Sound Community Services Inc

Sound is a great organization supporting the community. The staff is supportive and helpful. The CEO is recognizable and present. I have referred others to seek services here.

I have observed direct results from the work that Sound does, in persons served and the broader community. Events I have attended have been thoughtful, engaging, informative, and fun. I have researched public filings related to their State-based funding and found their results significantly above average. While I believe their social media quality could improve vs. other agencies and entities operating in their space, it still supports their overall mission, vision, and stated values. I plan on increasing my donations to Sound in the future.

Sound Community Services, Inc., is a wonderful place to be. Staff development is a key priority so they have the tools to meet the mission of servicing and ever-changing population and client need. The CEO conducts state of the art, emotional intelligence (EQi2), assessment and coaching to provide an enriched understanding and tools for leaders in the organization so they can be their very best. I’m proud to work here as we are truly living up to our vision and Core Values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect & Excellence!!!

This agency does so much for a wide variety of people in my city, that I decided to learn more about it.
I realized how many people, including alot of them that I already knew, received services that they couldn't get anywhere else. Whether it's young, or older adults getting assistance through our Social Rehabilitation Programs, or a homeless member of our Young Adult Program receiving the keys to their first apartment, and the support around it, so they don't have to worry about where their next meal will come from, SCSI makes this all possible. Sound Community Services in a premier social service agency that fills major voids in the community, and leaves nobody behind.

This is a wonderful agency with caring employees who work in a demanding profession. They live the core values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence in everything they do. These core values don't just live on a document, poster, or website, they have been embraced in the fabric of the culture as the guiding principles that drive us each day.

This agency works hard to bring quality employees to their programs, so that they can provide premiere care for their clients. You can ask any employee of Sound about their "Why?"-- in other words, Why do you do this type of work? Ever employee has a personal, compelling story to share that gives their work meaning. This agency lives and breathes its core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, & Excellence.

Strong efforts to support clients and provide a safe haven for community members makes this agency excellent. The staff demonstrates genuine concern for the people they serve and go above and beyond regularly.

Continued props for this very important service provider in the Southeastern CT region. Year after year, Sound demonstrates commitment to their mission, vision, and values. This year's inaugural 5K walk/run event was especially visible and impactful. Keep up the great work, Sounders!

As I turn the corner into my 13th year working at Sound Community Services, I am still happy to be here. One would be hard pressed to find an organization with a more compassionate leadership team who treat all with dignity and respect, and like real people. There is no 'rat-race' here, or bottom line to chase. Ideas are encouraged and if you are self-motivated, disciplined, and creative, you can accomplish anything you want.

The energy of the organization is in the name, and I take a lot of pride in that. Sound representing our geographical location, Community being the hallmark of who we are and who we serve, and Services being the broad stroke for the myriad of supports we offer those in need.

As an employee of Sound Community Services, I can say without reservation that the culture, commitment, and compassion of this agency is superior. Staff in all areas of the agency are committed to working together and with the community so that clients receive the best services and care. It is a pleasure to come to work every day.

Sound has demonstrated time and time again the willingness to go above and beyond the usual services. Events are held frequently for clients to engage in the wider shoreline community and provide ways for clients and staff to interact positively. Sound has also shown it's commitment to its staff by continually striving to improve their experience at work and listen to feedback from their employees. I've witnessed the advocacy first-hand and appreciate the efforts.

SCSI is a great resource for all in the community. SCSI understands the need to allow individuals with mental health issues to receive the best continuity of care. SCSI also supports these individuals in their time of need and offers continued support. Daily as you see the the faces of the clients you know the true reason why we are all here. " To serve" Thank you SCSI for all that you do as an agency.

One of my residents is graduating from New London Adult Education tonight, and we couldn't be more proud. When he came to us, he said one of his biggest regrets was not finishing high school and getting his diploma. We quickly turned that into one of his goals, and he worked hard, with our support, and he accomplished something he thought he never could. We truly do have services for everyone, and change lives for the better.

