Here at Good Eats, we believe that everyone deserves tasty and nutritious food. Our meals are designed and crafted by trained chefs. Our Registered Dietician makes sure each meal is packed with enough nutrients to sustain a healthy body. The quality of our food is extremely important to us, which is not true of most of our competitors. We take pride in our high standards, and commitment to providing the absolute best. Therefore, we will NEVER cut corners and sacrifice quality to increase our profits.
We at Good Eats are enthusiastic about the possibilities within our collaboration with VIP. Together, we plan to build a job training program where people can gain the skills and confidence to transition out of the shelter system. We look forward to growing with VIP.
Our theme, Engaging the Community, honors remarkable individuals whose dedication to service and collaboration inspires us all. Their efforts remind us of the incredible power we have when we come together to care for one another.
HONOREE: Dr. Neil Calman PUBLIC HEALTH CHAMPION AWARD: Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan
COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD: George Hulse
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
William Bifulco, MBA
Chair
Jodi M. Sturgeon
Vice Chair
Lizanne Fontaine, JD, RN
Secretary
Paul L. Wilder
Treasurer
Directors Emeriti
Virginia Bird
Laura Parsons, PsyD
William Trust, Jr., CPA
Fundraising Advisory Board
Salvatore Gogliormella
Andre Vanterpool
Directors
Dorian Alexander, MD
Amelia Corbie, MBA
Lionell G. Jackson, MBA
Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD
Donna Lichti, RN
Tina (HsinTing) Liu, CPA, MBA
Lilliam Perez
Peter Rivera, JD
Althea Serrant
Seth Townsend, PhD, MBA
Chairs Emeriti
Charles L. Burgess
Amanda H. Parsons, MD, MBA
PROGRAM
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
NYPD Options & La Jara Band
WELCOME
William Bifulco, Board Chair
IN MEMORIAM
INTRODUCTIONS
Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO
PUBLIC HEALTH CHAMPION AWARD
Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan
COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD
George Hulse
HONOREE
Dr. Neil Calman
MISSION MOMENT
Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO
CLOSING REMARKS
DANCING AND NETWORKING
Friends,
770 East 176th Street Bronx, NY 10460-4617
Thank You for Engaging With Us
Phone 718.583.5150
Debbian Fletcher-Blake, APRN, FNP President & Chief Executive Officer
We are honored that you joined us for our annual Gala and remain deeply grateful for your ongoing support. Our theme, “Engaging the Community,” is more than a message it is both a call to action and a reflection of our unwavering commitment to creating a healthier future for all.
At its core, the Gala is about connection neighbors, friends, and allies coming together to uplift those too often overlooked. Access to substance use disorder treatment, mental and physical health care, safe housing, and job readiness services are not privileges; they are fundamental human needs. Our communities deserve nothing less. The challenges we face from the ongoing opioid crisis and lack of affordable housing to the rising demand for mental health and substance use disorder services are undeniably complex. Yet within these challenges, lies the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and build lasting solutions. At VIP, we are proud to lead this work in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, schools, law enforcement, and fellow service providers. We are especially grateful to the many partners who strengthen our mission and expand our impact. Among them are our State partners (OASAS, OMH, DOH, HRA); managed care companies; local hospitals; local and national trade associations; NYC partners (the Mayor’s Office, DHS, DSS, DOE, SCNs, FQHC, BH & other social services providers).
We are proud to share VIP’s many achievements over the past year, including:
• Providing job readiness services and job placements to 1,326 clients, including 746 community members.
• Conducting 2,695 outreach encounters through our peer-led, community-based overdose prevention program, reaching 17 zip codes across three boroughs
• Opening a 135-bed men’s shelter in Harlem and a 65-unit supportive housing facility in the Bronx.
• Receiving awards from Health Resources and Services Administration
• Launching School-Based Mental Health services at two Bronx schools (100% minority enrollment, 86–96% economically disadvantaged), delivering more than 800 sessions to 48 students over 18 months with expansion to additional schools underway.
