For Immediate Release
Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Association for Community Living, 518.222.8073
July 15, 2025
RELEASE
Association for Community Living Members Hosting Legislators for Community Tours ahead of Next Session
Tours to Highlight Urgent Policy Needs Around Staffing, Wages, and Aging Population Care
(Albany, N.Y.) – The Association for Community Living (ACL), a member organization dedicated to providing mental health housing for vulnerable individuals, is announcing a series of legislative tours that will offer lawmakers an in-depth look into the critical care provided by their member communities. The tours will take place over a series of weeks throughout July, August, September, and October leading into the legislative session.
These tours aim to highlight the importance of ongoing advocacy for improved wages, increased staffing, and comprehensive care for the current and aging population. These tours will also provide the state’s representatives an opportunity to engage directly with the people ACL serves and to see firsthand the daily operations of the member facilities. The tours will emphasize the positive impact the communities have on the lives of individuals with mental health challenges and the need for continued legislative support to enhance the quality of care.
The Association has long been a staunch advocate for better wages and staffing improvements, working closely with the legislature and the Office of Mental Health to ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they need. With the aging population growing, it is more important than ever to address these issues head-on, ensuring that our facilities are equipped to provide the best possible care.
“If we want to build a better future for New Yorkers with mental health challenges, we need policies rooted in understanding and compassion,” said Emil Slane, Executive Director, Association for Community Living. “These tours give legislators the opportunity to see what’s working, where the cracks are, and how we can move forward together.”
Tour highlights will include visits to various locations within the state and discussions with staff and mental health professionals about the challenges and successes they encounter daily. These engagements will provide legislators with a comprehensive view of the current landscape of mental health housing, both in their districts and statewide, and the pressing need for continued legislative support.
ACL’s member communities are at the forefront of providing compassionate care to some of the most vulnerable individuals. These tours aim to demonstrate the profound impact member facilities have and inspire lawmakers to advocate for the necessary changes that will benefit both residents and caregivers.
For more information about ACL visit, https://aclnys.org/.
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