Mineola, NY – Family and Children’s Association (FCA) and The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) – two of Long Island’s most prominent nonprofits – have entered into a strategic partnership that will consolidate administrative functions, reduce operating expenses and most importantly, create a seamless continuum of care for individuals and families struggling with addiction. Under the new arrangement, LICADD has become an affiliate of FCA.
Serving Long Island for more than 130 years, FCA is the product of several successful nonprofit mergers and currently manages an integrated network of more than two dozen human service programs. Two licensed chemical dependency treatment centers, a children’s mental health program, a shelter for homeless teens and transitional housing for young people are among the agency’s offerings. FCA’s annual budget is $22 million – most of which comes from government – and the organization currently employs 320 full-and part-time employees across 11 sites in Nassau County and one in Suffolk.
LICADD’s focus on addiction dates back more than 60 years and the largely privately funded agency offers a variety of evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs, family-centered addiction services and professional trainings. LICADD also maintains an earned income venture – an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that currently serves 60,000 private sector employees in the tri-state area. The agency currently has offices in Mineola, Holbrook and Riverhead. Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, FCA’s President and CEO, served as LICADD’s Executive Director from 2009-2015 and the agencies have several board members and major donors in common.
“This is the right move at the right time,” said Dr. Reynolds. “As Long Island struggles under the weight of an historic heroin crisis and a persistent fiscal crisis, joining forces means more efficiencies, pooled talent, and an even stronger continuum of care for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.”
Together, the agencies now offer a full menu of services ranging from school-based prevention programs, to mental health/substance abuse screenings, to brief interventions and NYS-licensed outpatient treatment, to recovery support and relapse prevention. Additional services offered by the agencies include: youth mentoring, services for military veterans, children’s mental health services, transitional housing and professional continuing education programs.
“Ultimately, this collaboration will allow both agencies to reach and assist more people. That is the only reason these two agencies exist; service provision and support for Long Islanders. We at LICADD are excited about this great partnership,” said LICADD Executive Director, Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC.
Under the formal agreement, LICADD will retain its identity, its 501 c 3 nonprofit status and existing programs for the foreseeable future, and FCA will help the agency manage staff, finances, existing grants and new opportunities in the rapidly evolving behavioral health marketplace.
“The two agencies have a long history of collaboration and mutual respect. It seemed like a natural progression to begin a formal partnership if we can assist more people in need,” said LICADD Board Chair, Jeff Capazzi.
FCA Board Chair Drew Crowley agrees: “This creative arrangement strengthens both organizations and ultimately benefits families on Long Island who need better access to high quality addiction services.”
