State Sen. Malcolm Smith Secures $200,000 in Funding for Substance Abuse Program (J-CAP)

(Albany, NY)- State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis), Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Independent Democratic Conference has secured $200,000 in funding for J-CAP, a substance abuse program based in Southeast Queens. The money will help facilitate its Veteran's Enhanced Treatment Services program.

The Senator has been a supporter of J-CAP for many years, even before he was a senator," said Diane Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of J-CAP. "Our relationship has grown and become that much more positive for his constituents and our clients. This money will enhance the services we can provide for veterans. We are grateful to Senator Smith for his help and our clients and their families are grateful to him as well."  

J-CAP occupies two buildings at the St. Albans VA campus, which accounts for 226 of the program's 418 treatment beds, and they have helped many service members over the years. The newly acquired funding will go to address the educational, vocational, housing and residential needs of the veteran population as well as to facilitate substance abuse and mental health services designed specifically for service members.

"Often times when veterans return home after serving our country, they are in need of counseling and require treatment for substance abuse," Smith said. "J-CAP is an invaluable resource for them, and I wholeheartedly support J-CAP and the services they provide."

Founded in 1968, J-CAP has grown from a storefront outreach center to a state licensed intensive residential drug treatment program, serving over 400 people. In addition to medical treatment, J-CAP provides individual and group counseling, educational classes and job training for its clients. Their Living Proof program serves the specialty medical needs of those infected with HIV/AIDS.

"J-CAP has helped veterans living within southeast Queens and the surrounding areas escape the grips of drug addiction, which is no small feat," Smith said. "I am proud to support this program, which has given so much to our community."