Benefit & Finance

With the changing of the seasons comes a wave of new beginnings, and our September newsletter is filled with stories that reflect the spirit of renewal, resilience, and community.

We are excited to share an inspiring client success story that illustrates the transformative power of essential programming, a grant announcement to share, Doña Agripina’s street naming ceremony, and an exciting preview of the Bride’s March—a symbol of solidarity and remembrance.

As we embrace the changing season, let us also embrace the opportunities for growth, connection, and positive change that it brings.

Honoring the Legacy of Doña Agripina: A Street Naming Celebration

Upon retiring from NMIC, Diogenes Abreu, a former staff member, teamed up with District 7 Councilmember Shawn Abreu to commemorate the memory of the esteemed community leader, Doña Agripina, by naming a street in her honor.

Doña Agripina, a distinguished former member of Unidad Comunal—an independent organization receiving organizational support from NMIC—, and a tenant leader at her building’s tenant association, left an indelible mark on our community. Her extraordinary leadership within Unidad Comunal, characterized by a remarkable record of achievements, stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication. Leaders like Doña Agripina embody the very spirit of community-driven change.

As we pay tribute to Doña Agripina, our hearts are heavy with the loss we’ve endured. During the recent street-naming ceremony, heartfelt testimonials underscored her pivotal role within Unidad Comunal and the broader community. Her legacy now graces our streets, a perpetual reminder in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

This heartwarming homage to Doña Agripina serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that every member of our community can make. We are deeply appreciative of having played a role in this meaningful initiative and hold immense admiration for the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

Meet Erica*

Meet Erica*, a member of the community who sought help from NMIC’s Benefit Access program for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption. When she approached us to renew her lease, something seemed amiss. Her paperwork revealed that she had been overpaying her landlord, but these extra payments didn’t show upon her balance sheet. Erica had been losing money each month without realizing it.

Our team took immediate action to help Erica. We organized the necessary documents and paperwork, guided her through the process, and coached Erica on effective self-advocacy techniques to communicate effectively with her landlord.

Just five days later, she returned with great news—it worked! Thanks to her determination and our guidance, Erica paid $314 for her rent that month, a significant reduction from her previous payments.

Erica’s incredible journey reminds us of the profound difference programs like NMIC’s Benefits Access can make. It’s not just about lending a helping hand; it’s about giving people the tools to take control of their financial well-being. We’re firm believers in turning financial obstacles into steppingstones for personal growth, and Erica’s accomplishment exemplifies our unwavering dedication to that mission.

Haga clic to learn more about NMIC’s Benefits Access services.

*Name has been changed to safeguard anonymity.

North Star Fund Supports Unidad Comunal

We are so grateful to the North Star Fund for their unwavering support of social justice initiatives, particularly those led by communities of color striving to empower themselves in New York City and Hudson Valley. Their investment of grassroots organizing has had a profound impact on our community, specifically through their support of Unidad Comunal—an alliance comprising tenant associations, block associations, and community members committed to enhancing the quality of life in Washington Heights and Inwood. As a vital partner, Unidad Comunal receives invaluable organizational support from NMIC.

Their commitment to grassroots organizing has made a profound impact on our community, specifically through their support of Unidad Comunal—an alliance of tenant associations, block associations, and neighbors dedicated to elevating the quality in Washington Heights and Inwood. As a crucial partner, Unidad Comunal receives invaluable organizing support from NMIC.

Unidad Comunal is driven by the core tenets of “Unite, Educate, and Work.” Our overarching goal is to transform New York into a place where low-income immigrants and residents no longer find themselves in perpetual struggles for access to quality housing, essential amenities, vital services, and fair wages. Our vision is to forge a city where these fundamental necessities are as accessible as they are for non-immigrant and more affluent communities. In partnership with North Star Fund, we are actively and purposefully advancing towards the realization of this vision of equity and justice.

Haga clic to learn more about Unidad Comunal.

Fostering Hope during Suicide Prevention Month

Throughout Suicide Prevention Month, NMIC’s Wellness Program shines as a source of hope and support for our community. Our program is devoted to screening clients for mental health needs and connecting them to lifesaving treatment at no cost, positively touching the lives of more than 800 community members each year.

September serves as a poignant reminder of the utmost significance of accessing mental health resources, especially within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities who bear the burden of systemic trauma and displacement. These challenges often impede our community members’ ability to thrive in their communities leading to disparities in both access to and quality of mental health care. With suicide positioned as a leading cause of death in the United States, we are resolute in our commitment to create access to mental health wellness.

