Here’s One Simple Step We Can Take to Help One Another
June 27, 2025—VIP Community Services President and CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake knew her organization made the right call to offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to her entire staff this year, when she heard that the course helped a human resources employee support a colleague. “The day after the training, the HR employee told us that she received an email from a staff member and she read that request through a completely different lens because she realized this person might be in crisis,” Fletcher-Blake said.
Fund for Public Health NYC's latest Impact Report: Healthy Partnerships
2025—Fund for Public Health in NYC (FPHNYC) has a profound impact on the health and wellness of 8.8 million New Yorkers. FPHNYC contracted with three CBOs with mental health and housing services expertise, including VIP Community Services, to secure funding from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to take CSN engagement beyond brick and-mortar settings, outside into communities and reach more people. Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, VIP Community Services, Opal Dunstan, explained the impact.
Anthony Kohl Receives Peer Specialist of the Year Award
May 5, 2025—The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is honoring Anthony Kohl, Senior Peer Coordinator at VIP Community Services, with its prestigious Peer Specialist of the Year Award during NatCon25, the premier national conference on mental health and substance use treatment, currently taking place in Philadelphia. The Peer Specialist of the Year Award recognizes individuals with lived experience who serve as a vital support system for others navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Anthony Kohl
NYC nonprofit offers healthcare and social services
March 11, 2025—For Women’s History Month, PIX11’s parent company, Nexstar Media Group, highlights the work of remarkable women nationwide, including those in our area. Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, has been featured for spearheading VIP Community Services, which provides many services to help people with health care, job training, and even housing.
City & State's Responsible 100
November 25, 2024 – President and CEO of VIP Community Services, Debbian Fletcher-Blake, has been named among City and State’s Responsible 100 2024. Every year, City & State spotlights 100 exceptional individuals who work quietly to tackle New York’s biggest challenges. These leaders from various sectors, like business, government, nonprofits, and advocacy, combine idealism with practical dedication to bring about real and lasting change.
30 Years of Power Women, Schneps Media Honors Power Women of the Bronx
October 25, 2024 – The movers and shakers of the Bronx donned glittering gowns and their finest suits Wednesday to celebrate 50 iconic women being honored by Schneps Media as the Power Women of the Bronx. In a high-energy, packed awards ceremony, extraordinary women from various industries were honored for their inspiring leadership, their contributions to Bronx business, and their positive impact on the community.
New housing for people with CityFHEPS vouchers in the Bronx
October 24, 2024 – Nearly 250 New Yorkers are moving out of city shelters and into their own homes in the Bronx. The Department of Homeless Services and community-based organizations are working together to create more housing for people with CityFHEPS vouchers. The vouchers support low-income families and individuals who are currently in the shelter system and need rental assistance.
VIP Community Services Holds 50th Anniversary Gala
October 15, 2024 – VIP Community Services celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual gala at the Marina Del Rey on Wednesday, Oct. 9. In recognition of reaching the half century mark, the theme of this year’s gala was “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.”
VIP Community Services Celebrated 50 Years of Healing in NYC
October 11, 2024 – VIP Community Services, a health and social services non-profit based in the Bronx, celebrated its 50th Anniversary with an annual Gala on October 9th at Marina del Rey. The event highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving marginalized communities and featured tours of its Mobile Medication Unit (MMU).
N.Y. conference highlights new regulations expanding opioid treatment access
October 10, 2024 – The opioid crisis continues to challenge communities across New York state, but regulatory changes are paving the way for expanded access to treatment. The changes are affecting care and those struggling with addiction. The updates are helping New York state to make strides in combating opioids with significant funding aimed at expanding access to treatment. Featuring insight from VIP Community Services President and CEO, Debbian Fletcher-Blake.
VIP Community Services holds ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate opening of 59 low-income housing units
September 26, 2024 – Those on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, were also given a tour of one of the vacant apartments.
Wakefield affordable housing complex opens, offers hope and homes to formerly homeless New Yorkers
September 20, 2024 – For the White Plains Road building, Bronx-based VIP Community Services partnered with the city under the Affordable Housing Services initiative, which enables nonprofits to buy or take long-term leases on housing sites. Under the program, 243 units have opened in the past six months, with more on the way.
Mayor Adams Celebrates Record-Breaking Year for Placing Formerly Homeless New Yorkers Into Permanent Housing
September 19, 2024 – Since the start of the Adams administration, DSS has already opened nearly 400 apartments across six high-quality affordable housing sites in the Bronx and Brooklyn in partnership with nonprofit human services providers such as VIP Community Services.
VIP Named One of America's Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2024
August 7, 2024 – Each center was assessed across three criteria: accreditation data provided by SAMHSA, reputation surveys from medical professionals and administrators in the field and Google reviews, which served to measure patient experience.
A Model for Compassionate and Accessible Mental Health and Substance Use Care
July 10, 2024 – The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model was designed to address these access issues and promote more integrated care for people with serious behavioral health conditions. This blog post provides a broad overview of CCBHC implementation opportunities and explores the experiences and impact of two programs: VIP Community Services in the Bronx, New York, and GRAND Mental Health in Oklahoma.
