Connecting
  • Enroll
  • Apps
  • What We Do
  • Who We Are
  • Programs
  • Directions
  • Mission
  • Connect
  •  

    A Better Life Starts

    HERE.



  •  

    LEARN MORE

    Getting started is easy, but if you want to browse the site before enrolling, just scroll down.



  • WHAT WE DO
    (differently)

    We're on a mission. Everyone with a social and emotional challenge deserves to have a full, happy and healthy life. These individuals are caring, talented and have so much to offer. Yet, thousands of young people are shut out of social, educational and employment opportunities. 
     
    With specialized supports and opportunities individuals can have fuller lives. Everyone deserves to have relationships, accomplishments and adventure.
     
    At Great Connections we respect everyone's individuality. We foster organic peer relationships and support age-appropriate activities. Always promoting skills, our instruction is based on the neurological and cognitive underpinnings of social and emotional development. We motivate our clientele through instruction and activities that encourage independence, confidence and well-being.
     
     
     
     
     

    No more lip service. Let's use science,
    informed decision-making and common sense to include everyone!

    Who's struggling?
     
      •  2.5 million teens ages 16 to 19 are either out of work or underemployed
      • 8.2 million young adults ages 20 to 24 are either out of work or underemployed
     
  • OUR TEAM

     

     
    Lorraine Millan

    CEO
      
    Lorraine holds a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology from NYU, and was the Director of Catholic Charities' Center for Social & Emotional Enhancement at Mount Loretto for 8 years. She specializes in social skills training, behavior management, professional development, program development and parent advocacy and support.

     
    As a professional for over twenty five years, Lorraine understands the limited supports available to individuals with social and emotional challenges and their families as they grow older. Lorraine is redefining teen and adult services by creating opportunities for growth and development through specialized and stimulating supports and training. Lorraine is committed to providing an enriching, integrated, modern and comfortable environment where young adults are inspired to broaden interests, improve capacities and connect to others.
     
     
     
  • Programs and Services

    Purposeful Instruction, for Meaningful Lives

    The Arts and Exploration Center
     


    Come join us at our multipurpose center designed to expand opportunities, broaden interests and improve capacities for individuals who desire greater fulfillment and independence in their lives. Our mission is to connect teens and adults, with all levels of ability, to meaningful relationships, activities, and instruction. We are committed to providing a dynamic, uniquely comfortable and enriching atmosphere that promotes social, vocational and personal growth.
     
     
    Adult Programs
    Flexible programming centered around individuals interests and abilities
     
    Enrichment Programs
    We all have something to contribute! Individuals with social or emotional challenges are among the most creative, intellectually curious and imaginative members of our society. Harnessing the talent, creativity, and interests of these individuals holds enormous potential benefit for them and society. And, we're prepared to do just that. By providing individuals with the latest advanced technology, instruction by industry professionals and individualized skill and project development, we can expand interests, develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and provide meaningful stimulation, satisfaction and enjoyment.
     
    Art
    The art program is designed to assist individuals in discovering and nurturing their creative abilities. Most instruction will be provided in a group setting, but individual's specific interests and projects will also be supported. Areas of exploration may include:
     

    graphic design
    drawing basics
    beginning photography
    photo editing
    t-shirt/card/button design
    pop art
    framing
    jewelry design
    floral arrangement
    interior design

     

    Technology
    The technology program is designed to provide a creative and productive outlet for individual's who have an aptitude for technology. They will be supported in developing and improving skills that can enhance communication, expand learning or even lead to employment opportunities. Areas of instruction may include:

     

    keyboarding (typing)
    online research
    communicating in the modern age (email, texting, face time)
    introduction to word documents
    introduction to data base programs
    beginner web design
    intro to programing
    intro to photoshop

     

    Media
    With the right guidance and purpose, media is a great way to learn about and connect with the world. The program exposes individuals to various forms of digital, entertainment and social media. Subject areas may include:

     

    understanding and creating blogs
    broadcast media
    using and creating social media
    video productions
    audio and video editing

     

     

     

    Vocational Services

    Getting a job and keeping a job is particularly challenging in this day and age.  We provide flexible and person-centered instruction that focuses on interests, strengths and the skills required to maintain employment. 

     

    Prevocational Training
    This program is designed to practice and develop the prerequisites skills necessary for obtaining and keeping a job. The specific components of each individual's program will vary with interests, strengths and needs. Skills training may focus on:

     

    exploring strengths and areas of interest
    following multiple-step directives
    developing acceptable work routines
    initiating tasks
    completing tasks
    communicating needs effectively
    accepting and following instruction
    managing frustration
    working cooperatively with others
    managing time constraints

     

    Vocational Training
    This program has been designed for individuals that have displayed a level of mastery in prerequisite work skills. Individuals are given greater responsibility and autonomy. Instruction focuses on specific work tasks and skills related to their area of interest. Each individual's program will vary with interests, strengths and needs. Training may focus on:

     

    understanding workplace etiquette
    accepting and learning from constructive criticism
    demonstrating dependability
    considering personal appearance
    independently problem-solving
    developing confidence
    persisting on challenging task
    understanding health and safety issues
    considering quality of work
    balancing on-task and off-task behavior

    Tiered Vocational & Employment Services

    Coming in the near future! 
     
