2021 National Award-Winning Program
Thomas J. Moran Award Recipient

The Nathaniel Project

Organization

Center for Alternative Sentencing & Employment Services (CASES)

Program

The Nathaniel Project

Partners

Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice

New York State Office of Mental Health

New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court

Howie the Harp Advocacy Center

The Nathaniel Project

Center for Alternative Sentencing & Employment Services (CASES)

151 Lawrence Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Joel Copperman
Chief Executive Officer

212.553.6354

In America, there are more individuals living with serious mental illness detained in jails and prisons than being served in psychiatric treatment centers. Most of these incarcerated people lack access to mental health services that could help them recover. As a result, they often are subject to violence and ongoing suffering while imprisoned, and they struggle to find their footing when released into the community.

50+%

Percentage of people admitted to jail in NYC in 2021 with mental health treatment needs; the annual cost to incarcerate each individual exceeds $447,000

500+

Individuals living in NYC with serious mental illnesses who were diverted to the Nathaniel Project’s intensive, community-based mobile treatment services instead of going to prison

Nearly 90%

Nathaniel Project graduates who have had no new felony convictions within two years of completing the program

What makes the Nathaniel Project unique is the incredible reputation they’ve developed with the courts and the district attorney’s office. They’ve proven that when we dedicate resources into giving people community treatment, as opposed to locking them up, public safety is increased, and lives are changed for the better.”

Jeffrey Berman

Mental Health Attorney, Legal Aid Society

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