Sound Community Services CAREs. Working for this agency has made me nothing but proud to serve our community. From our amazing line level staff to our executive team, you will find someone who truly cares and will work day in and day out to support our community and our staff. Our clients have so many opportunities for growth and healing within the agency as we offer wrap around services to support all, no matter where you are at. Our staff are given training and many career advancement opportunities as well. I have felt nothing but support here and I know our client say the same.

I am a staff member of Sound Community Services Inc. (SCSI) and cannot be more proud of the services we provide to the community. SCSI upholds their CORE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. There is always opportunity for growth. I truly believe we provide premier services to the New London County community and are always pivoting to support needs as they are ever changing.

Sound continues to deliver on its recent change to mission / vision / values. They opened a new program in memory of a leader who passed away and really made it 'premier' and special. They invited many members of the community, the employees, their donors; Board Members were present and engaging with all. This organization does great work with great people working with great teams.

I've worked for Sound Community Services for over two years and they exemplify their Core Values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, they truly CARE for their persons served, their employees, and their community. They're bridging our community by providing the BEST Behavioral Health Services in Southeastern Connecticut and it shows!

Sound Community Services is an amazing non-profit to work with and to work for. The leadership team truly cares about the people who serve the people (it's employees). I have seen the employees work tirelessly to ensure the community members have what they need to live a fulfilling life, determined by their own goals and desires. The recent change in the Core Values have given purpose and meaning to all who embrace them. I would absolutely refer their services to anyone looking to enhance their well-being. If you are looking for meaningful work, something that makes you feel fulfilled, this is the place to be.

Over the years, SCSI has continued to strive to be not only the best provider for our clients, but also the best employer to its staff. SCSI is continuously looking for ways to grow and sustain a positive culture, while focusing on a strategic plan that will positively shape our future. Opportunities for growth and leadership are always available, and I'm excited to see what we can continue to build here at SCSI when we all work together collaboratively.

Sound Community Services has given me an opportunity to continue to grow as a professional in this field. I've worked in this field for over 20 years, and take pride in what I do. Through working here, I've been supported in getting the most out of myself, more than I thought was possible. I've learned how to hold myself accountable, which is the biggest value the agency stresses. Through doing this, I'm ensuring that my staff are putting forth their best effort, and the people we serve are getting all that they need, and deserve, out of our agency.

Sound is a place that truly lives and breathes its core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. The team is dedicated to assisting people transform their lives and are embedded in the community. Whether it's an Easter Egg Hunt, a back to school drive, Halloween or community support you are guaranteed to see people with a smile on their face. The people at Sound understand what true servant leadership is and that is what makes them special.

Sound Community Services demonstrated an extreme commitment to their community throughout the pandemic, continuing to serve their clients and supporting their staff in doing so safely. As an organization, they consistently evaluate themselves and look to improve how they provide service to the community and support their staff in becoming increasingly masterful in their field of expertise. While holding appropriate boundaries, staff repeatedly go above and beyond in supporting their clients through challenging times and guiding them towards meeting their needs.

Sound Community Services continues to be a shining star for the community of Southeastern CT. They never shout down during the pandemic and continued to serve the community. Their leadership training has provided "up and coming " staff to gain management skills which led to opportunities.

I watched this agency thrive during the COVID crisis. Quickly moving to teletherapy never got in the way of receiving services. They have also been named a top workplace for another year in a row.

Sound Community Services has been a great place to work. This agency has changed so much over the last 6 years in an incredible way. I love how people's thoughts are heard and executive management has reached out to the staff to gain feedback on the direction of the agency. Sound has really embodied it's goals by creating the CORE values and our agency exhibits them every day. The agency does such great programming and we truly CARE!

I am currently the Behavioral Health Homes Supervisor at Sound Community Services. In my department we have 3 case managers that work diligently each and every day to coordinate any medical care our clients need at SCSI or in the community. Each department here at SCSI ensures that the BHH whole health initiative is discussed and promoted to our clients that are active or eligible in our program. The received support we get in BHH from everyone that works at SCSI is greatly appreciated and makes working at SCSI more enjoyable. I've been here 5 years now and wouldn't want to work anywhere else!

