The Neighborhood Center is proud to announce the appointment of Jacqueline Hawkins as the agency’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Director. Jacqueline, who has been a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with The Neighborhood Center since 2018, brings a wealth of experience in behavioral health, advocacy, and leadership to her new role, where she will work to advance the organization’s ongoing commitment to eliminating social and racial inequities.

Jacqueline’s journey at The Neighborhood Center began in October 2018, where she served as a clinician in the Camden school district satellite offices and later in the Rome Behavioral Health Clinic. During this time, she provided individual and family psychotherapy and developed group therapy programs focused on self-regulation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children, teens, and adults. A member of The Neighborhood Center’s first Diversity Committee, Jacqueline was instrumental in launching a Racial Healing group in 2022, making her a natural fit for her new role as DEI Director.

 

In her new role, Jacqueline will focus on fostering an inclusive environment, promoting equity initiatives, and ensuring that all staff and clients feel respected and valued. She will lead efforts to implement DEI-focused policies, training, and community outreach, while also addressing barriers to access for marginalized populations.

 

Jacqueline’s commitment to community service extends beyond her work at The Neighborhood Center. She is an active member of the Rome NAACP, Recording Secretary for the Afro American Heritage Association, and a licensed yoga teacher with aspirations of further advancing her certification. Additionally, she works in private practice at Adaya Counseling Services in Rome, NY.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline to this important role,” said Sandra Soroka, Executive Director of The Neighborhood Center. “Her extensive experience, combined with her deep passion for advocating for marginalized communities, makes her the ideal leader to guide our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.”

 

Jacqueline’s appointment as DEI Director marks an exciting new chapter for The Neighborhood Center, as the organization continues to strive toward a more inclusive future for both its staff and the community it serves.

 

The mission of The Neighborhood Center, Inc. is to enrich the lives of individuals and families through cooperative opportunities, resources and advocacy which embrace diversity, promote empowerment, and foster responsible citizenship.  Through its sustained pattern of activities that benefit children, families and the community since 1905, The Neighborhood Center, Inc. continues to advance in our enduring mission of truly “human” service.

 

For more information about The Neighborhood Center, call (315) 272-2600, or visit www.neighborhoodctr.org,

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