Urban Resource Institute

This Native American Heritage Month, Urban Resource Institute (@uri_nyc) celebrates and uplifts the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Indigenous communities. As we honor these communities, it’s also important to recognize the unique challenges they continue to face today. Supporting Native heritage includes advocating for the resources and protections needed to foster safe, resilient communities. URI stands with Native communities and is committed to amplifying their voices in the journey toward healing and empowerment. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #IndigenousRights #IndigenousHeritage

#ICYMI: This past weekend, we had an amazing turnout for the Bronx DA's 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk/Roll to End Domestic Violence! Some of the event speakers included: URI CEO Nathaniel Fields (@uri_nyc) Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark (@bronxdaclark) Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbpgibson) Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Saloni Sethi (@nycendgbv) Thank you to the more than 500 people who attended, and a special thanks to the courageous survivors who spoke and shared their stories. An inspiring event for a powerful cause! #DVAM2024 #RunWalkRoll #TogetherWeHealURI

Earlier this month, Teal Inzunza, LCSW, AVP of Justice Initiatives, blair dorosh-walther, Director of Economic Empowerment, Danielle Emery, Director of People & Animals Living Safely (PALS), Stephanie P., Crime Victim Services Program Manager, and Eli Plvan-Franke, Coordinator of Equity Initiatives, represented URI by delivering compelling testimony before the NYC Council Committees on General Welfare and Women and Gender Equity. Their advocacy focused on survivor-centered solutions to critical issues, including single differential access, improved voucher enforcement, economic empowerment, childcare reform, and increased funding for essential survivor services. With the support of URI’s Government Affairs team, Lauren Schuster and Wilfredo Lopez, Esq., this testimony brought attention to the systemic changes survivors need to thrive. We’re proud of their dedication to building safer, more equitable communities. 💜 #DVAM2024 #TeamURI

#ICYMI: Our CEO, Nathaniel Fields and former client, Hope Dawson-Sessoms, were featured on CBS New York (@cbsnewyork) for Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Their conversation not only highlighted the urgent need to support individuals facing domestic violence, but it also shed light on the ways URI is creating pathways to safety, healing, and independence. Click the link below to watch the full interview and learn more about how we support survivors here at URI! https://lnkd.in/es4MwjRT #DVAM2024 #TogetherWeHealURI #SupportSurvivors

The psychological impact of abuse can trigger strong emotional responses, including fear, anger, sadness, and confusion – all natural feelings and reactions to trauma. It’s important to remember that allowing survivors to express themselves without fear of judgment can be life-changing for their journey to safety and well-being. Using phrases like “It’s okay to feel this way” or “What you’re feeling is completely understandable” affirms survivors’ feelings and reinforces that their experiences are real and deserving of attention and care. SOURCE: National Domestic Violence Hotline #TogetherWeHealURI #GNYLinks #DVAM2024 #HealHoldCenter #CallForUnity #NoSurvivorJusticeWithoutRacialJustice

#ICYMI: Clinical Director of URI’s Transformative Justice Collective, Nathaniel Tolbert, LCSW participated in a powerful panel discussion hosted by CONNECT NYC - Safe Families, Peaceful Communities that focused on men’s crucial role in ending domestic violence. The goals of the event were to not only raise awareness that domestic violence affects everyone, but also to challenge toxic masculinity by promoting respect and empathy, as well as support survivors by building a culture against abuse. To create a world free of domestic violence, we must always be on the lookout for solutions that reduce harm. Programs like our Abusive Partner Intervention Program and Respect + Responsibility Program (APIP/R+R) take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to teaching individuals who have caused harm to understand the impact of their actions, unlearn harmful behaviors and engage positively in healthy relationships. #TogetherWeHealURI #HealHoldCenter #SupportSurvivors #DVAM2024

Election Day is approaching on Tuesday, November 5! Now is the time to make your voting plan. Early voting starts Saturday, October 26, providing flexibility to fit voting into your schedule and avoid Election Day lines. To find your polling site, visit findmypollsite.vote.nyc. For more information on early voting, visit lnkd.in/eySH5_zy. Let’s participate, cast our votes, and make a difference! #Vote #Election2024

#NoSurvivorJusticeWithoutRacialJustice is a phrase asserts that a comprehensive approach to justice must include racial equity to be meaningful and effective for all survivors. Some barriers faced in the pursuit of racial justice for survivors of domestic violence include: Lack of Resources: Communities of color may have fewer resources for domestic violence prevention and intervention, such as shelters, counseling, and legal aid, limiting support options for survivors. Economic Disparities: Financial instability can prevent survivors from leaving abusive situations or accessing necessary services, perpetuating cycles of violence. Language Barriers: Non-English speakers may struggle to access support services or legal information, complicating their ability to navigate the system effectively. Ultimately, addressing these barriers is essential for creating equitable support systems that empower all survivors and promote broader social justice. #TogetherWeHealURI #GNYLinks #DVAM2024 #HealHoldCenter #CallForUnity

We’re proud to share that URI has been named the NYC Department of Social Services' first M/WBE MVP, recognized for our exceptional integration of M/WBEs in both emergency and standard shelter contracts. This achievement underscores our commitment to fostering diverse partnerships. Watch this highlight from Beverly M. Riddick’s insightful interview at the May M/WBE Matchmaking Event! #MWBE #DiversityMatters #URINYC #Partnerships

This #DVAM2024, we all must raise awareness, amplify survivors' voices, and create more safe spaces for healing. Whether it's through support groups, advocacy, or simply listening, we can all play a role in fostering connection and resilience for survivors of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) for help. No one should have to heal alone. Tag an advocate who embodies what it means to heal, hold, and center survivors. Post your commitment to connective action for #DVAM2024 on your social media platforms at #CallForUnity throughout October! #TogetherWeHealURI #GNYLinks #HealHoldCenter #SupportSurvivors