ANNUAL REPORT
2021
02| Annual Report 2021
Table of Contents
A Message from Our Board Chair & Executive Director............ 3 Meet our Board of Directors.................................... 4 Financial Report FY2021........................................... 5 Legal Assistance Program Our Legal Team .........................................................6 Our Impact................................................................ 7 Success Stories ........................................................ 8 Immigration in a Minute .......................................... 8 Community Organizing ........................................... 9 Our Members ........................................................... 10 - Chapter Meetings - Leadership Workshops Community Outreach Education.............................. 11 Social Justice Campaigns ........................................ 12 - Pathway to Citizenship ....................................... 12 - Excluded Workers Fund ...................................... 13 - The People's Plan ................................................ 14 - Orientation ......................................................... 15 GIRLS A.C.T. 2021: Summer Youth Program........... 16 Victim Assistance Program Our Team................................................................. 17 - Ayuda Latina Hotline........................................... 18 - Case Management & Counseling Services........... 19 - A Call To Action... Taking the Pledge................. 20 Covid-19 Emergency Programs ERA: Emergency Rental Assistance Program........... 21 EFSP: Emergency Food Shelter Program ................ 22 Vaccination Campaign ............................................ 23 SEPA 2021 Events Toys Away and Turkey Away ................................... 24 Backpacks, Mother's Day & Annual Members BBQ... 25 Domestic Violence Awareness Month..................... 26 Ribbon Cutting & Press Conference ........................ 27 Cocktail Fundrising.................................................. 28
03 | Annual Report 2021
Our Continued Fight in the Advancement,
Equity, and Justice of Our Communities.
OUR MISSION
SEPA Mujer, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been working to support immigrant women on Long Island since 1993. SEPA Mujer stands for the well-being and success of Latina immigrant women on Long Island. Our objective is to raise and unite our voices to be heard by the social and political systems in our communities. Through our work, we strive to nurture and improve civic engagement by way of leadership skills and legal representation.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR JOHANNA ROTTA-GENNA
It has been another milestone year for SEPA Mujer, and we are so incredibly humbled and grateful for your support and encouragement. As the world around us continues to reel from the implications that COVID-19 has had on small and large businesses and non-profits alike, we have had the great fortune to be able to continue our critical work helping those who do not have a voice. Not only have we been able to do so, but have accomplished this while growing the organization to include more services...in a new home! We could not have done this without the generosity and trust of our foundation partners, corporate supports and individual donors. Our phenomenal staff of all women who are passionate and dedicated overcame many obstacles and made a huge impact on the Long Island community. We are excited to see what 2022 has in store!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARTHA MAFFEI
With this report we nurture the culture of our future and our culture nurtures us. We have sought to show the reciprocal and the cyclical relationship between culture and wellbeing; whereby nurturing culture keeps us and our future generations healthy and strong. Our programs, our services, and approaches are intentionally put together to serve culturally-appropriate communities, to embrace and honor future generations. Our fight for social and economic justice brought great results this year; together we achieved and obtained respect and dignity for our essential workers by being included in the state budget. It was a great achievement. Still, there is much ground to cover! Along with our social struggles, we cannot ignore personal struggles: the need for services, and the help that our families need to live with dignity. That is why our board, staff, volunteers, and interns work so passionately bring more to our community. Our new home is ours because of it. Of course, without the great support from each of you, our goals would not have been within reach. This determination has led to a busy year as shown in this report prepared by all the staff.
