⚠️ Important Notice: The 46 & 62 East Broadway Clinics are temporarily closed. Please click here for important updates and instructions.
For more than 60 years, LESC has been a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable populations in New York City – intentionally and consistently offering hope, healing, and support to those navigating addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness.
“We want LESC to be a household name,” says Valerie Walters, CEO of LESC. “We’ve been around for over 60 years, and we rebranded to make sure people know who we are and what we do.”
While our mission remains the same, our approach is evolving to better mirror the world we live in – and the people we serve. At the heart of that evolution is the launch of LESC’s Residential Redesign Program: a groundbreaking, person-centered model that redefines what recovery can look like for our clients this year and beyond.
Resilience isn’t just a concept at LESC – it’s a reality we witness every day in the people we serve. “You get beat down and you come back,” Valerie shares. “We know our clients have gone through struggles and made their way back. We think of being pliable – we don’t let life keep us down.”
This understanding shapes everything we do. We recognize that recovery isn’t linear, and we don’t expect perfection. “It’s okay to fall along the way and have hiccups,” Valerie emphasizes. “We’re here to help you get back on track.”
That commitment – to walk beside people through every stage of their journey – is what makes our team so special. “Our staff are here, rain or shine, ready to roll up their sleeves and get into it with every client,” Valerie says with pride. “The commitment of our staff is unwavering.”
What sets LESC apart isn’t just the services we provide – it’s the spirit in which we provide them.
“This is not what you normally see from a not-for-profit, especially in the behavioral health space,” Valerie points out. And it’s true. There’s an energy and hope at LESC that you can feel the moment you walk through the door. “We bring hope, life, and energy to our mission,” she says. And that vitality is shared across staff, board members, and clients alike.
Inclusivity is central to who we are. Whether someone is LGBTQ+, from a marginalized background, or navigating multiple barriers, we’re here to offer individualized support. “We will hold their hand and help them find the resilient recovery they deserve – no matter how long it takes, what road it takes, or what their journey is – we support them through it all,” Valerie explains.
Our new Residential Redesign Program builds directly on this foundation of trust, inclusivity, and client-centered care. It’s more than a new offering – it’s a bold reimagining of how addiction services can and should operate.
This program expands our long-standing commitment by supporting individuals struggling with any substance, not just opioids, while also addressing co-occurring mental health needs and housing insecurity.
What truly sets the program apart is its integrated model: it combines residential care with an on-site Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), providing seamless access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and wraparound services. Few nonprofit organizations in NYC offer this kind of fully embedded care, making LESC’s model one of a kind.
Just as important as the structure is the program’s flexibility. “We’re not trying to fit people into a box,” Valerie explains. “We meet people where they are.” Clients define their own recovery goals, and we support them with dignity, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
This innovative approach is a natural extension of our mission – and a powerful reminder that LESC is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our community.
LESC isn’t just another provider. We’re a community. A safe space. A second chance. A fresh start. And we’re proud to be leading the way toward a more inclusive, more effective, and more compassionate future for addiction services in New York City.
If you or someone you love is seeking help, reach out. We’re here – and we’ll stay here – every step of the way.
...........
Recovery is a process. That’s why the programs at LESC are not time-sensitive, they’re goal-sensitive. We work to address the individual needs of clients at every level, so they can become productive citizens in the communities where they live.
A healthier, more fulfilling life can be yours. Call or email us now to arrange a screening interview. A trained intake counselor is waiting to help you begin the admissions process.
Call: (347) 538-2632
Or email us at: info@lesc.org
We’re committed to nurturing resilient recovery through a program of treatment, supportive housing, education, and energized community engagement. Discover the relationships, the resources, and the safe and sound support system to begin your journey.
