¡Bienvenidos! I am so thrilled to share another edition of Acacia Network's Quarterly Newsletter.

As we reflect on another quarter of transformative work, my heart swells with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides we have made together. Our shared commitment to fostering resilient communities, providing vital services, and advocating for those in need is the heartbeat of Acacia.

These past few months have been a testament to the power of unity and collaboration as a means to bring forward change, especially when you are firmly rooted in the communities you serve. From the grand opening of Sendero Verde, a beacon of affordable housing and cultural integration, to our relentless efforts in combating the opioid epidemic and supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS, our impact is profound and far-reaching. Each section of this newsletter is a testament to the lives changed and the hope restored through the collective efforts of our affiliates and programs, driven by passionate staff and committed leaders.

And of course, we could not do this without you! We have achieved so much, yet our journey is far from over. As you read through the highlights and successes of our programs, I invite you to consider how you can continue to support our mission. Whether through spreading the word about our services, participating in our programs, making a donation, or simply following us on social media, your involvement is crucial in driving our mission forward.

Together, we can continue to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Gracias siempre,

Lymaris Albors

CEO

On May 22nd, we were proud to cut the ceremonial ribbon for the nation’s largest fully affordable passive house building, Sendero Verde, developed by Jonathan Rose Companies, L+M Development Partners, and Acacia Network.

This mixed-use development in East Harlem features 709 affordable units co-located with social, health and educational programs. In addition, the project received a NY 15/15 DOHMH grant operated by Promesa Inc., an affiliate of Acacia Network, to serve formerly homeless residents through a robust social services program, plus arts and culture. 

“As a nonprofit, minority-led developer, Acacia Network is proud to be a partner in this project that will bring much-needed affordable housing and social services to El Barrio, and to infuse this state-of-the-art development with arts & culture that embody and celebrate the flavors and character of our beloved communities,” says Lymaris Albors, CEO of Acacia Network.”

As part of our ongoing commitment to curbing the opioid epidemic and preventing overdose deaths, our homeless services division at Acacia Network Housing (ANH) has not only trained their staff in the use of Naloxone (aka Narcan), but also hundreds of clients across our shelters. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person during an opioid overdose. Our comprehensive training efforts have already yielded tangible results, with staff and clients taking action on more than one occasion to save the lives of individuals experiencing active overdoses.

One such case is that of Mr. Diaz, a resident in one of our shelters who was able to save his roommate's life by administering Narcan. Drawing from the knowledge and confidence instilled in him through our onsite training, he was able to identify that his roommate was overdosing and administered the life-saving medication multiple times. As soon as his roommate regained consciousness, Mr. Diaz alerted the shift supervisor and advocated for immediate EMS assistance. 

We applaud Mr. Diaz for his bravery, readiness, and commitment to making a difference. His actions stand as a testament to the importance of widespread Naloxone training as a critical skill for everyone!

We are proud to announce that our primary care arm, La Casa de Salud, has reopened one of its main healthcare facilities in the heart of our main campus, located at 1776 Clay Avenue in the Bronx. The four-story building that hosts the Clay Avenue Health Center was originally built in 1925 and features 43,285 sq. ft. where several Acacia Network programs are co-located, including detox/rehab, a comprehensive outpatient treatment program, residential services, and more.

After an extensive renovation project, made possible through a NYS Healthcare Facility Transformation grant in the amount of $2.6 million, with additional funds allocated through HRSA’s Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending, the Clay Avenue Health Center now features five physical examination rooms, four mental health spaces, one procedure room and a laboratory, as well as a triage/nurse station, with a capacity to serve approximately 2,900 patients annually. 

We thank our oversight agencies, government partners, and elected officials for making this possible, and look forward to welcoming new and existing patients of all ages to this incredible state-of-the-art facility!

Acacia Network recently launched new videos to promote our extensive array of programs and services in the areas of HIV prevention, treatment, and health management, whose primary goal is to ensure that individuals living with HIV/AIDS or at a greater risk of infection are able to access the resources and services they need and deserve.

