Since 1994, the Annex has been designated as a therapeutic community for inmates with histories of both substance abuse and domestic violence. This unique program was the first of its kind to be initiated in the U.S., and was recognized in 1996 with a national award from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Another innovative program is the Braille Translation Unit. Eastern works closely with the NYC Vision Resource Center and the NYS Education Department's Resource Center to provide Braille textbooks and other educational printed material for visually handicapped public school children. Specially trained SDU staff address communication skills, academic education, mobility training, and other individual needs as may be identified.
Some participants make dog tags in a sheltered workshop environment for issuance by the state.
The residential SDU also acts as a resource for impaired inmates in the general population. The industrial program has two components, together employing over 100 inmates.