New York Times: Could This Van Help People Quit Fentanyl?
July 21, 2024 – Addiction experts say methadone is particularly important as the strength of street fentanyl has raised the opioid tolerance levels of some users so high that other medications and approaches don’t always work.
National Council Names New Regional Directors
July 2, 2024 – Debbian Fletcher-Blake, MSN, APRN, FNP, will return for a second term as regional director for Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands). Fletcher-Blake is CEO of VIP Community Services (Bronx, New York).
Here’s One Simple Step We Can Take to Help One Another
June 27, 2025—VIP Community Services President and CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake knew her organization made the right call to offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to her entire staff this year, when she heard that the course helped a human resources employee support a colleague. “The day after the training, the HR employee told us that she received an email from a staff member and she read that request through a completely different lens because she realized this person might be in crisis,” Fletcher-Blake said.
Fund for Public Health NYC's latest Impact Report: Healthy Partnerships
2025—Fund for Public Health in NYC (FPHNYC) has a profound impact on the health and wellness of 8.8 million New Yorkers. FPHNYC contracted with three CBOs with mental health and housing services expertise, including VIP Community Services, to secure funding from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to take CSN engagement beyond brick and-mortar settings, outside into communities and reach more people. Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, VIP Community Services, Opal Dunstan, explained the impact.
Anthony Kohl Receives Peer Specialist of the Year Award
May 5, 2025 – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is honoring Anthony Kohl, Senior Peer Coordinator at VIP Community Services, with its prestigious Peer Specialist of the Year Award during NatCon25, the premier national conference on mental health and substance use treatment, currently taking place in Philadelphia. The Peer Specialist of the Year Award recognizes individuals with lived experience who serve as a vital support system for others navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Anthony Kohl
April 15, 2025 – Each year at NatCon, individuals are recognized and celebrated who go above and beyond to help people in their community heal. This year, NatCon is proud to present a Peer Specialist of the Year Award to Anthony Kohl, a Senior Peer Coordinator (CCBHC) for VIP Community Services. NatCon sat down with Anthony Kohl to discuss his inspirational journey and what fuels his passion for helping others.
NYC nonprofit offers healthcare and social services
March 11, 2025—For Women’s History Month, PIX11’s parent company, Nexstar Media Group, highlights the work of remarkable women nationwide, including those in our area. Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, has been featured for spearheading VIP Community Services, which provides many services to help people with health care, job training, and even housing.
City & State's Responsible 100
November 25, 2024 – President and CEO of VIP Community Services, Debbian Fletcher-Blake, has been named among City and State’s Responsible 100 2024. Every year, City & State spotlights 100 exceptional individuals who work quietly to tackle New York’s biggest challenges. These leaders from various sectors, like business, government, nonprofits, and advocacy, combine idealism with practical dedication to bring about real and lasting change.
30 Years of Power Women, Schneps Media Honors Power Women of the Bronx
October 25, 2024 – The movers and shakers of the Bronx donned glittering gowns and their finest suits Wednesday to celebrate 50 iconic women being honored by Schneps Media as the Power Women of the Bronx. In a high-energy, packed awards ceremony, extraordinary women from various industries were honored for their inspiring leadership, their contributions to Bronx business, and their positive impact on the community.
New housing for people with CityFHEPS vouchers in the Bronx
October 24, 2024 – Nearly 250 New Yorkers are moving out of city shelters and into their own homes in the Bronx. The Department of Homeless Services and community-based organizations are working together to create more housing for people with CityFHEPS vouchers. The vouchers support low-income families and individuals who are currently in the shelter system and need rental assistance.
VIP Community Services Holds 50th Anniversary Gala
October 15, 2024 –VIP Community Services celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual gala at the Marina Del Rey on Wednesday, Oct. 9. In recognition of reaching the half century mark, the theme of this year’s gala was “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.”
VIP Community Services Celebrated 50 Years of Healing in NYC
October 11, 2024 – VIP Community Services, a health and social services non-profit based in the Bronx, celebrated its 50th Anniversary with an annual Gala on October 9th at Marina del Rey. The event highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving marginalized communities and featured tours of its Mobile Medication Unit (MMU).
N.Y. conference highlights new regulations expanding opioid treatment access
October 10, 2024 – The opioid crisis continues to challenge communities across New York state, but regulatory changes are paving the way for expanded access to treatment. The changes are affecting care and those struggling with addiction. The updates are helping New York state to make strides in combating opioids with significant funding aimed at expanding access to treatment. Featuring insight from VIP Community Services President and CEO, Debbian Fletcher-Blake.
VIP Community Services holds ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate opening of 59 low-income housing units
September 26, 2024 – Those on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, were also given a tour of one of the vacant apartments.
Wakefield affordable housing complex opens, offers hope and homes to formerly homeless New Yorkers
September 20, 2024 – For the White Plains Road building, Bronx-based VIP Community Services partnered with the city under the Affordable Housing Services initiative, which enables nonprofits to buy or take long-term leases on housing sites. Under the program, 243 units have opened in the past six months, with more on the way.
