Council has invested nearly $5 million to establish New York State’s first TRCs in NYC
Brooklyn, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Rising Ground held a ribbon cutting event to mark the opening of the physical location of the East Flatbush Trauma Recovery Center (TRC). This latest opening represents the third TRC established in New York City as a result of nearly $5 million in Council funding for the comprehensive, trauma-informed crime victim services centers that provide recovery support to victims of violence. The Council’s investments have established New York State’s first TRCs in Brooklyn (2) and the Bronx (1). The centers can help stop cycles of crime in communities underserved by traditional victim services but most affected by violence, including gun violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and hate crimes.
This TRC was initially launched in August 2023, providing services virtually and in the community. To date, it has supported 160 survivors of crime and violence. The opening of the new physical location at 3521 Church Avenue will allow the TRC to expand its reach in the community and provide on-site care. Led by Director Gerardine Cadet Mareus, the East Flatbush TRC houses three therapists, a community support coordinator, and a holistic healer. Services are available in Haitian Creole, Spanish, and English. The TRC also provides on-site childcare for clients in session.
Photos from the event can be found here.
“Too often, crime victims in neighborhoods experiencing high levels of violence never receive the support and resources they need to recover and find stability,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I am proud of the Council’s continued work to reverse this trend by opening new trauma recovery centers (TRCs) throughout our city, including in Flatbush, Brooklyn. When we are able to address the unresolved trauma left behind in our communities by violence, we are able to increase safety by curbing cycles of violence. The Council is laser-focused on ensuring that TRCs remain a key part of our city’s public safety system for years to come.”
The TRCs are based on a model of care developed in 2001 at the University of California San Francisco and have been proven to improve economic, health, and social outcomes of those who receive their services. They improve public safety by interrupting cycles of violence and increasing participation in the legal process. The East Flatbush TRC has a Helpline at 917-444-1908 and residents can email TRCHelpline@RisingGround.org.
“Rising Ground’s TRC is designed to help victims of violent crimes overcome barriers to accessing mental health treatment, health care, and legal resources in the acute aftermath of trauma,” said Alan Mucatel, Rising Ground CEO. “The TRC supports recent victims of violent crime, including survivors of physical assault, sexual assault, gun violence, stabbings, domestic violence, and human trafficking and facilitates healing for survivors of trauma, violence, and loss through an innovative model that blends comprehensive care, advocacy, and outreach. We are immensely proud to be able to bring the Rising Ground TRC to the East Flatbush community.”
“The outcomes of the TRC’s efforts are profound and directly impact the vulnerable community it serves,” said Director Cadet Mareus. “Already observed in our assessments, clients at the TRC experience a decrease in psychological and medical symptoms, an increase in functional abilities, and an overall improvement in the quality of life. The TRC’s success is not just measured in numbers but in the positive transformation it catalyzes within the lives of individuals facing complex challenges in East Flatbush. We are excited to expand this work with the opening of our new location and encourage people seeking help to contact us.”
Director Cadet Mereus continued, “All survivors of trauma are accepted regardless of citizenship status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion/spirituality, nationality, socioeconomic status, and insurance status. Trauma is defined as “a severe traumatic event that resulted in a death of a loved one or severe change in daily life that is unsustainable.”
“As a Council Member deeply committed to the well-being of my community, I know that investing in trauma recovery centers (TRCs) is not just about addressing the aftermath of violence; it’s about breaking the cycles of harm that have disproportionately impacted underserved communities,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “TRCs provide a holistic approach to healing by offering wraparound services that include mental health, physical health, and legal support, ensuring that survivors of violent crime receive the care they need. These centers remove barriers to care and reach those who have been historically left out of traditional victim services. In my district, this model will save lives by providing survivor-centered, coordinated care that addresses the root causes of trauma. This investment in healing is not just a moral imperative, it’s a commitment to building stronger, healthier communities where every resident can thrive.”
“Trauma Recovery Centers offer a powerful lifeline to survivors who often fall through the cracks of traditional mental health systems,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse, Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice. “When we commit ourselves to holistic care, we make our commitment known by investing deeply into the mental health, physical care, and legal advocacy of those who need support most. Brooklynites deserve this kind of comprehensive mental health infrastructure. I’m proud to see our city put dollars into these proven approaches that actively work towards breaking cycles of violence in our communities.”
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