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July 2026 Newsletter

During July, Acacia Network affiliates are showing what community-driven care looks like at every stage of life — from a healing garden on Buffalo's West Side to teenagers earning paychecks while fighting climate change on the Lower East Side. These stories show real people turning big challenges into local wins.

Read on for more!

The Loisaida Center, Inc.

Preparing the Next Generation of Climate Leaders

This summer, Loisaida Inc. is empowering the next generation of climate leaders through Ecolibrium, an innovative climate leadership and workforce development program on Manhattan's Lower East Side. From July 6 through August 14, approximately 20 young people are earning paid summer jobs and internships while tackling real-world environmental challenges that strengthen their communities.

Working alongside Loisaida staff and technical partners, participants are helping advance projects that promote healthier homes, improve air quality, and explore innovative neighborhood clean energy solutions. Through hands-on training in environmental monitoring, data analysis, building science, and clean energy, they are developing valuable career skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how climate change disproportionately affects working-class communities and NYCHA residents.

Ecolibrium is more than a summer program—it's an investment in the future.

Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo

Celebrating and Supporting Whole Health

Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo (HUB) and its sister organization, Promesa Alba de Vida, held their annual fundraising brunch to celebrate HUB's impact across Western New York and raise funding to support the HUB's Health Homes program and the dedicated care coordinators who help approximately 600 individuals each year navigate complex healthcare systems, Health Homes helps individuals access medical care, transportation, housing, behavioral health services, and other essential supports that lead to healthier, more stable lives.

State Senator April Baskin, who represents New York's 63rd District, surprised attendees with a $100,000 donation to HUB. The investment will help strengthen the organization's longstanding commitment to providing affordable and supportive housing, rapid rehousing, domestic violence counseling, youth preventive services, senior services, care coordination, food assistance, and access to mental health and addiction treatment through Promesa Alba de Vida.

The event recognized the individuals whose leadership has shaped HUB's legacy. Kevin Cathy, Regional Director of Health Homes of Upstate New York, received the Community Partnership Award And, three of the organization's founders—John Sanabria, Andy Garcia, and Jose Pizarro—were recognized for their decades of service and lasting contributions.

Watch the video highlighting the Health Homes and Care Coordination Program at HUB, showcasing the amazing work done by staff and the clients they impact every day:

Older Adult Services

Community Healing Garden Brings Respite

We recently celebrated the opening of a new Community Healing Garden designed to improve the health and well-being of older adults, while strengthening community connections on Buffalo’s West Side. The garden aims to combat growing concerns around senior isolation and limited access to safe green spaces by providing gardening, nutrition education, and programming for residents of all ages.

Nearly one in five Buffalo residents are aged 65 or older, and Erie County has one of the state’s largest older adult populations outside of New York City. Many older adults face social isolation, chronic illness, limited access to fresh produce, and a lack of safe outdoor gathering spaces. The Community Healing Garden was created to address these challenges by providing an accessible space where seniors can garden, socialize, learn, and improve their physical and mental well-being.

See coverage of the event from WIVB-TV, WGRZ-TV, and The Buffalo News.

Behavioral Health

Acacia Network Talks Peer Programs on

"In Focus" on Spectrum News NY1

Angela Mamelka, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Acacia Network, appeared on Spectrum News NY1’s In Focus with Cheryl Wills. The interview, which aired on Sunday, July 19, focused on substance use treatment and overdose prevention in New York City. The conversation followed Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s announcement of a $12 million investment from the opioid settlement fund to expand peer-led programs across the five boroughs. Angela discussed Acacia Network’s holistic approach to substance use treatment, as well as the importance and efficacy of peer support on the road to recovery.

Watch the full interview here.

Highlighting our Staff!

Congratulations to Erica Heredia!

Erica Heredia, Tenant Services Coordinator for the NYCHA RAD PACT Program, was recently honored by the 83rd Precinct at their National Night Out Against Crime event for her outstanding work supporting and advocating for older adult residents in our supportive housing units throughout Bushwick. Erica's compassion, dedication, and unwavering advocacy have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless seniors in the community.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the positive impact she continues to make every day.

Join us for our Annual Gala on October 8th!

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