For Immediate Release
Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Overit for Association for Community Living, 518.222.8073
September 15, 2022
RELEASE
Association For Community Living Hosting Tours with NYS Legislators at Area Residences Across the State
(Albany, N.Y.) – The Association for Community Living (ACL) has been so thankful for the work of the New York State Legislature and looks forward to continued support and collaboration leading into the next Session. The 2022-23 New York State budget was the first to provide a significant investment in funding for mental health housing providers since the implementation of these housing funding models, more than 40 years ago.
Mental health housing is the foundation for the recovery journey thousands of New Yorkers travel every day. And as our state leaders continue their work to develop a new Aging in Place Commission, as well as next year’s budget and cost of living adjustments, ACL leaders wanted to provide legislators with an opportunity to see first hand where those funding dollars are going, and who they are helping.
Various site tours have been held already, with more happening throughout the month of September and into the fall.
Senator Jim Tedisco kicked off the tours with a visit to Mohawk Opportunities in Schenectady, N.Y., back in August. Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles toured Lakeview Health Services in Ithaca last month as well.
Assemblymember Chantel Jackson took a tour of the Institute for Community Living at its Crotona program in the Bronx last week.
And later this month, Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo will be visiting Concern for Independent Living’s Pollack Gardens Community Residence program in West Sayville, N.Y., while Assemblymember Sarah Clark tours DePaul’s Assisted Living & Mental Health Ridgeview Treatment Apartment Complex in Rochester.
ACMH, Inc. in New York, will host Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos at their Independence House in October.
“ACL is very grateful to these legislators for giving their time and energy to learn more about our members, their programs, and the people they serve,” said Sebrina Barrett, Executive Director of ACL. “Fundamental understanding of the work our members perform tirelessly will lead to more meaningful conversations on the floor of the legislature. We look forward to more in-depth conversations next session.”
The Aging in Place Commission Bill passed last session and is awaiting signature by Governor Hochul (A10139/S9041). Once signed, it will establish a temporary commission to study aging in place in mental health housing. ACL proposed the bill and garnered support from Assemblywoman Gunther, and Senator Brouk, and others.
“As the aging population in mental health community-based housing continues to grow,” said Barrett, “we must equip agencies with the resources needed to care for the residents they have been serving for decades.”
Images from previous visits may be found here.
For more information about ACL visit, https://aclnys.org/.
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