June 30, 2011

Children’s Aid Society Builds New Bronx Health Center to Serve 4,000 Children

“Integrating our primary care and social services under one roof is essential to serving this population, which is why we are delighted to partner with PCDC to build the kind of high-quality health care facility that will meet the needs of some of New York City’s most vulnerable children.” 

– CAS President & CEO Richard Buery

The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) is a New York City-based nonprofit that helps children in poverty to succeed and thrive by providing comprehensive supports to children and their families in targeted high-needs neighborhoods. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics, and camps.

Bronx children will be able to get their health care in a brand new facility, thanks to a project spearheaded by CAS, with $7 million in financing from PCDC. CAS acquired the 40,000 square foot replacement facility for its Bronx Family Center, nearly doubling capacity for its existing medical, dental, and mental health services program.

The building, located in the Morrisania area of the Bronx at East 172nd Street, will provide over 15,000 visits per year to 4,000 children living in foster care as well as children participating in other CAS programs.

The new site will integrate comprehensive medical, dental, mental health and social services for children and adolescents from CAS foster care and prevention programs, as well as those referred to CAS from other foster care agencies. Currently, these services are provided in a midtown Manhattan site and a clinic in the South Bronx.  The new facility will also house CAS’ Bronx Medical Foster Care (MFC) program. Children who cannot be cared for by their parents come to the MFC program with chronic and severe disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, and HIV/AIDS, and are placed in appropriate foster and often permanent homes.

PCDC provided the $7 million loan through its New Markets Loan Program, which offers below-market, long-term fixed rate loans to expand primary care in low-income communities. The 25-year loan carries a fixed interest rate of 5.26%, and is structured so that up to 25% of the principal amount may be forgiven. This landmark investment in primary care is made possible by the U.S. Treasury Department’s New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) Program.