“Millions of people in the U.S. are impacted by mental health concerns each year. Now more than ever, it is crucial for our community to take care of our emotional and psychological wellbeing by taking advantage of mental health resources available to them. NMIC’s Wellness Program aims to dismantle systemic barriers to community mental health care by offering free, bilingual, culturally responsive mental health services. By doing so, our dedicated mental health team meets individuals where they’re at in their healing journey by empowering them to be the best version of themselves,” Rauly Chero, NMIC Co-Coordinator of Wellness Services.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org, the suicide and crisis lifeline. To learn more about how to access NMIC’s Wellness Program, haz clic aquí.

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. Gladys Ricart’s life was tragically cut short by the hands of her abusive former boyfriend on what should have been her wedding day. The Brides’ March has become a powerful annual tradition, with a sea of white dresses marching down the streets of Upper Manhattan and neighboring Bronx communities to honor the lives lost to domestic violence. Through these collective efforts, the 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.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Ubicación: Holyrood Episcopal Church, 715W 179th Street, New York, NY 10033

Schedule

Gathering: 8:00 AM

Opening Ceremony: 9:00 AM

March Begins: 10:30 AM

Everyone is welcome to participate. We encourage participants to bring any size picture of the person whose life you want to honor as we march together against domestic violence. To help us prepare for all participants, please register aquí. Before joining us, please take a moment to review the disclosure page about participating in the march.

NMIC in the News:

Our Executive Director, Maria Lizardo, LMSW, who also serves on the board of the National Dominican Day Parade (NatDDP), and Cristina Contreras, NatDDP’s Board Chair, shared insights with ABC7 on August 13th about this year’s parade theme, “Our History, Our People.” Haga clic to read more.
On September 14^th, Spectrum Noticias NY1 wrote an article on NMIC’s Back-to-School supply drive for families impacted by domestic violence. Haga clic to read more.

Observances:

Hunger Action Month

Latinx Heritage Month

September 4, Labor Day

September 8, Native Women’s Equal Pay Day

September 11^th, 9/11, Day of Remembrance and Service

September 19, National Voter Registration Day

September 26, Bride’s March

Ene 19 2023

January 2023 – Notes from NMIC

Notes from NMIC

January is a month that marks new beginnings for many. For others, like us, it is a reminder of the commitment we have made to you, which is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the people in our community on their paths to secure and prosperous futures. Join us in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by recognizing the profound impact he achieved throughout the world by calling out for the improvement of the well-being of our communities. Dr. King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Our community members need access to the tools to secure long-term and large-scale improvements to their lives. His dreams have continued to influence the world long after his passing, and NMIC’s wrap-around services aim to optimize those dreams.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: National Day of Service

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the entire nation reflected upon the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. MLK Day serves multiple purposes each year: It honors the legacy of King, focuses on the issue of civil rights, and calls people into public service. To honor the civil rights icon, New Yorkers across the city took time to perform a day of service to remember King’s teachings on justice, peace, love, community, and equality. Let us all honor these teachings not only on MLK day, but every day of the year, as we fight for a New York where all community members can access secure and prosperous futures.

If you are interested in volunteering for NMIC to serve as a catalyst for positive change in our community, please fill out a volunteer form here.

High School Students Organized a Clothing Drive for NMIC’s DVP

Young activists at The Clinton School from the Clinton Students Demand Action group reached out to us last month because they wanted to organize a winter clothing drive for our domestic violence survivors. Their high school action group was created to fight against gun violence, and the apparent links between domestic violence and firearm ownership.

“Clinton Students Demand Action is honored to work with NMIC and host a drive at our school. We acknowledge the overlap between domestic violence and gun violence, and we are committed to helping our community,” Sofia Dib-Gomez, Clinton Students Demand Action.

We are deeply touched by their gesture and generosity of the student volunteers, and we are impressed by their commitment to their advocacy work for gun safety legislation.

Click here to learn more about Students Demand Action.

Mount Sinai’s Black Women Leaders Connect

One of the wonderful things about the holiday season is the opportunity to give to others, which is exactly what Mount Sinai’s Black Women Leaders Connect did last month. Black Women Leaders Connection is a collective of executive and senior-level Black women administrative leaders with a mission to nurture and guide women within their communities. The collective graciously donated gift funds for the purchase of gift cards this month so that families experiencing domestic violence could celebrate Three Kings’ Day.

