Dear Friends,

Summer is officially here, and as always, I’m in awe of what our community continues to make possible. Whether it’s our little ones moving up to kindergarten, our teens winning dance and basketball competitions, our older adults celebrating life through art, or our clients taking real steps toward healing and stability: these are the stories that keep us going.

We’ve also celebrated big milestones, like our new affiliate in Rochester, Out of the Darkness, receiving state certification to expand their recovery services, and Sendero Verde being recognized as one of New York’s most innovative affordable housing developments. These moments remind us that meaningful, lasting change happens when we show up for each other, day after day.

As we look ahead to the next season, I encourage all our families to prioritize wellness. Now is the perfect time to schedule annual check-ups and summer camp or back-to-school physicals. Please know that our primary care partner, La Casa de Salud, offers both walk-ins and appointments, helping ensure that health care remains accessible and responsive to the communities we serve.

At Acacia, we know that transformation doesn’t happen overnight: It’s built slowly, day by day, through small acts of service, love, and leadership. Thank you for being part of that journey. Your presence, your trust, and your commitment matter more than you know.

I hope this summer brings you peace, moments of joy with your loved ones, and time to recharge and refresh. And I hope to see you at our upcoming fundraisers, including our HUB Brunch, our Out of the Darkness Fundraiser, and our Annual Gala. Read below for details!

Let’s continue showing up for one another with heart, with purpose, and with the unshakable belief that together, we can build a more just and compassionate future.

Gracias,

Lymaris Albors

CEO

PRIMARY CARE & COMMUNITY HEALTH

In a recent interview on BronxNet Community Television, Dr. Michelle Witter, Dental Director at La Casa de Salud (LCDS), shed light on a critical issue affecting families across our communities: access to quality dental care for children. Speaking with OPEN Host Daren Jaime, Dr. Witter emphasized the importance of early and consistent dental visits, the impact of health disparities, and how culturally responsive care can help bridge the gap.

As Acacia Network’s primary care partner, LCDS operates a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) dedicated to serving underserved communities with compassion and dignity. Our bilingual clinics offer comprehensive primary care and behavioral health services for patients of all ages, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. 

CLICK HERE to catch Dr. Witter’s full interview!

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICES

Through our comprehensive Behavioral Health & Addiction Services Division, Acacia Network serves over 13,000 individuals annually across a full continuum of care, including outpatient mental health services, substance use treatment, detox and rehabilitation, and residential programs. At the heart of our work is the belief that recovery is possible for everyone, and that healing must include compassion, support, and a path forward.

At our Lorraine Montenegro Women’s and Children’s residential program, clients like Christina and Diane have found a new purpose and a renewed sense of self. Christina, 37, came to the program after recognizing she needed help to keep her family together. Now in recovery, she has earned her Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certificate and dreams of launching a fashion line, and perhaps one day opening a shelter to serve women and children like herself.

Diane, 65, made the decision to seek help after a near-death experience. Since entering treatment, she’s embraced a healthier, more hopeful outlook on life and is working toward a future where she can support others in their recovery journey. “Being here has made me look at things a whole lot different,” she says. “I’m just so happy to spend another day clean and sober, because the sky is the limit.”

Watch the videos below to hear their powerful testimonials:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING & TENANT SERVICES

We’re proud to announce that Sendero Verde, a groundbreaking affordable housing development in East Harlem, has received the ULI New York Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing Development. Developed in partnership with Jonathan Rose Companies, L+M Development Partners, and Acacia Network, Sendero Verde stands as the largest Passive House-certified residential building in the world, proving that sustainable design and deeply affordable housing can go hand in hand.

The three-building, mixed-use complex includes 709 affordable apartments for households across a wide range of income levels, along with community gardens, a public school, and vibrant green space that offers residents a sense of calm and connection in the heart of the city.

Acacia Network proudly operates the supportive housing units within Sendero Verde, serving formerly homeless individuals and families, along with other vulnerable populations. This award is a testament to what’s possible when we prioritize quality, sustainability, and community in affordable housing development.

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING & SOCIAL SERVICES

When a fire broke out at El Cemi Housing, our 50-unit supportive housing residence for formerly homeless seniors in East Harlem, our community responded with extraordinary compassion, coordination, and resilience. Although the fire, which was caused by a space heater, damaged several apartments and common areas, all 40 residents were safely accounted for thanks to the courage and quick thinking of tenants, staff, first responders, and the extended Acacia Network family.

