Community Support Network (CSN)

VIP Community Services is a proud member of the Community Support Network (CSN), a new pre-crisis, preventative initiative funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust with oversight provided by The Fund for Public Health in New York City and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Our Community Engagement Specialists engage individuals and groups in the community at the street level and at the organization level in conversation, to ensure residents know about resources they or their families may be eligible for, and to connect them to community-based services to address unmet behavioral health, physical health and social needs before their needs become acute or need urgent care via New York’s emergency and crisis response system. Click here to learn more.

Mental Health Tips:

Mental / Physical Resources:

Physical Health

Find a Doctor

  • By Phone: NYC Health + Hospitals, (844) 692-4692, 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • NYC Sexual Health Clinic Hotline (347-396-7959) for telemedicine services
  • Health Insurance
  • LGBTQIA+ Healthcare:
  • Brooklyn:
    • Woodhull Pride Clinic: 718-963-8068 M- F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • 24-Hour Nurse Line 718-963-8033
  • Bronx:
    • Jacobi Pride Clinic: 718-918-7787, Thursday – afternoons 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Lincoln Pride Clinic: (718) 579-5264, M- F, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • VIP Community services: 718-466-8244, info@vipservices.org
      • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
      • Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Emotional Difficulties / Interpersonal Life / Discrimination / Support:

Safe / Affirming Spaces:

  • Bronx: Destination Tomorrow: 646.723.3325, info@destinationtomorrow.org
  • Brooklyn: Brooklyn Pride Center : 347-889-7719, info@lgbtbrooklyn.org

Safety:

Contact Form

To Submit a Referral, Click HERE.

Resources:

Disease Prevention

Physical Wellness

Emotional Wellness

Environmental Wellness

Community Support Network Team Members:

Carlos Marte-Batista | Care Navigator & Project Coordinator

Carlos was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Washington Heights, NYC. Since 2021, he has been actively engaged in health outreach, initially starting with city vaccination sites. Currently, Carlos serves as a dedicated Care Navigator at VIP, where he conducts outreach and education. In his free time, Carlos is a passionate baseball enthusiast, supporting both the Yankees and Mets, and enjoys various sports. He also has a soft spot for iconic video game characters, Sonic the Hedgehog & Kirby. From 2007 to 2012, Carlos pursued his acting and entertainment aspirations in California.

Carlos holds a bachelor’s degree from Stetson University in DeLand, FL, and has earned an MBA from Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL.

Carlos Marte, CSN Project Coordinator, cmarte@vipservices.org, 718-583-5150 X8905 (work), 332-323-8311 (mobile)

Brenda Rodriguez | Community Health Worker

Brenda Lee Rodriguez is a dedicated Community Health Worker with a wealth of experience spanning 5 years, committed to helping communities access the support they require. Her specialization lies in building enduring connections with both health and faith-based services.

By prioritizing the unique needs and voices of her community, Brenda has effectively applied her certifications from Columbia University. Throughout the years, her unwavering strength and determination have furnished her community with essential resources. While Brenda’s days are often centered around delivering top-notch service, it’s her unwavering passion for making a positive difference in someone’s life that motivates her every morning.

Outside of her professional commitments, Brenda is a loving wife and devoted mother to five children. She finds solace in the world of literature and enjoys leisurely strolls through the park.

Brenda Rodriguez, Community Health Worker, brodriguez@vipservices.org, 718-583-5150 X-8902 (work), 929-996-4046 (mobile)

John Grant | Case Worker

John Grant is a dedicated caseworker for Community Support Network (CSN), leveraging his training as a mental health counselor and his abundant energy to connect with individuals from various levels of care and backgrounds. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy with multiple deployments in service to the country, John brings a unique perspective and understanding to his role.

In addition to his professional commitments, John is an avid and competitive runner. He recently participated in the NYC Marathon in November, showcasing his passion for running. Beyond personal achievements, John also volunteers with Back on My Feet NYC, a program dedicated to training formerly homeless individuals for marathon running. His involvement in this initiative reflects his commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Outside of his professional and volunteer activities, John is a devoted father to two daughters who are currently attending college in New Jersey.

John Grant, Case Worker, jgrant@vipservices.org, 718-583-5150 X-8904 (work), 929-996-5288 (mobile)

Marie Servius | Community Health Worker

Marie Servius is a dedicated Community Health Worker at VIP, specializing in personalized models of support. With a profound commitment to assisting others, she channels her passion into serving her community on a profound level. Originally hailing from Haiti, Marie is a resilient survivor of the devastating earthquake that struck her homeland. Since 2010, she has proudly called America her home.

Throughout her diverse career, Marie has engaged with individuals from various cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Her professional journey includes roles as a customer associate, caregiver, dialysis technologist, and administrative assistant, where she adeptly resolved service issues for clients. Marie earned her credentials from the LaGuardia Community College Learning Center’s Community Health Worker program, holds a certificate in Administrative Assistance from Borough Manhattan Community College, and possesses a certification in Secretarial Studies and Management from Faculte Crann D’Haiti.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Marie finds joy in volunteering within her community and has established a children’s ministry in her congregation. A devoted mother, she firmly believes that it’s never too late to acquire new skills.

Marie Servius, Community Health Worker, mservius@vipservices.org, 718-583-5150 X-8903 (work), 929-996-4974 (mobile)

Click Here for Upcoming Events

Join us for our Meet & Greet on March 28th from 11 AM – 1 PM. To RSVP, click here.