18 Sep2020

In Memory of Henry van Ameringen

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

The Ackerman Institute for the Family and the Gender & Family Project are mourning the loss of Henry van Ameringen, an incredible person, leader and ally. As Henry learned about GFP’s work with trans youth and families, he accepted an invitation to visit the Ackerman Institute in 2014. After a warm and informal meeting with a few GFP families, staff and allies, Henry was deeply moved by a program that was both trans youth affirming and family inclusive, emphasizing relationships and community. Henry immediately expressed his support with a three-year grant of $50,000 and became the Gender & Family Project’s first large foundation grant.

We were incredibly touched and grateful and continued to keep him updated with new hires, new groups and the many families and youth who were getting support because of his generosity. GFP’s yearly meeting with Henry’s husband at their West Village apartment turned into a creative brainstorming session on how to further our mission and reach out wider. He was a visionary and a real altruist. We will miss him dearly.

31 Jul2020

Free Clinical Training Opportunity with the Ackerman Institute’s Gender & Family Project

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

The Ackerman Institute’s Gender & Family Project (GFP), The NYC Unity Project, and the Administration for Children Services (ACS) have joined forces to increase NYC’s capacity for family engagement and acceptance for TGNC youth. GFP is recruiting up to 6 NYC-based clinicians for the Family Engagement and Acceptance Training; a FREE year-long didactic and clinical training in family engagement and family therapy with families of TGNC youth.

Qualifications required:

Be a NYS licensed mental health professional.
Practice (at least part time agency or CBO) in one of NYC’s five boroughs.

Clinicians who identify as a person of color, and/or as LGBTQI are strongly encouraged to apply.

30 Jul2020

Ackerman Launches New COVID-19 Grief Group Space

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

This group is for people of color who have lost a loved one due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by an Ackerman Institute therapist, the group will focus on cultural traditions for the healing of grief and pain. Online meetings begin Monday, September 14th.

This virtual group will provide a safe space for participants to (1) talk about and process their grief and loss, anger and resentment associated with the death of loved ones, (2) examine cultural implications of the loss of community support, (3) explore stages of grief and loss and the benefit of mourning, (4) address treatment disparities in the healthcare system, (5) understand the importance of self-care practices, (6) learn stress management relaxation techniques, (7) and engage in traditional rituals that promote healing.

This new offering from the Ackerman Institute is specifically intended for families, couples, and individuals of color who lack access to mental health services due to limited financial resources.

12 Jun2020

Ackerman to Celebrate Juneteenth

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

Dear Ackerman Community,

As you know, Juneteenth is approaching us. This day is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Every year the celebration is heavy with complex emotions. This year the celebration is tinged with pain as we remember George Floyd and the countless others who have been murdered due to bigotry. Racism is still alive and breathing in our world. Alongside this outrage, our streets are filled with protesters who continue to demand justice and peace. We are reminded that our work continues and that we must all participate in rooting out Anti-Blackness and racism.

Starting this year, Juneteenth will be observed as an official holiday at the Institute on June 19th. Our offices and all business related to Ackerman will be closed. We understand that there is a workshop scheduled for that day and some projects or centers may have scheduled work. If possible, we encourage our community members to take time off. We understand that this one small gesture does not eradicate the inequities felt by our Black community members and by other members of color; their wounds run deep. We are committed to examining past racial injustices and will work with the community to address these.

We invite the entire Ackerman community to observe this day in reflection, celebration, or to participate in activism.

Martha Fling
President & CEO

Kiran Arora
Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

09 Jun2020

Statement on LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

The Ackerman Institute for the Family stands with people around the world in marking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Pride. We honor the trailblazers, many transgender women of color, who stood up for their rights and for the rights of generations of people to follow.

We continue to remain deeply concerned about the inequities LGBTQIA+ communities experience. We must commit to ending violence against the trans community, outlawing conversion therapy, and call out the excessive policing and force against the LGBTQIA+ community. As the nation continues to fight racial injustice and demand that Black Lives Matter and Black Trans Lives Matter, we remember the origin of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement at Stonewall where a series of demonstrations were held after a police raid. Our lives, freedoms, and destinies are truly interconnected.

29 May2020

Statement on Black Lives Matter

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

*Image courtesy of Christine T Nguyen/AP⠀*

We are heartbroken and outraged over the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police. We hold Ahmaud Arbery in our thoughts, whose life was taken by two White people. We sit with outrage and sadness as we think of the countless other Black people who have lost their lives due to systemic racism. We hold the victims, their families and all those impacted by the senseless acts of bigotry in our hearts. As therapists, we are ready to offer care and support to those in grief and distress over these tragedies.

01 May2020

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in News Blog

The Ackerman Institute for the Family celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We honor the contributions AAPI people have made towards social justice throughout history and we remember and celebrate AAPI members of the family therapy community who have worked and continue to work tirelessly to provide just and culturally sensitive care.

22 Apr2020

COVID-19 Press & Media Coverage

Written by Ackerman Institute. Posted in In the Press, News Blog

Ackerman therapists have given voice in the media to the many challenges that couples and families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back for the latest Ackerman therapist interviews.