DATE RELEASE:
July 31, 2018
KHCC Media Contact: Ngozi Onike
nonike@khcc-nyc.org
718-884-0700 ext. 118
State Senator Gustavo Rivera Media Contact: Valeria Munt
munt@nystate.gov
718-933-2034
Senator Rivera and Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Welcome First Lady Chirlane McCray to Tour Facility and Meet Participants of “Changing Futures” Program
Tour Hosted by Senator Rivera Calls Attention to the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center’s unique program that exemplifies the critical work being led by First Lady McCray in the Bronx and throughout New York City to destigmatize mental illness and expand access to mental health services
(BRONX, NY) – Today, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) welcomed the First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray, to tour the Center’s facilities, meet their staff, and learn more about KHCC’s extensive mental health-oriented programs, especially the “Changing Futures” program. The “Changing Futures” program is KHCC’s child sexual abuse treatment and prevention program that provides treatment to children in the Bronx and their families, as well as adult survivors. The First Lady participated in a roundtable discussion with clients at KHCC to learn more about the services they receive at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center.
“I am immensely proud that an organization like KHCC serves my constituents in so many ways. In particular, their work through the Changing Futures program to provide a breadth of crucial mental health and supportive services at no cost to its participants is something I hope every family has access to throughout New York State,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “First Lady Chirlane McCray’s visit helps to shine a light on this unique program and advances our shared goals of increasing access to mental health services and connecting more families to programs like this one.”
“Every New Yorker should have easy-to-access mental health services that meet their individual and family needs,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “People often wait years before seeking help, living in pain and isolation unnecessarily. It is especially important for people to have culturally competent services to lift barriers to having conversations that can be quite difficult. “Changing Futures” offers hope and a better life for so many children and families, and is an essential program for meeting the needs of families living in the Bronx."
During the visit, KHCC hosted a private roundtable for the First Lady and Senator Rivera where participants of the “Changing Futures” program spoke frankly about their challenges and successes as well as the role that KHCC has played in providing them with the necessary resources and support to ensure their overall success. In his role as Ranking Member of State Senate Health Committee and Member of the State Senate Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, Senator Rivera seeks to highlight programs he believes should be expanded or replicated throughout New York State. KHCC exemplifies these efforts since it continues to diligently serve the residents of Senator Rivera's district in the Northeast Bronx while advocating for and providing a variety of services that children and low-income families need and deserve.
“Generations of abuse have led to the Bronx being the borough with the highest rate of children victimization,” said KHCC Executive Director Margaret Della. “Through Changing Futures’ free, long-term therapy , survivors find their voice and support to break the cycles. Support from the First Lady and Senator Rivera is monumental to helping us do just that.”
About Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
For over 40 years, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) has served the Bronx community. KHCC provides resources to empower Bronx residents from cradle to career to advance education and well-being for a vibrant community. We achieve this in an environment that fosters academic milestones, literacy, mental health support, nutrition, technology, and the arts. To learn more about KHCC, visit our website: www.khcc-nyc.org
For over 40 years, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) has served the Bronx community. KHCC provides resources to empower Bronx residents from cradle to career to advance education and well-being for a vibrant community. We achieve this in an environment that fosters academic milestones, literacy, mental health support, nutrition, technology, and the arts. To learn more about KHCC, visit our website: www.khcc-nyc.org
About the Changing Futures Program at KHCC
We are a Child Sexual Abuse Treatment and Prevention Program. Our program provides treatment to children in the city, ages 3 to 21, and their families. We also provide services to adult survivors of Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence and other traumas. We customize the treatment and length of services according to the needs of each person. Our skilled staff consists of masters level professionals trained in the treatment of trauma and is experienced in working with children and families.