Page 15 - 2022 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

Investors Rick Wollman and Jeffrey Werner and Danny Potocki of the Hudson Valley Center for Innovation.
BLOOMING INTO THE FUTURE
Henson’s larger vision is to strengthen her pop ups and continue to build her team, which is already staffed with interns from the Master of Public Health program at Monroe College. “My goal is to see Bloom Healthy become profitable and help more people, especially those who are home bound and cannot get out.”
According to Henson, the combined kindness, mentorship and generosity of the local experts she’s worked with has challenged her to grow and cultivate strong relationships, as well as step into her spotlight.
“Had it not been for Launch1000, I would not have launched my business. Before launching Bloom Healthy, I just wanted to be behind the scenes. I had never seen myself as a businesswoman. But now I feel that I can be successful.”
FOSTERING HEALING
Nonprofit First Steps to Heal helps local victims of domestic violence leave dan- gerous situations and start a new life. Here,
founder Jaquetta Jenkins shares the impetus for the organization and how it is being guided by the Office of Economic Development’s Launch1000 program.
Tell us about your organization.
First Steps To Heal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission to provide immediate assistance, emergency shelter, advocacy and referral supportive services to domestic violence (DV) survivors with minor children who live in Westchester County. Our ultimate goal is to increase the number of available shelter beds for domestic violence survivors and their dependent children.
In an effort to be an advocate for change for domestic violence survivors, our organization is laser focused on assisting DV survivors while decreasing
“Shortly after joining The Business Council of Westchester, I was introduced to key people, received donated office space, expanded my referral base, received corporate donations, and gained a Vice President and Secretary for the nonprofit.” —Jaquetta Jenkins
mental and emotional trauma to the children who witness said violence. Through strategic partnerships, survivors will have access to trauma-informed mental health counseling, legal services, work readiness programs, childcare assistance and a host of other resources.
What was the impetus for the organization?
When everyone had to shelter-in- place back in March of 2020, my mind immediately went to domestic violence survivors and their children who had to shelter-in-place in an unsafe environment. I then decided to do something to be a resource in this space – but I didn’t know exactly what that was.
How did you figure out how to make a difference?
While taking part in a business accelerator program offered by Westchester County, Launch1000, I was able to identify what resources are needed by DV survivors in this area. By speaking with stakeholders, advocates and actual survivors, I was able to identify some gaps where additional services are needed.
What are your thoughts on Launch1000?
Needless to say, I’m so glad I decided to take advantage of the amazing opportunity. Because of Launch1000 and Entrepreneur Ready, I launched a nonprofit that has market validation - we celebrated our first year anniversary on February 24th.
Describe Westchester’s business community.
Westchester County has a plethora of resources for nonprofits and businesses. From the County Executive, to new business owners and everyone in between - this is a county of people who
genuinely want to help anyone with a vision and determination be successful.
Tell us about your experience with the Business Council of Westchester.
Wow, where to start! Shortly after joining The Business Council of Westchester, I was introduced to key people, received donated office space, expanded my referral base, received corporate donations, and gained a Vice President and Secretary for the nonprofit. Linda Tyler, the Director of Membership at the Business Council of Westchester is a powerful connector and great at putting the pieces together.
What’s on the horizon for 2022?
In 2022, First Steps To Heal will continue to be a valuable resource to DV survivors in our county. We have an amazing Board of Directors that are committed to the growth of the nonprofit, increasing our development team, and acquiring a dedicated office space.
The COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for Jaquetta Jenkins’ non-profit, which serves domestic violence victims
Learn more about Launch1000 at www.westchestercatalyst.com/ launch1000
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 13
© Zoe on Unsplash
© Courtesy of First Steps to Heal