FCCS breaks ground on Binghamton expansion project

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Family & Children’s Counseling Services (FCCS) on April 14 formally broke ground on the expansion of its facility at 257 Main St. in Binghamton.

The new 9,000-square-foot, two-story building will connect to FCCS’ existing structure. It features an integrated redesign that is client-centered, better meets the needs of children and families, and follows best practices, especially with children served through the agency’s sexual-abuse treatment program. The project will also create additional space for improved access to mental-health services and medication-assisted treatment, the organization said.

“We were experiencing an epidemic of trauma, mental health concerns and addiction even before the COVID epidemic,” Maryann Johnson, FCCS board VP, said in a press release. “Increased demand for behavioral health services, telehealth supports, medically assisted treatment and primary prevention programming has grown exponentially with COVID and the aftermath of years of fear, isolation and loss.”

The new space will include multiple waiting rooms, expanded substance-use treatment and recovery rooms, integration of primary care and behavioral care, a new HVAC system, upgraded IT infrastructure, more off-street parking, and improved handicapped parking and accessibility options.

“After years of planning, I’m glad to see this much-needed expansion is underway,” Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D–123rd District) said in the release. “The new addition to Family & Children’s Counseling Services will fill a critical need in the community for mental health and addiction services.”

The organization secured more than $4 million in funding for the $5 million project, including a grant from the New York State Department of Health’s Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program II. Additional funding came from a New York State Assembly grant and American Rescue Plan Act funding from Broome County and Binghamton. Underwriting opportunities are available to help fund the remaining cost of the project.

“As the need for services continues to grow, Family & Children’s Counseling Services will now be able to expand and accommodate more clients than ever,” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said. “For 80 years, this agency has already helped thousands of families in our community. This project will help them serve even more people in the years ahead.”

Founded by Esther W. Couper in 1941, the organization provides serves to people of all ages. In 2020, the Family & Children’s Society merged with Family Counseling Services of Cortland County to become Family & Children’s Counseling Services. Programs include mental health and addiction services, care coordination, housing placement, vocational assistance, and sexual-abuse treatment.