    • Internship program- training to hire (mentoring, online travel, office work, social networking)
    • Entrepreneur development and support
    • Customized employment agency services- moving individuals into competitive employment (employer recruitment and training, job-matching and support)

    Preteen, Teen and Adult Services

    Lets get social
    Afternoon and Evening Programs
     
    Social Skills
    Supporting and teaching social information processing is the foundation of our instruction. Sessions are designed to comprehensibly guide the individual through social interactions, with an emphasis on targeting the way they attend to, consider and respond to external information. We teach, practice and support adaptive skills, so that individuals can learn to get their needs met in a socially acceptable manner.
     
     
    Social Skills Classes (11-15 yrs. old)
    Good social skills are critical to functioning in all areas of life. The ability to make thoughtful decisions, persevere, control impulses, communicate clearly and relate to others is essential for making friends, getting along with others and being productive at school. Social skills classes are now available to intermediate and high school students. These small groups engage in cooperative activities designed to improve self-awareness and empathy. Classes are grouped and divided according to age and ability.
     

    Skills practiced and developed include:
    valuing and developing relationships
    cooperating
    adapting to change/ improving flexibility
    communicating needs effectively
    managing commitments
    resolving conflict
    considering and understanding others' perspectives

     

    Personal Growth Classes (14-adult)
    Life-development courses are now available for teens and adults. Based on the latest research, these groups engage in instruction that explore adult themes, expand awareness, teach practical strategies and promote personal development. Classes are grouped and divided according to age.

     

    Adult Life 101
    This class explores the basics. From budgeting, to filling out a job application, to answering the phone politely, we'll review all the skills that lead to greater independence.

     

    The Art of Conversation
    This class provides a loosely structured format that supports individuals in their efforts to communicate and make friends.

     

    Ready, Set, Goals
    Designed to be fun and thought provoking, this class assists in exploring values, developing priorities, setting realistic goals and developing plans of action.

     

    The Friendly Competition
    This class offers a safe opportunity to learn and practice interpersonal and cooperative skills through competitive activities, so that everyone can be better prepared for the game of life.

     

    Romantic Relationships

    One of the most important aspects in our lives is learning how to have mutual, caring romantic relationships. A sensitive topic and subject matter rarely discussed, we will explore all aspects of romantic relationships.

     

    For Argument's Sake
    This class explores and practices the necessary components for resolving conflicts. Flexibility, emotional regulation and cooperative skills will all be practiced.

     

    Exploring Relationships Through Film
    In this class, we will use film to investigate the social world. In an effort to expand awareness, critical attention will be paid to the underlying motivations of characters, the conflicts they experience and the consequences of their behavior.

     

    College Life 101
    This class provides an overview of some of the differences between high school and college and prepares students for likely challenges. Managing workloads, deciding on courses, understanding standard procedures, exploring social opportunities and finding supports will all be reviewed.

     

    Socialization Opportunities
    Restricted interests, limited opportunities, and bad experiences in the past, keep many individuals from meeting others and developing relationships. Loneliness is painful and emotionally and physically unhealthy. Yet it's often hard to convince many individuals to get out of the house and make an effort to spend time with others. That's why we've worked hard to create a relaxed and stimulating environment that encourages social interaction and friendships. With the right support, entertaining activities and a cool place to gather most individuals won't be able to keep themselves from having fun!

     

    The Art of Hanging Out (Teens)
    This program gives teens the opportunity to develop friendships in a safe, structured and fun environment. The program is designed to promote peer interaction and to expose participants to age-appropriate activities commonly enjoyed by teens. The goal of the socialization program is to aid kids in adapting to various social environments and ultimately to build sustaining healthy peer relationships.

     

    The Art of Hanging Out (Adults)
    Listening to music, eating take-out, playing the latest video game, all of these things are better when you're doing them with someone else. This is not a formal class, but instead is an opportunity to socialize and get to know others. Hanging out is not so much a skill, as it is a state of mind. We provide a cool, comfortable and safe setting to gather. With proper over-site and plenty to do, the opportunities are endless.