As we celebrate these achievements, we also honor the people who make them possible. Many of our team members come from the very communities we serve. Their commitment is deeply personal and while it fuels extraordinary impact, it also comes with an emotional toll. We remain steadfast in supporting our caregivers’ needs as they support others.
Above all, everything we accomplish is made possible by people like you those who show up, give generously, and believe in the power of community.
William Bifulco, MBA, CLS (ASCP) Board Chair President & Chief Executive Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers: William Bifulco, Chair • Jodi Sturgeon, Vice-Chair • Lizanne Fontaine, Secretary • Paul L. Wilder, Treasurer
Directors: Dorian Alexander • Amelia Corbie • Lionell G. Jackson • Neil Leibowitz • Donna Lichti • Tina (HsinTing) Liu • Lilliam Perez • Althea Serrant • Seth Townsend
Chairs Emeriti: Charles L. Burgess • Amanda H. Parsons
Directors Emeriti: Virginia Bird • Laura Parsons • William Trust, Jr.
October 8, 2025
Dear Friends:
It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone as VIP Community Services hosts its 2025 gala.
My Administration is committed to increasing opportunity so that all New Yorkers can access our city’s great wealth of prosperity. High-quality health care is foundational to this effort, and that is why my team and I expanded lifestyle medicine throughout public hospitals, established the Women’s Health Agenda, and strengthened the delivery of mental health assistance by providing smartphones to medically vulnerable individuals leaving Rikers Island. However, we know that we cannot do this alone, and that is why I am grateful to count VIP as a trusted ally.
Founded in 1974, this organization provides wraparound programming that includes health treatment, housing support, and job readiness programs designed to help New Yorkers thrive. In addition to pediatric, primary, and women’s medicine, it also specializes in mental health and substance misuse care. Its residential treatment center and mobile medication unit have been critical in destigmatizing the use of methadone and buprenorphine, and they have carved out a space for the needs of people struggling with addiction through counseling and peer support Today’s event, guided by the theme of Engaging the Community, is a wonderful occasion to acknowledge all that we can achieve when we stand united. In this spirit, I applaud VIP for its dedication to comprehensive and patient -centered care as we work together to forge a brighter, fairer future for all.
On behalf of the City of New York, please accept my best wishes for a n uplifting evening and continued success.
Sincerely,
Eric Adams Mayor
October 8, 2025
Dear Debbian Fletcher-Blake,
Congratulations to VIP Community Services on celebrating your 51st Anniversary! This milestone reflects not only the endurance of your organization but also the countless lives you have touched and transformed here in the Bronx
Since 1974, VIP Community Services has been more than a provider of programs and services you have been a trusted partner, advocate, and neighbor. Through housing, workforce training, behavioral healthcare, and so much more, you have consistently met the evolving needs of our community while never losing sight of the dignity and humanity of those you serve.
This year's theme, "Engaging the Community," perfectly captures the essence of your mission. VIP's work is not done in isolation it thrives on building connections, creating opportunities, and empowering Bronx families to reach their fullest potential. That commitment to collaboration has helped strengthen our borough and continues to be a model of what true community engagement should look like
On behalf of the Bronx, I thank you, Debbian, your dedicated Board of Directors, and the entire VIP team, for more than half a century of service and for inspiring us all with your unwavering vision of a healthier and stronger community.
Sincerely,
Vanessa L. Gibson Bronx Borough President
BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT VANESSA L. GIBSON
October 8, 2025
Dear Friends,
It is my honor to join you to celebrate VIP Community Services at their Annual Anniversary Gala. For five decades, VIP Community Services has offered Bronx residents living with substance abuse disorder the necessary tools and environment to transform their lives. VIP delivers comprehensive behavioral services and unconditional support to their clients, which makes them an important player in our healthcare delivery network.
