The Baltic Navigator

Baltic Navigator: 

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is delighted to bring you the inaugural edition of our bi-monthly newsletter!

In the ever-changing landscape of the mental health field, our nonprofit organization remains at the forefront of high–quality person-centered support. Our peer-led programs continue to expand, broadening our reach to hundreds of individuals embarking on their wellness and recovery journeys. 

The Baltic Navigator is tailored to the many New Yorkers we serve, as well as our outstanding community partners who share our mission of providing unwavering advocacy and holistic support to eliminate barriers to mental health and social care. Each newsletter edition will showcase program announcements and events around our agency. We will also weigh in on any changes and developments that take place regarding pay equity and equitable retirement options for peer support workers who are so crucial to the mental health field. 

We’ll proudly spotlight the dedicated staff of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions who are at the heart of our mission to transform lives and increase health equity for underserved communities across New York City. The lived experiences of our staff and program participants inspire us every day, and we hope to inspire YOU with their stories of resilience, empowerment, and hope!

A Message from Our CEO   

Dear Friends,

As we navigate 2025, we do so with great momentum, building on a year filled with impactful community events, program launches, and meaningful partnerships that continue to position us as leaders in peer-led mental health services. With the invaluable guidance of our outstanding Board of Directors and the dedication of our exceptional executive team, my commitment remains stronger than ever: ensuring that vulnerable New Yorkers have access to the resources they need on their journey to wellness and recovery.

This commitment has inspired the launch of the Joanne Forbes Foundation, named in honor of our Founding Board Member, Joanne Forbes. Joanne’s expertise in peer advocacy and mental health has shaped our mission, and through this new foundation, we will continue to advance equity, amplify advocacy, and empower individuals as we work to bridge critical gaps in behavioral health services. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting initiative!

As we grow our mission, we are also expanding our reach within the community. Through Baltic Street Wellness Solutions’ new partnership with Richmond University Medical Center, we will now serve more Staten Island residents—enhancing access to care in underserved areas while incorporating the invaluable perspectives of peers with lived experience.

This year, one of our key goals is to raise greater awareness of the transformative impact of peer support. To do that, we want to hear from you. We encourage every peer at Baltic Street to share success stories and heartfelt testimonials from the incredible work you do each day. The difference that peer support makes in people’s lives is profound, and it’s time for others to see it too—whether they be government officials, community partners, or potential donors. Let’s share our stories and continue to establish Baltic Street Wellness Solutions as a leading voice in mental health advocacy.

We also remain dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and unity through our Affinity Groups: Baltic Street’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Committee and our Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (JEDIA) Committee. In these challenging times, our work is more crucial than ever. New Yorkers need our services, our support, and our advocacy. For those facing mental health challenges, we have always been—and will always be—a safe space. Through our collective efforts, we will continue to be a beacon of support, positivity, and hope in 2025 and beyond.

With gratitude and determination,

Taina Martinez-Laing

CEO

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions

AROUND THE AGENCY

Tania Martinez-Laing Honored by the
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions CEO Taina Martinez-Laing was honored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NYC Staten Island for her unwavering commitment and advocacy in the local mental health community.

Honored at NAMI NYC Staten Island’s 31st Annual Gala in December, Taina was recognized for making a difference in the lives of people living with mental illness and their families.

In conjunction with the NAMI honor, Taina was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. Additional elected officials honored Taina with certificates of recognition, including NYS Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton, NYS Senator Andrew J. Lanza, NYS Assembly Member Michael Reilly, NYS Assembly Member Sam Pirozzolo, NYC Council Member David M. Carr, NYC Council Member Joseph C. Borelli, Richmond County Public Administrator Hon. Edwina Frances Martin, and Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. Congratulations to Taina on these prestigious and well-deserved recognitions!

A Look Back: Coming Together to Celebrate a Successful Year

After working hard all year, it was time to let off some steam! On December 12, the entire Baltic Street Wellness Solutions team gathered together for a festive, all-day holiday party at our Isaac Brown Healing Arts & Community Center.

