After spending decades in prison in upstate NY, Iya — an elderly, Black domestic and sexual violence survivor— has come home this year. Born and raised in rural New York, a “forever New Yorker” with fond memories of collecting wood for her family, Iya is a proud mother and grandmother. She has a beautiful spirit and loves to sing, dance,  listen to music and roller-skate (if her joints let her). 


After serving a significant amount of time incarcerated, she is now free and in need of reliable transportation and*safe* housing. Please help her reach her goal to have a safe, healing and self-directed next phase of her journey. She is excited to begin fighting with and for other criminalized families:


“The trauma I survived positioned me to have compassion and do for those who have trauma. It was a momentum. We bring a different perspective, that is relatable. I dedicate my life to this, I have skin in the game.”