From the moment the crisis began, tenants supported one another, checking in on bedbound neighbors, sharing food and warmth, and comforting one another in the cold. Superintendent Starling Peña, a member of the Acacia team since 2016, worked alongside first responders while tenants and staff helped maintain calm and safety. Heroes emerged throughout the morning: tenants like Ms. Denise of #5G, who led accountability efforts, and Mr. Victor of #5I, who helped escort vulnerable neighbors to safety before leaving the building himself.

The response from Acacia staff and leadership was swift and deeply personal. Team members mobilized to provide on-site support, while partners like the American Red Cross, local hospital teams, and nearby neighbors offered essential aid and comfort. With extensive cleanup and repairs underway, our tenants remain hopeful and united, looking forward to a renewed El Cemi and the new memories they’ll create together.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING & HOMELESS SERVICES

As one of the largest providers of transitional housing in New York City, Acacia Network Housing (ANH) continues to go beyond shelter by creating spaces for healing, growth, and cultural enrichment. This year, our families with children program at the Skyline Hotel partnered with Repertorio Español to host a series of free bilingual performances funded by the local Council Member’s office. The series included two lively puppet shows (The Three Kings and The Adventures of Uncle Tiger & Uncle Rabbit), as well as a full theatrical production of La Gringa, presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

These events brought joy and creativity to children and families residing at Skyline, helping foster a sense of community and belonging. Hands-on puppet-making workshops followed the shows, and families took home educational games and resources. La Gringa, a powerful and humorous play exploring cultural identity, resonated deeply with audiences of all ages and bridged generations through shared storytelling.

Through efforts like these, Acacia Network Housing (ANH) reaffirms its commitment to providing not only critical housing and social services, but also meaningful experiences that support emotional well-being and cultural connection for the over 23,000 individuals we serve each year.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Joy, pride, and tiny caps and gowns filled the air as Acacia Network’s Early Childhood Programs marked a major milestone in June: our annual Preschool “Moving Up” Ceremonies! Across our three daycare centers (PROMESA Multicultural Center, PROMESA Head Start, and PROMESA Bright Sun), a total of 147 young learners were celebrated for their growth and achievements this school year.

On Thursday, June 26th, 76 four-year-olds moved up and are now ready to take on Kindergarten, while on Friday, June 27th, 71 three-year-olds proudly moved up to their next level of early education. The celebrations were filled with color and creativity, featuring delightful themes like Flowers, Under the Sea, and All Seasons, each one brought to life with the help of our passionate staff and proud families.

These ceremonies highlight the importance of early childhood education in building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Congratulations to our young scholars and their families!

EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Our youth are thriving, and we couldn’t be prouder of the students across our Community Association of Progressive Dominicans (ACDP) programs, which is Acacia Network’s affiliate dedicated to serving more than 7,500 K–12 students and families annually across the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.

We’re thrilled to announce that the VIP Empire Senior Dance Squad from our COMPASS Program at IS 254 made it to the Final Round of the DYCD Citywide Praise Dance Competition, held at Mary Bertram High School! Their hard work and creativity earned them a $500 recognition award, a testament to their talent and dedication. Kudos to Director Lopez and the entire IS 254 team for guiding both the Senior and Junior squads through the audition process and celebrating their success with pride.

Meanwhile, over at Beacon 328, our students in the HBA AAU basketball program celebrated a major win, taking home the championship title in a friendly but fierce competition that included a visiting youth team from the Dominican Republic! More than a game, this victory reflects ACDP’s commitment to using sports to promote youth development, leadership, and teamwork.

Rounding out the season of success, ACDP also hosted its Annual Youth-Inspired Film Festival, a vibrant showcase of short films written, directed, and produced by students in our afterschool and school-based programs. Each film reflected the vision, voice, and values of our youth. From the court to the stage to the silver screen, ACDP is helping our young people dream big and shine even brighter.

CULTURAL REVITALIZATION

The 38th Annual Loisaida Festival lit up the Lower East Side on Sunday, May 25, drawing thousands to Avenue C for a vibrant celebration of Latino heritage, community pride, and cultural resilience, serving once again as a true testament to the power of community.

