SIBSPlace, a unique support network with programs to foster resiliency and to aid vulnerable children, especially during times of family crisis, recently hosted a ribbon cutting for their brand-new Rockville Centre headquarters.

SIBSPlace, an affiliate of Mount Sinai South Nassau worked with the hospital and community members to rebuild a 5,100 square foot building in Rockville Centre to expand services and to meet the growing needs of families.

“At our “new” facility, we will provide bereavement services, therapeutic support and other critical services to children and parents coping with illness or loss. We will continue our mission – to provide a place where children regain a sense of balance through normal childhood activities, a place where they build meaningful relationships with peers who validate their thoughts and reactions because they truly understand them, a place where a child knows they matter most,” said Joanna Formont, LMHC, executive director SIBSPlace.

Many Long Island families have dealt with unimaginable losses due to the impact of a devastating illness, death, and secondary traumas. Many continue to cope with traumatically ill children or partners who have needed medical care during this most virulent time. The pandemic exacerbated these needs by limiting in-person comfort from the presence of friends or family, creating a sense of isolation, and increasing intense anxiety around illness, treatments, and hospitalizations.

“SIBSPlace is all about Survivorship in Brothers and Sisters. Our new home has taken 22 years to come to fruition. We are thrilled to have a place where we can help the SIBSPlace children and families that are surviving a health crisis in their family, surviving the loss of a child or parent, surviving together in this special place they can call their home away from home,” said Michael Schamroth, founder of SIBSPlace.

With increased mental health needs identified in children and lack of accessible and affordable resources, families are turning to SIBSPlace’s prevention-based services now more than ever. They are looking for the support and consistency needed as each family member navigates the emotional and life-changing impact of a loved ones’ devastating medical illness or death.

“SIBSPlace is an outlet for children’s emotions. It is a safe harbor where children can share their feelings. As a community we understand the importance of counseling children, especially during their developmental years. We want to be sure that any child that needs our services can have access to SIBSPlace,” said Lowell Frey, SIBSPlace Board President.

The new facility was designed to meet the needs of the children, allowing them to engage in normal childhood experiences, while mental health staff facilitate expressive arts activities in art and group therapy rooms, a game room, a kitchen and dining area, a resource library and an outdoor patio and garden.

For more information about SIBSPlace and their newly renovated facility, please visit their website, https://sibsplace.org/index.html.