Monica Makes It Happen: VIP Community Services
January 28, 2026—Monica Morales from PIX 11 speaks with Debbian Fletcher-Blake, president and CEO of VIP Community Services, about the nonprofit’s community impact and work.
VIP Community Services: Más de medio siglo sirviendo al Bronx
Enero 25, 2026—La organización brinda servicios de bienestar y salud entre los que figuran los de medicina interna y psiquiatría. VIP Community Services también ofrece servicios de vivienda de apoyo, que suministran no sólo viviendas asequibles sino también servicios sociales de apoyo a personas y familias que no tienen hogar o que están a riesgo de quedar en esa situación, y que, además, necesitan asistencia, tienen enfermedades mentales graves, son crónicamente desamparadas o tienen trastornos concurrentes.
VIP Community Services: La lucha contra las adicciones
Enero 6, 2026—La organización comunitaria VIP Community Services, que presta servicios en El Bronx y zonas vecinas desde hace más de medio siglo, y que forma parte de la Hispanic Federation desde nuestra fundación, en 1990. Entre los muchos servicios que VIP presta a nuestra comunidad, uno de los más importantes es la ayuda a personas con adicciones a la heroína y otras drogas que se brinda tanto por medio de consultas personales como a través de una línea telefónica bilingüe y gratuita.
Thanksgiving Giveaway Helps Those in Need
November 30, 2025—VIP Community Services among other sponsors and volunteers distributed turkeys and food produce ahead of Thanksgiving on November 25, 2025 in the Belmont section of The Bronx, to support local residents.
Photo Credit: Síle Moloney
Anthony Kohl and Debbian Fletcher-Blake: The Power of Peer Support
November 5, 2025— What if lived experience could transform professional care? Peer support specialists make that possible. Watch our Nov. 5 episode of Wellbeing Wednesdays to hear leaders from VIP Community Services — a National Council member organization — share how empathy, understanding and lived experience strengthen the path to recovery. Tune in to learn how peer support breaks down stigma, builds trust and creates connections that clinical care alone can’t.
VIP Community Services with Rocco Vertuccio, NY1
November 1, 2025—NY1 recently interviewed Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, following their Annual Gala celebrating 51 years of providing health and social services to New York City.
VIP Community Services President and CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake Joins Governor Hochul to Stand Up For Those Most in Need
October 27, 2025— VIP Community Services President and CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake joined Governor Hochul to stand up for those most in need. With nearly three million New Yorkers at risk of losing the food assistance they receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1 due to the GOP’s federal government shutdown, the Governor also announced that she is fast-tracking $30 million in State funds to support over 16 million meals. This additional funding follows Governor Hochul’s announcement last week of more than $11 million to support local emergency food relief.
Photo Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
VIP Community Services celebrates serving the Bronx community with annual gala
October 17, 2025—The Bronx-based health and social services nonprofit VIP Community Services celebrated 51 years serving the community with its annual gala on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Marina del Rey. Several of the nonprofit’s accomplishments during the 2023-2024 fiscal year were highlighted at the event, including supporting 10,730 people through housing and shelter services, engaging over 2,690 people through its peer-led overdose prevention program and providing over 34,000 appointments through its mental and physical health clinics, regardless of one’s ability to pay.
In Memory of Anthony Khol, a Dedicated Counselor Who Helped Others Heal
October 5, 2025—As a peer specialist, Kohl used his own history with substance abuse to help people currently dealing with addiction and to connect them to resources.
“Anthony was one of the most unselfish persons I encountered,” said Debbian Fletcher-Blake, president and CEO of VIP Community Services, where Anthony worked. “He motivated everyone — staff, trainees, visitors, partners and clients. His presence was larger than life.”
Photo Credit: NY Daily News
Rep. Torres, VIP Community Services and other elected officials hosting annual job fair Sept. 5
September 2, 2025—New York Rep. Ritchie Torres is partnering with the Bronx-based social services organization VIP Community Services and other elected local officials to hold the annual job fair for Bronx community members on Friday, Sept. 5, at the parking lot adjacent to 1870 Crotona Ave. The job fair will feature more than 35 employers seeking to fill vacant positions, as well as to provide on-the-job training and placement. The event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VIP Community Services Named One of Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for Third Consecutive Year
August 25, 2025—VIP Community Services has once again been recognized among Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers, earning a place on the 2025 list for the third year in a row. This national recognition highlights VIP’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
Senator Rivera Hosts Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair
August 22, 2025—New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera held a backpack giveaway and resource fair for Bronx residents on Thursday, Aug. 14, at St. James Park. More than 600 backpacks were given out to local kids at the event. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit one of the several tables on hand run by local community organizations to receive information, resources and other services. VIP Community Services was one of the organizations that collaborated with Rivera to put this backpack giveaway and resource fair together.
Asambleísta George Álvarez anuncia Feria de Empleo en colaboración con VIP Community Services y otros oficiales electos
Julio 9, 2025—El asambleísta origen dominicano por el Distrito 78, George Álvarez, anunció la realización de una gran Feria de Empleo el próximo con sus colegas electos para el 5 de septiembre de 2025, en alianza con “VIP Community Services”, como parte de los esfuerzos continuos para conectar a la comunidad de El Bronx con oportunidades laborales y recursos de desarrollo profesional.
