Vibrant Emotional Health Expands Footprint with New Community Center on Staten Island
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Divendra Jaffar, AVP of Communications & Engagement
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Grand opening celebration marks Vibrant’s first Staten Island presence, expanding access to services for families and youth.
NEW YORK, NY – September 26, 2025 – Vibrant Emotional Health, one of the nation’s leading behavioral health organizations, announced the grand opening of its new Family and Youth Peer Support Services (FYPS) Community Center in Staten Island, New York. This milestone marks Vibrant’s first program in the borough and represents a major step forward in creating a community-rooted, resilience-building system of care for local families.
Located at 120 Stuyvesant Place, the Staten Island center builds on Vibrant’s growing network of community-based programs,
creating new opportunities to meet rising demand for youth and family peer-led support and empowerment services across New York City.
The grand opening celebration drew proclamations from New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and New York City Councilmember Kamilah Hanks, along with community partners, families, and local leaders. Guests attended an open house that highlighted the wide range of services designed to strengthen resilience among Staten Island youth and families.
“The Staten Island FYPS office is the physical embodiment of what’s possible when we put people first. When we lead with care. When we trust those who’ve walked the road themselves to help guide others forward,” said Brenda Tong, Chief Program Officer of Vibrant Emotional Health. “Vibrant holds peer-led work as a core component of what real community support looks like. It’s my firm belief that lived experience is a kind of expertise that can’t be taught; it’s earned. And when that expertise is honored, invested in, and brought into the center of our systems, we see transformation. We see youth who feel empowered. We see families who feel connected. We see communities that begin to heal from within.”
“I’m so honored to support and recognize the outstanding service to our great city and state, and for the great contributions that FYPS is bringing to our community,” said New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “A great state is only as great as those individuals who perform exemplary service on behalf of their community and contribute positively to that environment.”
Councilmember Kamilah Hanks added, “Thank you to Vibrant and the FYPS program. A city’s greatness is defined by the people who dedicate themselves to serving their communities. Whether through unique, personal achievement in their professional or other endeavors or simply through a lifetime of philanthropy and community service, we have seen that achievement today.”
Meeting a Critical Need in Staten Island
Vibrant’s FYPS program pairs peer advocates with lived experience alongside families and youth navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. Services include:
- One-on-one peer support for young people and caregivers
- Parenting workshops and youth leadership groups
- Referrals to essential services, including counseling, educational support, and housing assistance
With early intervention, FYPS helps families build the skills and confidence to better support their children.
The Staten Island launch expands Vibrant’s footprint across New York City, joining existing FYPS centers in the Bronx and Queens. By investing in borough-based services, Vibrant is strengthening its community mental health care, bridging crisis response with long-term culturally informed support.
To learn more about the FYPS program, visit vibrant.org/what-we-do/community-programs/parents-caregivers/family-youth-peer-support-services.
About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional well-being. For over 55 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Disaster Distress Helpline, and NFL Life Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help millions of people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
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