04 | Annual Report 2021
Meet the Board of Directors
Executive Director
Board Chair
MARTHA MAFFEI
Board Treasurer
RON FISHER
Board Member
LIZ GUTIERREZ
JOHANNA ROTTA - GENNA
Board Secretary
JENNIFER BRADY
Board Member
NOEMI SANCHEZ
Board Member
VANESSA GONZALEZ
Board Member
DOROTHY Q. THOMAS
“I am so delighted and blown away to continually witness the growth in SEPA Mujer’s footprint, advocacy, individual successes, and community training with the Long Island Latina community, all under the wise and steadfast leadership of Director Martha Maffei. Kudos to her, the Staff, Board and Volunteers for 28 years of unbridled commitment!” Founder
ALIZABETH NEWMAN
05| Annual Report 2021
FINANCIALS
FY 2021: 01/01/21 - 12/30/21
Martha Reyes Fiscal Director
Thank you! Private Grants: Alpern FamilyFoundation Heising and Simon Foundation Scherman Foundation Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation Long Island Community Foundation Unitarian Universalist of Shelter Rock North Star Foundation New York Immigration Coalition Unbounded Philantrophy Government Grants: Department of Social Services OVW (Office of Violence Against Women) OVC (Office Victims Services) Town of Southampton Town of Brookhaven Emergency Food Shelter NYS-Department of Labor
REVENUE
EXPENSES Administration 8%
Fundraising 8%
Corporate Grants: MT BANK Suffolk Federal Credit Union Vanessa Gonzalez Realty Connect To all our individual donors: Thank you for your support and the Impact you've made!
Programs 84%
06 | Annual Report 2021
Legal Assistance Program SEPA Mujer’s legal department provides immigration legal services to victims of crimes with a concentration on serving those who have suffered domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legal department is staffed by a full-time bilingual Spanish speaking attorney, legal advocate, and two paralegals. We also serve as an immigration liaison between not-for-profit Domestic Violence agencies who assist persons with, among other things, accompaniment to file police reports and legal representation in Family Court in pursuit of orders of protection, child support and custody. The legal department provides training to partner agencies and the Ayuda Latina hotline volunteers on legal issues that affect the immigrant population we serve.
OUR
Legal Director Juana D. Torres, esq.
LEGAL
"SEPA Mujer has a profound sense of dedication to the immigrant community it serves. As the Legal Program Director it is this sense of community among my peers which motivates me every day. I am honored to be part of an Organization where we never forget our cultural roots. It is with this in mind that I fulfill SEPA's mission."
TEAM
"I am honored to form part of this movement. A movement greater than all of us. A movement full of hope and dreams for my community and generations to come."
Legal Advocate Ludmila A. Molina, JD
“Supporting one woman is strengthening the countless generations behind her. I am fortunate to form a part of such an inspiring organization. SEPA Mujer is leading the future for women everywhere.” Paralegal Merly Fuentes
“Cómo inmigrante ecuatoriana para mi es un orgullo trabajar y servir a la comunidad con SEPA Mujer."
Paralegal Marisol Lucero
07 | Annual Report 2021 Legal Assistance Program
OUR
IMPACT
In the legal department, our core principle is to contribute to the overall support that SEPA Mujer offers to the immigrant community. Along with other programs available at SEPA Mujer, like rental or cash assistance, the legal team focuses on providing proper legal representation in possible immigration remedies available to those in need. As our team grows, we expect to continue to expand our services and widen our reach in Long Island.
OUR MATTERS
GROWTH IN CASELOAD
This year the SEPA Mujer's legal team is proud to say that it has assisted low-income immigrants in more legal matters than ever before. In 2021, SEPA Mujer assisted in over 200 legal issues. Among these issues were DACA, Family Based Petitions, and more.
Our caseload slightly decreased in 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic, however this year (2021) our caseload has more than doubled! 200
U VISA 120
150
9
AOS 15 VAWA 9 ASYLUM 9
100
13
9
SIJS 4
50
0
2019
2020
2021
6 IN 7 CRIME VICTIMS WERE FEMALE
1 IN 7 CRIME VICTIMS WERE MALE *All statistics and number reflect only the information and data collected within SEPA Mujer's legal department.
11 2 4 1
117
08 | Annual Report 2021 Legal Assistance Program
SUCCESS STORY
"I came to SEPA Mujer in the summer of 2012. I heard about the organization through a social worker that told me that there was an organization that helped women with similar situations like mine. When I learned about U visas, it was like a light at the end of the tunnel. I was living in darkness, and it gave me hope. In 2021, I finally became a permanent resident. After many years of waiting and not seeing my family, I got to travel back to Ecuador and see my daughter. I had once promised my daughter that I would be back to celebrate her sweet 15. Although she is no longer 15 years old - I was finally able to fulfill my promise to her and throw her a party. I feel so happy."
