The Haitian American Cultural and Social Organization Inc. (HACSO Community Center Inc.)
The Haitian American Cultural and Social Organization Inc. (HACSO Community Center Inc.)
Grant Status
Completed
Project Title
Haitian Support Project
Award Amount
$25,000
Location
Rockland County
Website
http://www.hacso.org/index.php
Date Awarded
August 9, 2010
Rockland County has approximately 10,000 Haitian residents, most of whom reside in Spring Valley, a village in the town of Ramapo. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Haitian capital of Port au Prince in January 2010, the Haitian American Cultural and Social Organization Inc. (HACSO) is experiencing an influx of Haitian immigrants and local Haitian residents who need assistance with social and health care services.
With NYSHealth support, HACSO can hire a case manager to coordinate access to preventive care and mental health services to members of the Haitian community affected by the earthquake, manage the increasing caseload, and link clients to linguistic and culturally competent mental health professionals. In addition, the case manager reaches out to the community’s partners such as schools, day care centers, and local health providers to raise awareness within the Haitian community about mental health issues and available social and health care services.
In Rockland County, most of the local support following the earthquake was provided as in-kind services from State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. NYSHealth’s contribution fills a more acute monetary need for direct services.