Connecting health services with wellness, education, exercise, community, and workforce programs to achieve greater good.
BMS’s charity’s score is 99%, earning it a Four-Star rating. This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community.
BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers has opened the new BMS Express Urgent Care@Dumont (located at 407 Dumont Ave; Brooklyn, NY 11212) to provide care on an unscheduled walk-in basis to individuals with acute, non-emergency conditions. The Center offers six exam rooms, as well as lab services.
BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers is pleased to announce the relocation of our Hegeman WIC site to better serve our community. Effective January 5, 2026: New Address: BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers @ Ashford 650 Ashford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207 New Service Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-4:30pm Transportation Access: Contact
It is with profound sadness and a heart full of gratitude that I write to you today about the passing of Paul Chandler—a giant upon whose shoulders I have been so fortunate to stand, and a man whose legacy is quilted into the very fabric of our mission and this
BMS is looking for community-minded, committed individuals to join our board. Candidates should meet the following requirements: Have Community Connection • Current or former patients of BMS who understand our mission firsthand • Residents, stakeholders or community advocates in the Brownsville and East New York communities • Individuals committed to addressing health disparities
BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers is pleased to announce that its Women, Infants and Children (BMS WIC) program received the prestigious USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence 2024 for providing exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support to WIC families. The BMS WIC team previously received the award in 2015. BMS
When you combine healthcare with education, wellness and community services you not only serve the whole person, but ultimately achieve the greater good.
“I like using the Telehealth video appointments because it made my life easier. I sued to have to take all my kids to a a doctor’s appointment for just one child.” – Pati
BMS provides routing Telehealth medical and mental health care to established patients while they are still at home or from another convenient location.
We’re on a mission to make a difference. Get regular updates on our progress!
After closing hours for all medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. To reach a BMS doctor, and find answering services, please contact our call center, we are available by phone 24 hours a day/ 7 days per week at 718-345-5000.
Sliding Fee Scale availability based on family size and income. No patients are denied services due to insurance or immigration status or inability to pay.
BMS is a Federal Tort Claims Act-approved facility.
BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers (BMS) receives Health and Human Services (HHS) funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) status which under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), grants medical malpractice liability protection with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. Under the Act, the BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers and its covered individuals are considered deemed Federal Public Health Service employees.
© BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers
The BMS Adult Medicine Department can assist with many common healthcare concerns for adults (18 and older) including the special needs of senior citizens. The services we offer within adult medicine include:
We support patients 60 and older in the prevention of health complications and hospitalizations with user-friendly and easy-to-navigate resources.
Our team screens and follows up to make sure our patients receive:
Our compassionate team encourages and teaches clients to help themselves within their own capabilities in performing daily life activities and guides them in their journey to living a healthier life.
Karey Wallace is an accomplished HR professional with years of leadership experience. She joined BMS in September 2024 as Vice President of Human Resources, following her role at START Treatment and Recovery Services, where she was hired to improve their HR department. Karey has extensive experience in Article 28 organizations and has worked closely with 1199 union employees. Karey is extremely mission driven. At BMS, she collaborates with senior leadership to identify workforce challenges and develop strategies for resolution. Passionate about leadership development, she focuses on trainings for executives and middle managers. Passionate about leadership development, she focuses on training executives and middle managers. Karey’s HR leadership at START resulted in reduced grievances and turnover. She is a collaborative leader who focuses on team development and promoting from within.
Mr. Edmund Awuah has served as Chief Financial Officer of BMS since May 2006, and assumed the additional role of Executive Vice President in 2024. He is a Certified Public Accountant with decades of experience in the fields of accounting, auditing, financial management, fiscal consulting, and academia. He is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant, a professional management accounting designation which promotes the science of management accounting on the global stage. His previous positions include Comptroller at the New York Foundling Hospital, Chief Financial Officer at Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center, and Audit Manager at Mitchell & Titus LLP. Mr. Awuah has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance and a Master of Science degree in accounting. He is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Awuah has served on several committees of the NYSSCPA, including the Health Care Committee and the Chief Financial Officers’ Committee.
