Healing Through Art
Urban Resource Institute and The Greater New York Chapter of The Links Launch Transformative Arts Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence
The Art of EmpowHERment launch event, October 3, 2024
(L-R): Lesley Samuel-Young, VP of Domestic Violence Residential Programs, URI; Jennifer White-Reid, Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor to the CEO, URI; GNY Links members: Sheryl Huggins Salomon, Michelle Cheney Donaldson, Debbie Jackson, Helen Shelton, Cari Robinson; Malikah Kayou, Program Director, Urban Women’s Retreat; Lynn Grady, Author and Speaker; Ida Landers, Sr. Director, Domestic Violence Residential Programs, URI. Not pictured: Cally Bostick, GNY Links.
Click here to view the full album
Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services, has joined forces with The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (GNY Links) to launch “The Art of EmpowHERment” program during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The program launch was held at URI’s Urban Women’s Retreat in Harlem, a facility that the GNY Links have formally adopted, demonstrating their commitment to empowering women and youth affected by domestic violence.
Through the Art of EmpowHERment collaboration between URI and GNY Links, the goal is to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed support to survivors through a year-long series of wellness workshops, cultural excursions, and personal development activities designed to foster healing and empowerment. This partnership is a testament to both organizations’ shared vision of uplifting survivors and creating pathways toward recovery and independence, particularly in marginalized communities. It is also a reflection of a more than 16-year collaborative partnership between GNY Links and URI, that continues to evolve and expand.
Celebrating Resilience and Unity
At the heart of this initiative is the 2024 DVAM theme “Heal, Hold & Center,” which echoes throughout URI’s mission to address the systemic inequalities that contribute to domestic violence. Kicking-off at Urban Women’s Retreat, URI’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the CEO, Jennifer White-Reid, expressed her deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of the survivors in attendance.
“We acknowledge your courage and thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you on this healing journey,” said White-Reid. “It is through your strength that we are inspired every day to continue this vital work. Programs like ‘The Art of EmpowHERment’ are designed to help you reclaim your voice, rebuild your confidence, and ensure that you receive the support and resources necessary to thrive.”
The Art of EmpowHERment: A Path to Healing and Growth
The Art of EmpowHERment program, conceived by the GNY Links’ Arts Facet, is a creative and therapeutic initiative that combines wellness education, self-expression, and community-building activities. Throughout the next year, survivors at the Urban Women’s Retreat will participate in wellness workshops, a holiday celebration, and cultural excursions, all aimed at empowering them to reclaim control of their lives. As part of the initiative, each participant received personalized affirmation cards and journals to document their journey, as well as signed copies of the book, You Can Start Today, by wellness expert Lynn Grady.
“The arts provide a powerful way for survivors to reclaim their identity and find their voice after experiencing trauma,” explained Helen Shelton, co-chair of the Arts Facet. “Our goal with The Art of EmpowHERment is to offer survivors—both women and children—an outlet for self-expression, creativity, and reflection as they move forward on their path to healing. It’s about offering them the tools to rebuild their confidence and imagine a future filled with possibility. We are creating spaces for survivors to thrive, to be heard, and to know that their stories matter.”
Lyn Grady, founder of Your Be Well Bestie LLC and author of You Can Start Today, led the first wellness workshop, offering participants tools to begin or resume their wellness journeys. “Healing is not linear, and it is not easy,” Grady shared with the group. “But it is possible, and programs like The Art of EmpowHERment are a vital part of that process. Today is about taking that first step toward reclaiming your health, your joy, and your future. I am honored to be a part of your journey.”
Empowering the Next Generation Through Creativity
Children and youth residing at the Urban Women’s Retreat are also being provided with opportunities to express themselves creatively through specially designed art coloring books and other art-focused activities. These coloring books, donated by the GNY Links Arts Facet, are more than just a fun pastime—they serve as an important tool for emotional expression, reflection, and healing for the younger residents.
“The art activities we’re introducing are designed to inspire hope, imagination, and a sense of peace for the children here,” said Debbie Jackson, co-chair of the Arts Facet. “Children process trauma in their own unique ways, and art can often serve as a bridge to help them communicate their feelings when words may fall short.”
The program will culminate in a celebratory wellness and career development retreat in May 2025, where participants will reflect on their progress and continue building a community of support.
A Call to Action: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects nearly one in four women and one in seven men in the U.S., with Black and Hispanic women disproportionately impacted. URI and GNY Links call on the broader community to support survivors by raising awareness of domestic violence, advocating for systemic change, and contributing to programs that provide safety and empowerment to those in need.
“Our Chapter is proud to kick off our new program partnership connecting the power of the arts with research-backed solutions to help survivors grow and thrive. We look forward to deepening our impact in the year ahead,” said DeNora Getachew, President of The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Nathaniel Fields, CEO of Urban Resource Institute, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in driving meaningful change. “True justice cannot be achieved without addressing the systemic inequalities that perpetuate domestic violence, particularly in Black and brown communities,” said Fields. “We are grateful to The Greater New York Chapter of The Links for their unwavering support and to all those who stand with us in this work. Together, we are making strides toward creating a world where survivors are not only safe but empowered to lead independent, fulfilling lives.”
As we continue to recognize DVAM and raise awareness about the impacts of domestic violence, we invite everyone to join us in supporting survivors. Whether through donating to URI and programs like The Art of EmpowHERment, volunteering, or advocating for policies that protect survivors, your involvement can make a difference.
For more information on how to support the Urban Resource Institute and its mission to empower survivors of domestic violence, please visit www.urinyc.org or contact media@urinyc.org.
About Urban Resource Institute (URI): Urban Resource Institute is a pioneering organization that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families by empowering individuals, families, and communities to break free from cycles of violence, poverty, and trauma. URI impacts over 40,000 individuals annually through prevention, intervention, and direct services in both residential and non-residential settings.
About The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: Founded in 1949, The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is a leading Black women’s volunteer service organization that serves the New York metropolitan area through programs focused on health, arts, and youth empowerment, with a particular emphasis on African American communities.
