This article was originally published on PRWeb.

MAY 24, 2016

Jericho Project has named LaToya Williams-Belfort to the position of Chief Development and Communications Officer. In this role she will be responsible for fundraising and communications for the nationally-acclaimed nonprofit, working closely with CEO Tori Lyon and the Board of Directors to enhance the impact of Jericho Project working to end homelessness at its roots.
“LaToya Williams-Belfort is joining Jericho at an exciting time of growth and in a changing landscape where the public is focused on issues affecting homelessness,” said Lyon. “With her expert guidance we intend to accelerate our work in changing the course of people’s lives.”
Jericho enables homeless individuals and families to access affordable housing, get and keep jobs, improve wellness and secure family reunification. The 33-year old nonprofit serves over 2,000 individuals, including 550 veterans, annually. Jericho has been a key partner in New York City’s initiative to end veterans homelessness, and is leading bold, innovative strategies to do the same for families and young adults.
To these ambitious goals, Williams-Belfort brings a career of senior executive experience leading initiatives in fundraising, operations and special events for a range of organizations from award winning social entrepreneurships to institutional standard-bearer.
“We are proud to have an executive with LaToya’s breadth of knowledge and premier professionalism heighten our visibility and expand our network of support in this great city,” said Mark Kopinski, Jericho Board President.
Williams-Belfort’s previous appointments include Vice President of Fundraising and Operations for Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC). There she was primary fundraising partner with the organization’s Founder and Board of Directors, driving all development, fundraising, marketing, volunteer engagement and special event strategies and activities.
Prior to this position she worked for over seven years within the non-profit sector focusing her passion and expertise in youth development and poverty eradication. While serving as Director of Special Events & Fundraising at United Way of New York City, she led her department in raising millions of dollars annually. These funds assured crucial development in the areas of Education, Income and Health in support of New York City’s most vulnerable, low-income populations.
Prior to making the decision to dedicate her career to serving at risk New Yorkers, Mrs. Williams-Belfort oversaw global marketing and relationship management within the publishing and event services industries, to include the multimedia trend-setter Black Enterprise.
She is a proud native New Yorker, wife and mother of two beautiful sons, Dell and Logan. Additionally, she holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Media and Communications from the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
About Jericho Project:
Jericho Project was founded in 1983 to provide housing and comprehensive services to New York City’s most vulnerable homeless individuals and since then it has enabled thousands to lead fulfilling lives. Led by the belief that transformation can occur in every individual, Jericho Project creates a community that inspires individual change, fosters sustainable independence, and motivates men and women to reach their greatest potential. 95% of our clients maintain housing stability and 90% of Jericho residents affected by substance abuse maintain their sobriety.
To achieve these goals, Jericho employs rigorous fiscal discipline along with innovative public – private partnerships and a base of passionate donors that has created a solid foundation for its work. Jericho’s housing and extended services cost $13,000 per person annually, compared to $32,000 for a single shelter, $50,000 for a family shelter, and $168,000 for a jail cell annually.