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).
Monica Makes It Happen: VIP Community Services
January 28, 2026—Monica Morales from PIX 11 speaks with Debbian Fletcher-Blake, president and CEO of VIP Community Services, about the nonprofit’s community impact and work.
VIP Community Services: Más de medio siglo sirviendo al Bronx
Enero 25, 2026—La organización brinda servicios de bienestar y salud entre los que figuran los de medicina interna y psiquiatría. VIP Community Services también ofrece servicios de vivienda de apoyo, que suministran no sólo viviendas asequibles sino también servicios sociales de apoyo a personas y familias que no tienen hogar o que están a riesgo de quedar en esa situación, y que, además, necesitan asistencia, tienen enfermedades mentales graves, son crónicamente desamparadas o tienen trastornos concurrentes.
VIP Community Services: La lucha contra las adicciones
Enero 6, 2026—La organización comunitaria VIP Community Services, que presta servicios en El Bronx y zonas vecinas desde hace más de medio siglo, y que forma parte de la Hispanic Federation desde nuestra fundación, en 1990. Entre los muchos servicios que VIP presta a nuestra comunidad, uno de los más importantes es la ayuda a personas con adicciones a la heroína y otras drogas que se brinda tanto por medio de consultas personales como a través de una línea telefónica bilingüe y gratuita.
Thanksgiving Giveaway Helps Those in Need
November 30, 2025—VIP Community Services among other sponsors and volunteers distributed turkeys and food produce ahead of Thanksgiving on November 25, 2025 in the Belmont section of The Bronx, to support local residents.
Photo Credit: Síle Moloney
VIP Community Services with Rocco Vertuccio, NY1
November 1, 2025—NY1 recently interviewed Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services, following their Annual Gala celebrating 51 years of providing health and social services to New York City.
VIP Community Services President and CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake Joins Governor Hochul to Stand Up For Those Most in Need
October 27, 2025—VIP Community Services President and CEO Debbian Fletcher-Blake joined Governor Hochul to stand up for those most in need. With nearly three million New Yorkers at risk of losing the food assistance they receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1 due to the GOP’s federal government shutdown, the Governor also announced that she is fast-tracking $30 million in State funds to support over 16 million meals. This additional funding follows Governor Hochul’s announcement last week of more than $11 million to support local emergency food relief.
Photo Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
VIP Community Services celebrates serving the Bronx community with annual gala
October 17, 2025—The Bronx-based health and social services nonprofit VIP Community Services celebrated 51 years serving the community with its annual gala on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Marina del Rey. Several of the nonprofit’s accomplishments during the 2023-2024 fiscal year were highlighted at the event, including supporting 10,730 people through housing and shelter services, engaging over 2,690 people through its peer-led overdose prevention program and providing over 34,000 appointments through its mental and physical health clinics, regardless of one’s ability to pay.
In Memory of Anthony Khol, a Dedicated Counselor Who Helped Others Heal
October 5, 2025—As a peer specialist, Kohl used his own history with substance abuse to help people currently dealing with addiction and to connect them to resources.
“Anthony was one of the most unselfish persons I encountered,” said Debbian Fletcher-Blake, president and CEO of VIP Community Services, where Anthony worked. “He motivated everyone — staff, trainees, visitors, partners and clients. His presence was larger than life.”
Photo Credit: NY Daily News
Rep. Torres, VIP Community Services and other elected officials hosting annual job fair Sept. 5
September 2, 2025—New York Rep. Ritchie Torres is partnering with the Bronx-based social services organization VIP Community Services and other elected local officials to hold the annual job fair for Bronx community members on Friday, Sept. 5, at the parking lot adjacent to 1870 Crotona Ave. The job fair will feature more than 35 employers seeking to fill vacant positions, as well as to provide on-the-job training and placement. The event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VIP Community Services Named One of Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for Third Consecutive Year
August 25, 2025—VIP Community Services has once again been recognized among Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers, earning a place on the 2025 list for the third year in a row. This national recognition highlights VIP’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
Senator Rivera Hosts Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair
August 22, 2025—New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera held a backpack giveaway and resource fair for Bronx residents on Thursday, Aug. 14, at St. James Park. More than 600 backpacks were given out to local kids at the event. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit one of the several tables on hand run by local community organizations to receive information, resources and other services. VIP Community Services was one of the organizations that collaborated with Rivera to put this backpack giveaway and resource fair together.
Asambleísta George Álvarez anuncia Feria de Empleo en colaboración con VIP Community Services y otros oficiales electos
Julio 9, 2025—El asambleísta origen dominicano por el Distrito 78, George Álvarez, anunció la realización de una gran Feria de Empleo el próximo con sus colegas electos para el 5 de septiembre de 2025, en alianza con “VIP Community Services”, como parte de los esfuerzos continuos para conectar a la comunidad de El Bronx con oportunidades laborales y recursos de desarrollo profesional.
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).