HCC | July 2026: Community Updates

July 2026: Community Updates

Dear Friends,

This month has been full of celebration, advocacy, and unity, both in our agency and in the communities we serve. With summer in full swing, we’re excited to share highlights, awareness days, and initiatives that made July special.

Celebrating Awareness and Inclusion

July is a month full of meaning and reflection. We started with Independence Day on July 4th, a time for joy, gratitude, and community spirit as we celebrated freedom and the values that unite us. Throughout the month, we also recognized Disability Pride Month, honoring the resilience and contributions of people with disabilities. We marked National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing resources, hosting workshops, and highlighting voices from diverse backgrounds to help reduce stigma around mental health. Parks and Recreation Month was another highlight, reminding us how important green spaces are for our well-being. We encouraged everyone to enjoy local parks, whether for exercise, relaxation, or connecting with nature. On July 11th, we recognized World Population Day, reflecting on global challenges and the impact of working together. As the month ends, we look forward to International Day of Friendship on July 30th. This day reminds us how important kindness, connection, and mutual support are for building stronger communities.

Community Events:

Ice Cream, Unity, and Advocacy

One of the highlights this month was celebrating National Ice Cream Day. Staff at our Broadway and Church Avenue locations served ice cream to our community members. The event brought smiles to people of all ages and reminded us of the simple joys that bring us together. This summer has also brought concern in the Haitian community. The recent end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has deeply affected many of our clients and neighbors. As an agency that serves many Haitian families, we have seen the uncertainty, anxiety, and hardship this decision has caused. We collaborated with the Office of Councilmember Rita Joseph to host a phone bank, to encourage community members to call their senators and ask them to support legislation that would keep TPS for Haitians. We are very grateful to everyone who took part and to Councilmember Joseph’s office for their strong support.

Pictured from left to right: HCC Associate Executive Director Marie J. Charles, Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, CouncilMember Rita Joseph, and HCC Executive Director Andre Peck.

A Global Celebration: The World Cup

This July, the world focused on the World Cup, and our city was proud to be one of the hosts. The excitement, diversity, and shared love of soccer brought people together across language, culture, and background. Whether cheering in stadiums or watching from home, the sense of unity and pride was clear. These moments show how sports can bring people together and help everyone feel they belong.

Bidding Farewell

This month, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Outreach Coordinator, Mario Adler Jean Charles, who is departing our agency after five exceptional years. Mario started with us while studying to become a nurse, and from day one, he consistently demonstrated compassion, dedication, and teamwork. His energy and warmth have enriched our workplace and inspired those around him. As Mario fully embarks on his professional nursing career, we are deeply grateful for all he has contributed and wish him every happiness and success in this exciting new chapter.

Celebrating Two of Our Own

This month at HCC, we were thrilled to uplift two of our own. Our Operations Coordinator, Nahomie Lolo, led the way with her inspiring Women’s Initiative, Empower’d, spotlighting our talented Case Manager, Brianna Lia, at a special artist showcase. The event brought staff together in a wonderful show of support for these talented women, reflecting HCC’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the achievements of our team.

Thank you for being an important part of our community and for supporting us in both celebration and advocacy. Together, we keep building a more inclusive, supportive, and joyful future. Warm regards, The HCC Team

Our Programs and Services

FITBK – Our fitness program offers free classes at Flatlands Reformed Church (3931 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11234) on Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm. Food distribution is conducted on the first Saturday of every month at Flatlands Reformed Church from 7am to 9:30am. This effort is possible with the involvement of FRC Flatlands Reformed Church, GrowNYC and The Campaign Against Hunger. The Haitian Response Initiative - A Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs contracted grant, with which HCC helps Haitian refugees with linkage to social and immigration related services and provides ESL classes The Brooklyn Empowerment Wellness (BeWell) Center provides culturally competent mental health services to our multicultural members. HCC Wellness Center – offers a safe and affirming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel empowered and improve their health and well-being. HIV/AIDS Prevention & Education Services are provided at our office locations and mobile unit. Our Health Educators offer free and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C (HEP C) testing, counseling, case management, education on STI prevention, and linkages to pertinent services.

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