NYNonProfit Look Back

An old friend that had been part of the early discussions about re-imagining NYNonProfit, sent  me over the a link that they found from a ‘time-machine’ that archives old web sites. I was feeling nostalgic and started thinking about the early days of NYNonProfit.

The banner of NYNonProfit  is a photograph that is close to my heart. I took it a couple of days after the tragic events of 9/11, inside Ground Zero.  A National Guardsman escorted me in – the only way I could bear to look at the heart-breaking wreckage was through my camera lens. The Rescue Workers in the photograph stopped their work to pose in front of an American Flag. As soon as the photograph was taken, they returned to their terrible and necessary task.

It was right after this event that changed everyone’s life,  that I decided to start NYNonProfit.com…

In 2003, I was introduced to Former Council Person (now Mayor!), Bill de Blasio, who headed the General Welfare Committee. We met at a screening of A Day’s Work, A Day’s Pay – a Mint Leaf Productions documentary film about New York City’s Welfare to Work system, one of his key issues.

I was so impressed with Bill’s passion and dedication to reforming the Welfare to Work system that I asked if he would write an editorial for the NYNonProfit newletter.

In February, 2004, Bill de Blasio graciously wrote the editorial for NYNonProfit.com and was Guest Speaker for that month’s NYNonProfit meeting.

February’s issue featured 3 exceptional nonprofits – Mint Leaf Productions, Count Me In and American Women’s Economic Development Corp.

Count Me In has helped thousands of women in need with micro loans, helping them to set up their own businesses and was the first micro-lender.

Nell Merlino, the Founder of Count Me In has also launched Women Veteran Entrepreneur Corps which

American Women’s Development Corporation has counseled thousands of low-income women into reaching economic independence through business ownership and employment.

Mint Leaf Productions creates and distributes films with a social conscience and helps emerging filmmakers.

It is good to see that these wonderful organizations are still thriving and making their mark on the world.

With the re-boot of NYNonProfit happening, I am excited to be meeting many more of these wonderful organizations and to hear about their missions and stories.

Here is the flashback in full: NYNonProfit.com archive with BdB