AKWESASNE -- The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) announced the opening of a new youth clubhouse in Akwesasne, operated by the St. Regis Mohawk Nation.

The clubhouse, the first in tribal territory, will provide a place for young people ages to 12 to 17, who are either in recovery, or at risk of addiction, to develop social skills that promote long-term health and a substance-free lifestyle.

The clubhouse is being funded with more than $294,000 awarded to New York State under the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant, which is administered by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“We want to ensure that our youth have a safe and supportive place to go to socialize and help combat substance abuse,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. “This new youth clubhouse will offer an inclusive environment for young people to help with recovery and provide an opportunity to participate in recreational activities and learning programs. As part of our aggressive efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in New York, we’re working to make sure individuals and their families lead safe and fulfilling lives.”

The clubhouse provides a community-based, non-clinical setting for promoting long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, education, wellness, evidence-based prevention programs and other social activities. Clubhouse participants will have the opportunity to learn employment skills, receive help with school work, and participate in recreational activities, including basket weaving, belt looming, painting, and yoga.They will also work with and support each other to achieve personal and recovery-specific goals.

OASAS worked closely with the St. Regis Mohawk Nation to ensure that the clubhouse offers culturally competent services appropriate to the Native American Community. The clubhouse is located at 66 Business Park Road, Akwesasne.