Almost 5 years ago I made a leap from a 9 year long time employment to come to Sound Community Services. I was to say the least apprehensive at first, more so to leave one job for another. I decided to take the chance as I wanted to have the opportunity to not only work in my community that I reside in but to also know that I needed to be in a job that would allow me to grow professionally in my career. I made a lateral move into the community support program as a community care coordinator. 2 years later I had an opportunity to apply and interview for a leadership position at the agency in which I was accepted and given the opportunity to be a leader with some really amazing leaders within the agency. 2 1/2 years later I am still in my current role working with the chronically homeless population. After all my years working in this field, I had no idea that I would finally find my nitch. The guidance, support, training, and field work has continued to be the best years of my life. Plus I love our new core values as they mirror my own personal core values in my life outside of work; compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. I am so grateful I gave Sound Community a chance, no regrets on my end there.

Sounds Community Services Inc, has created a work environment allowing for staff and clients to feel as though they have a voice and it is heard. Each member of the leadership team from the CEO down interacts with the clients and staff served. In many non-profits you don't see or even get the opportunity to speak with those in upper management her at SCSI upper management interacts and allows all to be heard. This increase's a feeling as though all staff are making a difference in what they do and how they are able to work each and every day.

I've worked for SCSI for 3&1/2 years now. Sound Community Services has recreated our vision, mission and values that I am proud to be a part of and uphold. Through this agency I have met incredible people with even more incredible stories. I believe it is vital to eliminate the stigma around mental health and to let our persons served know, that they are not alone, it's ok to talk about mental health. I look forward to many more years with this wonderful agency!

Sound community service provided excellent service for all clients. They meet the clients where they are at and empower them every step of the way!

In my 11 years I could not be more proud to work for an organization that models the way and truly reflects the mission. Despite a global pandemic Sound Community has demonstrated a commitment to serve and provide the highest degree of services to all. At Sound, our core values are not just some words on a wall, they are who we are on and off the clock.

I have worked for several non-profit organizations over the years. None compare to the work that Sound Community does. The level of care, attention to clients' needs and appreciation of the employees is like nowhere else. I'm extremely proud to be a part of the Sound team!

I've worked for many non-profit agencies in my career, most recently with Sound Community Services, Inc (SCSI). They are an evolving agency that seeks to become the premier behavioral health organization. SCSI has done an amazing job of using data to drive change throughout the agency while balancing the human aspect and showing it's employees they are valued. The length of time our clients have been receiving services from the agency is a testament to the staff the agency employs. The people who work here are passionate about what they do and are guided by leaders who want to help those people continue to develop their passions to better serve our clients.

Sounds Commitment to Community Health Services is so far beyond expectations.
It is truly amazing to see that Commitment in action!

I came to Sound new in the field, green with passion for the work that they do. I was eager to get in and support the community, providing support to those who need it. I had ideas to improve the clinical services and the Sound leaders were open and welcoming, to me, fresh to the field. They supported my ideas and we were able to provide new services to the community within the first 18 months, after research and planning.
For my ideas to be welcomed and later implemented was so powerful in my foundation years in my career. Sound is an agency that supports growth and progress in those it serves, as well as the employees. There is a high focus on offering professional development to the team.

I recently bumped into an old friend who shared with me that he was going to Sound Community Services to see his Case Manager.

He is frustrated in his life right now, dealing with the affects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffered decades ago, and grand mal seizures brought on by the TBI. He has been unable to work steadily, and became emotional when telling me about how it is affecting his life.

He was thrilled, however, to tell me about how his Case Manager from Sound is amazing, and how much he has been helping my friend as he tries to navigate the social security/disability system and all the paperwork that goes with it. He told me that without his Case Manager, he wouldn't have made any progress at all.

He feels supported by the staff at Sound Community, and mentioned that even during the pandemic, he has been in contact with his Case Manager regularly.

Thank you, Sound Community, for taking such good care of my friend!