I want to thank the President and CEO, Debbian Fletcher-Blake, for your dedication and compassion towards those who rely on your support to fight off their substance use disorders. At the same time, I don't want to miss the opportunity to congratulate this year's honorees Dr. Neil Calman, President, CEO and co-founder of the Institute for Family Health; Dr Ann Marie T Sullivan, Commissioner for the New York State Office of Mental Health; and George Hulse, Vice President and Special Advisor to the CEO of EmblemHealth.
As Chair of the Senate Health Committee, and a longtime partner of VIP Community Services, it is my hope that we continue working side by side to improve our borough's healthcare outcomes and overall healthcare landscape.
Sincerely,
Gustavo Rivera
New York State Senator 33rd District, The Bronx
Dear VIP Community Services,
I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to VIP Community Services as you celebrate your 51st anniversary. Reaching this milestone is a powerful reflection of the extraordinary role you have played in uplifting the Bronx community for more than five decades. Through your steadfast commitment, you have improved the lives of thousands of individuals and families, while strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods.
This year’s gala theme, Engaging the Community, beautifully reflects the heart of VIP Community Services’ mission. Community is not simply a place; it is people coming together with a shared purpose, supporting one another through challenges, and working collectively toward a brighter future. For 51 years, VIP Community Services has embodied that spirit, building trust, forging partnerships, and ensuring that every individual has access to the tools, care, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Your legacy demonstrates that community engagement is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment to stand with neighbors, empower families, and create spaces where hope and possibility flourish. Whether through housing and health care, substance use treatment, or workforce development, VIP Community Services has consistently shown that when a community is engaged and united, it becomes stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate.
On behalf of all who have seen and felt the difference you make, I extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations. May this anniversary be a joyful celebration of your accomplishments, and a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead as VIP Community Services continues to inspire and empower the Bronx community for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, Esq. NYS Senate, 32nd District
October 8th, 2025
VIP Community Services
770 E. 176th Street Bronx, NY 10460
Dear Friends,
It is an honor to join my associates in celebrating VIP Community Services’ 51st anniversary of serving the Bronx. The organization has helped Bronx residents lead healthier and happier lives. On behalf of my constituents, I would like to thank VIP for their work.
Many of my legislative priorities center around health and wellness, which is why I deeply appreciate this year ’s gala theme: Engaging the Community For 51 years, VIP Community Services has been a trusted lifeline for underserved New Yorkers, thanks to its person-centered approach and unwavering commitment to care. I proudly support VIP because they have saved, and continue to save countless lives in our borough. Their impact reminds us of the power we have when we come together to care for one another
I take great pleasure celebrating this year ’s Gala with VIP Community Services. Today, we celebrate and honor these past 51 years of service and work on ways to continue building for the future.
Sincerely,
Chantel Jackson, LMSW Assembly Member District 79
DISTRICT OFFICE
573 East Fordham Road
(Entrance on Hoffman Street)
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 842-8100
FAX: (347) 597-8570
CITY HALL OFFICE
250 Broadway, Suite 1759
New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-6966
FAX: (212) 788-8977
OFeliz@council.nyc.gov www.council.nyc.gov
Dear Friends:
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OSWALD FELIZ
COUNCIL MEMBER, 15TH DISTRICT, BRONX
CHAIR SMALL BUSINESS
COMMITTEES
CIVIL SERVICE AND LABOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HEALTH
HIGHER EDUCATION HOUSING AND BUILDINGS
SUB-COMMITTEE
LANDMARKS, PUBLIC SITINGS, AND DISPOSITIONS
September 12, 2025
I thank you all for taking the time out of your week to join VIP Community Services in celebrating another year of impactful services to our community
It is an honor to serve VIP Community Services in my District, and I am beyond grateful for the partnership we have built to support residents from the Bronx. This year alone, VIP Services has been active in providing services in healthcare, GED preparation, and job opportunities, among other impactful services. I cannot enumerate the incredible services that VIP consistently provides to our constituency, from hosting Job Fairs, Farmers Markets to help those that are facing food insecurity, and extending housing resources VIP Services has truly done it all. The work that the team at VIP Services does daily demonstrates the commitment that they have to the needs and circumstances of individuals, and their diverse range of services is a testament to their exemplary dedication.
