Going the Extra Mile to Help Behavioral Health Reach More Bronx Children

A new 15-person passenger van is helping our Behavioral Health team address a practical challenge facing some Bronx children and their families: getting to the VNS Health programs and services they need.

The van will support the STEPS Afterschool and Summer Program, part of VNS Health’s Children and Family Support Programs, as well as our Promise Zone program. These programs provide a range of important after-school and summer services for at-risk youngsters, including psychotherapy, crisis intervention, case management, mental health skills training and connections to community resources.

The need for transportation came into focus late last fall, when longtime VNS Health Board member Carl Pforzheimer joined a group of fellow Board members for a visit to our Bronx Behavioral Health Clinic on East 153rd Street. During the tour, the group learned more about how the clinic supports children and teens experiencing mental and emotional health challenges.

They also heard about a significant barrier preventing some families from accessing these programs. Work schedules, transportation limitations and other responsibilities can make it difficult for parents and caregivers to get their children to and from the clinic. As a result, some young people in the community have been unable to connect with the care and support available to them.

After learning about this need, Carl offered to provide funding for a passenger van that could help transport children and families to the clinic and back home. Patricia Kissi, Director of Behavioral Health Programs, then led the effort to research available vans, evaluate options and ultimately purchase the vehicle, which she recently picked up.

“On behalf of all our programs for children and teens, and especially STEPS and the Promise Zone, we’re grateful and excited to have this new van. By helping us provide essential care to more families in need, it’s going to make a lasting impact,” says Jessica Fear, Senior Vice President, Behavioral Health.

“This is a wonderful example of what can happen when a board member hears about a practical barrier facing the people we serve and responds with a practical solution,” adds Patricia.

That solution is now on the road—helping connect more Bronx children and families with programs designed to support them.