Dear friends – 

As we reflect on the close of another remarkable quarter and look toward the upcoming holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative work we continue to accomplish at Acacia Network, which touches the lives of tens of thousands of individuals and families every year. Whether it's through healthcare, affordable housing, behavioral health services, or social support, we are a lifeline for so many.

Our work is vital, and its impact ripples across generations. From New York to Puerto Rico, we lead with tenacity, compassion, and accountability, setting the standard for what culturally competent, community-driven care should look like.

As we prepare for a season of thanks, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous strides we’ve made over the past quarter. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Housing Development & Real Estate: Virginia House in East Harlem will open in November, providing 56 affordable units for low-income seniors;
• Supportive Housing & Social Services: We completed an extensive capital project at our OMH-licensed Kelly Community Residence, and are excited to move our residents back into the newly renovated facility;
• Primary Care: Our clinics continue to emphasize preventive care, including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, plus our new WIC Program is serving over 500 clients;
• Behavioral Health: We are proud to continue innovating in behavioral health through our MMUs, CCBHCs, and new Crisis Stabilization Centers;
• Substance Use & Addiction Services: During Recovery Month, we celebrated 85 program graduates and raised awareness through community events;
• Economic Development & Benefits Access: Seedco’s Maryland SNAP Program surpassed goals and secured a new three-year grant;
• Older Adult Services: Acacia hosted the IPRHE Older Adults Conference, promoting mental and physical health for seniors;
• Arts & Culture: Loisaida Inc. hosted cultural events and festivals at their Center and around the Lower East Side;
• Regional Work: Capital District LATINOS in Albany celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month; Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo (HUB) is preparing for its Annual Gala; La Liga in Syracuse provided housing, financial literacy, and career services to hundreds of clients; and we helped inaugurate Casa Kai, a new arts and technology center in Santurce.

As we enter this season of gratitude, I encourage you to continue supporting our mission. Together, we will keep breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and building healthier, more vibrant communities.

Thank you for being part of our journey. You can count on us to stand by our communities and empower them to thrive!

Gracias siempre,

Lymaris Albors

CEO

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT & REAL ESTATE

Our Virginia House senior housing development in East Harlem will begin moving in residents during the month of November, just in time for the holiday season! Located at 128 East 112th Street, Virginia House includes 56 affordable units for low-income seniors (62+), with 23 units for formerly homeless individuals. Developed by Promesa HDFC, the $33.4 million project is supported by Section 8 vouchers and HRA services to help seniors remain in their homes, thus ensuring long-term affordability and support for its residents.

The building has a long history of serving vulnerable populations, dating back to 1977, and has gone through several transitions before being conveyed to Promesa HDFC in 2015. It has been renovated to meet modern green design standards. Residents will receive support services through a partnership with NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA). Amenities include community and laundry spaces, promoting green living and energy efficiency.

Project funding comes from a mix of public and private sources, including: HPD Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) funds, City Council and Borough President Discretionary Funding (Reso A), New York State Assembly allocation, Sterling National Bank, Enterprise Grant, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, as well as deferred developer fees and accrued interest.

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING & SOCIAL SERVICES

Our Supportive Housing & Social Services Division operates Individual Residential Alternatives (IRAs) under the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Community Residences and Apartment Treatment Programs under the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Congregate Supportive Housing under the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), NYC HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) Supportive Housing Programs, as well as diverse supportive housing programs for single adults and/or families.

This past quarter, residents of our programs enjoyed a broad array of outings and recreational activities, including a Fourth of July BBQ, visits to a Yankees Game and the NY Botanical Garden, Game and Movie Nights, and much more. These outdoor engagement activities offer opportunities for social interaction, skills development, and interactive learning, which are important to the wellbeing of the vulnerable populations we serve in this portfolio. 

In addition, we're excited to announce the completion of an extensive capital project at our OMH-licensed Kelly Community Residence (CR), and are excited to move our 30 residents back into the newly renovated state-of-the-art facility.