Our community is very fortunate to have an organization as dedicated and responsive as VIP Community Services.
As their representative in the City Council, I am incredibly proud of the partnership and the dedication that they have shown to our district. They are an inspiration of the great work that organizations should aspire to emulate to serve communities.
Sincerely,
Oswald Feliz New York City Council Member, District 15
2023-2024 IMPACT REPORT
2024 was a year of heartfelt reflection for VIP as we celebrated our 50th anniversary. Looking back on five decades of service, we are filled with gratitude for the countless individuals whose lives have been changed by our work. We were inspired by the resilience of our communities and the dedication of our staff.
Our Commitment to Action:
Housing & Homelessness: We demonstrated the transformative power of stable housing and shelter. By partnering with the Department of Social Services’ Affordable Housing Initiative and organizations like Better Haven, we are providing more than just affordable housing; we are offering pathways to dignity and independence.
Combating the Opioid Crisis: Our teams on the front lines — from our Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) to our Peer Workers — showed unwavering compassion in the face of this complex crisis. We committed our dedication to expanding access to life-saving resources and breaking the cycle of addiction.
Prioritizing Mental Health: We invested in new programs that promote mental well-being, recognizing that true healing requires a holistic approach. Our partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health’s Zero Suicide Initiative, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and the expansion of our School-based Mental Health Clinic are testaments to this commitment.
Improving Health Outcomes: We continue to explore innovative ways to improve access to quality healthcare, with the imminent opening of our first dental clinic in an affordable housing facility this summer, marking a major milestone.
Community Engagement: We supported our communities’ social needs by addressing issues such as unemployment. We hosted an annual job fair, resource fairs and other events in the community. We addressed food insecurity by partnering with Urban Health Plan and NYC Council to provide Healthy Bucks. In collaboration with NYC Council and the Campaign Against Hunger, we hosted farmer’s markets and also provided over 650 bags of vegetables and produce.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we remain steadfast in our devotion to serving people who need services. We will continue to innovate, adapt, and learn, always guided by our vision of compassion, dignity, and respect.
Thank you to our partners, donors, and the many individuals who have supported our mission for 50 years. Together, we will continue this necessary work.
CHALLENGE:
Our patient population has changed. Individuals between the age 0-29 increased by 16% compared to FY2023. Approximately 50% of those we serve are aged 50 to 90. Patients from this demographic face multiple challenges, including substance use disorders, severe mental illness, and multiple uncontrolled chronic conditions, often compounded by social factors.
8,104
UNIQUE PATIENTS
72% are Bronx residents
56% are on Medicaid
23% are uninsured
23% are experiencing homelessness
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
of FQHC patients had high blood pressure under control of CCBHC patients received preventive care & screening for unhealthy alcohol use of CCBHC patients received suicide risk assessment due to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
achieved depression remission at twelve months of established HIV+ patients achieved a suppressed viral load
• Delivered 3,145 medication dispensing services to patients with opioid use disorder through VIP’s Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) in its first year.
• Secured approval from the New York State Department of Health to operate a Second-Tier Syringe Exchange Program (STSEP).
• Opened a 135-bed men’s shelter in Harlem and a 65-unit supportive housing facility in the Bronx.
• Assisted nearly 300 residents from our housing and shelters portfolio in securing permanent housing, achieving a recidivism rate of 1%.
• Partnered with the Department of Social Services and Better Haven to acquire and open two affordable housing developments in the Bronx, totaling 125 units.
• Supported 10,730 individuals in our shelters (more than a third were children).
• Generated 571 mental health encounters in the school-based mental health clinic at CS44 and KIPP Freedom Middle School.
