← All Executive Director Updates

Happy Spring, All!

Please mark your calendars for this Thursday, April 10—we’ll be gathering for Notes of Hope: Expanding Mental Health Care, a special ICP fundraiser hosted by graduating candidate and board advisory committee member Charles Sommer. This promises to be a joyful evening of live music (featuring The Kennedy Administration), bites and beverages, and community connection—all in support of expanding access to mental health care

We hope you’ll join us for this uplifting event!

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As the flowers begin to bloom and longer, warmer days return, we are reminded of the resilience and beauty that exists even in difficult times. While the challenges in our country and communities remain heavy, coming together—as colleagues, learners, and helpers—remains one of the most meaningful ways we find strength and healing.

That sense of connection was on full display at two powerful recent events:

Transformations Symposium – held on March 29^th

We welcomed nearly one hundred attendees to the New York Society for Ethical Culture for a deeply inspiring day of learning, community, and reflection. We were honored to hear a keynote from Tiq Milan (tiqmilan.com), a message of support from Council Member Gale Brewer (District 6), and to offer a selection of 11 different talks, from which participants could attend up to four. Each session focused on lifespan work with Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) communities.

The energy in the room was palpable — and the collective passion, curiosity, and compassion made the day a true success. Deep thanks to everyone on the PCGS executive team who helped plan, present, and attend this important gathering.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities: Clinical and LegalPerspectives – held on April 3rd

This first-ever collaborative event between ICP and NIP brought together clinicians and legal advocates to explore how we can better support those most at risk in today’s changing landscape. With a strong turnout and engaged audience, this event affirmed the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of responsive, inclusive programming. We are excited to continue developing events like this, and we welcome your ideas for future topics. Gratitude to our committee from ICP and NIP for their efforts, which went above and beyond, to make this event such a success.

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Institute News & Initiatives

1. Annual Appeal Success
   Our most recent Annual Appeal was the most successful in ICP’s history—thanks to the incredible generosity of our board and community, and the thoughtful coordination and leadership of Anna Suh, our Board Chair of Development. This support comes at a critical time, as we continue recovering from the pandemic and navigating the rising costs of operating in New York City. Your contributions make it possible for us to provide accessible, inclusive treatment and training. Consider a one-time or monthly donation here.
2. Commitment to Inclusivity
   Our DEI values remain a cornerstone of who we are. As stated on our website, the following excerpt reflects our ongoing commitment:”At a time when many communities face marginalization and uncertainty, we stand with all who are being targeted or feel isolated or vulnerable. We remain dedicated to offering a space for healing, learning, and growth for all who seek our educational and treatment services.” Our programming continues to reflect this commitment, and we remain open to new ideas and collaborations that support these values.
3. Grievance Resolution Committee (GRC)
   We’re proud to share that the Grievance Resolution Committee is now fully formed, composed of the following thoughtful, accomplished professionals: Anna Pintsov, Barbara Goldstein, LouAnn Smith, LCSW-R, Faige Flakser, LCSW, and Dr. Raashida Edwards DSW, LCSW. Some bring formal conflict resolution training, and we are exploring additional training opportunities. We’re deeply grateful to this group for their willingness to serve our community with integrity, care, and professionalism. For more information on our grievance process: icpnyc.org/about-icp/#code-of-ethics
4. Financial Task Force
   The Financial Task Force—made up of a representative group from across our community—was well equipped with background research and context, allowing them to make thoughtful, actionable recommendations for reducing expenses and increasing revenue. The board has adopted these recommendations. The new tuition for the upcoming academic year has already been announced, and we are now moving toward implementing the remaining recommendations. Stay tuned for more updated. Their contributions are helping support ICP’s long-term sustainability, and we thank them for their thoughtful participation in this important work.
5. Board Highlights
   Our board continues to play a visionary and essential role in shaping ICP’s direction and long-term sustainability. Their strategic thinking and behind-the-scenes efforts influence everything from DEI and financial planning to organizational growth and community engagement. I’m deeply grateful for their expertise, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our mission.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this vibrant, thoughtful, and compassionate community. Together, we continue to build a space that heals, teaches, and supports—especially when the world around us feels uncertain.

As an organization, we remain committed to growing, learning, and improving—in service of our mission and the people we serve. Your presence and participation matter deeply, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our fundraiser on Thursday and at future events.

To share general feedback with ICP leadership, please email: feedback@icpnyc.org

Warmly,

Andrea Green Lewis, LCSW-R
Executive Director