In addition to the assistance it provides to new immigrants (which I informed you about last week), VIP Community Services offers a wide range of physical and mental health, housing and vocational services. This Bronx-based organization, which in 2024 is celebrating its half-century of existence, has been part of the Hispanic Federation practically since our founding in 1990.
“In addition to the assistance we provide to migrants and asylum seekers,” explains Carmen Rivera, VIP Senior Vice President and Director of Community Affairs, “we offer other important services, such as primary and mental health; services for people with addictions; housing services; and job preparation.”
In terms of health, VIP’s work is aimed at the well-being of all family members and covers everything from pediatric and maternal care to women’s health in general and geriatric care. In addition, the agency continues to add new specialties required by the area’s population.
“Recently,” Rivera says, “we added ophthalmology services, which are highly appreciated and used by the community. And to that we must add psychiatry and mental health services.”
One of VIP’s most notable components is the services it provides to people with addictions. The agency can see new patients five days a week in person, and also has a toll-free, bilingual phone line for those who prefer to make appointments over the phone. The number to call is 1-800-850-9900.
“In our Opioid Treatment Program,” says Carmen Rivera, “we use methadone and buprenorphine, or suboxone, to help addicts who want to overcome opioid drug addiction combat withdrawal symptoms and continue their treatment.”
VIP Community Services also has a valuable affordable housing program for individuals and families who are homeless and require other types of assistance, such as those with serious mental illness or who are chronically homeless.
In terms of employment, VIP Community Services prepares and trains people for a variety of jobs, and helps them connect with sources of employment.
“Our program prepares, among others, certified carpenters, electricians and plumbers, patient caregivers, technical health care personnel, workplace safety officers and many more,” Carmen Rivera adds.
To conclude today, these and other services are offered at very affordable costs to those who qualify.
For more information about VIP Community Services and its programs and services, you can also call the bilingual line (718) 583-5150 or visit the website www.vipservices.org.
And to learn more about other aspects of our federation, visit www.hispanicfederation.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Celebrate with us our 34th anniversary, and see you in the next column!
Frankie Miranda is the president of the Hispanic Federation