• Conducted 2,695 encounters in the second year of our peer-led, community-based overdose prevention program across 17 zip codes in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.
• Generated over 34,000 visits at both our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and our Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
• Provided vocational services, including job placements, to 1,326 clients, including 746 community members, and 11 staff members.
• Partnered with SBH Health System to provide mammograms to 41 women through their mobile mammography unit onsite at VIP.
Funding from local, state, and federal sources, as well as corporations, individuals, and special events, enable VIP Community Services to provide quality care regardless of people’s ability to pay. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, VIP Community Services’ revenues were $120,916,106, and expenses were $112,708,829.
OUR SOURCES OF REVENUE
HOW WE SPENT OUR FUNDS
Ways to Support Our Mission
With your generous support, VIP Community Services will provide care for the next 50 years and beyond. You can support by visitng vipservices.org/give, or by contacting us at info@vipservices.org to learn about other ways you can help, including: a trust arrangement that can benefit your family, gifts of appreciated stock or real property, or remembering VIP Community Services in your will.
How We Support Our Community
In 2023, our FQHC contributed nearly $18.7 million to the local economy.
In 2024, our FQHC supported over
104 jobs (FT/PT)
* Source: Community Healthcare Association of New York State’s Economic Impact Analysis (EIA). (2023 & 2024).
MUSICAL GUEST: NYPD OPTIONS
The New York City Police Foundation and the New York City Police Department established the OPTIONS program, which provides innovative training programs and establishes collaborative partnerships to advance personal and professional development for NYC youth. The OPTIONS team provides workshops to engage youth in social-emotional development training, life-skills and career guidance workshops, and community wellness activities.
INEZ SIEBEN
Inez Sieben has 30+ years of experience in public health and social services. She was Chief Strategy Officer at VIP Community Services until March 2025. She led OneCity Health Services to achieve 99% of DSRIP funding and helped build New York’s SHIN-NY as COO of the NY eHealth Collaborative. She also held roles at Public Health Solutions and the SKILL Center. Inez holds an MPH from Boston University and is a professional artist: www.inez7.art.
MC:
IN MEMORIAM
STAFF WHO PASSED IN THE LAST YEAR
Jose Santeliss
Driver (Retired)
Hire Date: August 16, 1999
Passed Away: December 24, 2024
Emil Williams
OTP Physician
Hire Date: November 21, 2011
Passed Away: February 18, 2025
Howard Orange Driver
Hire Date: May 26, 2021
Passed Away: July 12, 2025
Anthony Kohl
Senior Peer Coordinator - CCBHC
Hire Date: February 6, 2019
Passed Away: September 3, 2025
CLIENTS
F.F., Age 69
V.S., Age 64
S.E.S., Age 40
L.W., Age 79
S.C., Age 69
T.A., Age 72
S.G., Age 76
J.W., Age 51
H.B., Age 60
C.M., Age 64
F.S., Age 69
WE’D LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT: Circle of
SUNNY DEVELOPERS LLC
Circle of Love Sponsors
Sunny Developers LLC
We honor VIP Community Services for its 51 years of service to the Bronx and now to all of New York.
We appreciate our partnership and congratulate this year’s honorees.
for its 51 years of service to the Bronx and now to all of New York. We appreciate our partnership and congratulate VIP for their 51st Anniversary.
Circle of Peace Sponsors
We Salute
KAREN ASHKENASE
PARSONS FAMILY FOUNDATION
VIP Community Services in its mission to offer comprehensive medical, behavioral health, housing, and wraparound services to promote positive outcomes for families and the community.
Congratulations to all honorees and our very own George Hulse, Vice President of EmblemHealth.
At EmblemHealth, we go beyond coverage to support the health of our communities. Thank you VIP Community Services for going beyond to make a difference.
