A Letter from CFGC's New President & CEO, Gisselle Acevedo | | As we welcome this new chapter beyond a century of care, I am honored to join this organization with a deep commitment to its mission of delivering culturally informed mental health care to children and families, regardless of ability to pay. This mission is the foundation of our work and the compass guiding every decision we make as we look to the future. I step into this role with great respect for the legacy of our former CEO, Michael Patota, whose leadership ensured our values remained strong and our impact meaningful. I am dedicated to carrying that legacy forward while keeping us firmly aligned with our purpose, supporting children and families as they navigate trauma, especially during difficult and uncertain times. My background as a clinician and as a former CEO of other mission-driven organizations has shaped my belief that access, equity, and cultural understanding are essential to healing. Looking ahead, I envision a future where our services continue to expand in reach and relevance, where care is grounded in respect for every individual, and where no child or family is turned away from the support they need. Together, we will build on our history with clarity and intention, strengthening our impact while remaining open, collaborative, and hopeful about what is possible Warm regards, | | | |  | Gisselle Acevedo, M.Ed., J.D., L.M.F.T. President & CEO | | | | | | Board Spotlight: Jacqueline Stephens, L.M.F.T. | | | | “As a former clinician at CFGC, I saw firsthand how important culturally competent care is in helping children and families feel understood and supported. I am guided by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’ Meaningful change begins in a therapeutic relationship where people feel seen, supported, and able to develop compassion for themselves.” | | | | | | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport Día de los Reyes Magos Event | |  | | | | | | | When Crisis Strikes, Care Responds: Sylvadra Ellis and the Impact of Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS) | | | | Families in our communities are facing increasing uncertainty. Fluctuations in Medicaid rates threaten access to essential mental health care for children and families who already encounter the greatest barriers. Despite shifting policies, our commitment remains firm: no child or family is turned away because of their ability to pay. That commitment is lived out daily by leaders like Sylvadra Ellis, LCSW, Regional Program Director of The Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS). By delivering rapid, community-based support, Mobile Crisis decreases the need for emergency departments, inpatient stays, and law enforcement contact that may negatively affect a young person’s trajectory. Sylvadra leads a team that meets families where they are, providing immediate, compassionate care when a child is in crisis. Under her guidance, MCIS responds 24/7, delivering clinically informed support that emphasizes stability, connection, and dignity. Her work extends beyond crisis response, ensuring families are linked to culturally responsive care and partnering with schools, police departments, and community providers. | | | | The impact of this leadership is clear. Last year, the MCIS team responded to 1,398 calls with a median response time of just 30 minutes and achieved a 98.6% mobility rate, surpassing the state benchmark and providing timely, community-based care when it counts most. But as funding uncertainties increase, so does the need. Your support of CFGC and the MCIS program guarantees that when a child is in crisis, a trained professional can respond, deliver care, and help stabilize a family in their most critical moment. Your gift directly sustains this lifesaving work. When access to care is at risk, your generosity ensures CFGC can continue to respond, anytime, anywhere, for every child who needs it. | | | | | | Black History Month at CFGC 🎉 🙌🏿 | | | | This Black History Month Celebration was unforgettable!🎉🙌🏿
The staff of CFGC works diligently in the heart of Downtown Bridgeport, CT, a cultural hub serving people from diverse backgrounds. It is especially important during Black History Month that the community we serve can see themselves reflected in CFGC’s staff.
Many thanks to the celebration committee for organizing this event. Thank you to our staff for their participation and ongoing support. A special thanks to Noel Bernard and Xiomara Lopez for planning the event.
Happy Black History Month! Share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. | | | | | |
