ICS: Delivering Optimum Support to Those in Need

By Jennifer L. Warren

MIDDLETOWN – Harry Bonsu deeply believes in the mission.

From the reflective commentary he provides when discussing his work’s passion, to the critical need to deliver premium care to his clients, all the way to the smile that envelops his face as he relates individual success stories, Bonsu brims with passion about his Independent Care System (ICS) company as well as his over two decade role in it.

Helping address gaps in housing, food access, transportation or benefits, while connecting members to health and social services, ICS is laser-focused on easing life’s oftentimes overwhelming realities facing its members. Whether it’s ensuring critical Medicaid and health issues are met, assigning a skilled case worker to aid with navigating the intricacies of the often daunting system, locating the best-fitting therapist for a client, or a host of other duties, ICS is all about delivering priceless, completely free of cost support.

“I strongly believe in our mission of supporting people with physical disabilities to be able to live at home independently,” said City of Middletown resident, Bonsu, who has held the role of Sr. Vice President of Administration and Member Services at ICS for the past 12 years. “It’s also about allowing people the right to be home independently and thrive in the community.”

Formed in 2000, ICS initiated its journey as a Managed Long-Term Care Program, one that pays- are funders- to others, focusing on people with disabilities, allowing them to flourish independently at home. Then, in 2019, it transitioned to its present status: Health Home, the first and only of its kind in New York State, Medicaid-funded, care management organization, specializing in serving people with chronic illness and physical disabilities.

“The major difference is we now get funded by the Department of Health, so as long as clients have active Medicaid, we can provide them services free of charge,” explained Bonsu. “There is basically less red tape now.”

Those expedited processes have better allowed ICS to serve its approximately 1000 clients, spanning the five boroughs of New York. Most recently, at the start of 2025, that breadth of outreach has extended to the Mid-Hudson Valley region. Thanks to ICS’ partnership with Hudson Valley Care Coalition (HVCC), it is “not alone,” rather a part of the integral social care network, facilitating its work and overall impact. That full circle of people helping people for the overall good has resulted in authentically weaved bonds, referred to by Bonsu as a “family relationship” with clients.

“I see the positive changes and the progress our members make all the time,” said Bonsu. “We both see each other as family.”

It’s that very familial piece that so tightly solidifies Bonsu to his professional life. Recently celebrating his 23rd wedding anniversary and the father of three grown children with the youngest in college, Bonsu has been the caregiver to his 81 year old mother for the past three years since his father passed away.

“I have seen firsthand what an incredible difference good care can make for a person, truly understanding how to navigate the health care system for loved ones while making sure they (the elderly-those with disabilities) have access to needed services,” said Bonsu. “My mother is doing so much better since living with us and getting the help to assist her to truly flourish.”

It’s that very success-Bonsu has witnessed- on both personal and professional levels-that fuels him even more to enlighten the population in need as much as possible about the life-changing potency of ICS, especially its latest Mid-Hudson Valley presence.

“Our biggest challenge right now is getting the word out there to those who need it,” said Bonsu. “We want to grow, so we can impact people who need us; everyone knows someone who can improve the quality of his or her life with the proper help and care and can really thrive if they get it.”

Reflecting further, he adds, “Seeing people get those services, how it can change their lives and the deep relationships we all form together in the process is what makes it all so joyful.”

If you know someone who has a chronic illness-such as; diabetes, hypertension or MS-or a disability and can benefit from having food, housing, economic and social supports, they can reach ICS by calling: (646) 653-6230, emailing: CommunityEngagement@icsny.org, or logging onto: www.icsny.org.