Community Access

"We must stop looking towards coercion when our mental health system fails those most in need of support." In a powerful New York Daily News op-ed, our CEO Cal Hedigan and Ruth Lowenkron of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest call on New York leaders to reject the proposed expansion of Kendra’s Law, a policy that mandates involuntary psychiatric treatment and disproportionately harms Black and brown communities. Instead, we must invest in voluntary, community-based mental health services that are rooted in dignity, equity, and healing; not surveillance and force. Read the full op-ed: https://lnkd.in/erymfD8J

New York’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program isn’t the answer—it’s part of the problem. Rather than investing in order to expand access to voluntary, person-centered care that we know works, AOT forces people into treatment they do not want and is not effective. Research shows no clear benefit to coercion, yet communities of color continue to be disproportionately impacted. Community Access urges New York to invest in housing, peer-led services, and crisis response programs instead of forced treatment. Read our new position paper to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eVkz4Usd

This week has been non-stop but I am so grateful for all the opportunities to #advocate and educate people how voluntary #mentalhealth services paired with deeply #affordablehousing and a #COLA for human service workers is the ultimate solution. Coercion does not work and will continue to traumatize community members only worsening their mental health. If we fail to pay our frontline workers a #justwage we will continue to see high rates of #staffturnover and worse results in connecting community to care because people are sick of telling their #trauma to a new face every few months. On Wednesday, I stood with the New York City Council #ProgressiveCaucus as they launched their #CrisistoCare platform calling for $61M in investments including funding 60 well paid #peer roles in the #crisisresponse continuum. Please don't be a stranger and reach out to ask how you can support this vision of a system built on peer support. #mentalhealthnyc #nycadvocacy #nycbudget #carenotcoercion CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PROGRESVE CAUCUS PLAN --> https://lnkd.in/eqhdy2Kz

We're #hiring a new Property Manager in Bronx, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Assistant Program Director - Housing in New York, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

I am thrilled to announce my appointment to the Board of Directors at Community Access, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunities for individuals living with mental health concerns. Community Access provides affordable housing, advocacy, and healing-focused services that empower people to recover from trauma and discrimination. As someone passionate about fostering equity and inclusion, I am deeply inspired by Community Access’s commitment to transforming lives and creating a more just society. I look forward to contributing my experience to support its mission and help expand its impact in the communities we serve. Learn more about Community Access and its incredible work: https://lnkd.in/epzJbWdZ.

We're #hiring a new Construction Manager in New York, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Respite Worker - PD in New York, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Peer Specialist - IMT in Bronx, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Maintenance Mechanic in New York, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.