PRIMARY CARE & PUBLIC HEALTH

Our Senior Medical Director Dr. Daniel Rosa was recently interviewed on BronxNet’s “Diálogo Abierto” to discuss the importance of preventive health care and annual immunizations. Watch the interview above!

As we near the holiday season, let's keep ourselves and our loved ones safe by getting our annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Our primary care arm, La Casa de Salud (LCDS), operates a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that provide a robust array of services for patients of all ages, including preventive care, chronic disease management, comprehensive immunizations, women’s health, pediatrics, dental care, WIC program, and more.

Walk into any of our clinics or click here to schedule an appointment today!

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Acacia Network is at the forefront of driving innovation in behavioral health by delivering dynamic, culturally responsive care to address the mental health and addiction crises, with a focus on expanding and integrating our services, ensuring that we remain a leader in behavioral health care while adapting to evolving community needs.

Our Mobile Medication Units (MMUs) bring life-saving resources, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), directly to individuals with limited access to care. We also operate Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which ensure individuals receive coordinated, integrated care that addresses both mental health and physical wellness. In addition, our intensive and supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers –which are currently under development– will offer 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises, providing immediate intervention and reducing emergency room visits.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Acacia Network is shaping the future of behavioral health and helping communities thrive by combining evidence-based practices with culturally competent care!

SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION SERVICES

In commemoration of National Recovery Month, Acacia Network hosted its annual Recovery Graduation on Friday, September 27th, marking a major milestone in the recovery journeys for 85 participants from various addiction treatment programs. The event featured performances by program graduates, special remarks from Acacia Network leaders, and a keynote address by Stephanie Campbell, Senior Vice President of Strategic Solutions at Kent Strategic Advisors, who honored the achievements of individuals in recovery and underscored the importance of perseverance, resilience, and community in overcoming addiction.

In addition, we organized community events to raise awareness about addiction and contribute to efforts to end the overdose epidemic. Part of a statewide initiative, the events took place at key treatment centers, including Alba de Vida in Buffalo, Safe Point Lighthouse in Dunkirk, the Ramón Vélez Recovery Center in the Bronx, and transitional housing sites across New York City through Acacia Network Housing. Activities brought together staff and clients for creative and engaging experiences, such as designing shirts and playing board games. We also distributed harm reduction supplies, and held special remembrance events to honor the lives lost to overdoses, fostering a sense of community and support.

We also hosted several Naloxone Trainings in Queens through our affiliate, J-CAP, in partnership with the Office of Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. in an effort to continue combatting overdose deaths. Watch the news clip below to get the scoop from PIX 11:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & BENEFITS ACCESS

Seedco’s Maryland SNAP Program closed its program year on a high note on September 30th, with the team surpassing most of its goals in partnership with 10 community-based organizations. Together, they delivered critical services to communities across Baltimore and beyond, making a tangible difference in food access and support, including:

• Providing education on SNAP benefits to 10,458 households;
• Prescreening 2,336 households for SNAP;
• Assisting 1,567 households with the SNAP application process;
• Helping 639 households with barriers to successfully completing the recertification process.

In addition, this summer the Seedco SNAP Program relocated its Maryland office to the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development in Baltimore. By sharing space with other community-focused organizations, the team has not only cut costs but also enhanced service delivery by joining a one-stop hub of resources for residents.

Looking ahead, Seedco is poised to continue its leadership as Maryland’s largest "Lead" SNAP Agency. The organization has been awarded a new three-year grant (2024-2027) to provide outreach, public education, and enrollment assistance across Baltimore and seven additional counties. Seedco will oversee 11 partner organizations in this effort, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to vital resources for Maryland families in need.

OLDER ADULT SERVICES

We held our annual Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE) Older Adults Conference on August 15th, during which 400 older adults ages 60+ were engaged in a full day of learning and wellness at the Columbia University Alfred J. Lerner Hall. Participants enjoyed presentations and informational tables, and engaged in physical activity through our Zumba and Mindfulness workshops.

