Lower level gender neutral restroom - liberation programs, INC. (LPI) will use congressionally-directed spending to install a new fully-equipped gender-neutral restroom in the lower level of the…

Lower level gender neutral restroom - liberation programs, INC. (LPI) will use congressionally-directed spending to install a new fully-equipped gender-neutral restroom in the lower level of the pelletier wellness center, our two-floor state-of-the-art outpatient substance misuse clinic in bridgeport, connecticut, for use by LPI staff; the pelletier wellness center served 1,514 clients in 2021. The lower level has been built out as a result of additional staff hired due to an increased client census, and the space must be equipped with gender-neutral restrooms so staff working in the area do not need to go to the upper level when using the restroom. This allows for greater productivity and comfort, as well as increased confidentiality, as clients are not allowed to access the lower level. Funding will cover this project's planning and execution, including architecture, plumbing, installation, labor, and overhead. As part of our response to the covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent increase in client loads, LPI hired more frontline staff; this has led to the need for increased office space where staff can handle confidential client information, make necessary phone calls to clients and other providers, and complete any necessary reporting and compliance tasks. LPI has built out the lower level of the pelletier wellness center to suit this need, installing offices and workspaces so staff may work freely in a confidential and fully-equipped space. Equipping the lower level with gender-neutral restrooms is an important step in providing the most comfortable and convenient work setting possible for LPI staff in the lower level. Gender-neutral restrooms allow staff to remain in the lower level as they complete their work instead of having to go upstairs and use restrooms that are shared with other staff and recoverees, leading to increased comfort, convenience, and productivity. The purpose of the pelletier wellness center's construction, in part, was to create an environment where staff are able to enjoy ample space, updated amenities, and more positive working conditions; the addition of a gender-neutral restroom in lower level continues that commitment to supporting our staff who in turn pass that support onto our recoverees. The restroom promotes inclusivity for staff as IT is gender-neutral, and provides accommodations to employee needs while affirming employees who may identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender-neutral, or non-binary. Liberation programs' mission is to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services to individuals and their families impacted by substance use and mental health conditions, and to foster hope and maintain wellness. The installation of the lower level gender-neutral restroom will give staff the space to help US fulfill this mission for a population critically in need.