[Press Release] – CROSSROADS HEALTH TRANSITIONS SERVICES WHILE CONTINUING THE NEW DIRECTIONS LEGACY
NEW DIRECTIONS
Pepper Pike, Ohio
A Service Program of Crossroads Health
As you may have recently heard, the Crossroads Health Board of Directors made the very difficult and deeply deliberative decision to close our New Directions residential program, effective June 2026.
This was not a decision made lightly—New Directions has been a cornerstone of care for youth and families for many years, and its impact is felt deeply across our community. After extensive discussion and careful consideration, the Board ultimately determined that significant and ongoing shifts in the funding and regulatory landscape—impacting residential treatment programs both regionally and nationally—have made it unsustainable to continue operating in its current form.
While this marks the close of an important chapter, it also represents a strategic transition—from a single program model to a more sustainable, scalable approach to supporting families and their children while navigating youth substance use disorder (SUD).
Our highest priority remains unchanged: ensuring continuity of care and stability for every young person and family we currently serve. Each individual will have a personalized transition plan, with a strong focus on step-down services, ongoing treatment access, and coordination of care. No client will be discharged without a clear and supported path forward.
If you or someone you know needs substance use disorder services, please contact Crossroads Health at 440-255-1700 to schedule an assessment or walk-in between 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.
CROSSROADS HEALTH TRANSITIONS SERVICES WHILE CONTINUING THE NEW DIRECTIONS LEGACY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pepper Pike, OH – May 6, 2026 – After thoughtful review and with guidance from its Board of Directors, Crossroads Health has made the difficult but necessary decision to conclude adolescent residential substance use disorder services at New Directions in Pepper Pike. New admissions have ended and residential services will close by June 30th.
This decision reflects the rapidly shifting funding environment and evolving regulatory requirements that have increasingly impacted residential treatment programs throughout the region and nation. While this chapter is coming to a close, Crossroads Health remains deeply committed to providing resources for families to access high-quality, whole-person substance use treatment.
“Every individual currently served will have a personalized transition plan,” said Leslie Quilty, President and CEO of Crossroads Health. “We are prioritizing step-down and continuing care options—including services available through Crossroads Health. No client will be discharged without a plan. Our focus is on maintaining continuity, stability, and compassionate care for youth, families, and the systems that support them.”
Although residential services at New Directions are ending, Crossroads Health’s responsibility to children and families continues. The Board and leadership team are actively exploring how the existing New Directions endowment and related philanthropic resources can carry forward its legacy—supporting families in meaningful, sustainable, and accessible ways into the future. Additional details regarding treatment and service options will be shared throughout the coming months.
New Directions currently employs 28 full- and part-time staff members. Some will remain part of the Crossroads Health team, while others will be supported in securing meaningful employment with nonprofit organizations offering similar services throughout Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties.
“This was an extremely difficult decision,” said Leslie Quilty. “For more than 45 years, New Directions has been a lifeline for children and families, and countless lives were saved because people showed up every day with care, courage, and commitment. Our staff, volunteers, board members, and donors deserve immense gratitude. Even as resources for people in recovery continue to shrink, this work matters deeply. We will do everything possible to honor and carry forward the legacy of New Directions that was built by so many who believed in this mission.”
Media contact: Leslie Quilty, MEd, LPCC-S, President & CEO lquilty@crossroadshealth.org www.crossroadshealth.org