IMMIGRATION IN A MINUTE
Educational Impact Through Social Media. In 2021, we reached a total of 4,204 people!
794
INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL
WHAT IS
678
PUBLIC CHARGE
DEPARTMENT
384
BONA FIDE (Good Faith)
DETERMINATION
563
U VISA NONIMMIGRANT OVERVIEW
Make sure to follow us @SEPAMUJER
09| Annual Report 2021
Community Organizing The community organizing department works with the immigrant community in Suffolk county to build collective power and fight for justice. This year we took action and joined campaigns such as: a Pathway to Citizenship, Excluded Workers Fund, For the People Act, The People’s Plan and more. In addition to taking action, we had Level 1 and Level 2 leadership workshops that we conducted over Zoom due to the pandemic. We continued our chapter meetings via Zoom and in person. To stay engaged with the community, we did outreach to let people know about SEPA’s services and programs. Lastly, we had many events outside with our members including: turkey giveaway, toy giveaway, backpack giveaway, Mothers Day picnic and summer BBQ. In the coming year we hope to be able to continue working and growing with the community!
OUR
TEAM
Senior Community Organizer Brittany Bye
Chapter Coordinator Marcia Estrada
Excluded Workers Fund Media Specialist & Digital Organizer Gloria Medina
Excluded Workers Fund Project Coordinator Dilcia Erazo
10 | Annual Report 2021 Community Organizing Program
OUR MEMBERS
Leadership Workshop
Chapter Meetings
Our topics ranged from housing rights, excluded workers fund, computer training, zoom training, rental assistance, women’s healthcare resources, how to get involved in your community, COVID updates and more!
11
The leaders learned and shared different aspects on being a leader. They identified problems and found solutions through various resources. Participants learned the immigration history of the United States and participated in social justice campaigns. We practiced how to share your testimony and speak with the press.
24
CHAPTER MEETINGS
LEADERSHIP GRADUATES
PARTICIPANTS
HOURS OF LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
78
50
11 | Annual Report 2021 Community Organizing Program
Community Outreach & Education
14,601 FLIERS DISPERSED TO THE COMMUNITY
2,703 COMMUNITY MEMBERS REACHED
12 | Annual Report 2021 Community Organizing Program
Social Justice Campaigns
Campaigns: Pathway to Citizenship
MARCHED MARCHED IN: MARCHED IN: IN: WASHINGTON WASHINGTON D.C, NYC , RIVERHEAD, LONG ISLAND WASHINGTON D.C, D.C, NYC NYC , , RIVERHEAD, RIVERHEAD, LONG LONG ISLAND ISLAND
86
LONG LONG BEACH, LONG ISLAND. LONG BEACH, BEACH, LONG LONG ISLAND. ISLAND.
MEMBERS TOOK ACTION FOR A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP
Pathway to Citizenship is a national campaign calling for relief, recovery and a pathway to citizenship. SEPA Mujer collaborated with NYIC in different rallies and helped mobilize our members to take action in Washington D.C. This campaign focuses on the 5 million undocumented immigrants who were and are essential during the pandemic as well as TPS holders and DACA holders. However, this excludes 6 million undocumented people. This campaign is part of long-term strategy to create a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented people.
13 | Annual Report 2021 Community Organizing Program
Social Justice Campaigns
Fund for Excluded Workers
123 EXCLUDED WORKERS FUND APPLICATIONS COMPLETED AT SEPA!
$708,400+
FUNDS DISPERSED TO EXCLUDED WORKERS ASSISTED BY SEPA MUJER
SEPA recognized the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic created for undocumented workers. For that reason, SEPA joined the Excluded Workers Fund campaign. The Excluded Workers Fund campaign was a NYS campaign that started during the pandemic to create a fund for undocumented, excluded, and essential workers who did not receive any kind of financial relief. SEPA Mujer mobilized actions to alert the media, elected officials, and the public. Some of these actions included: protests; civil disobedience; legislative meetings; rallies; press conferences and press coverage across NYS. Approved on April 06, 2021, the $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund provided pandemic relief for undocumented and essential workers in NY. Our campaign created the largest fund in the U.S. to date. SEPA Mujer assisted 100+ community members with applications. Those approved, shared how this financial relief helped them with paying rent arrears, bills, starting a business, and putting their children through college.
