With support from State, County, and City funding, construction will begin this summer on a new home for Family & Children’s Counseling Services, formerly Family & Children’s Society. The $5 million-dollar project is supported with $600 thousand from the State of New York, Broome County, and City of Binghamton; each level of government providing $200 thousand.
“We are so grateful to Broome County, the City of Binghamton and the New York State Assembly for helping us bring this project to fruition,” said FCCS Executive Director Lisa Hoeschele. “The community need for behavioral health services has grown exponentially in recent years. This new facility will strengthen and protect continued access to health care services in the community by allowing us to expand mental health and addiction services and further integrate primary care services.”
A brand-new 9,000 square foot, two-story building will be constructed on Main St. in Binghamton adjacent and connected to the existing facility to help Family & Children’s Counseling Services to better serve the community. Broome County approved the allocation of $200 thousand in American Rescue Plan funding in April; Binghamton City Council approved its share at its May 4th business meeting; and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo secured additional funds in the New York State Budget.
“This long-awaited expansion will provide much needed mental health and addiction treatment services to our community,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “When we learned about the increased expense of the project, County Executive Garnar, Mayor Kraham and I pledged to work together to allocate the additional funds. I’d like to thank Family and Children’s Counseling Services for their commitment to providing these vital services, and my colleagues for their collaboration.”
“As the need for services continues to grow, Family & Children’s Counseling Services will now be able to expand and accommodate more clients than ever,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “For 80 years, this agency has helped thousands of families in our community. With the funding we were able to commit, I know the great people at Family & Children’s Counseling Services will serve thousands more for another eight decades and beyond. Thank you to Assemblywoman Lupardo and Mayor Kraham for their support of this important expansion.”
“With this funding, the Family & Children’s Counseling Services will be able to expand and help more people with mental health and other challenges,” said Chairman & 5th District Broome County Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “Continuing these types of investments will provide valuable resources for residents who need access to these services.”
“These investments will double the size of the Family & Children’s Counseling Services’ West Side facility, allowing the organization to better serve its clients and expand critical public health services for our community,” said City Councilwoman Sophia Resciniti, District 2. “For decades, the Family & Children’s Counseling Services has provided vital mental health, counseling and support services to our community. As a social worker who worked hands-on at the Family & Children’s Society earlier in my career, I know this funding will make a difference in our community and am proud to support these efforts.”
Founded in 1941 by Esther W. Couper, Family & Children’s Society is one of the community’s largest providers of human services, assisting people of all ages. In 2020, The Family & Children’s Society merged with Family Counseling Services of Cortland County to become Family & Children’s Counseling Services. Programs include mental health and addiction services, care coordination, housing placement, vocational assistance, and sexual abuse treatment.
