Zyaire Martinez: Even In Crisis, MAAC Scholar Wants to Help Others
Being a young person isn't easy these days. And it's even harder for youth who don't have a support system or a safety net. Meet Zyaire Martinez.
Martinez is homeless and transitioning, with no family to support him. He is also a musician/songwriter/singer who plays five instruments. This determined young Black Hispanic man yearns to graduate college and help others like himself.
Martinez transferred as an incoming junior from Florida to Montclair State University in fall 2023, but was unable to secure a loan for spring classes. After unsuccessfully trying to advocate for himself by going to different departments to seek help, he was forced to put a hold on his schooling. He's now working part-time at a health clinic and trying to find resources to help him move to a safe space, pay off his loan debt, and return to class. He's currently living in LGBTQ+ temporary housing in East Orange but is seeking a more stable place to live.
"Lulu, one of our MAAC scholar alumni, told me Zyaire's story. We met, and he is just an extraordinary person," said MAAC executive director Andrea Smith-Morgan. "He is our first MAAC scholar who's registered at MAAC at the collegiate level, and we look forward to helping him succeed in his academic and life goals."
MAAC is working to help Martinez access resources for housing, education, and basic needs, and sharing his story in hopes of getting him the help he needs. And Martinez plans to pay it forward.
"My hope that I will be able to help other people so that they don’t end up in situations like mine. Or just helping survivors who have dealt with . . . abuse, loss of property, loss of family. I want to help people; that’s something I’ve always been passionate about," said Martinez, who has a GoFundMe page in his name. "And even now, I’m living in a shelter, but I’m working for a nonprofit trying to help victims of domestic violence, helping women with their healthcare, helping families with healthcare; helping people get medical insurance. I’m
still helping people, even while I’m in this position. Because that’s what matters to me."
To make a tax-deductible donation to MAAC to help Zyaire and other youth in need, please click here.
MAAC Receives $6,000 Donation from Board Member and Netflix
To continue to grow, MAAC needs people and organizations that believe in its mission. MAAC board member Tanya Isler-Horne demonstrated her belief in a big way: a $2,000 donation to MAAC! Her employer, Netflix, is matching this donation at 200 percent.
"Donations to MAAC are very important to me. It is a privilege to witness first-hand the impact a financial donation can have, knowing the funds are directly serving its participants," said Isler-Horne. "My donations, generously supported by my company's employee giving match, fund programs that have served and supported dozens of young people of color as they begin their journeys from high school into adulthood. It is an honor to support an organization that does such meaningful and important work."
"We are so grateful to receive this generous gift from Tanya and Netflix," said Smith-Morgan. "As we continue to grow, we're discovering new opportunities and many more kids in need, particularly in the homeless sector. This generous donation from Tanya and Netflix will enable us to help the increasing number of needy students, not just to survive, but to succeed in school and in life."
Isler-Horne isn't just giving from her wallet; she's also sharing her time and skills as a member of MAAC's board of trustees and fundraising board. Smith-Morgan wants others to be inspired by Isler-Horne's efforts. "We welcome new supporters and need your help," she said. "If you want to give back to your community, come join us and share your gifts. Become a board member, donor, or mentor!"
To learn more about these opportunities, please reach out to andrea@themaac.org.
MAAC Welcomes First Assistant Director of College Programming
MAAC is thrilled to introduce Yajaira Pons, MAAC’s first assistant director of college programming. A first-generation Latina woman, Pons graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in political science and Spanish, and a minor in student leadership development. She was a part of a talent development program for underserved and under resourced students. Pons also has a master’s from Manhattanville College. Working in higher education since 2008, she shares that her most rewarding position has been in admissions and financial aid.
“I'm passionate about my work and working with underrepresented students, women, and first-generation students,” said Pons. As for her new role, she added, "I am excited about this opportunity to work with MAAC and its amazing leader, Andrea!”
Schools, Come Partner With MAAC!
MAAC (Mindful Awareness Academy for Children) is a holistic college readiness program that combines mindfulness, social and emotional wellness, and community engagement to improve academic achievement and prepare students for success in higher education. Our specific offerings include:
· Tutoring and SAT preparation courses
· Mindfulness/Social and emotional wellness
· After-school programs
· College funding/FAFSA workshops
· Financial literacy and life skills
· Connections with community leaders and resources
· Support from social workers/dual-enrollment specialists
· Storytelling and career exploration
· Summer boot camps
· Attendance at career and college fairs
For more information on our customizable programs, please contact andrea@maac.org.
MAAC Board Members
Yanira Amadeo LeShae Daniel Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara * Tanya Isler-Horne
Ramel Meekins Julian Pinnix-Odrick Nadine Verna * Tamara Williams
Sent to: patty@themaac.org
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Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States
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