As the sun sets in the summer season, we send our heartfelt wishes that this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. Your steadfast support continues to inspire us, and we are grateful for the positive impact you continue to help us create. We are thrilled to give you a glimpse of the remarkable events that have unfolded in the past month. From our Back-to-School Drive, equipping young minds for a bright future, to our joyful Staff Picnic, fostering a sense of togetherness among our incredible team, the upcoming Bride’s March, and a grant award announcement!
NMIC’s Staff Picnic
Each member of NMIC’s superb staff gathered at a picturesque park for a day of fun, laughter, and bonding. This picnic served as both a well-earned respite for our hardworking staff and a chance to honor the enthusiastic individuals who are the foundation of our organization. As the day unfolded, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and camaraderie as colleagues enjoyed engaging in summer activities including swimming, softball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, ping pong, and corn hole. Beyond the recreational aspects, the true highlight of the event was the chance for team members to forge personal connections. This gathering wasn’t solely about amusement, but a poignant reminder of our shared mission: serving as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the people in our community on their paths to secure and prosperous futures.
Back-to-School Supply Drive
With the back-to-school season just around, NMIC is thrilled to announce the kickoff of our Back-to-School Supply Drive in collaboration with DoorDash. This initiative aims to extend a helping hand to families residing in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx who have been affected by domestic violence, by providing them with essential school supplies for the upcoming academic year.
“In the face of domestic violence, providing free school supplies becomes more than just a gesture of support,” said Rosanna-Montilla Payano, NMIC Director of Development. “By equipping families with the tools for education, we not only empower their children to learn but also send a powerful message of compassion and solidarity. Providing school supplies shows how deeply we care about these families, acknowledging their struggles and letting them know they are not alone in their journey towards healing.”
From July 25th through August 21st, NMIC warmly welcomes in-kind donations of school supplies at its main office, located at 45 Wadsworth Avenue, during business hours. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 7 pm and on Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm. Financial donations can be made online by visiting nmic.org/back-to-school-2023 until August 21st.
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)’s Intern Roundtable at NMIC
This summer, NMIC had the privilege of partnering with SYEP, welcoming their interns to our roundtable talks each Wednesday afternoon. SYEP is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences each summer. Guided by NMIC’s experienced staff, these young visionaries delved into discussions covering every corner of their future. Together, NMIC and SYEP formed an impactful partnership, guiding aspiring young professionals along a journey that encompassed exploring diverse educational avenues, fostering career development, and honing essential skills such as interview etiquette and salary negotiation. Through this collaboration, these weekly sessions spark a flame of possibility, igniting the path towards a brighter future for these promising young minds.
Thank You, Lily Auchincloss Foundation!
We are excited to announce that NMIC has been chosen as a recipient of a generous grant from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation! For over two decades, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation has been a driving force in enhancing the quality of life in New York City through its invaluable grants. And now, their support through this prestigious grant will breathe new life into our general operations, providing a solid foundation to serve 14,000 New Yorkers annually and make a significant impact on the lives of 32,000 individuals.
We firmly believe that general support is the lifeblood that sustains a nonprofit’s essential functions. While program-specific funding remains crucial, the unrestricted funds received for general operations provide us with the flexibility and agility to respond to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities as they arise. This unrestricted grant from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation is a testament to their visionary approach in empowering nonprofits like ours to create lasting and transformative change. We are profoundly grateful for this partnership, which serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a brighter future.
Cafecito con Maria
This September, our hearts will unite to remember Gladys Ricart, a beloved mother and sister, and all the lives tragically lost to the horrors of domestic violence at Brides’ March. The life of Gladys Ricart was tragically cut short by the hands of her abusive former boyfriend on what should have been her wedding day.
Back in 2001, Josie Ashton embarked on a poignant journey adorned in a wedding gown, traversing numerous states along the East Coast. This journey bore profound symbolism, standing as a testament to the unwavering resistance against domestic violence. With the support of local organizations, including NMIC, the inaugural Bride’s March came into existence, marking the commencement of her courageous 1,600-mile trek.
In the years that have followed, a sea of white dresses graces the streets of Washington Heights and the neighboring communities in honor of the lives lost to domestic violence. Through these collective efforts, our aim is to disseminate bilingual resources pertaining to domestic violence, fostering awareness and solidarity within the communities our journey touches. Our hope is to inspire other communities across the nation to join this movement, illuminating the strength and resilience of survivors.
To discover how you can participate in this year’s march, kindly follow @bridesmarchnyc.
NMIC in the News
- A recent piece featured in the Manhattan Times highlighted National Dominican Day Parade’s event on August 9 where volunteers and representatives from the parade organization, including NMIC, came together to host a food distribution event at Church of the Good Shepherd in Inwood. Click here to read more.
Observances
- August 17, National Nonprofit Day
- August 19, World Humanitarian Day
