If you are interested in being a scholar, apply HERE.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or nominating a person to become a mentor, apply/nominate HERE.
Click here to view the agency authorization form.
Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing (RELISH) is a leadership development program that aims to prepare Black emerging leaders in the nonprofit homeless and housing sector for upward mobility. The program offers eight in-person seminars and six months of mentorship, providing scholars with the management, leadership, and networking skills they need to succeed. The one-on-one mentorship is an integral component of leadership development. Professional mentoring is a learning relationship centered on career development, with its primary purpose being to drive personal growth by building skills, knowledge, and understanding. While mentors may use coaching techniques, their role is broader, encompassing opening doors, making connections, and sharing experiences.
WHO SHOUD APPLY
Scholars:
Ideal scholars are supervisory or managerial-level employees with a long-term interest in the sector. Staff from all departments of the agency are encouraged to apply, including direct service staff, administrative staff, and property management. Scholars must actively participate in live seminars scheduled from October through December at Hunter Silberman School of Social Work, and at least 12 mentoring sessions, either virtual or in-person. To ensure a diverse pool of providers, RELISH is currently accepting up to three (3) scholars per organization but more are encouraged to apply.
Eligible scholars will receive Continuing Education Credits upon successful completion of the program, including the mentorship component.
Mentors:
Ideal mentors will identify as a member of the Black diaspora and hold an executive or senior management positions with broad decision-making authority within their organization. Mentors should possess strong communication and listening skills and be able to support the scholar/ mentee in developing their plan for professional growth. Ideal mentors will have a robust professional network and be able to foster connections outside of the RELISH program. Prospective mentors can apply themselves or be nominated by someone else.
HOW TO APPLY
Scholars: Complete the application and submit the required documentation
- Current resume
- At least one (1) letter of recommendation from a current superior (does not have to be a direct supervisor)
- Agency Authorization form signed the Executive Director or designee granting permission to participate as well as agreeing to pay the $2,500 program fee
Mentors: Complete the application/nomination form and submit required documentation
- Current resume or CV
PROGRAM FEE: The $2,500 program fee covers tuition, lunch on campus, in-person networking socials and a certificate ceremony. The program fee only applies to the scholar, and must be paid by the organization sponsoring the scholar. There is no fee to become a mentor, and mentors are currently not compensated by RELISH for their time. Mentors are encouraged to attend the networking socials and certificate ceremony.
The program fee must be paid to the fiscal sponsor, the Supportive Housing Network of NY. Questions regarding the program fee can be directed to Tierra Labrada at Tlabrada@shnny.org.
THE MENTORSHIP COMMITMENT: The RELISH Mentoring Program is designed to supplement and expand upon the course work and aid in the professional development of the scholar. Mentors will meet with their mentees at least 12 times over 6 months. While mentors and scholars can set their own schedules (including in-person meetings at their discretion), it is strongly recommended that meetings are held immediately before or after the scholars’ seminar sessions. This timing will help engage the scholar in practical applications of the curriculum, address questions, and prepare for the next session. Additionally, mentors are:
- Strongly encouraged to participate in a one-hour mentoring orientation.
- Strongly encouraged to participate in regular Mentor Office Hour sessions hosted by the Racial Equity in Supportive Housing (RESH) workgroup
- Strongly encouraged to participate in monthly RESH Workgroup meetings
- May be asked to participate in a class discussion, either in person or via Zoom, with advance notice.
- Will be asked to participate in post-program evaluation.
SCHOLAR COMMITMENT
Scholars are expected to participate in all curriculum sessions. Eligible scholars seeking CEU’s must attend all six (6) curriculum sessions. Scholars are expected to meet with their mentors at least 12 times over 6 months, with meetings times determined by the pair. Tentative curriculum dates are outlined below:
- September 27, 2024, 9:30am-1pm (Orientation and RESH meet and greet)
- October 4, 2024, 9:30am-5pm
- October 18, 2024, 9:30am-5pm
- October 25, 2024, 9:30am-5pm
- November 8, 2024, 9:30am-5pm
- November 22, 2024, 9:30am-5pm
- December 6, 2024, 9:30am-5pm
- December 13, 2024: 9:30am-1pm (Curriculum wrap-up and debrief)
Contact Information
For more information, please contact Tierra Labrada at Tlabrada@shnny.org.