     

    Parent Training

    Effective supports take more than good intentions and common sense
    Monthly Classes
    Trainings
     

    Monthly training seminars are now available for parents. These classes are designed to help family members understand and support their child through their teens and early adulthood. Classes may include:

     

    • realistic goal setting
    • helping your child initiate and sustain friendships
    • understanding and recognizing psychiatric disorders
    • supporting resilience in the face of challenges
    • recognizing and supporting typical developmental milestones
    • the art and science of dealing with people for you and your child
    • the role of romantic relationships in adulthood
    • workplace culture and expectations

     

     
     
     

     

     

     

  •  

    Directions
     
     

    Telephone: 718-948-4732
     
    We're located conveniently at 1281 Arthur Kill Rd in Staten Island, NY, a 10 minute walk from the Eltingville Transit Center.
     
    By Bus: We are serviced by the S56, S74, S84, X17 and X17J MTA Bus routes.
     
    By Auto:
     
    From the Southbound West Shore Expressway (440):
     
    1. From Exit 5 (Arden Ave and Muldoon Ave) exit the West Shore Expressway and continue on the service road. At the top of the hill make the first left onto Arden Avenue.
     
    2. Take Arden Avenue to Arthur Kill Rd. and turn left. (There is a traffic light and you will see a Shell Gas Station to your left and a Sunoco Gas Station to your right.)
     
    3. Continue on Arthur Kill Rd for a half mile and we are located in the retail shopping center at 1281 Arthur Kill Rd, on the left side of the street. If you reach Woodrow Rd. you have gone too far.
     
    4. There is ample parking in the lot and several excellent restaurants that cater to every taste onsite. 



    View larger map



  • Our Guiding Mission

    Positive supports rooted in high standards, collaboration and informed planning can transform lives.

    Mission

    1. To connect individuals with all levels of ability to meaningful relationships, activities, and instruction in an effort to broaden interests, capacities and community inclusion.

    2. To improve and expand service delivery to marginalized individuals and their families and to provide practical solutions to daily struggles.

    3. To meet the unique service needs of individuals who struggle socially or emotionally, with the use of interventions based on research science and the latest advances in technology.

    4. To develop prevocational, vocational and employment services based on innate talents and unique challenges.

    5. To prove without further doubt that a holistic, person-centered model comprised of human respect, professional instruction and operational excellence need not be rare nor governed by greed.

     

    Great Connections Guiding Values

    Integrity

    A commitment to informed decision-making is our foundation, and we believe doing our best includes setting realistic expectations, working toward balance and sustainability, and being accountable to the community we service.

    Collaboration

    We recognize that the best outcomes are a result of the combined efforts and ideas of the stakeholders, community leaders and industry professionals. Combining forces with law makers, business leaders, medical professionals, academics, educators, family members and the individuals themselves is the only way to arrive at innovative solutions to the chronic challenges we face.

    Competence

    Effective service provision requires more than just good intentions. Social and behavioral challenges are rooted in neurological and cognitive differences. To ensure growth and development, practitioners and direct service providers need to understand these differences and employ interventions and practices that address these differences.

    Mindful Conduct

    We are committed to correcting misguided beliefs and practices that have led to marginalization and disenfranchisement of the special needs community. We will accept only a professional standard in our interactions with the individuals we serve and their families and will employ a rigorous training program to ensure the safe, appropriate and person-centered care they deserve.

    Community

    The cornerstone of our efforts is to combat social isolation and to create opportunities that include our individuals in every facet of their community, while providing them with the specialized supports and considerations they need to be fulfilled and successful.

    Creativity

    We understand that it's time to move away from traditional service models
    that fail to empower individuals and their families. Flexible and person-centered models that focus on self-determination, development and the dignity of work are necessary to meet the needs of this growing population.

    Objectives:

    1. Foster the innate talents of individuals
    2. Create opportunities for sustainable employment 
    3. Take advantage of technological advances
    4. Advance standards and training in the field
    5. Expand service delivery to include interventions and accommodations specific to the unique qualities of socially and emotionally disordered individuals
    6. Correct misguided beliefs in the industry and combat negative stereotypes held by the community
    7. Develop a holistic support system for individuals that addresses all standard indicators of their quality of life:
    • income
    • physical and mental health
    • social connections
    • training and education
    • recreation and leisure opportunities
    • modern and clean physical environments

  • Like what you're hearing? Please spread the word.

    Let's get the word out that there IS a better way to do this.



    Twitter
    @GreatConnects




    Phone
    718-948-GREAT
     
    (718-948-4732)




    Facebook
    facebook.com/great.connections.si



    Copyright Great Connections Inc. 2014 - 2019. All rights reserved.
    How to make a website
    Create your own website with Strikingly
    ${thanksMessage}
    Contact form brand
    How to make a website
    How to make a website
    • Enroll
    • Apps
    • What We Do
    • Who We Are
    • Programs
    • Directions
    • Mission
    • Connect