Dr. Camille Taylor-Mullings joined BMS as an internist upon completing her residency in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital. In the intervening years, she has worked her way up in the organization from physician to lead physician for the Adult Medicine Department, to Assistant Medical Director, to founding Deputy Medical Director of the BMS at Bristol satellite facility that BMS opened in 2006. As Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Taylor-Mullings oversees the operation and clinical staff of seven clinical sites. Under her leadership, BMS achieved Patient Centered Medical Home Level 3 designation at three sites, along with the distinction of being the only free-standing health center in Brooklyn with accreditation from the Joint Commission. Additionally, BMS achieved NCQA diabetes management recognition, and her efforts resulted in marked improvements in health outcomes for diabetic patients. Dr. Taylor-Mullings was awarded a proclamation from the Office of State Senator John Sampson for her outstanding leadership and commitment to serving the community.
Ms. Michelle Everett-Oxley became the President and Chief Executive Officer of BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers in April 2024 as a strategic, accountable, and service-driven professional with over a decade of experience in clinical facility management. She previously served as the Executive Director of Healthcare at Care for the Homeless where she managed a $45 million budget and oversaw a staff of 100 across 20 sites. In this capacity, she implemented a value-based care payment methodology and improved the cost-effectiveness of the 340b drug program. She also collaborated with the development department to secure a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for street outreach. As Center Director for the Community Health Network of New York she established the first walk-in testing site for COVID-19 under the direction of Governor Cuomo and oversaw the administration of thousands of tests and oversaw a federally qualified health center. She was awarded the 2021 Above and Beyond Call of Duty Award by this organization. Ms. Everett-Oxley has a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College and a Healthcare Leadership Certification from the City University of New York.
If your child needs more specialized care, we’ll help you connect with trusted professionals.
• Speech and occupational therapists
• Developmental specialists
• Behavioral health services
| We’re here to support parents and caregivers with expert advice and helpful resources. • Breastfeeding and infant care education • Guidance on routines, behavior, and discipline • Activities that support early learning and brain development |
Protecting your child from preventable illnesses with up-to-date vaccines and personalized guidance for day-to-day wellness.
• All recommended childhood immunizations
• Nutrition, feeding, and sleep tips
• Home safety and oral health guidance
We assess how your child is growing, learning, and interacting with their environment.
• Emotional and social development
• Language and communication
• Early signs of delays or concerns
Regular check-ups help track your child’s growth and ensure they’re reaching important milestones.
• Height, weight, and head circumference checks
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Immunization updates
• Monitoring speech, motor skills, and behavior
If you think you are eligible, you can:
Contact the BMS WIC Program:
BMS WIC staff serves all participants/applicants by phone or in-person.
718 345-5000 EXT: 6649/6664/6668
Text us: 718 483-4302
Email BMS WIC Staff: BMS_WIC@bmsfhc.org
The BMS Workforce Development Center
In partnership with other local service providers, The Workforce Center offers education and training to residents in such areas of financial literacy, Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OHSA), and office administration software.
As the second largest employer in Brownsville, BMS supports community members’ economic and physical health and well-being of community members. We provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the organization and strive to hire from within the community. Our Outreach Team refers patients to employment opportunities in local businesses and peer organizations all in service of cultivating the next generation of future health care industry workers.
BMS Clothing Boutique
BMS cares for our community wellbeing and partners with multiple community organizations to provide anyone with clothing pieces and accessories for all, from babies to adults of all genders.
Based on individual and seasonal needs, BMS creates a customized package of clothing for all ages including winter coats and children’s accessories such as bedding, strollers, and pampers.
Dress for success with BMS clothing boutique!
We order customized items for teens and hard-working youth in Brownsville and East New York. We order and deliver prom dresses and suits, as well as business attire for young professionals that need a bit of help to shine from the inside out.
Anyone can benefit from our clothing boutique. To access this service, contact the BMS client relations department. We will set an appointment for you to choose and pick up the required pieces.
As part of the patients’ health screening, the primary care provider can refer them to nutritionists or health coaches, who can support everyone to create a food health plan or provide information on how to access food benefits and services. BMS designed multiple programs and activities to promote and provide access to quality food and healthier diets to our patients and local communities.