14 | Annual Report 2021 Community Organizing Program
Social Justice Campaigns
The People's Plan
The People’s Plan is a set of 12 public safety proposals for structural police reform on Long Island, developed by 3 communityled coalitions: LI United to Transform Policing and Community Safety, LI Advocates for Police Accountability, and United for Justice in Policing LI. The Plan was presented in response to an executive order than mandated all police departments in NY to create a plan to address racism and discrimination in the police system. On May 22nd, SEPA joined the coalitions behind the People’s Plan in Wyandanch Park for a memorial march for George Floyd.
For the People's Act
For the People’s Act is a national campaign and bill in Congress that seeks
to
reform
redistricting
commissions, fair elections, stopping government and corporate interests, and protecting voters rights. We had a total of 22 members join three rallies outside of Schumer's office in Melville, Long Island in June, July & September, where members gave their testimony. We also joined a meeting with Senator Schumer to urge him to pass For the People Act in the Senate.
15 | Annual Report 2021
O R I E N T A T I O N
90 ATTENDEES
6 ORIENTATION SESSIONS CONDUCTED DURING THE YEAR
During orientation, community members are introduced to SEPA Mujer’s mission, services, and programs that help combat issues directly impacting our community. Attendees have the opportunity to speak with SEPA’s legal team and conduct miniintakes/consultations if they need legal assistance.
16 | Annual Report 2021
GIRLS A.C.T. (Activism. Creating.Transforming)
Youth get to travel! Trips to Washington D.C, Albany and NYC.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM
The youth joined a series of seminars focused on: sexual health, mental health, financial literacy, leadership development and interview skills.
The youth also joined a "Mini Me" event where they heard from various Latinas in different professions about their journey.
Our youth marching and advocating for social justice!
Visited Stony Brook University, the Patchogue Arts Council, and New York City.
17| Annual Report 2021
Victim Assistance Program Funded by the New York State Office of Victim Services, our Victim Assistance Program offers immigration case relief, a sexual assault survivors support group and a 24/7 Spanish language hotline aiming to help victims of gender-based violence, hate crimes, and wage theft. Additionally, as a part of the Victim Assistance Program victims have a case manager that will connect them to other resources if necessary or help them with a victim's compensation application if eligible. Our Ayuda Latina hotline volunteers have received over 40 hours of training in crisis intervention, providing emotional support, active listening as well as all the aforementioned crimes in the program's description. Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the hotline expanded to help callers who were affected by the pandemic as well. Callers to the Ayuda Latina hotline are provided with food pantry information, testing sites, mental health resources, and other COVID-19 related resources.
OUR
Victim Assistant Program Director & Grant Administrator Clarice Murphy
TEAM
Ayuda Latina Hotline Supervisor & Case Manager Yahira DeLeon
18 | Annual Report 2021 Victim Assistance Program
Hotline: Ayuda Latina
1,798 calls from crime victims
24/7
658
case management follow-up services
Ayuda Latina, our 24 hour/7 days per week Spanish language hotline launched in April 2020, right after the initial spike of COVID-19 cases. A year later, we listened to over 1,700 hotline calls from crime victims and provided support to over 600 people calling about COVID-19 concerns. We also implemented case management services, wage theft/exploitation case coordination, a sexual assault survivor support group, and an online domestic violence counseling group. Additionally, crime victims could receive legal immigration case relief through internal referrals. A lot to carry out in one challenging year!
