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NEW YORK (August 4, 2021) – Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading homeless shelter provider in New York City, announced Amanda Eckhart, Ph.D. has joined the organization as Chief Program Officer. Serving as a member of the executive team, Dr. Eckhardt will lead the organization’s comprehensive portfolio of trauma-informed prevention, intervention, and education programs reaching 40,000 individuals annually. Dr. Eckhardt fills the previous role of Dr. Carla Smith, former Chief Program Officer, who was promoted to the new position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer for URI.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Eckhardt join our leadership team and help drive our mission to provide services that empower victims of domestic violence, homeless individuals, and vulnerable populations to rebuild their lives and create sustainable futures,” said Nathaniel Fields, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute. “We look forward to leveraging her extensive experience, focused vision, trauma-informed professional expertise, and demonstrated passion for serving clients.”
Most recently, Dr. Eckhart served as Executive Director Restore NYC, Inc., an agency providing client services; emergency, transitional, and independent housing; and economic empowerment to individuals who have experienced human trafficking. Prior to her position as ED, she was Chief Program Officer for the agency.
In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Eckhardt is an adjunct faculty member of the Counseling Psychology Program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and frequently presents academic and professional research on issues related to trafficking, family violence, and crime victims. She is a licensed psychologist and holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Services, both from Lehigh University.
Dr. Eckhardt will set the strategic vision and oversee execution for URI’s comprehensive programs for adults and children impacted by domestic violence and homelessness, including: the pioneering People and Animals Living Safely program, the only NYC program that offers co-living for domestic violence survivors and their pets; the Economic Empowerment Program and job training for URI’s clients; the Abusive Partners Intervention Program, an accountability program for individuals convicted of domestic violence crimes; Legal Education Advocacy Program (LEAP); crime victims services; and the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program, middle and high school-based programs designed to educate teens and preteens on healthy relationships, end teen relationship abuse, and empower young people.
About Urban Resource Institute
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 committed to a world free of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma, where individuals, families, and communities are safe, stable, and thriving. URI is the oldest licensed domestic violence service provider in New York State and the largest provider of domestic violence residential services in the U.S., as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI impacts over 40,000 individuals annually through shelter, prevention, intervention, education and direct services, including more than 20 shelters throughout New York City that accommodate over 1,200 domestic violence victims and 1,000 homeless individuals every night. URI is recognized as a thought-leader across the U.S. and beyond, in particular on the intersection of domestic violence and pets and breaking barriers to access to services. For more information visit www.urinyc.org
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