Entitlement Benefits
After evaluating the health and social needs of each individual and family group, patients that meet the requirements are referred to apply for government benefits tailored to ensure food security. Once referred, BMS assists patients enroll and navigating benefit programs and provides some of those services at our facilities.
SNAP Enrollers
Our compassionate team will help individuals and families enrolled in the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly called food stamps, a government program that helps people buy the food they need for healthy lives.
WIC
BMS is part the providers of this supplemental food and nutrition program for parents and infants, click for more information.
WATCH High School
Founded in 2004, World Academy for Total Community Health (W.A.T.C.H) is an NYC public high school that incorporates curriculums dedicated to helping students to embrace practices that develop their Intellectual, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental health, leading to academic success and positive youth development.
Students are exposed to health careers, practices, and principles in preparation for placement as community peer educators. Starting in the 9th grade, young people examine their own health practices, and throughout high school, they apply their knowledge to an expanding circle of their family, local, and global communities.
If you are a community-based organization or a group of community members and you wish to host health peer educators at your event or activity please contact us at 718-688-7900 extension 1481.
Local Pantries & Food Access
Our staff offers navigation support in locating food pantries or free community meal resources that meet their needs. BMS partners with local food pantries where we referred BMS-enrolled patients experiencing pressing food security needs. There, families and individuals can receive bags of fresh and healthy products.
Brownsville Local Food Pantries:
Out of the Walls Ministries: 273 The Wortman School, 923 Jerome St, 11208
New Hope Family Worship Center: 817 Livonia Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207
In addition, BMS partners with Teens for Food Justice and Collective Fare to enhance food distribution systems and carry out community activities in Brownsville and East New York.
Our Prenatal and Early Childhood Wellcare program offers health services as well as health education, access to public services and coordination, and encourages family involvement to ensure that you and your children receive the appropriate services and support you may need.
Learn more about our Prenatal and Early Childhood Wellcare Program
BMS is committed to serving youth with programs and activities that offer support, knowledge, and tools that help them to build a path toward total wellness and success.
SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS
BMS@Jefferson Campus
Since 2002 BMS has provided medical care, counseling, and health education and services, at no cost, to more than 1,200+ students and their parents within the five individual academies (World Academy for Total Community Health, FDNY High School, Performing Arts High School, High School for Civil Rights and YABC).
Requirements to enroll:
Be enrolled in one of the Thomas Jefferson Campus schools
Complete a Parental Consent Form (Please click on the link below for all required documents)
Provide a copy of your child’s immunization records
Return the consent form to room 148 or your child’s school main office
Once your child is registered to the BMS SBHC they will be able to sign up for the patient portal (link below) to be able to access their medical records, make appointments, and much more!
In addition to clinical services, wellness activities include:
Thomas J. Campus Farm
Self-Care Health Education
Sex education and condom distribution for middle school children
Violence intervention
Baby Think It Over Program (online simulator with realistic computerized responses to help adolescents appreciate the responsibilities involved with parenthood)
Nutrition education including hands-on workshops
BMS SBHC was mentioned in the New York School Based Health Foundation for our efforts using telehealth to increase visits among adolescents.
WATCH High School
Founded in 2004, World Academy for Total Community Health (W.A.T.C.H) is an NYC public high school that incorporates curriculums dedicated to helping students to embrace practices that develop their Intellectual, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental health, leading to academic success and positive youth development.
Students are exposed to health careers, practices, and principles in preparation for placement as community peer educators. Starting in the 9th grade, young people examine their own health practices, and throughout high school, they apply their knowledge to an expanding circle of their family, local, and global communities.
If you are a community-based organization or a group of community members and you wish to host health peer educators at your event or activity please contact us at 718-688-7900 extension 1481.
“Be Your Best You” Middle School Program
Be Your Best You (BYBY) program equips young people (10-13 years old) and caretakers with the tools and information to support positive youth development, using interactive lessons and activities surrounding sexual risk avoidance education.
BMS’ Brownsville Community Resident Center (BCRC) provides individualized, supportive, and compassionate care to those who are suffering from addiction. BMS partners with Kings Boro Addiction Treatment Center, Interfaith Medical Center, and ACI Chemical Dependency Treatment Center which provide referrals to our services.
