Makeshift shows community resources

At the first Makeshift meeting last August, people attending asked to connect with community resource organizations. The Makeshift Movement and the Oceanside Kiwanis club answered the call and co-sponsored a night focused on community activities, sober living and treatment.

Co-Founder and Community Liaison Alison Amato said thanks to the Oceanside School District and Kiwanis, Makeshift could bring a variety of organizations together that deal with chemical dependence, alcoholism, mental illness and disabilities, and family needs.

Among the groups represented, Families in Support of Treatment, the Seafield Center, both of which help families dealing with addiction. Smart Recovery, a self empowering addition recovery and support group, Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, South Oaks Hospital, the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Nassau County Chemical Dependency and Nassau Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous were there to work with those who face drug and alcohol problems. Oceanside Department of Community Activities which offers a wide range of programs for all ages, the Oceanside Kiwanis Club which serves children and communities, Sip This Café, a Valley Stream coffee house, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Serenity Zone, a psychotherapy stress and anger management practice, rounded out the organizations that came to offer services and help.