Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with Latino Counseling Center President Jonathan Alicea and COO Maria Silva at the grand opening celebration for their new counseling center location at 121 State Street. The Latino Counseling Center was founded by Mr. Jonathan Alicea years ago here in Springfield and has since expanded to multiple locations and now serves a wider section of the community.
In addition to many dedicated counseling center staff, joining for today’s event at the Latino Counseling Center’s newest location on State street were State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, State Senators Adam Gomez and Jacob Oliveira, Latino Counseling Center board chair and long-time North End neighborhood advocate Jose Claudio, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Director of Re-entry programs and member of the Springfield Board of Police Commissioners Madeline Fernandez, and Kim Rivera on behalf of State Representative Bud L. Williams.
Mayor Sarno stated, “As Latino Counseling Center President Jonathan Alicea said so well – the goal is to ensure that ‘seeking help is seen a sign of strength and not one of weakness.’ Mental health, like physical health, is something we all deal with and we must work together to build strong healthy communities. I am so thankful to Jonathan Alicea, Maria Silva, and all those working in the mental health field to strengthen the health and well-being of our community by meeting community needs, expanding access to services, and also respecting the important role cultural sensitivity plays in successful mental services. I also commend each and every person who is taking steps toward a healthier future for yourself and your family – your positive actions help make our whole community stronger.”
