Program Material

Open Doors Transition Center resources are available below. Transition Specialists may access additional resources through the Open Doors Database.

Success Story

Rosalyn Briggs is a 69-year-old woman who had been living in the Plaza Rehab nursing home since 2019. She had multiple illnesses which unfortunately progressed to the point where she was admitted to a hospice care facility in February 2020 to be “comfortable in her final days.” As a result, her case was closed because her needs could not be met in the community.

Fast forward to August 2021. Rosalyn recovered in hospice care and was re-admitted to the nursing home. Her case was re-opened, paving the road to independence.

“My faith and willpower saved me by bringing me back to good health,” said Briggs.

Despite her desire and willpower to live on her own in the community Rosalyn was very hesitant due to the lack of informal support. Her family lives far away and could not always be there. She also struggled with anxiety about her memory when she was not able to recall certain information.

Transition Specialist Lisa Rivera with Bronx Independent Living Services connected Rosalyn to services so the transition into the community could begin. Lisa connected Rosalyn with the Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) program. She got a Housing Specialist who worked on finding an apartment, along with guiding her through each step of the process to reduce anxiety.

For Briggs, 2022 was a very freeing year. Through OHS she was able to find an apartment and sign a lease in August. Lisa then helped her with the process of getting aide services in the community through a managed long term care plan. She also helped Rosalyn connect with the Good Neighbor Program to provide her with back-up supports and social connections in the community. Rosalyn’s Good Neighbor has already helped her navigate things like getting her social security in her name and getting meals delivered.

In October, after much planning, Rosalyn was finally able to move into her apartment with all the supports she needed. “I’m 1,000%...1,000,000,000% grateful to Lisa and the whole team for helping me get to where I am today. I am truly blessed,” said Briggs.