November 2023 – Notes from NMIC
We are excited to join in on GivingTuesday, a global celebration of generosity and kindness happening this month! This November, we’re focusing on the incredible power of advocacy and its profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Check out our latest news, like a new foundation partner, the recent weatherization of two new apartments by NMIC’s team, and the launch of our TikTok. Dive in to explore the amazing stories and projects shaping our community this month!
GivingTuesday

As GivingTuesday approaches, we’re reaching out to extraordinary supporters like you! A $25 donation to NMIC fuels long-term neighbor-to-neighbor empowerment, addressing needs like safe housing, mental health services, and much more. Our impact is tangible, reaching over 14,000 community members annually. That’s 14,000 stories of resilience, progress, and positive change.
Our goal this GivingTuesday? $10,000…it’s simple math – we need 200 supporters to make a $50 donation each. Will you be one of them?
Your support sparks lasting change in our community, empowering neighbors to advocate for their families’ needs. Imagine the ripple effect! Click here to join the movement and be a catalyst for positive, enduring transformation.
Thank you for considering us this GivingTuesday. Your generosity amplifies our mission, creating a brighter future for our community.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, be a part of this journey.
Thank You, Sony Music Group!

We extend our sincere gratitude to Sony Music Group for their investment in NMIC’s Train & Earn program. Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund is dedicated to supporting anti-racist initiatives and global educational opportunities that advance the cause of equity. NMIC’s Train & Earn stands as a structured five-week paid training program designed for young adults, allowing them to enhance their skills, attain gainful employment, and receive continuous support for over one year. Through our collaborative partnership with SMG, we are afforded the means to persist in the mission of educating and inspiring the next generation to emerge as catalysts for positive change.
Click here to learn more about NMIC’s Education & Career services.
A Tale of Energy Efficiency Transformation

In the heart of our neighborhood stands a three-unit building, privately owned, and quietly rewriting its story of sustainability. Thanks to NMIC’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the generous support of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this unassuming building has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Here’s a glimpse into the building’s upgrades:
- Solar Panels (6Kw Array): Powering the building’s common area electricity needs with clean and renewable energy.
- Roof and Exterior Wall Insulation: Ensuring improved energy efficiency and comfort.
- New UPvc Apartment Windows: Contributing to better insulation and noise reduction.
- Ventilation Fans in Kitchen Windows: Enhancing air circulation and creating a healthier living space.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Reducing energy consumption while brightening up shared spaces.
NMIC played a pivotal role in securing an impressive $109,200.00 from the WAP ARPA grant funds. This, combined with the owner’s commendable match of $20,000.00, fueled the entire initiative. What makes this project particularly noteworthy is the opportunity presented by the ARPA WAP funds. NMIC was empowered to address every conceivable energy efficiency opportunity, going beyond the usual scope of regular WAP programs. This allowed for a comprehensive intervention.
It’s a reminder that even the smallest structures can play a significant role in building a greener, more sustainable city.
Click here to learn more about NMIC’s WAP.
NMIC on TikTok!

NMIC is officially on TikTok, and we invite you to join us! If you’re eager to discover more about NMIC’s vital work and witness the impact your support has on our community, follow us @nmicnyc.
Cafecito con Maria

Confronted with a rising trend of displacement, a considerable portion of our clients, who were previously Upper Manhattan residents, found themselves relocating to the Bronx. However, they continued to need our services. In response, we opened our Bronx office in 2016 at 8 Clinton Place. Last month, Maria Lizardo, Executive Director of NMIC, alongside our dedicated NMIC team, organized an open house event. The primary goal of this gathering was to reintroduce our elected officials to the comprehensive spectrum of essential services available at our Bronx location, encompassing housing, immigration legal services, and benefits access. We extend our sincere appreciation to Congress Member Espaillat, Assembly Member Tapia, Council Member Sanchez, Council Member Stevens, Bronx Borough President Gibson, and their teams for attending the event.



NMIC in the News
- Chelsea News New York published a story about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s announcement of the creation of the Special Victims Division Advisory Council. Members representing an array of organizations, including NMIC’s Maria Lizardo, will serve on the Special Victims Division Advisory Council for two-year terms. Click here to read more.
Observances
- National Career Development Month
- Native American Heritage Month
- November 11, Veterans Day
- November 12, Flight 587 Day of Remembrance
- November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance
- November 23, Thanksgiving
- November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- November 28, GivingTuesday