Then, on October 17th we hosted our Annual IPRHE Older Adult Showcase “La Gran Fiesta” at The Hostos Center For The Arts & Culture, which offered an opportunity for our older adults to showcase their talents and creativity during an afternoon of music, dance, magic, and much more. This Showcase is a culmination of a 12-week program that benefits IPRHE's older adult participants by promoting mental sharpness, physical activity, and artistic abilities. In addition to our goals of teaching theater, dancing, and vocal lessons, this program offers a fun and creative way to exercise the mind and body.

Click here to watch a recap of "La Gran Fiesta"!

ARTS & CULTURE

Our arts & culture affiliate, Loisaida Inc. in the Lower East Side, collaborated with local organizations to host events in the neighborhood, such as the 7th Annual Latina American Foto Festival.

At The Loisaida Center, we hosted another edition of the Nuyorican Poets Café Open Mic Nights, "Sembrando Resistencia" in the center's garden, as well as several film screenings, including "Cinema on the Road," a traveling Puerto Rican documentary film festival that seeks to promote Puerto Rican documentary filmmaking outside of the archipelago.

Follow Loisaida on social media (Instagram @loisaidainc.center / Facebook @TheLoisaidaCenter) to learn about ongoing programs + upcoming events.

REGIONAL WORK

From October 13-15, 2024, Capital District LATINOS (CDL), Acacia Network's affiliate in Albany, celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with several community events, beginning with a kick-off parade on Sunday 10/13 that culminated in a Cultural Celebration. Attendees came dressed in their country’s traditional costumes and brought flags, accessories, and noisemakers to show their pride!

The highlight of the festivities was the presentation of the Abrazo Latino Award to recognize important partners for their “commitment and support of the Latino community.” This year’s recipients were Elizabeth Sobel, CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center; John G. Eberle, President & CEO of the Community Foundation; Katie Nelson, VP of Marketing for Bank of America for the Capital Region; MVP Health Care; and, Wilma Alvarado-Little, NYS DOH Associate Commissioner and Director of the Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities.

Then, on Tuesday 10/15, CDL held a workshop titled "Facing the Holidays Away From Our Loved Ones”, a bilingual art therapy program for mental health. Attendees made holiday-themed arts and crafts and spent time in community among neighbors.

Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo (HUB) will be hosting its Annual Gala on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, at the Delevan Hotel to highlight the many accomplishments and milestones that it has celebrated over the past year.

Founded in 1989, HUB is a Buffalo-based nonprofit organization that provides integrated care and social services to underserved and vulnerable populations across the Western New York Region. Among other critical resources, HUB provides affordable and supportive housing, rapid rehousing, domestic violence counseling and youth preventive services, senior services, health home services, and a food pantry, as well as access to mental health and addiction treatment through our sister organization, Alba de Vida. HUB became an affiliate of Acacia Network in 2012.

We invite our partners and friends in Upstate / Western New York to consider sponsoring our HUB Gala, which raises much-needed funds to support our critical work and the communities we serve.

Since 1969, La Liga, also known as the Spanish Action League, has worked to bridge the cultural and experiential gap for Latinos and other underserved communities in Onondaga County. Among other services, La Liga offers educational workshops on Home Buyer Education, Financial Literacy, Job Readiness, and Resume Building. In addition, it provides case management services to help clients navigate the complex social, legal, and housing systems.

This quarter, there were 250 housing clients served with 6,208 services rendered; 91 financial literacy participants with 1,365 housing counseling services rendered; and 24 careers clients were served with 1,846 services rendered.

Acacia Network was proud to partner with local organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Puerto Rico to transform the historic Segundo Ruiz Belvis School in Santurce –a space that has served the community for nearly a century– into a vibrant facility that will empower Puerto Ricans from all walks of life to reach their full potential through high-quality arts education and vocational training. 

The newly inaugurated center for arts and technology –called Casa Kai– officially opened its doors on September 11th and is already serving cohorts of youth and adults alike. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Puerto Rico to support cultural, economic, and community revitalization projects such as this one, which only serve to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations in Puerto Rico.

To learn more about Casa Kai, click here!