Any person ages 21-65 who desires to be free of alcohol or other substances is eligible for admission to the program. Our team believes in treating underlying problems to help them heal spiritually, mentally, and physically from their addictions, including mental and physical health, housing, and employment. We strive to instill the tools needed to achieve and sustain a life free of alcohol and other substances.
Access to this program is through referral only.
BMS incorporated Art as Healing as part of our community outreach approach with the “Paint How You Feel Activity” offering opportunities for our community members to have an open conversation about their health. We integrate music and movement therapy and collaborate with local artists for art making and partner with art therapy programs.
Such was the success that BMS created Art in the Park, in partnership with Community Care Brooklyn, creating BMS Art in the Playground at Howard Park where we showcase art, and give movement and nutrition education aimed and increasing safety, and opportunities for reducing stress.
Maurice Reid is Treasurer of the Board of Directors at the Brownsville Community Development Corporation (d/b/a BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers), where he has served for 14 years. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration and healthcare management, his career includes leadership roles in healthcare, child development, public policy, and civic engagement.
A lifelong Brownsville resident, Mr. Reid has held key positions such as
Executive Director of the Brownsville Child Development Center, Deputy Director at Medgar Evers College’s Center for Law and Social Justice, and Director of District Operations for a Brooklyn Congressman. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration,
a master’s in public administration, and a certification in nonprofit management from NYU.
In addition to his board role, he leads KenJam Consultants LLC, serves as President of the Borough
Development Group, and advises local health coalitions. Deeply committed to community service, Mr. Reid also mentors youth, helps organize the annual Brownsville Health Fair, and serves as a deacon at Brownsville Baptist Church.
Through his dedicated service, Maurice Reid continues to strengthen the organizational foundation
of the Brownsville Family Health and Wellness Centers, supporting its mission to provide
comprehensive, accessible healthcare services to all community members.
His post-secondary training was received at New York City Community College and from Brooklyn College where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
Walter’s dedication to work has made him a valuable employee of long tenure to both the New York Telephone Company and the Consolidated Edison Company of New York. He joined Brooklyn Community Board #5 in 1980 as its District Manager. After thirty-five years, he retired in 2016. He is presently doing consultant work.
Walter and his family moved to the Brownville section of Brooklyn in the late 1960’s and have been there ever since.
His deep commitment to his Church, community and fellow citizen has afforded him the honor of serving on numerous Boards and Civic Associations; among these is the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center Advisory Board (BMS) where he serves as President. He has served on the Gorman Houses Board of Directors for more than 40 years and is currently the Vice President of the Board. President of the African American Planning Commissions, Inc. (AAPCI) Board of Directors. Former President of Congressman Towns’ Men’s Caucus Organization, President of Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy Board of Directors (OLOTCA), member and former President of North Brooklyn YMCA and Acting President of the Board of Directors of the Bangladeshi American Development & Youth Services (BACDYS) only to mention a few.
The motivation that has sustained him for six decades that he has been a resident of this great City has been to make an individual effort to make this City and his community one that reflects the dignity of its citizens and the humanness of his personal charge.
Walter has an impeachable record in regard to his leadership abilities with young people and adults. He has continually demonstrated to young people the importance of hard work, determination and the overall desire to achieve one’s goals in life.
Walter and his wife Eunice are the Founders of “The George K. Campbell Scholarship Organization.”
Quardean is the Founder and Executive Director of the award-winning non-profit youth-led design agency and creative lab, Youth Design Center, which provides a gateway for young people in his native Brownsville community and across NYC to access mentorship to tackle underrepresentation in STEAM professions, close the racial wealth gap and address the need for place-based community revitalization. He has over a decade of interdisciplinary design experience working across public and private sectors at the intersection of tactical urbanism and social activism through community-led design. Youth Design Center has been featured in the NYTimes, Fast Company, Buzzfeed, and Forbes and was recently awarded the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize.
