The Family Center

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth! According to the CDC, over 270,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. every year. While most cases occur after age 50, about 10% affect women under 45. Aside from older age, several other risk factors make women more susceptible to the disease like family history, hormonal therapy (including usage of certain oral contraceptives), and inherited genetic mutations. Lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity can also raise the risk of disease. Early detection is key: perform monthly breast self-exams (BSE) to check for irregular texture or color changes, and after 40, schedule yearly mammograms. At The Family Center, we stand with those facing breast cancer, offering support and resources to help families navigate this challenging journey. Together, we can make a difference.

Breast cancer is tough. Juggling doctors’ appointments, medications, and chemotherapy with everyday responsibilities is challenging. Furthermore, those in the fight must also consider what life after the disease looks like, adding even more stress to the equation. Advance directives, wills, standby guardianship, designation of person in parental relation: Swipe through to learn more about these documents and how they can help you. The Legal Wellness Institute at The Family Center is here to support families affected by breast cancer. Our lawyers serve all five boroughs and can meet you wherever you are, whether at home or in the hospital. If you’ve been diagnosed with #breastcancer and need help getting your affairs in order, reach out today: 📧 lwi@thefamilycenter.org 📞 (718) 789-3841 x150 Explore resources at https://lnkd.in/eUssX5_Y

The Family Center’s Executive Director, Ivy Gamble-Cobb, was honored by Brooklyn Org at the #ChangemakersBall last week at Powerhouse Arts, Inc.! Ivy was recognized during the inaugural celebration of The Brooklyn Org 25, which highlights the tireless work of Brooklyn’s fiercest nonprofit leaders and changemakers. Chosen for her enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to New York City families, Ivy was honored for embodying Brooklyn Org’s “innovative community-first approach,” with a focus on racial and social change. Alongside her, two dozen other professionals—including executive directors and dedicated community leaders—were celebrated for their diverse contributions to the borough. The dress code called for “Brooklyn chic,” and Ivy, a lifelong Brooklynite represented! Her jacket featured The Family Center logo alongside the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on the back. Congratulations, Ivy, on this well-deserved honor! Thank you, Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D.—Brooklyn Org’s President and CEO—for amplifying Brooklyn’s community-based organizations and the leaders who relentlessly spearhead the work! #BrooklynOrg #TogetherForJustice #ShowBrooklynSomeLove #Brooklyn25 #TheFamilyCenter

Join #TheFamilyCenter tomorrow, 10/29 at 5 PM, to discuss tips and strategies to prevent viruses and malware from getting on your devices. We'll cover anti-virus software you can install, sites to avoid, and ways to spot scams online before they get onto your devices. In today's fast-changing digital world, it's easy to come across suspicious websites and harmful links. We'll teach you how to navigate the online space safely. All attendees who stay for the full session get a $20 Amazon gift card! Register here: bit.ly/1029TechEmpowerment #TechEmpowerment #TechForAll #TechEducation

Stress isn’t just a feeling—it can significantly impact breast cancer outcomes. Studies show that stress after diagnosis can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation. Swipe to learn more about how stress affects recovery. The Legal Wellness Institute at The Family Center offers a wide range of legal support for families impacted by breast cancer. From eviction defense to wills and guardianship, we provide holistic services to help ease the burden during this challenging time. Explore resources at https://lnkd.in/eUssX5_Y. Get support today: 📧 lwi@thefamilycenter.org 📞 (718) 789-3841 x150

#PrEP helps people take control of their sexual health. Thirty years ago, HIV/AIDS was often a death sentence because there weren't effective treatments available. This crisis led to the founding of The Family Center, which stood in the gap for families affected by the virus through legal and social services. Today, #PrEP is a proven medication that greatly lowers the risk of HIV transmission. During #PrEPAwareWeek2024, we encourage you to explore your options and help reduce the stigma around HIV. With more support, education, and resources than ever, safe sexual practices are possible, even for those living with HIV. #PrEPForAllAges

#PrEPAwareWeek2024 is here! PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that prevents HIV transmission for those at high risk. When taken consistently and as prescribed, #PrEP reduces the contraction rate from sex by 99% and 74% from drug use. Who is PrEP for? People of all ages! What better way to kick this week off than by learning more about what PrEP is with Eric, TFC’s Senior Training Program Coordinator. Watch as Eric explains #HIV risk factors, medication options (oral and injectable!), and how to get PrEP if you’re interested. #PrEPForAllAges

Last month, our lawyers from the Legal Wellness Institute headed up to Albany for the 2024 NYSBA Partnership Conference! Lauren Groetch, Director of Legal Services, and staff attorneys Emily, Susan, and Elizabeth took part in the biannual conference for civil legal services providers. Every two years, legal professionals across New York State converge at the conference to network and unpack a range of topics relevant to the field.

#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth is in full swing! It's essential to listen to the stories of survivors, celebrating their strength and resilience throughout their cancer journeys. Equally important is our commitment to educating ourselves and each other about the disease. The Family Center is proud to offer legal resources tailored for families affected by breast cancer through our Legal Wellness Institute (LWI). Our institute has been successful in assisting New Yorkers across all five boroughs on cases related to housing, income, and planning for the future. Need assistance? Reach out to us at lwi@thefamilycenter.org. Swipe through to dispel a few common myths on #breastcancer and learn the facts!

It’s #IndigenousPeoplesDay, a day to honor the rich history of Indigenous peoples. Their resilience, community spirit, and advocacy have profoundly shaped the world we live in. Together, let’s take this day to reflect on their past and look forward with respect and appreciation for their many sacrifices.