Safe Space CNY

Hello Syracuse.  I’m Tracy. 

I am a long term resident of Syracuse, avid ‘Cuse basketball fan, mom, special educator and have been in recovery for an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD for 24 years. 

Mental illness is a very taboo topic.  It lives in shame and we don’t openly talk about it.  Most struggle in the dark or struggle with addictions openly and society is accepting of it. For the past four years, I have designed a space based on my personal recovery as well as many other recovery stories that I have met along the way.  

This space is community centered. It provides group rooms, yoga and meditation classes, movement and dance therapy, self defense, art therapy and more. More importantly it provides the space for people to come together and heal  after the pandemic.  I honestly believe we cannot thrive as a city until we address the mental health population. They say 1 in 5 struggle but currently it is more like 4 out of 5.  Depression, anxiety, drug use, alcohol consumption, and food addictions are all on the rise.  The teen population is seriously struggling with social media pressures and the pandemic isolation.  Safe Space CNY is a way to provide alternative coping strategies and support to our community members.