horizon operates a toll free, 24-hour hotline to assist people affected by September 11th. The hotline provides information and referrals to benefits and assistance programs, as well as immediate crisis support. In addition, those impacted may also call the hotline to request a service coordinator, a case manager who can provide long-term support and help with referrals to counseling, support groups, legal services, immigration services, job training, placement agencies and other services. All calls are answered by trained specialists. The hotline serves as the primary source of information for the New York City area but also handles calls from people from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and other areas across the country who are looking for help or information. Ongoing Recovery Program Safe Horizon conducts information sessions on benefits offered to victims of the World Trade Center. One of the benefits discussed during information sessions is the September 11th Fund Ongoing Recovery Program: Employment Assistance: Surviving family members and the severely injured, and all displaced workers (regardless of immigration status) who lost jobs or experienced severe loss of income between September 11, 2001 and January 11, 2002, and worked South of Canal (or in portions of Chinatown and Little Italy) can receive career counseling, job readiness training, job referrals, English classes and skills training and income support while in job training. Health Care: The September 11th Fund provides health insurance coverage for those who cannot afford to pay private health insurance premiums but are not eligible for public health insurance programs. Clients may be eligible for 12 months of health coverage through the September 11th Fund. Since the Federal Victims' Compensation Fund supports most health care costs for the severely injured and surviving families, the largest population expected to access this benefit is displaced workers. For more information or to attend an information session, call the September 11th Support Hotline operated by Safe Horizon at 1-866-689-HELP. Community Assistance Programs Safe Horizon provides services for those impacted by September 11th through its community offices located in all five boroughs. Service coordinators offer individual and family counseling; support groups; case management; financial assistance; referrals for legal assistance, job counseling and placement, debt management, and financial planning, and advocacy with other agencies Families of Homicide Victims Program Since 1979, Safe Horizon's Families of Homicide Victims Program has helped surviving family members in New York City cope with the tragedy of murder. By reaching out to surviving family members of every homicide victim within the five boroughs, counselors develop both short and long-term relationships with spouses, siblings, parents, children, and others. The program assists survivors with obtaining practical assistance like funeral benefits and offers compassionate and expert bereavement counseling, specialized support groups, advocacy in the courts, and case management. To find out how Safe Horizon can help you, go to Families Who Lost a Loved One to Homicide. Community-Based Crisis Support Safe Horizon’s Project Liberty program provides outreach and crisis counseling services free of charge to individuals, families, and groups impacted by the attack on the World Trade Center and its aftermath. Interventions focus on gaining a better understanding of reactions to trauma, strengthening strategies to cope during these stressful and uncertain times, and providing linkages to other services. Customized workshops and services are available citywide to address the needs of workplaces, community groups, schools, etc. For more information on Safe Horizon’s Project Liberty program, please call us at 718-928-6967. Mental Health Treatment Since 1988, the Safe Horizon Counseling Center, a New York State licensed mental health clinic, has specialized in meeting the complex needs of individuals and their families who have been victims of crime and abuse. Our philosophy is one that supports and encourages the active participation of our clients in the course, scope, and pace of their treatment. This helps clients regain the sense of control over their lives that is often lost due to the trauma they experienced. The SHCC offers specialized individual and group services to those affected by Sept. 11th. The C.A.T.S. Program (Children and Adolescent Trauma Treatment Program) Safe Horizon provides mental health treatment and services to children and adolescents affected by the attack on September 11th and its aftermath. Services will be provided for children and adolescents who have been identified as having trauma reactions or who are at high risk for developing trauma symptoms. Within this program, we are piloting the use of at least two cognitive behavioral treatment approaches, which have been shown to be highly effective in alleviating traumatic stress.