Who We Are
Our Mission
We are committed to helping individuals living with mental illness achieve stable community living and independence. Our goal is to provide services and supports that assist individuals living with mental illness to thrive and achieve their full potential for a happy, independent life in the community of their choice.
Our Vision
At Mohawk Opportunities, our vision is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and welcome, embrace, and support people living with mental illness in achieving their potential.
Our History
Mohawk Opportunities Inc. has been a pioneer in establishing innovative services for individuals with mental illness in Schenectady County since 1968. When Dominion House opened at this time, it was one of the first community residences for people transitioning from psychiatric institutions in New York State.
The founders of Mohawk Opportunities had the groundbreaking belief that people with severe mental illness could thrive living in the community and have a better quality of life than living in a psychiatric institution. As a result, Dominion House opened to support nine women in their recoveries.
The philosophical foundation came to life — a home in the community would provide individuals with mental illness the ability to make their own choices about housing, treatment, and recovery.
Mohawk Opportunities' cornerstone philosophy is that by providing a home for those living with mental illness, along with treatment options, individuals would have the power to make choices about their housing, their treatments, and their recoveries. This philosophy remains true today.
Throughout the years, Mohawk has increased services to accommodate the rising needs of people with mental illness. Our continuum of care provides supervised residential, independent living support, care management, and clinical treatment to more than 500+ individuals annually.
Today, Mohawk Opportunities continues in the spirit of our founders, addressing the changing needs of those living with chronic and severe mental illness in our community.
Our Core Values
Mohawk Opportunities is dedicated to fostering a Community of Belonging and Inclusion
through our commitment to the following agency values:
Building Growth & Resilience
A commitment to growth means believing that everyone—the people we support, staff, and the organization—can continue to learn, improve and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling future. We encourage progress at each person’s pace, recognizing that growth is not linear, and setbacks are part of recovery. Mohawk Opportunities promotes resilience by fostering access to opportunities for all individuals to use their strengths and maximize their capabilities.
Developing a Culture of Empowerment
A culture of empowerment helps people feel capable, valued and in control of their journey—an essential foundation for meaningful, sustainable recovery. Mohawk Opportunities creates a safe, respectful environment where people feel heard, contributions are valued, and experiences are honored. We encourage collaborative relationships throughout the organization and connect people to resources the open new opportunities for stability, belonging and purpose. We reinforce that every person has the potential to shape their own path.
Eliminating Stigma
Mohawk Opportunities works to eliminate stigma by creating a culture where seeking support is normal; people are treated with compassion, and every individual is welcomed as a full and valued member of the community. We encourage communication and actions that honor each person’s inherent dignity and worth. We advocate for inclusive access to resources, opportunities, and meaningful community participation.
Board of Directors
Gloria Bailey
Christina Brady
Martin Cirincione
Dawn DeLeaury Jones
Glynnis Hunt
Alexander Kayser
Kristin May
David Morrell
Bruce D. Rowledge
Amanda Udairam
Joseph Wilson
President
Eileen Casey
Vice President
Anne Marie Heim
Treasurer
Jonathan Pearson IV
Secretary
Joan Blando
Board Member Emeritus
Meet our Leadership Team
-

Steve Klein
Chief Executive Officer
-

Jodi Kovach
Sr. Director of Community Services
-

Katie McGlynn
Sr. Director of Residential Services
-

Kelley Nutter
Sr. Director of Human Resources

