Metro-IAF is a broad-based, multiracial, non-partisan citizens (and aspiring citizens) power organization made up of dues-paying institutions of many socio-economic, religious, racial and political…

Metro-IAF is a broad-based, multiracial, non-partisan citizens (and aspiring citizens) power organization made up of dues-paying institutions of many socio-economic, religious, racial and political backgrounds. We organize people from member institutions to build the power needed to improve the quality of life for their families and broader communities. Leaders in each institution are nurtured and supported, gaining skills to be effective on external and internal. Metro-IAF has been organizing in new york city for over 40 years, with a demonstrated history of success in public-public partnerships. Manhattan together, an affiliate of metro-IAF, will be leading this work, however our affiliates in the south bronx, brooklyn and queens will be joining US in our efforts as well. Metro-IAF engages in relational organizing to identify new member institutions as well as issues to work on. We do this through individual meetings, group meetings of the leaders in our organization, and large institution-wide meetings. Over the last 5 years, we have been hearing more and more about mental health and substance use disorder concerns and have been growing our team to reflect these emerging issues. Manhattan together is seeking funding to train congregational leaders to understand mental health and substance use disorder issues within their communities and to help their constituencies seek assistance, avoiding carceral systems and achieving recovery through best practices. In essence, we would be helping to function as a diagnostic source for individuals with serious mental health issues and attempting to intervene and guide towards services. Additionally, our teams of leaders and associated experts are working together to identify a best practices system of care for mental health crises and emergency systems. These concepts have already been embraced by many city and state power players, and we believe we are uniquely positioned to help deliver on this much needed research and reform.