Quardean has been an Adjunct Lecturer at City College of New York and NYU Tisch ITP where he was also a Human-In-Residence Fellow. He serves on several Boards, is listed in Crain’s Under 40 and Forbes Under 30, and is an Echoing Green Black Male Achievement Fellow, amongst other accomplishments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from SUNY Buffalo and a Masters in Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Education: Mercy College-BS in psychology
New York University-MSW (Master’s in Social Work)
Post Graduate-Ackerman Institute for the Family
Licenses and Certifications
Provisional LCSW
CASAC (Certified Alcoholism and Substance abuse Counselor) Master’s level
SIFI (Seminar Training in Field Instruction) Hunter College
FDC-Family Development Credential- City University
LEAD New York Graduate-Leadership training graduate at LEAD NYC
Languages: Spanish and English
Employment History
Administrator-Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Director of Clinical and Collaborative Services-The Bowery Mission
Jericho Project-Director at Veterans Services agency
LAB Consulting and Training Associates-(Owner) Providing training, support and staff development to OASAS licensed Substance Abuse Programs
Board Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers-Executive Board (Past)
Bailey House-Executive member at large (Current)
BMS-Executive Board member
Lisa Louise Kenner was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn on April 30, 1959, to the late Clarence and Shirley Kenner. Lisa’s character was shaped by the strength of the family values that was instilled in all 8 of the Kenne1· child1·en by theit· parents. Lisa’s father Clarence gave Lisa her fighting spirit and Lisa said,” Father’s love is greatly needed in their daughter’s lives, so always show them love. I will always love my father” Lisa attended P.S. 184, J.H.S. 275 and Canarsie High School but left before graduation. After earning her G.E.D. she entered Medgar Eve1·s College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration.
Lisa’s mother and aunt were members of Tabernacle Baptist Church under the late Rev. Henry Parke1·, where she was baptized at the age of 9, sang in the choir and was a member of the usher board and missionary. She continues to be an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church under Dr. Rev. Glenn Johnson, where she was baptized again at age 39.
During her youth and adult life, Lisa was inspired by the strong women and men in the community that were always trying to make om· community a better place for all and fight for the rights of people who could not fight for their own rights, to name a few; the late Shirley Kenne,·, the late Fannie Saunders, the late Ms. Sarah , the late Ms. Mason, the late Dr. Phyllis Jackson, the late Dr. Betty Shabazz, the late Congresswomen Shirley Chisholm, the late Congressman Major Owens, the late Rosetta Gaston, the late honorable Mary Warren, the late cousin Edith, the late cousin Do1·is Harcum , and the late Jenny Bowman, and the late Gregory “Jocko” Jackson, the late Dorothy DeVouse, the late Joyce Anderson, and the late M. Morton Hall and in the present Chanel Halburton, Prof. Elizabeth King, Bessie Hargrove, Betty Weems and Dr. Lenora Fulani. Lisa can’t forget those residents, who attend meetings, and let their voices be heard. Also, Lisa Feels Velma Purnell and Regina Clemens, kept her from the perils of the community and told her to stay involved in positive things. As the saying goes:” It takes a village to raise a child”
Lisa Louise Kenner has been a community activist for over 25 years. Her first experience was when her parents died and all the teaching, they had taught her had to come forward. The second experience was with Greater Brownsville Athletic Council under the leadership of Dr. Larry Brown. Lisa Louise Kenner is a fo1·mer Juvenile Counselor with the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Human Resource Administration. She also has held and continues to hold several community leadership positions, such as membership at Van Dyke I Resident Association, NYCHA President’s Council of Brooklyn East, Brownsville Old Timers Committee, the Brownsville Community Development Corporation, DOP, NEON(Neighborhood Opportunity Network and a former member of the NYPD/Brooklyn Clergy Taskforce/Grandmother Of Love Over Violence. She also founded the Brownsville Little Miss Brooklyn Pageant and Rise Up and Stop the Violence Youth Empowerment Program.Lisa has received numerous awards for her work in the community, such as the Medgar Evers Lucille Rose, Fannie Lou Hamer, Mary Warren Community Service Award, Priscilla Wooten Award and HealthFirst Women’s History Month Community Service Award. However, Lisa credits all her achievements to the significant role that God continues to play in her life. She also knows that the values instilled in her by her parents and communities are what help her continue to grow.