Donations like this help give survivors the tools and autonomy they need to build secure and prosperous futures. Haga clic to learn more about NMIC’s Domestic Violence Project and haz clic aquí to donate today.

DoorDash Delivers Good

We are excited to join forces again with DoorDash through their Community Credits program! Community Credits provides DoorDash gift cards directly to nonprofit organizations to empower the communities they serve, reduce food insecurity, and expand programs and that access to opportunity, and we are delighted to make these available to the students in our Education & Career Services program. With this partnership, we’ll be providing meals to our community members. Sara Chapman, our Director of Education & Career Services, said, “Participants are not only thankful for the unexpected generosity, but also because they found the assistance very valuable in having the choice on how to nourish themselves.”

To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit our more ways to give webpage.

Promise NYC: All Children, Regardless of Immigration Status, Deserve Quality Childcare

Promise NYC is a program funded by New York City that will cover the cost of childcare for children who are ineligible for federally subsidized services due to their immigration status. All children deserve the opportunity to succeed, and we hope that this program will alleviate stress for undocumented parents.

“Insurmountable childcare costs are often a barrier to families seeking access to education, employment, and stable housing. That burden is particularly heavy for immigrant families who are ineligible for assistance. NMIC is proud to partner with the Administration of Children’s Services to offer childcare assistance to undocumented parents and children in our community; assistance that will alleviate families’ childcare cost burden so they can work toward secure and prosperous futures,” Maria Lizardo, LMSW, Executive Director.

We want to thank all the elected officials who advocated tirelessly for this program. The city has contracted four community organizations that will oversee selecting immigrant families who need help with care of their children. Center for Family Life will serve families in Brooklyn, NMIC will serve families in the Bronx and Manhattan, La Colmena will serve families in Staten Island, and the Chinese American Planning Council will serve families in Queens.

Haga clic to learn more about Promise NYC.

NMIC in the News

City Limits recently wrote an article on Promise NYC, a $10 million program that aims to care for 600 children between January and June 2023. The city has contacted four community organizations that will oversee selecting immigrant families who need help with care of their children, one of which is NMIC. Haga clic to read more.
Life in the largely Black and Latino communities of northern Manhattan is significantly shorter than it is elsewhere in New York City. In fact, residents of central and east Harlem can expect to live four to five years fewer, on average, than people in the rest of the city, according to the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. Columbia University Irving Medical Center recently wrote an article on their work addressing health disparities through partnerships with local organizations, including NMIC. Haga clic to read more.

Observances

Stalking Awareness Month

January 1, New Year’s Day

January 6, Día de los Reyes

January 9, First Anniversary of the Tragic Fire in the Bronx

January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 24, International Day of Education

January 27, International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

Haga clic to get NMIC’s monthly newsletter straight to your inbox and be the first to know about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and big announcements.

Haga clic to serve as a catalyst for positive change by donating today.

Abr 8 2022

April 2022 – Notes from NMIC

Notes from NMIC

In this newsletter, you’ll learn about…

NMIC’s Benefit, Juntos: Building Without Limits.
Why Stress Awareness Month is significant to us at NMIC.
How to participate in Denim Day 2022.
Why is financial literacy important?
How to sign-up for NYC Celebrates Women Brunch Fundraiser.

Save the Date for ***Juntos*: Building Without Limits**

Through the pandemic, our team at NMIC saw our community’s needs rapidly shift and increase. With your support, we rose to meet the challenge and worked nimbly to address these crises. Although we’ll never know what tomorrow brings, we know that our community will continue to persevere and build without limits, but we can only accomplish that together.

Our 2022 Benefit, Juntos: Building Without Limits, will be an evening to celebrate and recognize the innovative partnerships that have supported our efforts. Join us on June 9th, 2022, from 6PM – 7:30PM at The Hudson, 348 Dyckman St. New York, NY 10034 in advocating for those we serve and raising funds to help us reimagine a future without limits! We’re grateful for all the support we receive, without which none of these services would be possible.

Community tickets start at $250 and are available to anyone who would like to attend.

Click here to see our sponsorship packet and learn how to support our community!

Stress Awareness Month 2022

Stress Awareness Month has been recognized every April since 1992, but this year it seems especially important. Due to the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, we have all felt at one point an increase in stress and/or anxiety. The chronic stress related to COVID-19 has produced profound impacts on the long-term mental health of our community. Although all services provided by NMIC aspire to alleviate stressful situations, we saw an urgent need within the past two years to increase access to tools and strategies for community members to learn how to cope with stress and mental health needs.