I have been working in the non-profit field for many years. I inevitably run across a person served or an employee of Sound Community Services. On many occasions I have been given the opportunity to connect with Sound and have always been pleased the show of respect and dignity they treat each other as well as those they serve. I have referred friends to their services when asked who I would choose. It is a comfort to have Sound Community Services in the neighborhood.

I have worked for Sound Community since 2005 it was the first job out of college. I began in a weekend position and was in that position for 10 years. All the While working at other social services agencies full time. Some of the Agencies were better than others but I always felt at home here at sound. The work we do here is rewarding, we help improve people’s lives through the work we do. It is not to say that the other agencies did not assist individuals, because they did. However, at times you can lose sight of what is important when the work becomes more of a priority then the individual you are trying to help. The deadline and numbers are prioritized above the real work one can become disillusioned. After 10 years working full time at other agencies, I took a full-time position at sound. I think I'll summarize it with one word Family. This Agency has a feeling of family you may disagree with something, but you are never made to feel intimidated. You can voice your concerns and express your feelings. Great place to work!

SCSI’s mission is clear. The organization truly cares about their clients, the community and their employees. Proud to be a part of the organization!

Sound Community Services is a very diverse, ambitious, hopeful and flexible environment to serve the members of our community and to work in! We have a wide range of services that become customized according to each of the clients needs. Even through these tough times, we still try our best to provide the support our person served acquire. Working here during a pandemic has been very accommodating and feasible. Our HR department has done a great job at overseeing their employees during a global pandemic and supporting us to our needs.

SCSI allows clients to reach their optimal wellness by providing client centered care and individualized treatment goals. The staff is energetic, positive, innovative and creative and their clients have fun while learning to be a healthier version of themselves. The variety of services provided allows for care under one roof and the clients rave about the fun they have participating in all the events and having the opportunity to socialize and meet new members of their community. The CEO is always around taking pictures and interacting with clients during all the events and even in the hallways, which you usually do not see in other organizations. He makes the clients know that he gets up and does this every day for them. That is so refreshing to see. SCSI is a wonderful place to clients and staff. Staff stay at Sound for years and truly love what they do everyday and that energy and passion is infectious. You are always in good hands whether you are an employee, client, colleague or a member of the local community, knowing SCSI is there as the local Community Mental Health Center if you have any behavioral health needs or are just looking for some support. I have the fortnate position as an employee of Sound Community as the Director of Outpatient Services and it is so rewarding to work with an amazing leadership team who allows me to be creative, innovative and works along side me as a team so we can build programs and plan together to bring clients the best services using evidenced based practices. I am excited to continue my clinical leadership career here!!!

I am a nurse in my first year of employment as a clinical coordinator at Sound Community Services. I have been impressed with the focus on the health and wellbeing of our clients and the emphasis on selfcare for the staff. During this time of pandemic, I have been amazed and honored to work for an agency that has shown determination not to walk away from the challenges and a creative and continued dedication to the clients we serve.

In today’s America inclusion and diversity are more important than ever. Sound Community not only provides an array of services, they pride themselves around accurate representation to serve the needs of the community. No one is left out and it is a place where everyone belongs. Sound feels like home to many, where lifelong bonds are established, memories are made and recovery happens!

The story of Sound can mirror a person going through their recovery process. From very dark times, to ones that exude hope and gratitude, Sound's journey is one that has inspired many during time times. A place where the peoples' needs are put first who have been inflicted with illness with new strategies in empowering them to lead their own paths.

Sound community services continues to show the community that they are a leader in the field of mental health services. Even during the COVID pandemic they continued to provide 24/7 residential services, tele-meds, employment services and still helping those who are homeless to find their way. A truly amazing agency filled with heart!