As a former New York State Committeewoman for the 55th Assembly District, community activism is just one of the many roads that Lisa has traveled.
Ms. Kenner is the mother of one and has two grandchildren and a great grandchild. She hopes in her lifetime all people exercise their right to vote and participate civically in their community.
“Leadership is Action, Not a Position”
“When they Go low, We Go High” Michelle Obama
Carmen is a native New Yorker. Her parents moved to New York from Puerto Rico at the young age of 18, eventually starting a family that included four daughters and one son. When Carmen was just three years old, the family relocated to Brooklyn, settling in a neighborhood called Brownsville—which has been her home ever since. It was in Brownsville that Carmen’s life began to take shape. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, and even as a student, she knew she wanted to return to the classroom—either as a teacher or an educational assistant.
Several years later, Carmen became Mrs. Carmen Jackson when she married Gregory “Jacko” Jackson—widely regarded as the unofficial mayor of Brownsville. Together, they raised eight children. In the community, Carmen worked closely alongside her husband, who served as Executive Director of the Brownsville Recreation Center (BRC) for over a decade until his passing. Together, they coordinated programs that provided extracurricular support to hundreds of children each week, offering meaningful opportunities for both the young and the young at heart to become stewards of their community. These programs were considered highly successful and inspired the creation of Stars Are Born in Brownsville, a showcase of the neighborhood’s best and brightest. The culture they built at the BRC was one of family—where everyone who entered was treated as a trusted member. Following in their parents’ footsteps, the Jackson children also became deeply involved in the center’s activities, making it a true family affair.
Carmen’s deep dedication to community advocacy, activism, and supporting her husband’s work delayed her personal goal of returning to the classroom. However, through perseverance and strong will, she eventually realized part of that dream—serving as an educational assistant for over two decades until her retirement in 2022.
Even after the passing of her husband, Carmen remains deeply engaged in community service at various levels. She is an active member of the youth group at the co-op where she resides and serves on its Board of Directors. She is also the founder of the Greg “Jacko” Jackson Foundation, which continues her husband’s legacy of community service.
Understanding the evolving needs of the community, Carmen expanded her advocacy work to include health. In 2015, she joined the Board of Directors of the BMS Family Health and Wellness Center, where she continues to serve today.
Despite her busy schedule, Carmen still finds time to relax. She enjoys knitting, is an excellent hairstylist, and often turns to music as a way to unwind after a long day. She understands that the work she does demands immense patience and deep devotion—often more than most could give—and that kind of commitment requires true strength. Her longevity in both her career and community service is a testament to just how strong she truly is.
Mrs. Zarahiah Richey is a proud mother of two and a dedicated member of the community. A patient at the health center for over 30 years, she has served as a valued board member for the past seven years. Throughout her time on the board, Mrs. Richey has built deep, meaningful connections with people across all ages and backgrounds, becoming a trusted and admired presence within the organization and beyond.
Her commitment to service extends far beyond the boardroom. Mrs. Richey generously gives her time and talents to numerous schools, churches, and community organizations, where she is known for her warmth, passion, and unwavering dedication. She is deeply respected and beloved by all who have the pleasure of working with her.
A lifelong lover of the arts, Mrs. Richey’s passion for dance has earned her prestigious scholarships from the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Long Island University, and the Martha Graham Dance Company. In recognition of her contributions to dance and ministry, she will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Dance Ministry from Rehoboth Theological Seminary College on June 14, 2025.
In addition to her artistic and community endeavors, Mrs. Richey holds an Associate Degree in Medical Billing from ASA Institute of Business and Technology – The College of Advanced Technology.
Yvonne Louise Durant-Graham was born on June 25, 1954 in Brooklyn and grew up in the Van Dyke Projects.
She attended PS 150 from K to 2nd grade. With her mother being very politically active in the community her parents realized that Yvonne was not receiving the same quality of education as the children in Flatbush, Brooklyn, which was predominately White. So in September of 1962, Yvonne and nine of her school friends were bused to PS 222 in Flatbush. She will forever remember the picture that still remains very clear in her mind today. Parents with picket signs saying things like “Go Home”, “We don’t want you here”. She was the only Black child in her class.