These programs –which include an umbrella of services that include PrEP, education & outreach, testing, food & nutrition services, and more– save hundreds of lives every year. Meanwhile, our Casa Promesa 24/7 skilled nursing facility serves as a beacon of hope for vulnerable individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have other health conditions that require acute care, helping them take control of their health and regain stability.

Our Bronx Opioid Collective Impact Project held its annual Community Health Fair on June 21st at 147th Street between Third Ave & Willis Avenue, with over 15 different organizations represented! Our aim was to provide health resources, harm reduction training & supplies, community activities, and more, while engaging local providers, educating the community about available resources and services, and fostering discussions around public health and wellness. 

The event attracted more than 250 community members, who benefitted from 20+ Narcan training sessions, PrEP distribution, and workshops. In addition, we distributed harm reduction supplies, clothing, food, and snacks!

Thank you to our Bronx Opioid Collective staff and leaders, as well as our partners: The Office of Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., Third Ave BID, Peer Network of New York, Samaritan Daytop Village, Emma L Bowen Community Service Center, Harlem United, Columbia University, BOOM! Health, New York Harm Reduction Educators (NYRHE), OnPoint, St. Ann’s Corner for Harm Reduction (SACHR), VIP Community Services, National Harm Reduction Coalition, and more. 

Our Social Services Division –which includes our Supportive & Supported Housing Programs, Developmental Disability (OPWDD) Residential Services, and OMH Residential Services– held its annual Juneteenth Family & Friends BBQ at Crotona Park in the Bronx. This much-anticipated yearly tradition gathers staff, clients, and their families for a full day of outdoor merriment and recreation, including games, wellness, music, and food. 

In addition to providing a space for participants to socialize and build relationships with their peers, this event offers an important opportunity to reflect on the deep significance of Juneteenth and the history of slavery, as well as the pervasive racial disparities that persist in our country. 

Thank you to our Social Services leadership and staff for making this possible!

Spearheaded by our youth development arm, the Community Association of Progressive Dominicans (ACDP), we were proud to support the Family Wellness Day/Health Fair at the Highbridge School (P.S. 011), located at 1257 Ogden Avenue in the Bronx. 

The event, which was organized in partnership with the Bronx Defenders and its Bronx Leadership & Organizing Center (BLOC), featured family workshops, children's activities, youth performances, yoga & wellness, mental health resources, health screenings, arts workshops, and more. Acacia Network had robust participation of our affiliates and partners, who showcased our breadth of services and programs, including arts & culture through The Loisaida Center, healthcare through La Casa de Salud, wellness initiatives, amongst others.

Founded in 1979, ACDP’s robust portfolio of afterschool and family engagement programming includes Beacon, COMPASS / SONYC, and Cornerstone Programs, as well as Community Schools and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Services include afterschool enrichment activities, youth development programs, family support services, food and nutrition initiatives, family wellness & health education, counseling, and more.

During the month of June, our older adult centers operated by the Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE) hosted a series of workshops and events in partnership with VNS Health and its LGBTQ+ Program. These workshops enabled clients and staff alike to gain awareness about gender diversity and the use of inclusive language. Each center also celebrated a “drag” show, featuring live performances and music. 

As part of the Puerto Rican Heritage Events in June leading up to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, we were also proud to bring the University of Puerto Rico Tuna and the Cepeda Family to perform at one of our centers, James Monroe OAC. Our seniors had an amazing time listening and dancing to traditional Puerto Rican music, from the tuna tradition that came from Spain, to Bomba music that has its roots in the African diaspora.

Our arts & culture affiliate, The Loisaida Center, proudly supports queer activism, performance and joy through our annual “Loisaida is Proud” programming. Every year during NYC’s Pride Month (June), we recognize, celebrate, and provide greater visibility to the contributions of the Latinx LGBTQIA2S+ community to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment in the Lower East Side.

Join us on June 27th for two close-out events:

Transition to Inclusiveness/Awareness on Gender Neutral Language Workshop (06/27 from 5:00 - 6:30pm): Gender-biased language is everywhere and affects more than just LGBTQI+ individuals. Promoting inclusive language is a way to embrace equity. Let's forge a more inclusive community! 

