Uniting for the Well-Being of New York City: Reflections from the FOR.NYC Launch Event
This past week, we had the privilege of attending the FOR.NYC launch event, alongside city officials, ministry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and marketplace leaders—all united by a shared mission: to serve the people of New York City. This mission deeply resonates with us at Abbott Mental Health, a family-owned and operated business. As proud New Yorkers serving New Yorkers, we are committed to helping our fellow residents thrive in this incredible city we call home.
We hold a deep respect for Guy Wasko, Executive Director of FOR.NYC, who has spent the past two decades equipping and connecting leaders across the city, both in vocational settings and in broader community initiatives. FOR.NYC exists to catalyze a citywide gospel movement by equipping resilient leaders, uniting the Church, and accelerating the mission of God in New York City. As Wasko eloquently stated during his address, “FOR.NYC is an organization, but it is also a posture. Let’s be for one another; let’s be for this city.”
Mayor Eric Adams was also in attendance and expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to strengthen community ties and enhance overall well-being. “This initiative aligns with our city’s commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive communities,” he noted. The Mayor went on to commend the faith leaders present, stating, “We have always faced hard times, but in those times, our faith leaders have stood fearless. If I am the Mayor of the most important city in the world, you are the most important healers in the world.” He concluded his remarks with heartfelt gratitude: “We cannot thank you enough.”
Wasko further underscored the holistic nature of this mission, emphasizing, “Mental health is not just a medical issue; it’s a spiritual one. By empowering faith communities, we can create a network of support that addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.”
At Abbott Mental Health, we believe that healthy leaders are not only strong but resilient—and they are essential to the vitality of any city. FOR.NYC recognizes the critical role of investing in both ministry, community and marketplace leaders, equipping them with the tools they need to lead effectively. Healthy leaders and united churches are integral parts of their communities. FOR.NYC serves as a conduit between churches, non-profits, the marketplace and the City, maximizing resources and increasing impact.
During the event, the Barna Group, an organization dedicated to helping Christian leaders understand cultural trends, presented findings from their 2025 State of New York City report, conducted this past January. Their assessment on mental health was particularly interesting to us as it revealed concerning trends across generations:
86% of Gen Z reported experiencing significant stress.
Over 64% of Gen Z reported feeling lonely, and 62% reported struggling with depression.
Only 66% of Gen Z feel emotionally supported by others.
Among Millennials, 38% reported struggling in their marriages.
Burnout is affecting 52% of both Millennials and Gen X.
Across both churched and unchurched adults, more than half reported elevated stress and anxiety.
These numbers are a stark reminder that the challenges facing New Yorkers are both widespread and deeply personal. It underscores the urgent need for collaborative, holistic solutions that address mental, emotional, and spiritual health at every level of our communities.
Join Us in Strengthening New York City
At Abbott Mental Health, we are committed to addressing these challenges by supporting leaders and communities with compassion and expertise. We invite you to join us in this important work—whether through collaboration, advocacy, or simply by reaching out to learn more. Together, we can help New Yorkers thrive in every sense of the word.
You can read more about the mission of FOR.NYC here.