She later attended Marine Park JHS and graduated from James Madison High School in June of 1972. By this time she had grown accustomed to being in the minority and she had figured out that white kids did just about everything she did and she did just about everything they did. The only difference – She was Black and they were White.
She entered Adelphi University in 1972. Yvonne had no idea what the racial percentages of Blacks to Whites were when applying to Adelphi. All she knew was that it was far enough away, to say she was away from home, but close enough to get back in a hurry if she needed to.
In November of 1975 Yvonne became one of twelve charter members of Kappa Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. which was the first Black sorority on Adelphi’s campus. Upon graduation she held the office of Assistant Graduate Advisor and Graduate Advisor.
In 1976 Yvonne graduated from Adelphi with a BA in psychology. Three months after graduation she was hired as a bank teller at GreenPoint Savings Bank where she was promoted to Assistant Auditor in 1977.
In 1978 she returned to Brownsville to begin working as a substitute teacher with the NYC Board of Education. In September of 1979 Yvonne was afforded the opportunity of becoming a first grade teacher in PS/IS 41 located in District 23, Brownsville. She accepted the position and resigned from the bank.
Yvonne worked for nearly ten years as a full time substitute teacher before she decided to return to school to further her own education. In 1993, she received her master’s degree in education from Hunter College.
In 1998, she completed her second master’s degree in Supervision and Administration from Bank Street College. In the summer of 1998 she interviewed and became ELA (English Language Arts) Coordinator for District 16. Here she honed in on demonstrating various techniques and strategies that both her teachers and parents could use to grow children to be proficient in all areas of reading and writing.
In September 1999, Yvonne became an Assistant Principal at PS/IS 41- The Walter F. White School where she remained until 2005 when she was offered the position of Principal at PS/IS 298- The Dr. Betty Shabazz School also located in Brownsville. Yvonne’s journey at the Dr. Betty Shabazz School wasn’t always easy. But through perseverance and God’s grace she was able to move her school from a C rating to an A rating within three years. And in 2009 after 30 years of dedicated service to the students, parents and staff of District 23 and 16 Yvonne retired.
Prior to retirement, Yvonne stepped into the world of entrepreneurship and is currently positioned as a National Director with E.P.I.C. Assets LLC. However, retirement has not stopped Yvonne from continuing her community service. She has served on the executive board of Imagine Me Leadership Charter School and currently is the recording secretary for St. John’s Seniors Organization and the Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center (BMS). She is an avid tennis fan and loves bowling, to which she has won medals over the years, in both the NY and NJ Empire State Senior Games.
She is blessed to have one son, Damon Maurice, two grandchildren, Xavier and Journey and most of all the one person who allows her to be herself, who believes in her at times when she doubts herself and for whom she loves unconditionally, her partner of 20 plus years, Carlton Collier.
Sliding scale fees are fees for BMS services that are adjusted depending on family size and income: the lower your income, the less you will pay. At BMS no patients are denied services due to insurance or immigration status or inability to pay.
BMS is part of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program allowing low-income and uninsured patients to buy prescription drugs at a lower price. BMS patients can buy affordable prescription drugs at our on-site pharmacy located at Main Rockaway Avenue.
BMS assists all patients, and their families navigate the insurance system, by informing and guiding patients in the process of accessing insurance benefits, billing, approvals, providing translations and support with paperwork.
BMS has two certified insurance enrollers on staff who help patients register in health insurance plans (Medicaid, Essential Plan or private insurance), renew coverage or change plans.
We help every individual finding government and charity benefits to ensure no patients are denied services due to insurance or immigration status or inability to pay.
Call 718-345-5000 to request this service.
BMS ensures that people with limited or no English skills have equal access to BMS services, information, benefits, and programs. We provide language translation, assistance to people with visual disabilities, and sign language support.
We offer language and translation assistance. Request this service when making an appointment.
Access to stable and dignified housing is critical to improving the health and well-being of the community we serve. At BMS we help our clients with referrals and applications to NYC Housing Connect, a government program that helps low-income families to access affordable housing.
BMS supports with guidance, translation and submission of required documentation. Ask our BMSs team about this service.
