A commitment to service
We believe in a
STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH

Lodestar focuses on helping children and families build upon their existing skills, supports, and successes in Long Island and NYC.

Lodestar is hiring
We are looking for
DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Our team makes a tremendous impact in the lives of youth. Volunteer or apply to work with us today!

Farmingdale Office
Our new premiere
DROP-IN CENTER

Lodestar has opened a new youth center in Farmingdale! We are excited to use this space to provide engaging and community-based services and care.

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Lodestar is a light that guides the way

We aim to empower children and families to take charge in their own treatment and recovery, and prevent more vulnerable youth from being hospitalized for mental health struggles. We are a licensed provider of HCBS and CFTSS community-based services that help our clients engage in their community and take charge of their education, their work, and their life.

600+ supported families by Lodestar


Lodestar is located in 4 counties





$225,000 donations were raised

*Lodestar proudly announces reaching seven figures in donations, enhancing our mental health services for children and families. While we receive support from Medicare and other sources, every donation significantly impacts our community efforts. Donations are crucial, but we also receive funding from Medicare and other sources.


15,000 visits as of 2024

WHAT WE DO

“HCBS” provides one-on-one care where clients feel the most comfortable- in their homes and in their communities. We believe that feeling welcome and engaged with your community is one of the strongest supports to prevent institutionalization, and strive to provide this security for the clients we serve.

“CFTSS” includes a more in-depth approach into treatment and recovery. These one-on-one services are provided in the home or in the community, and aim to help youth and their families develop strong coping skills and treatment plans to take charge of their mental health.

Our staff are dedicated to answering your questions and explaining how we can serve you. We are qualified to provide formal clinical assessments for service eligibility, and are dedicated to providing resources and support both inside and outside of Lodestar. Whether you’ve worked with us for a month or years, we are committed to helping your family plan the “next steps” in your treatment.

We started with a small team and big dreams.

Since 2016, Lodestar has worked to become a vital part of the children’s mental health care system for New Yorkers in the downstate region. Our tremendous growth in recent years is a testament to the quality we are providing and to the unmet need that continues to exist. We have expanded into New York City and employ over 100 staff to help over 200 families in need!

Justin Merk, Robert Suarez, Terence McSweeney, Rich Schaffer, James Regan, Mary Adams, Kevin McCaffrey, and Errol Toulon

1. Volunteer


Do you need community service hours and want to support a great cause? We are always looking for volunteers to help us with community outreach and fundraising events. Help spread Lodestar’s mission today by contacting Noelle at NArebalo@lodestarcs.org!

2. Join Our Team


Lodestar is always looking for engaging and creative staff who are passionate about children’s mental health. Join our team today for comprehensive training and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Email Danielle at DWeill@lodestarcs.org

3. Donate


Lodestar relies on financial support from our donors and sponsors to continue providing high quality services. Your donation can help buy engaging and therapeutic tools for our new youth center, a fun and memorable outing for a client in need, or new and innovative training for our staff. Contact Noelle at NArebalo@lodestarcs.org for further questions.

TESTIMONIALS

“James has always been a man who puts others first. Since I was 16 years old, he has been a great mentor of mine. I had been through a lot growing up and ended up in a group home. He was always there to guide me and help overcome my trials and tribulations.”

-Alex, former client of 6+ years

“James is an inspiration and an amazing person. I wholeheartedly recommend him as the ‘full package deal.’ An individual full of energy, enthusiasm, talent, and dedication, he has a passion for his clients and their families. I am thrilled to no end to have made.”

-Mohammed, client of 10+ years

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