Help Nyia Sissac Cover Unpaid Wages and Legal Fees

Hi I am Nyia Sissac (25), born raised here in Chicago,IL. I am a fine art photographer when ever I can be in a creative element. Why I am raising funds is simple here's the story:

It is with great disappointment and frustration that I write this statement against Coffee, Hip Hop, and Mental Health (CHHAMH), and specifically its founder, Christopher LeMark. Over the last 17 days, my colleagues and I have not received payment for our work, including checks due on September 27th and the most recent check from this past Friday. Despite working extensive hours—90 to 95+ hours every pay period, often being asked to handle last-minute events—I have not been compensated. We've been given multiple dates for when we would be paid, from September 30th to October 3rd, but have only been left waiting for checks to clear.

I have worked with nonprofits before and understand occasional delays, but a 17-day delay is unacceptable. I was manipulated by Mr. LeMark early on, called a “runner” for wanting to leave under difficult circumstances, but this situation goes beyond personal difficulties—it’s a pattern of exploitation and disregard for employees' well-being.

Not only have we not been paid, but we have also worked in hazardous and unsafe conditions, including dealing with trash piling up, having no hot water, and enduring unsustainable workloads. We have been spied on and micromanaged remotely, constantly criticized for not doing enough, and, in some cases, made to feel undeserving of payment. I personally have been left to clean the entire café alone after chaotic events, often told about events last minute and forced to work them. Despite being an assistant manager, I have been underpaid compared to others, with schedules changed at the last minute, working up to 8 days straight with no concern for my well-being.

My role extended beyond what was fair, including spending my own money to purchase supplies for the café and waiting for reimbursement—something I had to plead for through Zelle. I have even been put in inappropriate situations, such as leading group therapy without proper qualifications, all because Mr. LeMark couldn’t attend.

The breaking point for me came when, despite creating inventory sheets, teaching others how to manage operations, and taking on the duties of others, I was told I was not doing enough. I haven’t even received the digital tips owed to me because they go to the organization, leaving us only with cash tips on rare occasions.

The final insult is that, because of these unpaid wages, I have been unable to pay my rent and bills. This kind of mistreatment is unacceptable in any workplace, nonprofit or otherwise. I can no longer stay silent, and I encourage others to stay away from this organization until significant changes are made.

I have set up a GoFundMe to cover my immediate expenses, including legal fees to hold Coffee, Hip Hop, and Mental Health accountable.