Dr. Daniel Knecht
• FDNY Approved Fire Alarms
• Engineered Fire Alarms & Life Safety
• Intrusion Detection & Video Surveillance
• Biometric Access Controls & Video Intercoms
• NY Department of State: # 12000262598
• FDNY S97 Certificante # 87562623
• NYC Fire Department: ID 103S
• NCFM # 7140262
• Design/Installation/ Maintenance
• Monitoring/Inspection/ Testing
• Cloud & AI-Edge Platforms
• NJ Department of Consumers Affairs: # 34BX00088700
• NJ DFS: P01133
• Connecticut State: ELC.0194193-C5
Congratulations to VIP Community Services on 51 Years!
Cigna Healthcare proudly celebrates this incredible milestone. We continue to appreciate our partnership with your staff and your mission to the community. Here’s to 51 years of impact — and many more to come.
We Salute
VIP Community Services in its mission to offer comprehensive medical, behavioral health, housing, and wraparound services to promote positive outcomes for families and the community.
Congratulations to all honorees and our very own George Hulse, Vice President of EmblemHealth.
At EmblemHealth, we go beyond coverage to support the health of our communities. Thank you VIP Community Services for going beyond to make a difference.
We Salute
VIP Community Services in its mission to offer comprehensive medical, behavioral health, housing, and wraparound services to promote positive outcomes for families and the community.
Congratulations to all honorees and our very own George Hulse, Vice President of EmblemHealth.
At EmblemHealth, we go beyond coverage to support the health of our communities. Thank you VIP Community Services for going beyond to make a difference.
Dr. Daniel Knecht
Honoring the Legacy & Commitment to
“ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY”
Circle of Care Sponsors
HAPPY 51ST ANNIVERSARY
Proud Supporter of VIP Community Services, NYPD Options, and CommunityBased Organizations Across NYC
We honor the dedicated organizations and individuals who do the essential work of building bridges, healing communities, and creating pathways to hope.
With deep respect and gratitude, we celebrate George Hulse—friend, mentor, tireless champion, and dedicated community builder.
Through the combined efforts of healthcare providers, public safety partners, grassroots nonprofits, and exemplary leaders like George, we are not only addressing today’s challenges—we are shaping healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities for generations to come.
Congratulations to our co-founder and CEO Emeritus Dr. Neil Calman, and other honorees
We commend Commissioner Ann Marie T. Sullivan and EmblemHealth Vice President George Hulse for their efforts in improving community health for all New Yorkers.
The Institute for Family Health is
Jason Office Products Congratulates VIP Community Services in 51 years of Service to the Community.
We Appreciate being one of your newest partners and look forward to continuing our work together.
Rooted in the Bronx: Keeping You Healthy
Caring for the community is a longstanding commitment at SBH Health System. With deep roots in the Bronx, we are dedicated to keeping our residents healthy by addressing health and working towards a healthier future for everyone we serve. and this year’s distinguished honorees— Dr. Neil Calman, George Hulse, and Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan—for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the community!
CONGRATULATIONS TO VIP COMMUNITY SERVICES
CONGRATULATIONS TO VIP COMMUNITY SERVICES
and this year’s distinguished honorees— Dr. Neil Calman, George Hulse, and Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan—for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the community!
CROTONA AVENUE DEVELOPERS LLC
We Are Delighted to Join
In Saluting This Year’s ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY Honorees
Dr. Neil Calman, Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan, & Mr. George Hulse and Welcome NYPD Options!
With gratitude to the leadership and staff of VIP Community Services for their ongoing services to the people of New York.
George & Annette Davidson
Joseph Zacharia, Managing Director Business Banking
1 Jericho Plaza, 3rd Floor Jericho, Ny 11753
lzacharia@websterbank.com 516.495.9001
Debbian Fletcher-Blake President & CEO
Executive Director
Executive Associate Director
Is proud to support VIP Community Services
Congratulations to Honorees: Dr. Neil Calman
Public Health Champion Award: Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan
Community Builder Award: George Hulse
And is proud to support the
ENGAGING COMMUNITY GALA
Congratulations to the 2025 Honorees!
