Meet Isa Martinez-McDonald, Regional Director - The Bronx & Westchester
As we embark on a new year, we’re thrilled to continue our series highlighting our remarkable board and staff. Today, meet our Family Support Program Regional Director for The Bronx and Westchester, Isa:
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“In November 2023, I celebrated my 10th anniversary at New Destiny, and what an incredible journey this has been.
When I first started, the Family Support Program consisted of only three buildings: Marcello Manor, The Anderson, and Bainbridge, with a small, but mighty staff. I was the first Full Time Housing Services Director. I took the job because I was excited to work in an organization that provides permanent housing for domestic violence survivors.
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I have more than 25 years of experience working with individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Prior to joining New Destiny, I was the director at a shelter for survivors with disabilities and, before that, I worked as director for non-residential services.
New Destiny provided the opportunity to close the circle from working on homelessness to providing permanent housing with supportive services. Working with survivors every day and witnessing their resilience and determination as they reach their goals, is a humbling experience. I feel fortunate to collaborate with a team of dedicated, passionate, and fierce advocates. The staff provides case management, crisis intervention, safety planning, children’s recreational and therapeutic activities, and so much more. This is tough but rewarding work. Our staff are the real heroes.
When I am not working, I love to take family vacations. Sometimes up to seventeen of us go along on our time away, which makes for wonderful memories. I enjoy long walks, hiking, skiing, and occasionally fly fishing with my husband.”
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The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus Supports our Ask to Increase NYSSHP Rates
Today and every day, we stand firm in our belief that every New Yorker deserves affordable and dignified living. We thank the members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus (BPHA Caucus), for including our call to increase funding for the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) in their 2024 People’s Budget Framework.
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Supportive housing is one of the safest and most cost-effective housing solutions for survivors of domestic violence. Yet NYSSHP, on which thousands of survivors rely on, has been shockingly underfunded for decades. This year, we continue to call on Governor Hochul to protect survivors in supportive housing and increase NYSSHP funding by $32 million. To learn more about the current state of NYSSHP, view our NYSSHP one-pager on our website. | |
Advocacy
Earlier this month, our Executive Director, Nicole Branca, joined Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development & Workforce, Maria Torres Springer, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and other advocates at City Hall for an announcement on the future of affordable housing production in New York City.
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"We applaud Mayor Adams' call to lift the density cap on new housing construction. Permitting greater density will allow New Destiny to build affordable homes in more neighborhoods, across every borough, giving domestic violence survivors everywhere the support they need to rebuild their lives," said Nicole Branca, executive director, New Destiny Housing.
"We are glad to see the mayor's continued dedication to expanding New York City's housing options, and we look forward to working with his administration to ensure our city and state's policies allow nonprofits to build sufficient supportive housing for domestic violence survivors."
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Additionally, our Director of Policy & Communications, Gabriela Sandoval Requena, and Strategic Communications Officer, Zeny Gatdula, joined Speaker Adams, Deputy Speaker Ayala, advocates, and individuals with lived experience for a press conference calling on Mayor Adams to end the cruel and unfair shelter limit imposed on youth and families with children. | |
Pictured: Thaiasia Johnson and Latasia Lloyd | |
Once again, New Destiny staff braved the cold to participate in the 2024 NYC Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Count.
Deputy Executive Director, Brenda Tong; Manager of Site Operations, Latasia Lloyd; Grants Manager, Ally Ryan; and Tenant Support Coordinator at The Anderson; Thaiasia Johnson joined thousands of volunteers in an overnight effort to canvass streets, parks, subway stations, and other public spaces to estimate the number of unsheltered New Yorkers sleeping on the streets.
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New Destiny in the News
Last month, Nicole Branca, Executive Director, was quoted in JEZEBEL discussing how counterclaims issued against survivors are often “another way for abusers to further isolate, control, & take power in the relationship.”
Read the article.
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Social Media Spotlight
This month, we shared a throwback reel featuring Stephanie, a survivor of domestic violence and an integral member of our Survivor Voices Project. Stephanie bravely testified before the New York City Council Committee on Women and Gender Equity last October to advocate for proper funding of a new microgrant program.
Watch Stephanie’s testimony on Instagram.
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Welcome to...
As we continue to expand, we’re elated to extend a warm welcome to Diamond Catlyn, Case Manager at Raven Hall.
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Join our team! Some of our newest job openings are:
To see the complete list of job opportunities, click here.
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