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18 Mar2019

Statement on the Shootings in New Zealand

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in NewsBlog

The Ackerman Institute for the Family is heartbroken over the senseless loss of life that occurred in two mosques in New Zealand. We are outraged at the unspeakable act of violence and hate perpetrated at the Muslim community and denounce Islamic hate in the strongest terms.

Committed to social justice, we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community at the Institute and the world over. As family therapists we are ready to offer support to those in grief and distress over this tragedy. 

14 Feb2019

In Celebration of Black History Month

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in NewsBlog

[Charles Henry Alston. “Walking.” 1958. Oil and gesso on canvas. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sydney Smith Gordon. © Charles Alston Estate.]

The Ackerman Institute for the Family celebrates Black History Month. We honor the countless contributions people of African decent have made towards civil rights and social justice throughout history. The Institute strives on being a community of inclusion and one that celebrates diversity as a cornerstone to family health. We remember and celebrate those in the African-American mental health community who envision equality and justice for all families.

 

[Charles Henry Alston. “Walking.” 1958. Oil and gesso on canvas. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sydney Smith Gordon. © Charles Alston Estate.]

01 Feb2019

NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray Visits the Ackerman Institute for the Family

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in NewsBlog

First Lady Chirlane McCray at the Ackerman Institute for the Family - Photo by Da Ping Luo Photography

Da Ping Luo Photography

The Ackerman Institute’s Gender & Family Project is honored to partner with New York City’s First Lady Chirlane McCray and the NYC Unity Project in our mission to protect trans and gender nonconforming youth through family acceptance.

Ms. McCray has spearheaded the NYC Unity Project in an effort to better serve NYC’s LGBTQ+ youth in all areas. At the First Lady’s direction the NYC Unity Project has funded the first-ever post-graduate family therapy training program through the Ackerman Institute for people serving diverse youth at agencies around the city. Taught by GFP Director, Jean Malpas, this training teaches clinical best practices in family therapy techniques using GFP’s inclusive, gender-informed model as a framework. Thanks to the funding provided by the First Lady’s office, mental health professionals working at agencies throughout the five boroughs were selected to attend the training free of charge.

22 Jan2019

In Memory of Miguel Hernandez

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in NewsBlog

Miguel Hernandez, LCSW who was dear to so many in our community has sadly passed in Puerto Rico. He was a gifted, extraordinary therapist, supervisor, writer, and a beloved mentor and colleague to so many. Miguel’s work was profound, centered in critical consciousness and emotional connection, and made a substantial contribution to the field of family therapy and training. He will be missed.

We send our condolences to his family.

27 Dec2018

We Call for the Humane Treatment of Immigrant Children

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in NewsBlog

The Ackerman community is deeply concerned about the treatment of children and families who are being kept in poor conditions while seeking safe entry into the United States. These conditions add to the trauma that families have already endured. Children continue to be forcibly separated from their parents, which threatens the safety and mental health of all involved. We strongly disagree with this administration’s policy of separating children from their families as they cross into the United States.

We also hope that immigrant children will receive more thorough assessments at the earliest possible time. Regardless of the circumstances under which children enter this country, they are fleeing violence and poverty. The most humane thing to do is to ensure adequate medical and mental health care for the children in these facilities.  

We are saddened by the tragic deaths of 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin and 8-year old Felipe Alonzo Gomez, who died while in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This loss of life is a cruel act of negligence that cannot continue. Our hearts go out to their families during this difficult time.