Samaritan Daytop Village

Samaritan Daytop Village is a comprehensive nonprofit health and human services agency headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1960 by Father Damian Pitcaithly as the Astoria Consultation Clinic in Queens, it has grown into one of New York State's largest providers of substance use treatment, mental health care, and supportive housing. The organization serves over 43,000 individuals annually through more than 80 programs across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Its services include addiction and mental health treatment, primary health care, housing assistance, vocational training, alternative education, and specialized programs for veterans, seniors, adolescents, and families. The agency operates on an integrated care model and emphasizes evidence-based practices, risk reduction, and quality assurance. Its mission is to help individuals and families facing adversity—whether in recovery, experiencing homelessness, or navigating life's toughest challenges—to rebuild their lives with dignity. The organization's tagline, "Where Good Lives," reflects its belief that good lives in everyone. Samaritan Daytop Village is a private, nonprofit entity governed by a board and leadership team, and it continues to expand its reach and refine its services to meet evolving community needs.

Samaritan Daytop Village traces its origins to 1960, when Father Damian Pitcaithly opened the Astoria Consultation Clinic at St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church in Queens, New York, to provide drug and alcohol counseling to adolescents. In 1965, the organization incorporated under a new name, and in 1969, as the Samaritan Halfway Society, it opened its first licensed residential program in Richmond Hill to treat addiction. The 1970s were a period of pioneering innovation: in 1974, after changing its name to Samaritan Village, it launched the country's first methadone-to-abstinence residential treatment program in Richmond Hill. That same year, it introduced primary health care services alongside treatment to address clients' chronic diseases. In 1976, it began offering vocational, educational, and financial services to residents. Over the following decades, Samaritan Village expanded its scope to include mental health care, housing, and specialized services for veterans, seniors, and families. The organization eventually merged with Daytop Village, another prominent addiction treatment provider, to form Samaritan Daytop Village. Today, it operates more than 80 programs across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, serving over 43,000 individuals each year. It is recognized as one of New York State's largest health and human services providers, with a history spanning more than 60 years of continuous evolution and community impact.

• 1976

  Begins offering vocational, educational, and financial services to residents.

• 1974

  After changing its name to Samaritan Village, it launches the country's first methadone-to-abstinence residential treatment program in Richmond Hill.

• 1974

  Introduces primary health care services alongside treatment to address clients' chronic diseases.

• 1969

  As the Samaritan Halfway Society, it opens its first licensed residential program in Richmond Hill to treat addiction.

• 1965

  The organization incorporates under a new name.

• 1960

  Father Damian Pitcaithly opens the Astoria Consultation Clinic at St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church in Queens to provide drug and alcohol counseling to adolescents.

A nationally recognized leader in health and human services, offering compassionate, evidence-based care to help New Yorkers reclaim their lives.

• Addictions and Mental Health Services

  Personalized addiction and mental health services to help individuals reclaim their lives.

• Housing Assistance

  Supportive housing, assistance with securing a stable home, and help building skills for independent living.

• Primary Health Services

  Primary health care integrated with treatment.

• Alternative Education

  Educational programs for adolescents and young adults.

• Care Coordination

  Coordinated care to help individuals navigate services.

• CASAC Training Institute

  Training for credentialing as a substance abuse counselor.

• PARC Certification Trainings

  Certification trainings for professionals.

1. 1Home - Samaritan Daytop Villagesamaritanvillage.org
2. 2Our History - Samaritan Daytop Villagesamaritanvillage.org
3. 3About - Samaritan Daytop Villagesamaritanvillage.org
4. 4Mission In Action - Samaritan Daytop Villagesamaritanvillage.org
5. 5Samaritan Daytop Village - Wikidatawikidata.org