New trauma center opens in Downtown Brooklyn for formerly incarcerated, survivors of violence
Organizers say the center provides free trauma-informed care to survivors of physical violence, inmate partner or family abuse, incarceration and more.
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A new trauma recovery center opened at the Center for Community Alternatives in Downtown Brooklyn.
Organizers say the center provides free trauma-informed care to survivors of physical violence, inmate partner or family abuse, incarceration and more.
Johnny Matos was a participant of one of the programs.
“You can get money back, you can get clothes back, you can get all the material things back – but…you can’t get your time back," said Matos.
Matos was formerly incarcerated and battled with an opioid addiction. He says this new program will change lives.
"In many cases, recidivism is like ridiculously high because a lot of us aren’t given the resources that are needed," said Matos.
Clinical Case Manager Anuse Chattergee says the approach isn't to just look at the crime or the addiction, but what came before.
“People that are dealing with some type of legal issues have some type of trauma in their past that are driving or at least partly responsible for the legal issues that they're facing," said Chattergee.
He also says the new center will provide individualized therapy. But they also provide clothing, help getting a job and support groups.
Matos mentors people at the center and hopes to one day work there.
“Who knows, my story’s not over yet. It’s just beginning I guess," said Matos.
