In early 2022, CASES launched the Mobile Outreach & Crisis Program (MOCP) with the goal of providing mobile services for community members in Manhattan and the Bronx experiencing behavioral health crisis, with a focus on people impacted by previous involvement in the criminal legal system. MOCP pairs social workers with peers working together in the field to help resolve crises and connect people in need with care including to prevent avoidable hospitalization or a criminal legal system response.  

“We are a small team of social workers,” said Xavier Cornejo, a Behavioral Health Specialist on MOCP. The program has been successful in building trust with recipients and bridging them to ongoing services that, according to Xavier, can provide meaningful support for “whatever life needs they feel they need to be connected to.” 

 The MOCP team recently shared a Day in the Life of their team on CASES Instagram, documenting their daily activities providing crisis intervention, harm reduction, support referrals, and peer support services to community members in Central Harlem. “I was attracted to CASES as a potential intern because of the reputation,” said William Jackson, Peer Intern. “I’m really enjoying the hands-on work that we’re doing.”  

For CASES, relationship building is about supporting clients wherever they are and whenever they need support, including to restore their visibility as members of their communities. Recent MOCP projects highlighted in Day in the Life posts include a Thanksgiving Meal Drive and street clean-up planned to center participants’ humanity, which can often be made invisible within criminal legal and hospital systems.  

“As a Peer, reciprocity and authenticity of experience is very important,” Ambar P. Martinez, Senior Peer Specialist, said. “CASES thrives at connecting with members and people in the community that might be needing services.”   

You can watch a full Day in the Life of MOCP on CASES Instagram, under our “DITL – MOCP” highlight. Be sure to follow CASES social media to stay connected!  

Support MOCP and other CASES programs by donating to the Not Invisible, Not Alone Campaign.