HOTLINE VOLUNTEERS
We are grateful for the many volunteers who keep our hotline running. In 2021, 2 more training sessions were held, and 13 new members joined the team! Volunteers generously share their time lending their ears, listening carefully to make sure that callers feel heard and supported. They connect callers to the case manager when needed, to receive help in accessing needed resources in the community, or SEPA’s legal, wage theft or counseling services.
19 | Annual Report 2021 Victim Assistance Program
Case Management & Counseling Services
298 Follow-up case management services were provided to Latina Immigrant victims who had complex needs
658 COVID-19 related calls were given emotional support, resources about site testing, vaccines, food pantries, eligibility for public benefit programs and financial help
298 Cri me survi vors were gi ven access to
613 other needed servi ces such as emergency shel ter, l egal , counsel i ng & court advocacy
414
All type of services including: COUNSELING SERVICES: Domestic violence Counseling & Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group
690 Domestic violence victims were given support such as safety planning, crisis intervention and emotional support
"through case management and counseling Healing becomes possible, and survivors make choices to claim their lives in a healthy way today rather than living with fear of the past" Clarice Murphy, Director of Victim Assistance Program
20| Annual Report 2021
A Call To Action....Taking the Pledge
Against Domestic Violence
A community coming
together and stand up with
survivors
against domestic violence
and...
...honor those whose
lives have been lost to
domestic violence.
SEPA Mujer's Call to Action Banner, which
began at DV Awareness Night, and continued at
SEPA Mujer's Open House on November 18th.
We will be excited to see this Call to Action
banner continue to grow.
SEPA Mujer’s Call to Action banner, which began at Domestic Violence Awareness Night, and continued at SEPA Mujer’s Open
21 | Annual Report 2021 COVID 19 Emergency Programs
ERA:EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provided economic relief to households who faced housing instability as a direct result of the COVID19 pandemic. The program would supply assistance for up to twelve (12) months of rental arrears accrued and up to three (3) months of rental assistance towards future rent. SEPA Mujer directly assisted landlords and tenants who resided within the Town of Brookhaven and met the area's median income qualifications. Assistance consisted of providing program information, gathering documentation, completing and submitting the application, providing follow-up support and information, and providing proper COVID19 case management referrals. The SEPA team also conducted regular outreach and flyer distribution throughout the Town of Brookhaven. Regular outreach and tabling took place at locations such as Sun River Health, Patchogue-Medford Library, and the Sixth District Court. SEPA Mujer provided this help for this relief through funding from the Town of Brookhaven, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
200,000+ Estimate of total amount distributed to households assisted by SEPA Mujer.
9,848
4 IN 7 APPLICANTS ARE LATINO OR HISPANIC
PEOPLE REACHED THROUGH MEANS OF OUTREACH
I.E. TABLING, FLYER DISTRIBUTION, COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS, AND SOCIAL MEDIA
5 IN 7 APPLICANTS ARE FEMALE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLDS
22| Annual Report 2021 COVID 19 Emergency Programs
EFSP: EMERGENCY FOOD SHELTHER PROGRAM
SEPA Mujer obtained a financial grant from the Emergency Food Shelter Program (EFSP) and PHASE 38 Program to help immigrant families on Long Island for 2021. This program provided financial relief with rent or mortgage for people in need. It is specifically directed to single mothers, immigrant women survivors of gender violence, and immigrant women who have lost their jobs and do not qualify for any type of government assistance.
230 FAMILIES RECEIVED CASH FOR RENT AND FOOD
78,625
Amount distributed for rent and food for people living at Suffolk County and assisted by SEPA Mujer
Applications received by Town
Roosevelt 1.9% Riverhead 3.3%
Shirley 2.8%
Hampton Bays 0.9%
Bay Shore 13.3% Bellport 3.3%
Pachogue 7.6%
New York City 4.3% Medford 2.4% Huntington station Houston East Patchogue 3.3% 1.9% 2.8%
Brentwood 15.2%
Brooklyn 0.9% Central Islip 4.7%
23 | Annual Report 2021 COVID 19 Emergency Programs
VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
2837
PEOPLE REGISTERED FOR THE COVID-19 VACCINE Collaborating with NYS, the County of Suffolk, Northwell, Stony Brook Hospital, Sun River, non-profit partners, local churches, schools, and communities leaders supporting our efforts!