Navigating medical and community services can be confusing, especially for those with multiple needs and chronic diseases. BMS Client Relations is a dedicated office that helps new and current patients navigate appointments and facilitates referrals, provides guidance to access social and community benefits, hand out educative information, and problem-solving support.
BMS Client Relations office also receives patients’ feedback to improve our services and ensure our community receives satisfactory care.
BMS carefully studies and designs prescription plans for patients managing multiple health conditions. Our care team experts and specialists coordinate internally and with external providers, to create and update prescriptions plans that meet the needs of patients, avoiding harmful medication mixing.
Talk to your BMS provider to request more information.
The BMS care team will carefully help patients and families identify solutions to the most pressing needs that directly impact their health and quality of life. We support patients to find specialists and social services within BMS and community partners and apply for government assistance when needed.
The BMS team refers patients to services such as:
Understanding and following healthcare plans can be confusing for some. BMS personal health cheerleaders guide people with chronic conditions to help them keep track of their health plans, such as medication intake and management of conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, HIV), nutrition and exercise plan, addiction, and adjusting to a life-altering health event, like a heart attack.
At BMS we understand dealing with multiple mental and physical conditions is complicated, costly, and confusing. Health Home program makes sure its members get the care and services needed. This may mean fewer trips to the emergency room or less time spent in the hospital. It could mean getting regular care and services from primary care providers or finding a safe place to live, and a way to get to medical appointments.
The Health Homes eligibility includes people with:
If you are a Medicaid recipient or believe you may qualify for Medicaid, think about the following questions:
BMS supports families creating a tailored plan to achieve total wellness by combining healthcare and social services.
The program focuses on:
On an ongoing basis, our team provides COVID-19 vaccinations with a focus on the uninsured who receive these services FREE. BMS coordinates with local churches, community centers, and local fairs across Central Brooklyn, to reach communities and give them education, guidance, and information about COVID-19 testing and free vaccines. These services are offered at our BMS@Bristol location.
BMS Community Reading Programs
For over 20 years, BMS has partnered with Reach Out and Read, where pediatricians give books to families as a developmental tool. Our Health Educator enhances this experience by conducting interactive read-aloud sessions in waiting areas, encouraging children and parents to participate. These sessions not only promote literacy but also create opportunities to engage families about social support, wellness, and access to healthcare services.
Sesame Street
Since 2017, BMS has also partnered with Sesame Street in Communities, offering free bilingual resources on math, literacy, emotional coping, nutrition, and more. The program focuses on children aged 0 to 6 and addresses serious topics such as food insecurity, bullying, and autism through engaging materials. At BMS, we distribute books, t-shirts, and other incentives to enrich the learning experience and support families in building strong educational foundations.
All BMS patients receive information, guidance, resources, and encouragement to make healthy choices, avoid unhealthy behaviors and manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension. In addition, one-on-one counseling and support is provided to patients by our primary care providers, dietician, nurses, medical assistants, health coaches, and educators. BMS also supports community members through materials, health fairs, street canvassing, and wellness activities.
Our Centers host BMS programs offering support, knowledge, and pathways to achieve total wellness and success. Those include health education, youth education, economic opportunity, career guidance (especially within the health care industry), workforce assistance and aid to relieve the chronic stress and violence of racism, negative environmental conditions such as highly condensed public housing, and disproportionately limited resources relative to city-wide data.
Edmund Awuah joined BMS as the Chief Financial Officer( CFO) in May 2006 in April 2024 became the CFO & Executive Vice-President. Mr. Awuah is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant with over twenty-five years of experience in the field of accounting, auditing, financial management, fiscal consulting, and academia. He has worked with a variety of organizations in both the profit and not-for-profit sectors including the New York Foundling Hospital where he served as Controller from 2003-2005, the Bedford Stuyvesant Community Mental Health Center from 1997-2002 as its Chief Financial Officer, and Mitchell & Titus LLP as Audit Manager from 1989-1997. Mr. Awuah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and a Master of Science degree in accounting. He is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Mr. Awuah has served on various committees of the NYSSCPA, including the Health Care Committee and the Chief Financial Officers’ Committee.