Street Life: Artist Talk with Luis Carle & Arlene Dávila (06/27 from 7:00 - 8:30pm): Photographer Luis Carle will be interviewed by Arlene Dávila, Professor of Anthropology and American Studies at New York University. The Loisaida Center is currently hosting the Exhibition “Street Life: Queer Activism, Performance, and Joy. The Photography of Luis Carle”, on view until June 28.

In other news, thousands of folks from NYC and beyond once again took to the streets on the Sunday before Memorial Day, as Loisaida Inc. celebrated the 37th Annual Loisaida Festival on Avenue C, between 5th Street and 12th Street. This year’s theme, “A Cultural Mosaic”, highlighted the neighborhood’s diverse heritage and vibrant spirit. With a packed afternoon featuring live music, spoken word poetry, dance and theatrical performances, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a showcase of services offered by many local community-based organizations, there was something for everyone of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.

Our Buffalo affiliate, Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo (HUB), was awarded its first New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) grant in the Upstate/Erie County region through the “Housing First Scattered Site Supportive Housing for Homeless Adults”. As part of this grant, HUB was awarded 25 scattered site supportive units for individuals who are experiencing street homelessness or residing in temporary shelter settings and referred by the Safe Options Support (SOS)Teams or Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams. 

The HUB team will work closely with the referral source to develop a coordinated support plan for the individual by providing affordable, independent housing and access to support services. Residents of our program will pay 30% of their income towards rent and reasonable utilities. Upon admission, we will develop an individualized support plan that focuses on housing retention, community integration, and sustained recovery.

In other news, we would also like to congratulate Eugenio “Geno” Russi, former HUB Executive Director, on being elected Chair of the Erie County Medical Center Corporation (ECMCC) Board of Directors. Born in Puerto Rico, he is the first Hispanic American to serve as Chair of the ECMC Board of Directors.

Our Albany affiliate, Capital District Latinos (CDL), held a series of Mental Health Workshops as part of Pride Month. These events included an Arts Workshop, as well as a 2-part event called “Power in our Roots”, which featured a mental health workshop followed by an evening Ball.

Over 250 community members, staff, and volunteers joined us during these events, which aimed to foster mental wellness and health, while fostering creative self-expression and promoting awareness of gender diversity and inclusion.

Thank you to our sponsors at Hispanic Federation, WellCare, and VNS Health for supporting these events and our mission!

Earlier this year, our Syracuse affiliate, The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County (“La Liga”), was named by CenterState CEO as one of its finalists for its 2024 Business of the Year Awards! La Liga was nominated under the “Minority-owned Business” Category for its tireless efforts to bridge the cultural and experiential gap for Latinos and other underserved communities in Central New York. 

Thank you to CenterState CEO and the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance for this great honor! We look forward to continuing to serve as a beacon of hope for the underserved by ensuring they have access to culturally sensitive services and programs.

Acacia Network and our primary care arm, La Casa de Salud, have partnered since 2022 to carry out the “Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce (PRMHW)” Program, an initiative funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

In Puerto Rico, Acacia Network and La Casa de Salud have partnered with CIMA Mennonite Hospital to offer burnout prevention and mental wellness services to workers in several local healthcare agencies, mainly: Sistema de Salud Menonita, Corporación SANOS, Salud Integral de la Montana (SIM), Migrant Health Center, Casa la Providencia, Equality Clinic, and Estancia Serena. 

We are thrilled to announce that a video showcasing our 2023 wellness retreat at Hacienda Tres Angeles in Adjuntas, which was produced by the University of Puerto Rico (Arecibo Campus), was nominated for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (EMMY Award) within a special division for university students. Although we did not win the Emmy, it’s a huge achievement because many universities nationwide submitted their work, and this is the first time that the UPR has entered this prestigious competition. Congrats!

Acacia Network 2024 Gala

Thursday, October 10, 2024

6:30 PM-11:00 PM

Ziegfeld Theatre

141 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019