Media Contact: Alison Berg
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NEW YORK – December 2, 2021 – The New York City Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) today honored the 2021 Advocates of NYC, including two staff members of Urban Resource Institute (URI): Ida Landers, Senior Director of Domestic Violence Emergency and Transitional Shelters; and Elena Lopez, Crime Victims’ Advocate and Senior Case Manager. Ida and Elena are among several dozen Advocates of NYC 2021 honorees from across New York City who work tirelessly and effectively to support and empower survivors of all forms of domestic and gender-based violence. The virtual awards celebration was hosted by Commissioner Cecile Noel, who has led ENDGBV since 2015, along with event emcee Malik Dent, Chief of Staff.
“Urban Resource Institute is extremely proud to once again have staff members included among the Advocates of NYC honorees. The word ‘advocate’ perfectly reflects the mission and work of URI and the commitment of our staff, including today’s honorees: Ida Landers and Elena Lopez,” said Nathaniel M. Fields, Chief Executive Officer of URI. “These two women are among the dedicated URI frontline workers who have, without interruption, continued to serve clients and lead staff through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting and adapting to a changing landscape while delivering the comprehensive portfolio of URI services that lead our clients to brighter futures.”
The Advocates of NYC 2021 honorees from URI:
• Ida Landers has served in many professional capacities during her 24-year career, and has contributed greatly to the nonprofit sector. She is currently Senior Director, Domestic Violence Emergency and Transitional Shelters at URI, with responsibility for the strategic oversight of five facilities serving families impacted by domestic violence. Ida has worked tirelessly through the pandemic, continuing to serve as an excellent mentor and coach for URI staff while ensuring trauma-informed, client-centered services are at the heart of each site under her leadership.
• Elena Lopez is Crime Victims’ Advocate and Senior Case Manager for the URI Crime Victims’ Services Program (CVS), which is part of the New York State Office of Victims Services. Elena brought her talents to the URI team when the organization merged with the Center Against Domestic Violence (CADV) in 2018, where she had held a similar role. Since the pandemic, Elena successfully adapted client services to a remote work model, effectively delivering the vital CVS services without interruption, including virtual support groups, counseling sessions, legal advocacy, and community efforts.
These URI honorees are among those who have helped make URI the largest provider of domestic violence residential services in the US, with comprehensive, client-centric and innovative programs to empower those impacted by abuse to live safe, full, and independent lives. The organization offers both emergency and transitional residential services as well as innovative prevention, education, and intervention programs to address abuse from all points of the cycle. URI’s shelters remain open and available all day, every day. For more information visit www.urinyc.org or for immediate assistance, call NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.
About Urban Resource Institute (URI)
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a leading non-profit organization based in New York City that empowers individuals, families, communities, particularly communities of color and other vulnerable populations, to end cycles of violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma by increasing safety and resiliency. As the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the country, URI’s innovative programs provide care for survivors of domestic violence, homeless families, and other at-risk populations, allowing them to live in safety and recover from trauma in both residential and non-residential settings. Focused on a holistic approach, encompassing prevention, intervention and direct services, and with deep community relationships and a flexible, innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York City’s most vulnerable populations while influencing service delivery in other parts of the U.S. and the world. For more information, please visit www.urinyc.org
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Join us in honoring clients, partners, and supporters who champion our mission and raise funds to enhance our life-changing services. We’re also celebrating a decade of PALS honoring the bond between domestic violence survivors and their pets.