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Our September 2026 update highlights our behavioral health recovery milestones, major community space renovations, and ongoing media advocacy across New York. We also celebrate local impact through Hispanic Heritage Month features, an official mayoral proclamation in Syracuse, and critical public health awareness initiatives led by our medical experts.

Read on for more!

At Acacia Network, our heritage isn't just a month on the calendar: it is the foundation of everything we do.

For decades, we have been proud to serve, empower, and uplift our communities across New York and beyond. As we wrap up this month of reflection, we renew our commitment to providing critical housing, healthcare, and community services every single day.

Thank you to our incredible staff, partners, and community members who carry this legacy forward 365 days a year.



Artwork from Lorraine Montenegro Women & Children's Residence

Celebrating Recovery, Resilience, and New Beginnings

2026 Promesa Recovery Graduation

On September 25, nearly 50 participants from Acacia Network’s Behavioral Health recovery programs gathered with family, friends, and staff at Lincoln Hospital Auditorium to celebrate an important milestone in their recovery journeys. Graduates represented programs across the Acacia Network, including BASICS, Promesa, United Bronx Parents, Green Hope, JCAP, El Regreso, and others. For many participants, the celebration also marked their first time wearing a cap and gown, making the morning especially meaningful.

The ceremony featured remarks from Acacia Network leadership and keynote speaker State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, along with performances by program participants, including songs, poetry, and an original play written and performed by program facilitators and residents. Surrounded by loved ones and the teams who supported them along the way, graduates were recognized for their accomplishments, perseverance, and continued commitment to recovery.

A Renewed Community Space at

James Monroe Houses

IPRHE James Monroe

Older Adults Center Ribbon Cutting

Residents of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx celebrated the reopening of their fully renovated community center on September 16, following a nearly $4.5 million renovation. Shaped by years of input and advocacy from residents, the updated center features improvements to its dining room, kitchen, offices, computer room, bathrooms, and other gathering spaces, creating a refreshed environment for programming, services, meetings, and community events.

The center is also home to the James Monroe Senior Center, operated in partnership with Acacia Network, which serves more than 120 older adults each day with meals and bilingual services. The newly renovated space will help ensure that older adults and other Monroe Houses residents have a welcoming place to connect with their neighbors, participate in programs, and access vital resources.

Read more in the NYCHA Journal: https://nychajournal.nyc/renovated-community-center-opens-at-monroe-houses/

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Giamara Rosado on BronxNet

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Acacia Network Chief Strategy Officer & Special Counsel, Giamara “Gia” Rosado, joined BronxNet’s OPEN to discuss Acacia’s longstanding commitment to serving Latino communities and communities of color across New York and Puerto Rico. Gia highlighted Acacia’s integrated approach to care, connecting individuals and families with services ranging from affordable and supportive housing to healthcare, childcare, and arts and culture programs.

Gia also reflected on her own journey at Acacia, from joining the organization as a law school intern to becoming a member of its executive leadership team. She shared how working on an affordable housing development early in her career helped cement her commitment to community-focused work, as well as the importance of the mentors who helped cultivate her growth. Now a mentor herself, Gia emphasized her commitment to helping the next generation of professionals find opportunities to grow, lead, and serve their communities.

Watch Gia’s full interview on BronxNet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6mLKxCYUJY

Syracuse Proclaims September 4

“La Liga Day”

The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County Community BBQ!

The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County (La Liga), an Acacia Network affiliate serving Central New York for more than 50 years, welcomed Syracuse residents to its Community BBQ and Resource Fair on September 4. The event brought neighbors together to meet La Liga staff, connect with resources, and learn more about its bilingual services, including housing assistance, domestic violence support, workforce development, youth programming, and case management.



Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens joined the celebration and presented La Liga with an official proclamation recognizing September 4, 2026 as “La Liga Day” in honor of the organization’s work to bring people together, celebrate culture, and encourage residents to play an active role in strengthening their community. The event and proclamation were also covered by ABC NewsChannel 9 and will be featured in the station’s Hispanic Heritage Month special airing on October 8th

Dr. Daniel Rosa Raises Awareness About Emerging Substance Use Risks

Thank you to everyone in the Acacia Network family for making our impact in the communities we serve possible!

Acacia Network Senior Medical Director Dr. Daniel Rosa recently joined Pat Robinson on On The Block to discuss the growing risks associated with 7-OH, a highly concentrated derivative of kratom that is readily available at smoke shops, gas stations, and online. Dr. Rosa explained how substances like 7-OH present new challenges for patients, families, and healthcare providers, particularly because they may not appear on standard drug screenings and are often used by people attempting to manage pain, mental health conditions, or opioid withdrawal. Dr. Rosa also highlighted Acacia Network’s non-judgmental, patient-centered approach to treating substance use disorders and the importance of recognizing addiction as a medical condition.

Watch Dr. Rosa’s full interview on On The Block: https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/cfeb5bfeeade905794178605af1c8566/episodes/maurer_foundation_breast_healt-8654136

IPRHE 2026 Masquerade Ball

Our affiliate, the Institute of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Elderly, is thrilled to host its beautiful annual Masquerade Ball.

Through our vibrant Older Adults Centers across the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Upstate New York, Acacia Network and our affiliates proudly serve thousands of individuals ages 60 and older. Our center participants regularly benefit from vital services like wellness checks, daily meals, recreational activities, and skill-building workshops. The Masquerade Ball is a cherished extension of this community spirit—offering our seniors a spectacular opportunity to connect, celebrate, and shine.

Put on your finest mask, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready for a magical day featuring:

• Live music and dancing
• Continental breakfast and full lunch
• Best Masquerade Mask Contest! 🏆
• More surprises!

Event Details:

📅 Date: Friday, October 30, 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Maestro's Caterers | 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462

🎟️ Admission: $30 per ticket

⚠️ Please note: Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available for sale at the door.

Support our Thanksgiving Initiative!

In the spirit of the holidays and our mission to serve our communities, we presented the Acacia Network 2026 Thanksgiving Initiative during our gala, encouraging attendees to support those in need of a meal this holiday season. Our goal is to ensure that every person and family participating in our programs has the opportunity to enjoy a warm meal.

No donation is too small:

$10 feeds an individual, and $25 feeds an entire family.

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.

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