The Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center regrets to announce the passing of its dear friend, colleague and former client, Robert Crawford. Mr. Crawford passed away last week due to complications from COVID-19.

A native New Yorker, Robert struggled with negative influences throughout his youth, resulting in estrangement from his family and ultimately incarceration. In early adulthood, he experienced his first psychotic episode. Through the guidance of his mother, he was steered to the Center, in 1989.

From out-patient treatment in the Adult Continuing Day Treatment Program and through to the peer-to-peer Rainbow Club, Robert made incredible strides towards mental well-being; he was a leader who inspired self-love and a strong work ethic among other facing problems similar to his own.

Reliable and compassionate, Robert was not only a client/patient at the Bowen Center, he became a part-time employer, having worked as a Consumer Advocate for almost two decades. He led by example, helping others to recognize and combat their individual challenges and realize the possibility of recovery. During his time as a counselor, he earned his certification as a Peer Specialist went on to become a full-time employment at the Bowen Center’s Rainbow Clubhouse, where he had found such support and encouragement himself.

In 2016, the Bowen Center recognized Robert for his remarkable recovery and contributions to the Bowen Center with the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Award.

“Robert’s hard work and dedication to overcome his mental health challenges was an inspiration to the many individuals he went on to counsel,” said Bowen Center Board Chair Patricia C. Jordan. “His loss is immeasurable and will be greatly felt by all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family and to his Bowen family as well. May he forever rest in peace.”