Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter | February 2021
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Neighborhood News February 2021
Dominick Mattina started as Director of Chance for Change in February 2020, only weeks before New York City was shut down. His big plans to expand the outpatient, substance-use treatment program were put on hold as the program switched to an entirely remote model.

Over the past ten months, drug use and overdoses have increased as social support systems have been unavailable for many people who need them. Recognizing the risk, Dominick and his team reached out early to clients, helped them set up virtual appointments for individual counseling sessions, and prevented setbacks.

In normal times, Chance for Change operates with a clubhouse model, encouraging clients to come for individual and group counseling and also spend time in a welcoming drug-free environment for much of the day. While individual sessions continued remotely, group sessions and other in-person activities had to be suspended. Weekly in-person group therapy sessions resumed in September, but the “clubhouse” remains closed.

At the end of December, it was announced that beginning January 4th staff at out-patient substance-use treatment programs like Chance for Change would be eligible for the vaccine in New York State.

Dominick got his first shot on January 9th!

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated,” he shared. “Not only because it will keep you safe but so that we can reach herd immunity in New York City and can fully reopen services for our Chance for Change clients. This vaccine and reaching herd immunity, being able to reopen Chance for Change the way it was, it will allow us to realize all that Chance for Change can be. I will be able to finally get to work on all the big plans I had when I started here a year ago!”
Elissa had more than a decade of experience mentoring children and young adults when she became aware of NCS in early 2020. NCS Board Member Jan Golann invited Elissa to Celebrating Innovation, NCS’s young professional group’s event.

Elissa lived in China for two years and returned to New York City at the end of 2019 as COVID-19 began spreading. She was excited to get back to mentoring, and Jan thought she might enjoy learning more about NCS.

“I felt a calling while at the event,” Elissa shared. “I was especially moved when [Louis Nine House resident] Dawson spoke about relying on ‘one trusted adult.’” For Dawson, that adult was Options Vocational Coordinator Elizabeth McGuire, but Elissa knew that she could play that role for someone else.

Elissa followed up with Elizabeth about mentoring a client, but just weeks after Celebrating Innovation, COVID-19 was spreading, and New York City was shut down.

Neither Elizabeth nor Elissa was deterred. Elizabeth knew after speaking with Elissa that she wanted to pair her with Muray. “I just knew their personalities would click,” Elizabeth explained.

Muray, an aspiring fashion designer, was looking to transfer from community college to a 4-year institution and had her heart set on SUNY’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Elissa began working with her in the Spring, first meeting via zoom and then by phone. With Elissa’s help, Muray completed her application, attended admissions events, practiced networking, developed a portfolio, and worked on her resume to begin applying for internships.

“Muray is incredibly ambitious, talented, and driven. She is aspirational and committed to putting in the work to make her dream a reality. She’s a breath of fresh air and in a really great place for the next FIT application cycle.”

“Elissa helped me find my way.” Muray shared. “She has been so helpful in walking me through the application process for FIT and goes above and beyond to assist me in focusing on my goals. I am so thankful to her.”

We agree! Thank you, Elissa, for helping Muray move forward on her path to success.
Read more about Muray and how she set out to sew masks for those who can't afford them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors
We’re so grateful for the support of our friends at Brown Harris Stevens, Jaros, Baum & Bolles, and McDonald Paper & Restaurant Supplies.

Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of our clients. Brown Harris Stevens supported our clients with full bags of groceries to make sure they didn’t have to worry about going hungry. Jaros, Baum & Bolles kept NCS warm with blankets for each of our clients. McDonald Paper & Restaurant Supplies donated a generous amount of hand sanitizer to help keep our staff and clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administrative Office 
50 Broadway
Suite 1301 
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (212) 537-5100
Fax: (212) 860-2301
ncs@ncsinc.org
www.ncsinc.org

Board of Directors 
David A. Oliver
President
Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr.
Stephanie W. Guest
Thomas J. Kilkenny
Stuart N. Siegel
Vice Presidents
Susan Stevens
Treasurer
Jan F. Golann
Secretary

Victoria Bert
Barbara Chocky
Anne S. Davidson
Abigail Black Elbaum
Patricia Falk
Alice Greif
Matthew D. Hughes
Oren K. Isacoff
Ann Ross Loeb
Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Marta Radzyminski
Stephanie Shuman
Christopher W. Solomon

Ann L. Shalof
Chief Executive Officer
 
NCS Programs
 
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive. We create innovative solutions and engage community partners to provide housing and support that can transform lives.