Logo of Harlem Independent Living Center: Harlem Independent Living Center, Inc.'s logo description is: The text in capitalized black letters "HARLEM INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER INC" in the outer circle with black windmill blades in a circle and in the center of the windmill blade is a person with a star for a body. ing Center. The Logo is in green lettering.

NEWSLETTER

JULY 2024

Yaw Appiadu, MPH

Executive Director - Harlem Independent Living Center

I want to share some exciting updates from the Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) with you as we bask in the warmth of the summer season. At HILC, we are committed to our open-door policy, which fosters open communication and collaboration with our stakeholders. We value transparency and want to ensure that our stakeholders have a voice in the work that we do. As the Executive Director of HILC, I want to reaffirm my commitment to this policy. My door is always open to our stakeholders, whether to discuss ideas, seek advice, or address concerns. I am here to listen and assist in any way possible. Let us work together to make this season a success for everyone!


Here are some updates from HILC:


1. Expansion of Services: I am pleased to announce the addition of the Facilitated Enrollment for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (FE-ABD) program to our range of services. This program is designed to provide public health insurance application assistance to consumers. HILC is proud to be a part of a statewide community-based organization network in New York State that offers this service to consumers free of charge.

Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping consumers navigate the complex healthcare system and access the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and we are committed to making that a reality for all our consumers. Click here to learn more about the FE-ABD program.


Community Outreach: Our community outreach initiatives have yielded positive results, with a notable increase in engagement with our workshops. Additionally, there has been a substantial rise in walk-ins and service requests, indicating a growing interest and trust in our programs. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of our outreach strategies and the value that HILC provides to the community.


Partnership Developments: HILC has successfully established new partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These partnerships have enabled us to enhance our resources and increase our impact on the community. I encourage you to visit our website to view our list of supporters and sponsors, and I am grateful for their continued support of our mission.


Your support is crucial to our mission. Let us continue to create positive change and empower people with disabilities in our community. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Harlem Independent Living Center, Inc.'s logo description is: The text in capitalized black letters "HARLEM INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER INC" in the outer circle with black windmill blades in a circle and in the center of the windmill blade is a person with a star for a body.

Upcoming Event

Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) invites you to celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with our staff and consumers.


Date: July 26, 2024

Time: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm

Location: BBQ Area 6 in Morningside Park, located at W 122nd Street.


This event offers free limited tabling opportunities for Non-Profit Organizations interested in participating. For further details and inquiries, please reach out to yadmin@hilc.org. Join us in celebrating this important milestone.

Flyer for 34th American's with disabilities act anniversary celebration. Date: July 26, 2024. Time: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Location: Morning Side Park. W 122nd St. Snacks and ice-cream will be served.

Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) is the community partner for Disability Pride Month launch event in Manhattan. This event is hosted by the Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine in partnership with Disability Unite.


Date: Tuesday July 16

Time : 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Location: David N Dinkins Municipal Building. 1 Centre St. Mezzanine, New York, NY 10007

RSVP Here

Flyer for Disability Pride Month Event

New Partner Alert

Logo of Community Service Society of New York.

Team Alert

A picture of Jahron Black. Jahron is in a tan and a yellow tie. Jahron is an African American gentleman with long dread. He is wearing a sunglasses

Jahron Black

Benefits & Youth-Transition Specialist


The Harlem Independent Living Center is thrilled to introduce Jahron as our new Benefits and Youth-in-Transition Specialist. With a strong background in Independent Living and a dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities, Jahron's addition to our team significantly bolsters our commitment to our our stakeholders.


He has extensive experience in working with youth and young adults and advocating for their rights and well-being. He also has passion for ensuring that people with disabilities have access to essential benefits and resources. His experience and passion will play a crucial role in advancing the mission and vision of Harlem Independent Living Center. We extend a warm welcome to Jahron Black and eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will bring to the community and our consumers. Click here to connect with Jahron.

Picture of Abubacar Camara. Abu is an African American. He  is wearing sweater.

Aboubacar Camara

Summer Intern


Mr. Aboubacar Camara is joining our team this summer as an intern, and we are delighted to welcome him aboard. We are excited to witness the remarkable contributions he will make during his tenure with us. The Harlem Independent Living Center offers a structured platform for the professional development of youth and young adults from Harlem. We take great pride in our partnership with CASES and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development for our summer internship program. This helps provide valuable opportunities for the youth in our community.

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.

Contact Us

289 Saint Nicholas Avenue

Suite 21 Lower-Level

New York, New York 10027

Between W 124th Street & W 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.

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