We partnered with the van Ameringen Foundation to remove barriers to mental health care by increasing screenings for treatment referrals for residents so that they could heal with culturally competent service providers at no cost. Not only did we make significant efforts to support members of the community, but we also helped our staff cope with pandemic related stress through weekly support groups, run by our team of interns through our partnership with Teachers College at Columbia University.

We hope, both internally and externally, that NMIC is seen as a safe space of healing, where staff and community members alike are supported, especially during challenging times.

To learn more about NMIC’s Juntos Podemos, Connections to Care, program, haz clic aquí.

Denim Day 2022

Join us on April 27, 2022, to participate in Denim Day. Denim Day is a campaign to commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The campaign began 23 years ago after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices wrongfully believed that the survivor’s jeans provided enough evidence of implied consent, and the case was closed. The following day, the women in Italian parliament came to work wearing jeans as a symbol of solidarity with the victim.

Denim Day asks community members to make a social statement through their outfits by wearing jeans as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.

To learn more about Denim Day, haz clic aquí. To donate to NMIC’s wrap-around services that support hundreds of domestic violence survivors and their children annually, haz clic aquí.

Financial Literacy Month

All New Yorkers qualify for our financial empowerment services, regardless of income or immigration status.

Throughout the month of April, organizations across the country conduct a variety of events and carry out initiatives designed to improve financial literacy and promote financial security.

NMIC promotes financial literacy daily through providing New Yorkers with free one-on-one professional financial coaching and counseling to help our clients achieve their goals. In fact, NMIC is a NYC Financial Empowerment Center!

We have partnered with Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners and the NYC Office of Financial Empowerment to enhance the financial literacy and stability of our clients through our financial empowerment services. Our professional Financial Counselors are available to provide personalized guidance and help our clients address a wide range of personal financial topics, like taking control of debt, strengthening credit scores, making savings a routine, balancing a budget, opening a bank account, and more.

To learn more about NMIC’s Financial Empowerment services, haz clic aquí. To schedule a session, please contact (917) 822-7514 or email: jveras@neighborhoodtrust.org.

NYC Celebrates Women Brunch Fundraiser

We are excited to announce that NMIC will be partnering with NYC Celebrates Women for their third annual Brunch Fundraiser to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Join us on Sunday, May 21, from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Harmonie Club in Midtown Manhattan for an afternoon of food, networking, and discussion.

A group of successful women of color in entrepreneurship will present and discuss how they established and developed their flourishing businesses. Proceeds from this event will be donated to NMIC in support of our no cost wrap-around services for 14,000 members of our community annually.

Haga clic to purchase tickets. To learn more about sponsorship, tabling, and in-kind donations for gift bags or raffles, please email: nyccelebrateswomen@gmail.com

Other Events in April

Day of Silence, April 8, 2022: Day of Silence is Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network’s annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students. In the United States, students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolize the silencing of LGBTQ students.
Immigrant Heritage Week, April 11-17, 2022: The celebration commemorates April 17, 1907, when 11,000 immigrants, the most in one day, passed through Ellis Island in New York Harbor.
Earth Day, April 22, 2022: Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
Denim Day NYC, April 27^th at 10:00 AM: Join Denim Day NYC Coalition’s annual Denim Day March on Wednesday, April 27th at 10am from Brooklyn Borough Hall, over the Brooklyn Bridge to Foley Square in Manhattan. Join Survivors, advocates, models, fashionistas, and allies in marching and rallying against sexual violence. Further information can be found here.
Denim Day Bronx March, April 28^th at 3:30 PM: Participating Denim Day organizations will be marching against sexual assault. Join Denim Day NYC Coalition’s annual march on Thursday, April 28^th at 3:30 PM at Grand Concourse and Mt. Eden, and wear denim to show your support! Participating organizations include Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, BronxCare’s Department of Pediatrics, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, New Settlement Apartments, Fountain House Bronx, NOMW Clube Alternatives, and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. Further information can be found here.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2022: National Child Abuse Prevention Month, also known as Child Abuse Prevention Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States since 1983.

NMIC in the Press

Mayor Adams appoints new members, including NMIC co-founder Kevin Sullivan, to NYC Districting Commission. Haga clic to read more.