The day was all about camaraderie and of course, delicious food! Staff enjoyed an array of tasty breakfast items, and later, a generous luncheon spread comprised of fabulous food representing diverse cuisines, including classic Chinese and Jamaican dishes. A large band played an eclectic mix of jazz, hip-hop, and oldies, as many peers danced and sang along.

Festivities also included games and raffles with exciting prizes, such as an electric fireplace, a spa day for two, televisions, a PlayStation5 gaming console, crockpot, and other goodies.

Board members and community partners were also in attendance, as several team members were honored for outstanding achievements throughout 2024. RiseWell Community Services was recognized as Baltic Street’s “Outstanding Community Partner of the Year.” We look forward to our continued partnership with RiseWell in 2025! Commenting on Baltic Street’s memorable celebration, Modupe Mujota, Co-Deputy Director of Programs and Regional Manager of the Adult Home Initiative, says, “It was very nice to be in the new space – it was the first time that many people had seen it. And it was wonderful to have everybody together, dancing to the great music, unwinding and letting their hair down!”

During the holiday season, Baltic Street Wellness Solutions was proud to partner with other organizations on three festive giveaway events to spread joy to children and families living in marginalized communities across New York City.

For the third consecutive year, Baltic Street partnered with the Brooklyn Museum, F.O.O.D. Foundation, and Grandma’s Hands to present a Holiday Toy Giveaway, held December 15 at the Brooklyn Museum. The magical event brought the community together to foster connections, support families, and make the holiday season brighter for children. Set against the backdrop of the museum’s Egyptian Galleries, the free event provided each child with a toy and a winter essential. There were also raffles and games with special prizes, a DJ, and other surprises. Children and their families were invited to view the museum’s Egyptian exhibits, which is the largest collection outside of Cairo.

Approximately two dozen organizations and companies helped make this event possible, including: the Office of Council Member Crystal Hudson, Lions International, Divine Kinnektion, Toys for Tots, Med CPR Troop Community Outreach Team, the Joanne Forbes Foundation, RiseWell Community Services, Lifeseed Media, WAF, C.R.I.S.P. (Cora Rose Institute for Social Progression), KJ’s Corner, BWPC, D.R.E.A.M., Agape Food Rescue, Auntie Tyra’s House, New York Smart Center, Goodlife Enterprise, Ezekiel Lodge #25, Kingston Public House, NYC Black Women’s Political Club, KJ’s Korner, OES Ladies of Faith #001, and FunBash USA.

“It was a wonderful event in a beautiful setting, and a testament to how the community can make a difference in the lives of children and families by coming together,” says Christopher Rogers, Program Director for the Baltic Street Adult Home Initiative and Chief Marketing and Development Director of the Joanne Forbes Foundation.

The successful event was followed by the Assembly District 58 “Vital Voices” Toy Giveaway on December 21, where Baltic Street proudly partnered with F.O.O.D. Foundation, RiseWell Community Services, and Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman. Hosted at P.S. 198 in Brooklyn, the event brought joy and much-needed resources to children and families and was another heartwarming example of the power of collaboration and community support. The giveaway was coordinated by Christopher and F.O.O.D. Foundation CEO Dr. Jacqueline Love. Baltic Street staff and volunteers worked alongside local partners to create a festive and supportive environment that celebrated the season and created a joyous atmosphere.

Two days later, Baltic Street again joined forces with F.O.O.D. Foundation and RiseWell Community Services to sponsor an uplifting holiday giveaway at the New York SMART Center in East New York. Led by Christopher and Jacqueline, this community-driven event also brought together Baltic Street staff, volunteers, and local partners to provide toys and essential resources to underserved children and families.

“These initiatives reflect Baltic Street’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and compassion, ensuring every family feels seen, valued, and supported – especially during the holidays,” Christopher says.

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