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A NOTE FROM JODY

COVID may be receding, at least for the moment, but we are still reeling from the mental health fallout of the pandemic. It’s something we see at ICL every day: concerning anxiety and depression rates, particularly among children and youth. In response, we continue to grow our programs and deliver new services to meet the needs of the people we serve.

This month, we took an important step forward in building a full continuum of services for families and children. I am excited to report that we received our certification as a Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) provider, allowing us to increase our outreach efforts and home visits, conduct assessments and swiftly implement psychiatric and psychosocial supports—including crisis intervention. This enhanced set of services positions us to deliver ICL’s whole health approach to this important population. You can read more about our children and youth focused services in our next newsletter, out in March.  

With wishes for good health,

Jody

P.S. In case you missed it, please check out our hot-off-the-presses 2021 Annual Report

A Place and a Pup to Call Her Own

Emily lives peacefully in her one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn with her support dog, Fluffy, who never leaves her side. She loves animals and Fluffy is by far her favorite.

When we first met Emily, she was 18 years old, had just aged out of an upstate residential treatment facility, and had moved into our Livonia Residence. The transition was difficult for Emily. Recognizing this, Livonia staff made sure she could keep in regular contact with staff and friends from her former home.

Soon, Livonia became Emily’s home and its staff her family. To this day, she keeps in touch with Harold, an ICL staff member who worked the overnight shift and would hang out with her when she couldn’t sleep “You can tell the staff there really understand you and don’t judge you. Harold really took his time to listen to me not just because it’s his job but because he really cares,” said Emily.  

We work closely with our foundation partners to make sure that crucial lifeline programs get the funding they need.

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

We are grateful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for their continued support of ICL Connects. Because of their funding, when the pandemic first hit, ICL Connects was there to help many newly unemployed New Yorkers get connected to benefits. And, the program continues to this day, helping hundreds of East New York and Brownsville residents improve their socio-economic stability, health, and well-being through access to healthcare and connection to public benefits, affordable housing, nutritious food, and more. Because of ICL Connects, more New Yorkers are on their way to better health and stability.

Altman Foundation

We also thank the Altman Foundation for its support of our integrative whole health work. With this year’s grant, we are screening and monitoring the health status of more than one thousand New Yorkers living in our scattered-site supportive housing throughout Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens. Since 2018, the Altman Foundation has served as an important partner in our work.

We are thrilled to be celebrating our 35th anniversary—in person—at our annual Gala. Please mark your calendar and join us on Thursday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. at The Plaza Hotel.

Formal invitations will be sent out in March. Proof of full vaccination required. Masking is required at all times except when eating or drinking.