RSS IS PROUD to partner with its neighbors in otsego county
Since 1987, RSS has been an active and committed partner, invested in building strong and balanced communities in the City of Oneonta and across Otsego County. Today, we’re proud to say our presence and positive impact are stronger than ever.
Our commitment to Oneonta and Otsego County is significant. RSS is engaged in a host of programs and services designed to build a strong and balanced community, including:
Your neighbors live in safe, stable housing with support and affordability, in both apartments and/or group settings, which has been a hallmark of RSS since 1992. Individuals thrive with RSS because we “right-size” rents, ensuring people pay no more than 30% of their household income on rent, making it possible for that household to afford food, clothing, transportation, and healthcare. We also provide 24/7 supportive activities, such as case management and crisis intervention, and ensure service providers are collaborating in real time. Individuals aged 12 and up who are an active part of a treatment team move from crisis to thriving, utilizing RSS’s continuum of housing and support opportunities, and eventually transition to fully living and integrating into the community.
Oneonta Bagel Company – The Oneonta Bagel Company offers more than the best bagels around. It’s also a community-based small business employing individuals 18 years and older who are re-entering the workforce. RSS supports trainees with multiple resources, providing vocational and functional skill assessments, educational and career information, and employment guidance and aid in adjusting to a fast-paced work environment, which leads to employment in the larger Otsego County business community. Since 1989, customers of Oneonta Bagel Company have done more than enjoy delicious food; they’ve changed lives by supporting workforce development and investing in the thriving downtown business community.
Supported Employment – Residents of Otsego County have secured competitive employment in jobs best suited to their abilities and preferences in partnership with RSS for almost 30 years. Once placed in a job, ongoing consumer-driven support ensures program participants retain their jobs and remain a vital part of the Otsego County workforce.
Wellness Warm Line – Have you ever struggled and wanted to pick up the phone and confidentially connect with someone who has experienced that same challenge? This peer training and employment program provides a listening ear and useful information to all callers on weekday evenings and late afternoons/evenings on weekends. Established in 1999 and expanded to encompass a regional approach in 2016, the Otsego County Warm Line is yet another way RSS invests in Otsego County’s workforce by providing excellent programs and services.
Whole Health Coordination – Residents of Otsego County navigating multiple health care choices while maintaining their mental health are supported through a collaboration between RSS and Bassett Health Home. A care manager and program coordinator are assigned to individuals, link them to community service providers that fill gaps in their health and recovery needs, and create individualized care plan goals and objectives while emphasizing positive community connections.
MountainView Social Club – Established in 1988, this member-directed Social Club/Wellness Center ensures consumer participants have the same opportunities to live, work, learn and thrive as their neighbors. Trained peers enjoy sharing vocational, financial, educational and health-based information through workshops, fun activities, and guest speaker presentations in and around Otsego County. This includes Otsego County Nightlife, which provides peer run and supported evening and weekend entertainment outings for members to enjoy safe and fun recreational activities.
Community Education Project – Residents of Otsego County learn about mental wellness as RSS updates, produces and distributes the Community Guide to Mental Health Services in Otsego County, which is also available online. RSS also maintains a public lending library of books, videos, training materials, and other relevant information regarding mental health.