VIP Community Services

06/03/2026

VIP Community Services was recently featured on News 12 for our role in NYC’s “Earn While You Learn” community health worker apprenticeship program through the Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health. 💙💼

This innovative program is helping prepare the next generation of community health workers by combining paid, hands-on experience with classroom-based training. At VIP, apprentices are learning what it means to support people where they are, connect them to care, and help remove barriers to mental health, wellness, and community resources. ✨❤️‍🩹

Community health workers play a vital role in building trust, improving access to services, and strengthening the connection between individuals, families, and the care they need. We’re honored to be part of a program that invests in career pathways while also supporting healthier, more connected communities. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏻🏙️

🔗Read and watch this story from News 12 The Bronx here: https://bronx.news12.com/2026/05/28/exclusive-apprenticeship-program-trains-next-generation-of-community-health-workers/7iwWTC7mfZ2N4jaKH4iI6c

New York City is trying to address both the growing mental health crisis and a shortage of workers in the behavioral health field through a city-run apprenticeship program.

06/01/2026

Join VIP Community Services for our 2026 Inaugural Golf Outing, a day of connection, celebration, and impact in support of our work advancing the health and well-being of New Yorkers. ⛳ 🏌️

This year, we’re proud to honor three outstanding leaders whose dedication and generosity strengthen communities across the Bronx and NYC:

🌟 Nick Lugo, President and CEO of the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Lisa Sorin, President of The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, District 84, Bronx

📅Tuesday, September 29th at 10 AM
📍 Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses - 870 Shore Rd., Bronx, NY

Whether you join us on the course, sponsor the event, or make a donation, your support helps advance VIP’s vital services in health and wellness, housing and shelter, substance use disorder treatment, and job readiness.

We look forward to seeing you on the green! Register today: https://www.vipservices.org/golfouting/

05/29/2026

VIP Community Services is happy to support the Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC) East Tremont Community Clean Up! Join us as we come together to keep our neighborhood clean, beautiful, and full of community pride. 🌿🧹

📅 Date: Saturday, June 27th
☔ Rain Date: Saturday, July 11th
🕙 Registration: 10 AM
🧤 Clean Up: 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 Meetup Location: Walter Gladwin Park, corner of East Tremont Avenue and Arthur Avenue

🫧We’ll be cleaning along East Tremont Avenue, from Arthur Avenue to Vyse Avenue. Cleaning supplies will be provided, along with lunch and refreshments.

Bring your friends, neighbors, and energy. Let’s make the neighborhood shine while giving back to the Bronx community! 🌳💚

Register today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceb0YP_TzQ0kxUzCAjTGuzIYB2Rn3gionzYEdXWp5ZFjqBLA/viewform?pli=1

Add to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/event/t2llmnmkqrdm

For more information, email: [email protected]

05/27/2026

VIP Community Services recently supported and participated in the 41st Annual AIDS Walk held in New York. 👟🌳

Thousands came together in Central Park to help sustain GMHC’s lifesaving services for New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Our VIP team walked in solidarity with the community to raise awareness, honor those we’ve lost, fight HIV and AIDS stigma, and support access to HIV testing, treatment, care, and services.

Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, and supported this important cause. Together, we can make a difference! ❤️☀️

05/18/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to check in with yourself and prioritize your well-being. 💙

VIP Community Services offers talk therapy, medication management, and supportive behavioral health services for individuals and families in our community.

Call 929.306.7954, walk in at 770 E 176th St, 4th Floor, or learn more at vipservices.org.

05/12/2026

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Father Robert Banome, founder of VIP Community Services. A Roman Catholic priest and tireless advocate for the South Bronx, Father Banome dedicated his life to fighting substance use disorder, poverty, and lack of community support while uplifting countless individuals and families in need.

Through his compassion and vision, VIP grew from a small counseling program into a lifeline for those seeking recovery, health, and hope. His work laid the foundation for the impact VIP Community Services continues to make today.

On his birthday, we honor Father Banome’s unwavering commitment to serving others and the lasting legacy he created for our community. 💙

05/11/2026

This Nurses Week, we proudly celebrate the compassionate and dedicated nurses of VIP Community Services. 💙

VIP Community Services President & CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake, APRN, FNP, and Board Secretary Lizanne Fontaine, JD, RN, thank our nurses for the vital role they play in advancing the health and well-being of New Yorkers every day.

05/11/2026

VIP Community Services recently held a Nurses Week luncheon to recognize our incredible team of dedicated LPNs, RNs, and Nurse Practitioners. Our nurses are at the center of patient care, delivering integrated, compassionate, and high-quality services across our FQHC, CCBHC, OTP, and Residential Programs. 🩺✨

Their skill, empathy, and commitment support recovery, wellness, and long-term health every day. We’re proud to celebrate the impact they make for the individuals, families, and communities we serve! 💙

04/24/2026

VIP Community Services, along with fellow community partners and volunteers, recently participated in the annual East Tremont Community Cleanup on Saturday, April 11th, hosted by the Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC)! 🗑️🫱🏾‍🫲🏻

Volunteers gathered at Walter Gladwin Park before heading out across East Tremont Avenue, covering the stretch between Arthur Avenue and Vyse Avenue. The group spent the day picking up litter, connecting with the community, keeping the neighborhood clean, and beautifying the corridor.

With supplies provided and a strong turnout, the cleanup was a great reminder of what can be accomplished when the community comes together! 🌱🌳