NEW YORK — Independence Care System (ICS) is proud to announce the launch of ICS Thrive, a new social adult day program featuring an exciting series of activities and programs, which will begin Tuesday, May 9.

ICS Thrive will offer a fun and interactive five-hour day program operating out of the ICS Brooklyn office, running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 4pm. The program is currently available to members of the VNS Health MLTC. The Thrive experience will allow members to make new friends, socialize in group settings and enjoy an engaging variety of new, on-site activities, including art and recreational programs, games, and fitness programs that relieve stress, sharpen the mind and leave members feeling their best. Healthy lunches will be provided to all participants.  

ICS’ 2,500 members, who have spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses, and health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other comorbidities, have extremely limited options when it comes to social adult programs that address their needs.

ICS has a long history of offering accessible social programs to members. Many members faced challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to feeling isolated. ICS is thrilled to welcome members back to the office to enjoy new experiences, reconnect with the ICS community and participate in fun activities that promote good health.

“Community and connection are important.  Our new program will offer our members a chance to have fun, make friends and participate in healthy activities in an accessible environment,” said ICS Director of Member Programs JoEllen Zembruski-Ruple C.T.R.S. “We’re better when we’re together, in person, and we believe ICS Thrive will go a long way to supporting our members for years to come across New York City. Join Thrive and feel alive!”

Those who wish to enroll must obtain a referral from their MLTC to register. To learn more, email Thrive@icsny.org or call 646.653.6034.

About Independence Care System (ICS)

ICS is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 as a pioneering, innovative community of professionals dedicated to serving people who, prior to ICS, were often forced to spend their lives in institutions.

People with disabilities have turned to ICS for more than 20 years because of our expert, disability-competent staff who help them to improve their health and avoid hospitalizations, achieve goals, improve their quality of life, and be active members in the community. Our foundational pillars — health, mobility and independence — ensure for true health equity for people with disabilities so they can thrive while receiving the quality care they deserve. 

As the first and only Health Home program in New York State with specialized expertise in supporting people with physical disabilities, we have developed a model of care designed to address the vast health disparities experienced by our members and those in underserved communities. We continue to work alongside of our members, and advocate for their specialized care, because we have seen the effects of a healthcare system that fails to address their needs. ICS offers disability-expert care coordination, educational and recreational programming that enriches members’ lives, and is a premier provider of specialized mobility assessments for wheelchair users through our comprehensive On a Roll wheelchair program.

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