Mayor Adams Celebrates Record-Breaking Year for Placing Formerly Homeless New Yorkers Into Permanent Housing
September 19, 2024 – Since the start of the Adams administration, DSS has already opened nearly 400 apartments across six high-quality affordable housing sites in the Bronx and Brooklyn in partnership with nonprofit human services providers such as VIP Community Services.
VIP Named One of America's Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2024
August 7, 2024 – Each center was assessed across three criteria: accreditation data provided by SAMHSA, reputation surveys from medical professionals and administrators in the field and Google reviews, which served to measure patient experience.
A Model for Compassionate and Accessible Mental Health and Substance Use Care
July 10, 2024 – The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model was designed to address these access issues and promote more integrated care for people with serious behavioral health conditions. This blog post provides a broad overview of CCBHC implementation opportunities and explores the experiences and impact of two programs: VIP Community Services in the Bronx, New York, and GRAND Mental Health in Oklahoma.
New York Times: Could This Van Help People Quit Fentanyl?
July 21, 2024 –
Addiction experts say methadone is particularly important as the strength of street fentanyl has raised the opioid tolerance levels of some users so high that other medications and approaches don’t always work.
National Council Names New Regional Directors
July 2, 2024 – Debbian Fletcher-Blake, MSN, APRN, FNP, will return for a second term as regional director for Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands). Fletcher-Blake is CEO of VIP Community Services (Bronx, New York).
Enhancing Stability: Innovative Service Models for Supportive Housing
June 20, 2024 – Panelists including President and CEO of VIP Debbian Fletcher-Blake explored various models, including ACT and CCBHC teams, crisis stabilization centers, and the need for interdisciplinary teams with flexible funding. Participants learned how to re-envision staffing models to effectively address complex needs and enhance service delivery in supportive housing.
Enhancing Stability: Innovative Service Models for Supportive Housing
June 20, 2024 – Panelists including President and CEO of VIP Debbian Fletcher-Blake explored various models, including ACT and CCBHC teams, crisis stabilization centers, and the need for interdisciplinary teams with flexible funding. Participants learned how to re-envision staffing models to effectively address complex needs and enhance service delivery in supportive housing.
The Columbia Center for Community Health Enters a New Era of Public Health and Advocacy
June 21, 2024 – The CCCH will continue to work closely with VIP Community Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic offering a continuum of services such as primary care, housing, and medication assisted treatment.
The Columbia Center for Community Health Enters a New Era of Public Health and Advocacy
June 21, 2024 – The CCCH will continue to work closely with VIP Community Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic offering a continuum of services such as primary care, housing, and medication assisted treatment.
Governor Hochul Announces Confirmation of Administration Appointees by Senate
June 8, 2024 – Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, is appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council.
Governor Hochul Announces Confirmation of Administration Appointees by Senate
June 8, 2024 – Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, is appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council.
Capitol Pressroom: Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care
May 10, 2024 – New York is slowly expanding the number of providers offering integrated mental health and substance abuse care. We examine this effort with Jihoon Kim, CEO of InUnity Alliance, and Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services.
Capitol Pressroom: Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care
May 10, 2024 – New York is slowly expanding the number of providers offering integrated mental health and substance abuse care. We examine this effort with Jihoon Kim, CEO of InUnity Alliance, and Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing Annual Report
Becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) can be transformational, especially when it comes to meeting the changing needs of clients and communities. Just ask Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, a federally qualified health center in New York offering comprehensive and integrated medical, behavioral health, housing and wraparound services that are equitable and promote positive outcomes for the people served, their families and the community.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing Annual Report
Becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) can be transformational, especially when it comes to meeting the changing needs of clients and communities. Just ask Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, a federally qualified health center in New York offering comprehensive and integrated medical, behavioral health, housing and wraparound services that are equitable and promote positive outcomes for the people served, their families and the community.
Architectural Treats in East Tremont
April 28, 2024 – Next to P.S. 44 is VIP Community Services, which offers drug addiction treatment and a men’s residence in this postmodern building. In 2014, it was beautified with a mural painted by its clients, under the supervision of artists Marc Evan and Raul Ayala. The work was organized by Groundswell, which has murals throughout the city.
Architectural Treats in East Tremont
April 28, 2024 – Next to P.S. 44 is VIP Community Services, which offers drug addiction treatment and a men’s residence in this postmodern building. In 2014, it was beautified with a mural painted by its clients, under the supervision of artists Marc Evan and Raul Ayala. The work was organized by Groundswell, which has murals throughout the city.
Bronx Supportive Housing at Ruiz Butter Residence Opens
March 12, 2024 – VIP Community Services celebrated the opening of its Ruiz Butter House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 12. This supportive housing facility is located at 1899 Crotona Ave. and has 65 individual and family units. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and former City Councilmember Mark Gjonaj were also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Bronx Supportive Housing at Ruiz Butter Residence Opens
March 12, 2024 – VIP Community Services celebrated the opening of its Ruiz Butter House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 12. This supportive housing facility is located at 1899 Crotona Ave. and has 65 individual and family units. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and former City Councilmember Mark Gjonaj were also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.