TICKET(S)
PURCHASED WITH NO ADDITIONAL LISTING (AS OF 10-7-2025)
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
All American Homecare Agency
Alliant Insurance Services
Ethan Andersen
ANM Construction
Apex Investments LLC
Adam Aponte
Betances Health Center
William Bifulco
Brown & Weinraub Advisors, LLC
Darcia Bryden-Currie
Neil Calman
Randi Cheafsky
Amelia Corbie
Ricardo Cordova
Dale Carnegie Training
John Darin
Mohammad Darwish
Opal Dunstan
Elmcor Youth &
Adult Activities Inc.
Exponents Inc
Tabitha Gaffney
Goldstein Hall PLLC
Gotham Health
Phillip Grant
Patrick Guinan
Harlem United, Inc.
Healthy Heart Food Service
Shirley Huang
Ernst F. Jean
Earl Jones Jr
Alison Kaylor-Flink
Frank Kploanyi
KTK Consulting Group
Let’s Talk SAFETY, Inc.
Kevin T. McCarthy
Bob Mendelsohn
Keith Mitchell
Justin W. Mitchell
Morris Heights
Health Center Foundation
Odyssey House
Odyssey House Inc.
Paylocity
Recovery with Heart
Richter Restrepo PLLC
Peter Rivera
Carmen Rivera
Silvia Ronda
Brian Ross
Samaritan Daytop Village
Inez M. Sieben
Norma Simon
St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction
StartCare, Inc.
Jodi M. Sturgeon
Hugh Tanner
The Brinn Group, LLC
Anderson Torres
Unique People Services
Urban Health Plan
Natasha Vernon
Webster Bank
ADDITIONAL GALA CONTRIBUTIONS (AS OF 10-07-25)
Raymond James Wealth Management
SPECIAL THANKS
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude, first and foremost, to our clients who generously volunteered their time to share their impactful testimonials with our audience.
Development Team
Princeton Strategic Communications
Show Audio Visual, LLC
Marina del Rey
Staff Volunteers
Procurement
Accounts Payable
Facilities
Board of Directors
NYPD Options
Honorees
Inez Sieben
Thank you to everyone who made this gala a memorable and impactful occasion.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President & Chief Executive Officer
Opal Dunstan, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
Darcia Bryden-Currie, Senior Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer
Tabitha Gaffney, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer
Ernst Jean, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer
Frank Kploanyi, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Justin Mitchell, Senior Vice President & Chief Program Officer
Keith Mitchell, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy & Business Officer
Carmen Rivera, Senior Vice President & Chief Vocational & Community Affairs Officer
Natasha Vernon, General Counsel
GALA VOLUNTEERS
Amelia Anthony, Case Manager
Fenesha Blanchard, Outpatient Program Director
Dana Coleman, AVP of Housing & Shelter
Hilda Dozier, Clinical Supervisor
Elizabeth Fonseca, PrEP Specialist
Alison Maling, AVP CCBHC
Christian Medina, Outreach Specialist
Sandra Ollivierre, Manager of Care Coordination
Anna Otero, AVP of Health Services
Victoria Robinson, AVP Residential Services
Barbara Salcedo, Director Quality Improvement & Informatics
Jerrod Sanders, Executive Administrator
Shaolin Barid, RAP Specialist
Lucie Toussaint, Program Manager
Janette Viera, Director of Housing
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Honoring leaders whose vision and compassion light the way.
VIP Community Services proudly celebrates this year’s Gala and our distinguished honorees. Together, we share a commitment to Building Healthy Communities; where every individual can thrive with dignity, wellness, and hope. On this special evening, we recognize the dedication, resilience, and leadership that inspire lasting change. Each honoree reflects the spirit of our mission and strengthens the foundation of healthier, stronger neighborhoods for all.
With gratitude and joy, VIP Community Services thanks our honorees, partners, and friends for joining us in shaping a brighter future.
Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President & CEO VIP Community Services
