For three decades, locally-based nonprofit, Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI), has partnered with local government and community organizations to address increasingly complex and urgent mental health and addiction needs, which are only exacerbated by the trauma associated with poverty, and systemic and structural racism. Starting in 1992 with a team of six staff members dedicated to supporting the Monroe County Office of Mental Health, who continues to be an important partner, CCSI has grown to a workforce of more than 400 staff supporting innovative programs and services in Rochester and across Upstate New York. And while it has grown, the organization has stayed grounded in its mission, which is to help organizations that help others – improving lives and strengthening communities.
CCSI will mark its 30th Anniversary with a Virtual, Livestream Community Celebration on Thursday, September 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature local artists, Danielle Ponder and Armani Small, as well as New York Times Journalist and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Invisible Child — Andrea Elliott. Through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl and her family, the book provides a compelling and powerful illustration of the impact of inequality and systemic racism – and of the power of resilience, of family, and of hope.
“It is such an important time. We know that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis – one that will only get worse if we aren’t able to come together to create a very different system of care,” said Anne Wilder, president, CCSI. “One that provides easier access to the full range of services and supports needed to address mental health issues – within a framework that understands and respects an individual’s culture, family, and economic circumstances. One that removes stigma and eliminates disparities. One that recognizes and quickly responds to the social determinants of health, such as safe housing, racism, education, income, and food access. And one that builds trust among providers, partners, and the community. As we open the door to our next 30 years, we are deeply committed to partnering with organizations across the community in building toward that vision.”
Other highlights from the CCSI community celebration include recognition of several leaders for their innovation and impact at the state and local levels, as well as members of a nonprofit learning collaborative working to use data to achieve more equitable outcomes for the people they serve.
To learn more about CCSI and its upcoming 30th Anniversary celebration Rooted in Resilience, visit http://ccsi.org/rootedinresilience.
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