News & Events

September 26, 2023

Richard Condina, Director of LESC’s OSR 1 Outpatient Opioid Treatment Program, has lived an incredible journey that spans nearly four decades of sobriety. His remarkable story is not only a testament to the power of recovery but also a shining example of the impact one individual can have on countless lives.

September 25, 2023

Prepare to be inspired, moved, and uplifted as we celebrate the courage and resilience that unite us all on the path to recovery.

September 12, 2023

Learn more from Lolita Silva-Vazquez, our Chief Program Officer, about how we've been able to pivot and adapt in the last few years.

September 12, 2023

Here's how our rebrand reflects our core values.

September 11, 2023

Learn more about this new direction in LESC history.

July 25, 2023

You know Lucy as a kitchen coordinator at LESC Pencer House, but she's offered her help in many ways. Be sure to check out her chicken curry recipe!

July 25, 2023

Andrea Sybliss, Head Nurse, supports remarkable adaptability at LESC's Outpatient Maintenance Program – even the underserved receive the care they deserve.

June 27, 2023

Learn how Mike overcame addiction, serious medical conditions, and relationship challenges.

June 27, 2023

Paul started his recovery journey and rediscovered his passion for cooking at Su Casa – where he's now head of food service operations!

May 31, 2023

Learn why Esther Ndukwe says supporting wellness with those in substance use recovery takes creativity.

May 31, 2023

Having guidance and support from someone who has “been there” is what many in recovery value the most about peer support services.

April 27, 2023

Dr. Gallo addresses the misconceptions about MAT and highlights the benefits of MAT.

April 27, 2023

LESC's own Yvette Sheard Scott shares more about the important programs we offer at Su Casa.

March 28, 2023

Substance use problems and mental health issues don't get better when they're ignored.

March 28, 2023

Creating a safe haven for Chinese-American New Yorkers with serious mental illness.

February 23, 2023

The flexibility to meet our clients' schedule demands makes a real difference in resilient recovery.

February 23, 2023

You help make resilient recovery work. Our education and training support plays a vital role in supporting sobriety.

February 6, 2023

A Personalized Approach That Supports Recovery

February 6, 2023

LESC Provides a Network of Individualized Support

October 3, 2022

Stories of courage and accomplishment

August 29, 2022

In observance of the Day, Commissioner Cunningham will be attending the New York State Fair in Syracuse, to promote OASAS services and initiatives.

September 27, 2021

NYC community-based behavioral health organizations receive major award from NYS OASAS to expand services to reduce opioid and stimulant use. The $10.49 million grant goes to the newly formed Citywide Addiction Support Network (CASN) to share with its partner organizations, including Cogency IPA. “This project will save lives and promote healthier communities,” says CEO Valerie Walters.

October 1, 2020

See how we’re handling the Covid-19 crisis.

October 14, 2019

Stories of courage and accomplishment

August 20, 2019

To promote access to opioid use disorder treatment, the National Association of Attorneys General asks Congress to remove federal privacy barriers.

August 23, 2018

"You and your staff have done an outstanding job in designing programs and running groups."

November 6, 2017

A testimonial to acknowledge and give thanks to Lower Eastside Service Center for not only saving a life but changing a life forever.

April 20, 2017

On April 20th about a dozen officials and professionals from Turkey came to LESC at Su Casa to discuss SUD policy and treatment. The team is part of a program called the “Global Drug Policy – Study Tour for Stakeholders from Turkey.” The purpose of the visit was to meet with experienced behavioral health organization and criminal justice institutions that work with people with significant addictions - to learn how we work.

February 6, 2017

LESC's partner, Carver Federal Savings Bank, asked Valerie Walters to help celebrate Black History month, the Bank’s 10-year anniversary being listed on Nasdaq and to recognize that it was the first African-American managed bank to be listed on Nasdaq.

January 13, 2017

We had brisk but clear night-time weather for LESC's Holiday Party, held on January 13th at the Ketch Restaurant on Platt Street in lower Manhattan. Staff enjoyed delicious hand-passed hors'doeuvres, a sit-down dinner buffet, drinks, music, and raffles! It was a well deserved, fun-filled evening to close out the holidays as well as appreciate our wonderful staff!

