Pictured Above: Dr. Louis, PhD, LCSW, SIFI, Managing Director of Mental Health Services and the Trauma Recovery Center.

JCCGCI’s Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) is part of a citywide initiative to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health care to individuals impacted by violence. Serving crime survivors, individuals affected by community violence, and those navigating the lasting effects of trauma, the TRC offers free and confidential services including clinical therapy, care coordination, and victim advocacy. Staffed by licensed clinicians and trauma specialists, the program is designed to remove barriers to care and provide sustained, long-term support. The TRC reflects JCCGCI’s belief that healing requires trust, consistency, and a deeply human approach.

Trauma Recovery Centers are designed to go beyond traditional therapy by offering long-term, holistic support tailored to each individual’s experience. By integrating counseling, advocacy, and culturally responsive care, programs like JCCGCI’s TRC meet people where they are and help them regain stability, agency, and hope. This approach reflects JCCGCI’s ongoing commitment to addressing trauma at both the individual and community levels.

Pictured Above: Trauma Recovery Center Clinicians in Session

The program operates from a welcoming two-floor office space designed to support healing and community connection. The center includes multiple therapy rooms for counseling, a beautiful conference room used for meetings and community events, and a second-floor gathering space where workshops and programming are held. A patio provides an additional space for reflection and connection, helping create an environment that feels warm, comfortable, and supportive for those navigating the challenges of trauma recovery.

Separately, JCCGCI’s broader mental health services support clients in the Coney Island community through therapeutic counseling sessions. This Coney Island-based initiative is funded by the New York City Council and operates independently from the borough-wide TRC program, further strengthening access to trauma-informed care within the local community. Each client represents an individual navigating the aftermath of trauma and working toward stability, healing, and renewed hope. Through the TRC, JCCGCI ensures that survivors are not left to navigate that journey alone.

“Every client is a person whose life has been touched by trauma and who deserves the opportunity to heal,” said Dr. Louis, PhD, LCSW, SIFI, Managing Director of Mental Health Services and the Trauma Recovery Center. “Our mission is to ensure that no survivor and no young person facing emotional challenges feels alone. The recognition of our TRC program affirms the power of community-based care and strengthens our resolve to continue building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities”.

Pictured Above: Latoya Nunn, Participant Engagement Representative for the Trauma Recovery Center at a TRC community event with community members.

In addition, JCCGCI’s Connections to Care: Building Resilience in Youth (C2C: BRY) program recently received a Certificate of Recognition from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This honor celebrates the program’s outstanding work supporting the emotional well-being of young people and families across our community.

JCCGCI’s BRY program focuses on early intervention and prevention by providing mental health support to children, adolescents, and families facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Through school-based and community-based services, the BRY program offers counseling, group programming, crisis intervention, and family support aimed at strengthening emotional regulation and long-term well-being. Grounded in culturally responsive care and strong community partnerships, the BRY program plays a critical role in helping young people feel supported, understood, and empowered to succeed.

Pictured Above: Linda Smith, Director of JCCGCI’s Connections to Care: Building Resilience in Youth (C2C: BRY) program, with Rasmenyelek Laurent, Director of Program Development and Implementation at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and Michelle Castillo, LCSW, SIFI, BRY Coordinator and Psychotherapist at the Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center (IDCC).

The recognition acknowledged the important work being carried out by the BRY program in supporting the mental health and well-being of youth in the community. JCCGCI is also proud of the leadership of Linda Smith, Director of the BRY program, whose dedication and commitment have helped expand access to mental health services for youth and families.

Together, these achievements demonstrate the growing impact of JCCGCI’s community services programs and the trust placed in them by city agencies, partners, and the communities we serve. From trauma recovery for adults to resilience-building for youth, JCCGCI remains committed to delivering high-quality, accessible services that respond to real and urgent needs.