7 OF 10
OF THOSE REGISTERED WERE HISPANIC
https://www.longislandadvance.net /stories/sepa-mujer-helps-in-thefight-against-covid-19,87862
OUR SENIORS GETTING VACCINATED TOO!
https://www.newsday.com/news/health/ coronavirus/covid-vaccination-rateslatinos-blacks-1.50421223
24| Annual Report 2021
SEPA 2021 EVENTS
TOY GIVEAWAY 334 children ages 1 month to 15 years old received a toy, winter coat, and food. Thank you to the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, LabNY, Health First, NY community leaders, and friends who came together and donated toys for our kids!
TURKEY
TURKEY GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY With donations from Branches of Long Island, SEPA was able to distribute 50 turkeys and 50 baskets with sides to 50 families in Suffolk County. In addition, SEPA Mujer also hosted a turkey drive for Riverside-Riverhead-Flanders members with donations from the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association and Latinfood US Corp.
25 | Annual Report 2021
BACKPACKS
Domestic Violence Awareness Night
This year SEPA Mujer partnered with M&T Bank to get backpacks for our community members. With their collaboration, we were able to distribute backpacks to 68 families, totaling 161 donations for grade-school and high-schoolaged students in Suffolk.
In Partnership with: The Retreat, Brigther Tomorrows & Long Island Against Domestic Violence
MOTHER'S DAY
SEPA hosted a Mother’s Day activity for clients and members of the organization. We celebrate our warriors and community leaders on Mother's Day and every day!
ANNUAL MEMBERS BBQ Our members are on the frontline and in the fight for social justice. They are leaders in their communities and some are single mothers adjusting to a new life with their children so we want to make sure to celebrate them. Our annual bbq brings together members, community leaders, allies, advocates and partner organizations to celebrate and have fun!
26 | Annual Report 2021
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A survivor shared their journey from victim to survivor, demonstrating resilience and offering words of hope to Latinas who are experiencing abuse.
SEPA Muj er partnered with other local domestic violence agencies to honor immigrant victims and survivors of domestic violence. It began with a vigil for those victims who have lost their lives at the hands of someone they have loved. The event concluded with A Call to Action with attendees publicly pledging to proactively support victims and taking a stand against domestic violence.
27 | Annual Report 2021
Ribbon Cutting & Press Conference For more than 28 years, SEPA Mujer has provided vital services to support immigrant women on Long Island. We announced the grand opening of our new location in Patchogue where we plan to expand our programs and services as we continue to relentlessly fight for the rights and development of the immigrant community.
In Partnership with: The Retreat, Brigther Tomorrows & Long Island Against Domestic Violence
Open House Representatives of organizations and clients participated in the different activities SEPA had all day in the new house, learning about the variety of services we offer.
28 | Annual Report 2021
Cocktail fundraiser at Toast Coffee House Our dreams became a reality when we celebrated our 28th anniversary together with friends and supporters.
Open House In Partnership with: The Retreat, Brigther Tomorrows & Long Island Against Domestic Violence
A Thank You to Our Cocktail Reception Sponsors TOAST COFFEEHOUSE THE MEETBALL PLACE BOBBiQUE RUDI'S AROOGA'S PERABELL FISHER SIGNS & SHIRTS LA FIESTA 98.5 VANESSA GONZALEZ REALTY CONNECT EL GALLO MAFFEI SHARPENING SERVICES
WILLIE'S APPLIANCES SUR ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE SUFFOLK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION DE JESUS DELI TAQUERIA VILLAGE IDIOT PUB EPM STUDIOS MONTAUK DAISY EL MATADOR LATIN FOOD COPENHAGEN BAKERY
100 N. Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11722 - (631) 980-2555 Hotline Ayuda Latina 24/7 1(833) 762-9832