November 29, 2016

Su Casa Graduation

October 27, 2016

The 2016 Staff Health and Wellness Fair was held on October 27th at Su Casa, and it was a great energizing success! Staff were able to get cholesterol/glucose testing, free rejuvenating massages, flu vaccinations, win great raffle prizes and enjoy healthy refreshments. We give a special thank you to Steven Everett and Lucy Torres of Pencer House. They kept the delicious fruit and vegetable smoothies coming for staff to enjoy. The Staff Health and Wellness Fair is sponsored each year by LESC and organized by the LESC Personnel Practices and Health & Safety Committees and the Human Resources Department.

October 25, 2016

Breakfast fundraiser

April 8, 2016

On April 8, 2016, Lolita Silva-Vazquez, represented LESC as part of the Mount Sinai PPS (Performing Provider System) project 3.a.i. leadership team. Lolita, along with her 3 co-leads, Dr. Sabina Lim, Dr. Lauren Peccoralo and Dr. Brian Wong, presented at the statewide All PPS Meeting hosted by the Department of Health (see photo above - Silva-Vazquez seated at far right). Since 2014, LESC has been a member of the Mount Sinai PPS. Lolita has participated as a co-lead on one project, and Jackie Vargas, VP, Human Resources, has participated on the PPS Workforce Committee. In New York State, there are twenty-five Performing Provider Systems within the state’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program that are led by hospitals or other organizations. Implementing DSRIP in New York State is one of the ways recommended by Governor Cuomo’s appointed Medicaid Redesign Team to transform the Medicaid System. DSRIP’s purpose is to fundamentally restructure the health care delivery system by reinvesting in the Medicaid program to improve population health and reduce avoidable hospital use by 25% over 5 years. Since November of 2014, Lolita has been a co-lead of the Mount Sinai PPS Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care project. The integration project includes three models, 1) Integration of Behavioral Health (mental health and substance use treatment) into Primary Care, 2) Integration of Primary Care into Behavioral Health services and 3) Collaborative Care which screens for and treats depression in a Primary Care setting. Together, the project coleads and several partner providers have worked over several months to develop systems and work flows. They have also identified and developed tools to help providers work towards integrating behavioral health and primary care services to address the needs of their patient populations. As a result of the progress that the leadership team and partner providers have made, Lolita and her co-leads were invited to present their work at the All PPS Meeting at the Egg Dome, Albany, NY.

October 29, 2014

Lower Eastside Service Center (LESC) recently celebrated the opening of Franklin Avenue Residence, a beautiful new supportive housing residence in the Bronx.

September 29, 2014

Su Casa, our residential treatment facility, is being renovated. It's an all volunteer, completely pro bono project initiated by members of New York Metro Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and supported by many local and national businesses.

June 28, 2013

LESC partners on a special all-volunteer, pro bono project to redesign several areas at Su Casa, a long term residential facility

October 6, 2011

Su Casa, the Lower Eastside Service Center's Long-Term Residental Treatment Facility has received a Three-Year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

October 3, 2011

Franklin Avenue Housing will offer single room occupancy for low-income individuals and is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2014. Pictured at the ground breaking are the LESC Executive Team ( Left to Right) - Peter Santoro, Joe Krasnansky, Valerie Walters, Lolita Silva-Vazquez & Jacqueline Vargas

May 12, 2009

LESC's President & CEO, Herb Barish accepting the Assembly State of New York State Proclamation

November 12, 2008

LESC celebrates opening of new Diversity Works housing residence. ACS took part in the formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies with Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs represented by Eric Nicklas, Associate Commissioner for the D1v1sion of Family Permanency Services. "Keeping Families Together will benefit families that are chronically homeless by meeting their complex needs, which also can lead to higher incidents of child neglect or abuse," said Nicklas. "This program provides stability to these families at a critical juncture in their lives. In the coming months, this program can serve as a real beacon for families looking for a stable home life and the support they need to grow stronger and safer for their children."

Join us for breakfast and help break the cycle!