Presented by our arts & culture affiliate, Loisaida Inc., this beloved Memorial Day Weekend tradition featured live music, local food vendors, over 20 artisans, and family-friendly activities… all free of charge! The day kicked off with an energetic community parade led by Batalá NY and continued with performances from Joe Bataan, Ana Macho, Sonido Costeño, and GRAMMY-winner Jessie Montgomery’s powerful tribute to Loisaida’s legacy.

This year’s Festival honored the late Marlis Momber, the filmmaker behind the iconic Viva Loisaida, and celebrated a new class of Viva Loisaida! Award recipients, including include Ramon Rodríguez, Las Dinámicas, David “Daso” Soto. The atmosphere buzzed with music, dance, art, and storytelling, reaffirming Loisaida’s place as a hub of culture and activism. From the Artisan Block and mobile BioBus science lab to bomba, poetry, and opera, the event showcased the rich diversity and creative spirit that define the neighborhood, making it one of our most successful festivals yet! 

CLICK HERE for our media roundup.

OLDER ADULT SERVICES

This May, Acacia Network and its affiliate, the Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE), hosted a heartwarming Mother’s Day Celebration that brought together over 300 older adults from all five boroughs aboard the Spirit Cruise departing from Chelsea Pier 61. The event was a joyous afternoon filled with delicious food, lively music, cultural presentations, and dancing: a true tribute to the incredible mothers and seniors in our community.

The celebration reflected Acacia and IPRHE’s shared commitment to uplifting aging communities through high-quality, culturally responsive programming. With sweeping views of New York City as the backdrop and plenty of smiles to go around, the day was a moving reminder of the power of love, connection, and community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors and supporters who helped make this unforgettable event possible!

REGIONAL WORK

In honor of Pride Month, Capital District LATINOS (CDL), Acacia Network’s affiliate in Albany, hosted a powerful weeklong celebration titled “Express Yourself Pride Expo” from June 16–21, 2025. The event invited the community to explore the intersection of Latinx culture, creativity, and LGBTQIA+ identity through a rich series of artistic and cultural experiences.

The week featured the Pride Ourtistic Expo, a stunning gallery of drag queen costumes, vivid paintings, and evocative photography by LGBTQIA+ artists from around the world. Each piece gave voice to themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression. On Saturday, June 21, the center hosted a screening of “5 Preguntas”, an intimate documentary exploring the lives of five LGBTQIA+ individuals from Puerto Rico, followed by the “Express Yourself Talent Showcase”, a high-energy evening of singing, drag performances, and mixed talents that brought the community together in celebration and joy.

Through events like these, CDL continues to champion inclusivity, visibility, and cultural pride, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Our upstate affiliate, Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo (HUB), recently hosted a beautiful Older Adults Art Exhibition that showcased the remarkable talents of our senior participants, while opening our doors to the broader community in a meaningful and heartfelt way. From vibrant paintings to handcrafted works, the exhibition was a powerful reminder that creativity knows no age, and that our elders have rich stories to tell through art.

Events like these reflect HUB’s mission to build strong, culturally-rooted spaces for older adults across Western New York. As part of Acacia Network, HUB is proud to offer daily recreational programs, dining and companionship services, and social support that enrich the lives of our senior community members. Together, we continue to foster joy, connection, and dignity at every age.

If you’d like to support HUB’s work, please visit this link for more information on our upcoming Fundraising Brunch on September 10th. CLICK HERE!

We’re proud to announce that our newest affiliate, Out of the Darkness (OOTD) in Rochester, has officially been licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for residential-reintegration services. This important milestone enhances OOTD’s ability to provide safe, stable, and supportive housing for women in recovery, helping them regain independence and work toward long-term wellness and personal goals.

Since 2012, OOTD has been a lifeline for women in the Rochester area navigating the challenges of addiction and reintegration. With OASAS certification now in place, the program is poised to expand its impact and reach even more individuals on the path to healing and transformation.

Want to support OOTD’s mission? Join us for our Fundraising Brunch on August 15th. CLICK HERE!

Join Acacia Network at our 2025 Annual Gala, WHERE HOPE TAKES FLIGHT, as we spotlight our rich history of deeply-rooted community-based work.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 9th at the historic Ziegfeld Ballroom, located at 141 W 54th Street in New York City. 

We are committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Acacia Network and our affiliates do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity and/or expression, transgender status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, citizenship status, public assistance status, protected veteran status, or any other protected category.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to browse job openings!