Newsletter

SPRING 2024

Message from Yaw

Happy Spring! We are celebrating our achievements and embracing all the excellent services here at Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC). Our team has been restructured and enhanced to improve our advocacy efforts and our services to our community. We have also revitalized various aspects of our services and amplified our community outreach initiatives.

I want to thank our consumers, hard-working staff, board of directors, community partners, donors, and funders for their unwavering dedication to advancing HILC's mission and vision. Together, we are creating a meaningful and lasting impact in our community.

Our person-centered and peer-to-peer approach truly sets us apart as a movement. I am proud of the HILC team and deeply grateful for their continuous dedication and perseverance. SPRING WITH US - as we champion the Independent Living philosophy and the rights and freedom of people with disabilities! Thank you.

Yaw Appiadu, MPH

Executive Director, HILC

Picture of the staff at HILC. One staff is sitting, and 6 staff is standing behind her around a conference room table.

Individuals in the Picture - From left to right: Yasmin, Yaw, Yonette, Desryl (seated), Dennis, Marcia and Myles

Celebrating the Women at HILC

A cartoon picture of smiling women from different races.

Women's History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the remarkable women who have made a significant impact in various fields, including those who are part of the Independent Living World. At Harlem Independent Living Center, we proudly acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our women-team members to the success of our center. Join us in celebrating these extraordinary women as they play an integral role in our inspiring HILC story.

Program Highlight

Transitional Support Program -

This program is specially designed to support individuals in the following ways:

- Guiding consumers in nursing homes or institutional settings towards independence

- Preventing individuals from entering nursing homes or institutional settings

- Providing assistance with HRA 2010e applications - Assisting in eligibility of supportive housing

If you are not currently a Medicaid beneficiary or is looking at enrolling in Medicaid, we offer enrollment support. This program complements our existing services aimed at helping consumers maintain independence outside of institutions. We collaborate with other organizations to offer essential services such as:

- Locating suitable housing in the community

- Modifying current residences for accessibility

- Assisting with subsidized rent applications for eligible individuals

- Assigning a dedicated coordinator to help individuals thrive in the community

- Supporting individuals in applying for and retaining benefits

- Aid with healthcare insurance appeals for increased home care, medical equipment, and supplies

For more information, please contact:

Desryl DeSouza (Program Coordinator)

Email: ddesouza@hilc.org

Phone: 212-222-7122 Ext 1003

Donate Here

Vacany Announcement

silhouette pictures of people with disabilities

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

Maya Angelou

Mission and Vision Statements

Mission Statement: Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) is a disability-focused organization that advocates for community change and empowers people to be independent.

Vision Statement: To advocate for a fully accessible society.

289 Saint Nicholas Avenue

Suite LL/21

New York, New York 10027

Between 124th Street & 125th Street

Tel: 212-222-7122

Our office is open to the public from Monday to Thursday, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, except for Federal Holidays. We welcome walk-ins during these hours.