Welcome to
Community Connections
Since its founding in 1984, Community Connections has been committed to innovative and compassionate mental health services, addiction treatment, and residential care for the District of Columbia's most vulnerable citizens. Our passion and commitment helped Community Connections become a recognized national leader in the delivery of creative and constantly evolving, evidence-based services for our consumers and our community.
We invite you to learn more about us, our clinical support, and residential services, as well as our latest research initiatives and our wide scope of training opportunities. Check out Our Story.
Quality, Innovation, Respect, Equity, Integrity
Community Connections was built on these core values. These values are our guiding principles and drive the services we provide on a daily basis to help people grow and recover.
The Board of Directors of Community Connections, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Damien Cabezas as the organization's next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
“Community Connections has long been a trailblazer in behavioral health, consistently setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the field,” said Dr. Mark Smith, Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “We sought a leader with the vision, courage, and expertise to guide the agency to even greater achievements. We found that leader in Damien Cabezas, and we couldn't be more excited.”
Dr. Maxine Harris, Co-Founder and current CEO, echoed the sentiment: “Damien Cabezas brings the skills, experience, and heart needed to lead Community Connections into an even brighter future. His leadership will ensure we continue to expand our compassionate and impactful work, taking the agency to new heights with both flair and resolve.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Damien Cabezas stated:
“I am deeply humbled and honored to step into the role of President and CEO of Community Connections. This bold organization, much like the city it serves, is steeped in rich traditions while embracing the possibilities of a rapidly changing world. Our success will be measured not only by the positive impact we have on Washington, D.C., but also by how we reflect and elevate the aspirations of our communities. Together, we can foster an equitable and thriving ecosystem where individuals and communities flourish.”
Founded in 1984 by Dr. Maxine Harris and the late Helen Bergman, MSW, Community Connections has been a pioneer in providing pathways to deinstitutionalization for individuals facing behavioral and mental health challenges. The organization's work has empowered countless individuals to navigate the complexities of community living with dignity and support.
“I am optimistic about joining this incredible team at Community Connections,” Cabezas added. “Join us as we advance our mission and continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.”
We are proud to be the largest not-for-profit mental health agency in the nation's capital serving men, women and children.
Our beliefs
We Believe Campaign
We do this work because We Believe.
We Believe in the underlying values that have been here since the birth of Community Connections. Sometimes it's hard to hold onto those values when we're working so hard to help our clients, so we initiated the WE BELIEVE campaign.
Community Connections Believes:
- People and systems can change and grow
- Relationships are important vehicles for growth
- People have the right to ask for what they need
- People deserve dignity and respect
- Treatment should be delivered in the most efficient manor for as long as necessary
- Our work matters and there is hope for the future
- Diversity and Equity makes for a healthy workplace
Our Services
Community Connections core purpose is to provide behavioral health, residential services, and primary health care coordination to women, men, and children who are coping with mental illness, addiction, and the aftermath of trauma and abuse.
Behavioral Health
Community Connections provides a comprehensive array of services designed to meet the needs of our clients.
Integrated Care
Community Connections believes in whole person wellness while integrating physical health care into our services.
Homelessness & Housing
Community Connections provides a range of services designed to help chronically homeless individuals and families.
Outpatient Addiction Services
Community Connections is an ARC/DBH approved substance use treatment provider.
Peer Empowerment
Community Connections harnesses the power of peer services to provide a holistic approach to recovery.
Listen to
Community Voices
Community Connections annually conducts our Consumer Satisfaction Survey to ensure we continue to meet the needs and expectations of our community.
Just a few of the many consumer comments included:
“I like Community Connections; the services help keep me able to cope with my illness and keep me feeling better.”
“Great teamwork, friendly & hardworking teams. I am happy to be a part of this group.”
“I have come to Community Connections, and I have received valuable service. Day Program and Housing. I am grateful. Thank you, Community Connections.”
89%
Believe the Community Connections staff always have their best interest in mind.
90%
Believe the Community Connections staff always inform them about their rights as a consumer.
91%
Believe the Community Connections staff are competent and knowledgeable.
93%
Believe the Community Connections staff always treat them with respect.