I have been employed for almost 2 years new. My experience has been nothing short of amazing. Never would I have thought that my personal development would be taken so seriously. I have been attending trainings, provided by leaders in the agency who model leadership like no others. The commitment to clients has created a real feeling of "community" and this makes coming to work such a pleasure

I am truly impressed by the way in which the staff at Sound Community Services live it's mission and values on a daily basis. The service innovation and systems integration efforts that are being utilized to better support the individuals served by the agency are particularly exciting. The strong relationships, growth opportunities, and success stories shared by both staff and clients at Sound Community Services demonstrate just how special the role of this agency is in the local community!

The staff as Sound are incredible! They come to work each and every day filled with compassion and dedication to ensure that they are always doing their best to meet the needs of their clients. When you walk through the halls, you are always greeted with kindness and a smile from staff and clients. It really is an inspiring and fulfilling place to work.

I have worked at SCSI for many years. SCSI allows its employees to be creative as well as take on special '" above and beyond projects ". Other non-profits I worked for had managers that considered going above and beyond or being creative as a threat to their turf. SCSI wants you to have a meaningful work experience, to take part in social change and to have impact on those we serve. Growth is nourished at SCSI and there is an absence of favoritism.

Sound Community continues to grow and have impact in ways that other non profit do not in Southeastern CT. Their young adult services is changing lives for young adults where other systems have failed them. Thank you SCSI for the work you do!

I'm so proud of the leadership that has taken place at this agency over the past few years. They are mission-driven, filled with passion and focused on the greater good of those dealing with mental health and substance issues.

I'm honored to be part of the Board.

As a client served by SCSI, my life has improved in ways too great to try to express. I went for being depressed to the degree that I could not even leave my apartment to having a job, being a volunteer and now I am returning back to school. My case manager, clinician and other staff at Oasis have saved my life.

Thank you

Sound Community is an organization that provides people with hope. Anybody who has or has been impacted by mental health challenges and/or substance abuse recovery can join the Sound community and be met where they are at and accepted for who they are. The entire team at Sound is truly dedicated to making sure all clients have the best resources available to them. This is done by creating a truly integrated service model through which everybody who walks through the doors is evaluated and offered the opportunity to participate in a full range of support services. Whether people want to engage in case management, medication management, individual or group therapy, intensive outpatient work, employment support, residential programs, young adult programming or social/community activities, Sound's staff will make those in-house connections and create a customized care plan to meet those needs.
Sound has gone through many challenges and changes over its lifetime and has now hit a new level of integration, community engagement and colleague support that directly correlates to powerful, long-lasting community health and wellness. Whether it is partnering with Mitchell College, working along side other service agencies or advocating at the state Capital, Sound is leading the way in raising up those on the margins and bringing them into the center of society. It's amazing to be a part of such a powerful transformation!
Sound is what it is today because of the staff. Full of energy, passion and a deep commitment to social change, their work transcends day-to-day activities and is truly in their blood. The people who work at Sound do so because they want to be a part of changing perceptions around those with behavioral health and substance abuse recovery challenges. This is done through clinical, medical, residential and community work as well as education, advocacy and engagement across New London County. You will find no better representation of fulfilling a mission to improve the community than Sound Community Services!

Sound Community Service is an amazing place to work. We work hard to empower our clients and help them succeed. We empower our staff to show their full potential.

Sound is an incredible resource in the New London Community. They are a place where individuals with mental and behavioral health needs and substance abuse needs go to find supports and tools to help them in their unique paths to recovery. I have personally witness struggling individuals find happiness and health in was they never thought possible. In addition to helping their clients, they are also an incredible place to work. Staff are valued, encouraged, and given the opportunity to become their best selves. I am proud to be a part of the Sound Community and to make an impact on the lives of others.

SCSI is a great place to have all the help one may need under one roof. Whether someone needs help with housing, employment, socialization, medication support, or therapy, there is such an array of services.

I love this agency. After years of leadership by a person that did nothing to improve the agency, a culture of non-services lived. Under the new leadership, people are now getting what they need to be better employees and there are expectations that we all will focus out attention on the people we serve. Something we need direction, expectations and healthy boundaries. If lazy overpaid people think they and just not serve, this is not the place to work. The new CEO is a visionary who has awaken the staff, clients and agency with his leadership that leads from the heart, but at the same time pushes his staff to be accountable, and creative.

