Good news for our community. The Hispanic Counseling Center looks forward to further expansion of its services to Long Island’s Latino community in 2008. The purchase of the building adjacent to HCC’s main facility is now a reality, and the new building should open its doors in summer of 2008. This will allow expansion of Mental Health services and all but eliminate the permanent waiting list that prevented us from attending to our clients’ needs shortly after the clients made their initial contact with the agency. The expansion of Mental Health services will also include a focus on servicing the geriatric population. This is certainly a big achievement, particularly when we consider that mental and emotional issues can be devastating for individuals and families, and that seeking help is an important but sometimes difficult step for the individual so afflicted. As the only totally bilingual and bicultural Mental Health facility, licensed by New York State to provide mental health services in Nassau County, we felt a tremendous responsibility to satisfy our community’s growing needs, and the virtual elimination of a waiting list for mental health services was one of our top priorities. Also in line with our commitment to the community, plans are also underway to serve our Latino community in Suffolk County. With help from the New York State Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, we are in the process of implementing a program that will provide housing assistance and rehabilitation treatment to the Homeless in Suffolk County. Additionally, the agency will operate a Shelter Care Plus Program in Suffolk County which will offer permanent housing for recovering individuals. Both of these programs will begin in 2008.

I am also very pleased to report that Our Chemical Dependency program, as well as the Mental Health Clinic, continue to run at full capacity. State and local agencies have reviewed these programs, finding them in total compliance with New York State regulations. We continue receiving a great number of referrals for all programs. We are also proud to say that, little by little, our programs are also reaching the Latino community in Suffolk County. Presently, our Ryan White Title 1 and The Medicaid Service Coordination programs are being offered in both counties.

In closing, I would like to give my sincere thanks to all of our supporters, to our funding sources and to all the friends of the Hispanic Counseling Center that always contribute to our betterment; to our Community Board that has been raising funds for the programs; to our Board of Directors that is so dedicated to HCC's mission; and finally and very heartfelt, to all the staff of HCC, particularly to my Associate Director, Irene Ingham, for her dedication, and to all program coordinators who strive daily to make sure that all programs meet our high standards.

Gladys Serrano, LCSW
Executive Director