Background

 

Born in the Brooklyn on March 29, to a Bahamian father and mother, Ms. Yvonne Murphy the median of 12 children learned early in life the values of standing up for what she believed in and building a community and working family relationship. While pursuing her associate’s studies at Bronx Community College, Ms. Murphy decided that she would dedicate her focus to domestic violence homelessness, and substance related issues. Ms. Murphy operated in silence helping victims of domestic violence that came to her for help, finding placement for these victims and their children. A woman of experience, in domestic violence Ms. Murphy continued working with survivors but found that there was an underlining problem there were not any services gear for the recovery of a woman and her children nor was there an incentive of placement for the sole purpose of alternative to incarceration that were for victims of domestic abuse this is when Ms. Murphy decided to return to school in order to become qualified to help victims. Ms. Murphy decided in 2002 that she would start an agency Haven of Hope Foundation Inc. Ms. Murphy took odd and end jobs in order to begin her plight to birth Haven of Hope Foundation Inc. for woman and their children. Ms. Murphy continued her education at The City College of New York accomplishing her Bachelor of Art degree in psychology. Ms. Murphy after graduating City College and taking numerous jobs to support her family journey continued when she began to work as a Substance Abuse intervention/ prevention case manager servicing at Bronx Addiction Treatment Center. Working at the Bronx Addiction Treatment Center has given her inside knowledge on how many individuals were suffering from Domestic violence related issues. Ms. Murphy has since returned to school to complete her masters in mental health counseling at Touro College. Ms. Murphy presently sits on the Bronx Community board 6, and is an active Member on the Board of NAMI Bronx Families Advocates, Inc. under the mentorship of Paulina Magnetti since 2010. A tireless community activist, Ms. Murphy experience of leadership for purpose and fairness has been on going since 2002, Her experience may be fresh but her passion is strong. For the last four years, she has dedicated her time to the birthing of Haven of Hope Foundation Inc. Although she has run into many obstacles she is still fighting for the voices of victims that has no voice. Ms. Murphy working as a task force along with Paulina Magnetti co- sponsored with NAMI in participation of “My First South Bronx Families with Special Needs Fair” October 2011 with Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo. Haven of Hope was also a part of Assemblyman Crespo Health Fair because the aspect of Domestic violence also affects the victims health. Then co hosting the annual coat drives with once again NAMI and Assemblyman Benedetto in the coat drive. Ms. Murphy has lobbied the State Legislature to implement the passing of the bill Domestic Violence Survivor Justice Act (7874-A/S.5436) lead by Senator Ruth Hassell Thompson with the Women Coalitions Prison Association in 2011. We also were a part of the Women defense Courses Self defense, during Domestic Violence Awareness month in October with Linda Remesy, the New York Reentry Round Table Forum with Pastor Q English; we are now presently working with Digna Quinones Regional Advocacy specialist of the office of Mental Health. Ms. Murphy has also gain support and recognition with Mimoza Dajci with Hope and Peace and agency for Albanian women of domestic violence related issues. Ms. Murphy beliefs are that Haven of Hope will save lives and break generational curses of domestic abuse. The agency will also created many well needed jobs.

 

 

 

 

 

General Information

Entered Bronx Community Board 6 : 04/01/2012Current

Term Expires: 03/31/2014

 

NAMI Member Since 2010

 

Committees: Education; Finance Redevelopment of a safe environment for our survivors; Mental Health, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse & Disability Services; children and Youth Services