I was a client served for over 4 years with high staff turnover. Then I was hired in a peer position, retaliated against by co-workers due to stigma, bullied by my supervisor and then terminated for advocating in the community for a client that was being taken advantage of financially by another medical provider.

As a person in Recovery and a member of the "Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness" I have found Sound Community to be the only agency with wrap around services, Housing, Safety Net, Income and Employment.

I can't be more proud of an organization than I am of Sound Community Services, having served on the board of directors since 1998 and as chairman for 3years until 2010. After being witness to friends and family members suffering from various mental illnesses(manic depression, paranoia followed by substance abuse resulting in several deaths and suicide attempts) and failed treatments , I grabbed at the opportunity to serve and try to make a small difference. I thought the intent of the non-profit of helping adults adapt back into the community both socially and possibly employment wise was wonderful. Immediately after I joined the board of First Step Inc. trajedy struck with the murder of a manager. But our board showed it's mettle in leadership by supporting improved treatment, improving safeguards for our employees and clients, community education about our organization and mental illness, and merging First Step Inc.(case management) and IBH(clinical side) into Sound Community Services Inc. in 2005 with the result of providing seamless care for our clients.Our board was formed by merging both boards but quickly took on it's own personality. With the direction of our CEO Dr. Gail Lawson we have perfomed the merger, in process of moving our day program, the Oasis Center,to a better andlarger facility,have an in-house pharmacy,moved the Norwich clinic to a newer facility, expanded housing, and in the process of acquiring a building to better house SCS. I am also extermely proud of the development of our fundraising aspects of the board. We have many members actively involved.One example of usage of the money raise is to send two clints to High Hopes for therapeutic riding. Oter monies will be used for capital expenses.The saddest part is that I am off the board for one year after serving three cosecutive 3 year terms! But I do volunteer on some committees.

As a Board member since 2003, I am always delighted to have a chance to speak on behalf of Sound Community Services. When I originally joined the Board, it was my intention to serve a 3-year stint and then move on. Now, 8 years later, with the exception of a one-year hiatus required after every 9 years of service, I am committed to SCSI for as long as I am able. I have been a marriage and family therapist in private practice for nearly 30 years, and in that capacity, have had occasion to work with clients who, either themselves or their families, have been consumers of the many and varied services of SCSI. Time and again, both in my practice and as a Board member I have had the oppportunity to witness both the professional skill and the human compassion of the excellent staff at SCSI. In my experience, they are an exceptional team.

A few months ago I attended a fund raiser for this organization. The persons involved with the event were very helpful, friendly and responsible. They were attentive to their guests and their tasks at hand. From my brief interactions I could see the volumteers were very dedicated to their organization and seemed committed to their cause. they seem to have a deep and valuable sense of community. That is a valuable thing.

I have been on the board of Sound Community Services since 2004 and I have been the secretary since 2007. My day job is as a neuroscientist, so to me it made sense to volunteer my time with an organization that provides practical help to the people afflicted with the disorders that I study. It has been my great pleasure to experience the caring and dedication of the members of the board with the majority of them serving three consecutive three year terms and then taking the mandatory year off only to return again. I think that speaks to everyone's commitment to the cause of caring for people with mental health issues.

I have also had the priviledge to meet with many of the employees of SCS and have seen their dedication first hand. They are obviously passionate about what they do and I hope to continue to work with and learn from them for years to come.

I have worked in a software vendor capacity with Sound Community Services over the last 8 months. It is always mentioned that healthcare in general is slow to change, and this belief is probably even more profound for the behavioral health community. Gail Lawson and her team at Sound are an exception to this widely-held belief. They have creatively used technology to drive greater productivity but, more importantly, to deliver high quality care to those societal members most in need. They possess great attitudes, are enthusiastic about their mission, and deliver a great service to their clients. One doesn't run across high-performing and ethical organizations very often, so it leaves a lasting impression when you do come across one. Sound Community Services has certainly made a lasting impression on me.