Citizens partners with Military Warriors Support Foundation to help veteran-owned small businesses in the Bronx

“For me, Veterans Day is every day, because everyone’s free because of us.” - Chaplain Marisa Estrella

Meet a hero, Marisa Estrella

When Marisa Estrella fell into a foxhole during a training exercise in boot camp, she didn’t let the injury to her knees detract from her dedication to the Army. She pivoted, becoming a chaplain assistant. It could be her family history that makes her so strong — born into a military family in the Dominican Republic, after graduating from Mercy College in the Bronx, Marisa enlisted. And when her injuries meant grueling hours of physical therapy and surgery, she persevered, going back to school to get two degrees: one in criminal justice with a minor in psychology, and another in business administration. She also got her real estate license, became a paralegal, and also a notary. Still, Marisa struggled financially as a single mother working full time: “I went through a lot of things veterans are going through now. I almost was going to be homeless with my kids,” she recalls.

Transitioning to civilian life

In addition to the housing insecurity, Marisa would face a long medical recovery. She also was looking after her own two children at home and raising two nephews. Son Adonis (27), helps take Marisa to therapy and medical appointments, allowing her work with her nonprofit Worldwide Veterans and Family Services, Inc. to continue. She also has a daughter, Priana (22), living in Miami, who works in the beauty industry creating custom eyelash extensions. Also at home is Marisa’s mother and a brother, Jeovanny Estrella. Her father passed away in 2014. Juggling so many different tasks paved the way for her to start her nonprofit. But, in fact her work with veterans started 15 years before, when she was the Chairperson for the Veterans Community in two wards of the Bronx. “I was in the same situation [as the veterans],” she recalls.

Committed to serving other veterans in her work

Veterans have given their all for our country, and the goal of WVFS is to give back to those now struggling. Their motto echoes that value: “To enhance each participant’s ability to become independent, thereby breaking homelessness and poverty among veterans.” While situated in the Bronx, the nonprofit serves New York City’s five boroughs and has opened an office to help American vets living in the Dominican Republic, where a lot of Marisa’s extended family lives. This volunteer-run organization provides transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans and families, transportation for medical appointments, career services, and runs a food pantry with the local Veterans’ Affairs (VA) office feeding 500 veterans and their families per week. Founded in 2015, its goal is to educate and empower veterans. WVFS has designed a unique 12-week program for those seeking entry-level jobs which includes resume writing, a written personal statement, and mock interviews. As part of the career services arm, WVFS also has several storage facilities that house interview and office attire.

No soldier left behind

Though homelessness amongst veterans is decreasing in numbers, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a recent survey still showed 37,252 still experience home insecurity currently. Part of their mission is making the general population aware of these types of struggles. The sacrifices veterans make may not be fully understood by the public, something Marisa is looking to change. “For me, Veterans Day is every day,” she says. “Everybody is free because of us. We gave our lives, and some people don’t understand this. They don’t stop when they see someone on the street. You can get them something to eat or give them a ride to the local VA hospital.”

According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45. Therefore, the mental health services WVFS helps facilitate along with the local VA office are also crucial. 

Helping veterans when they return home

Adjusting to civilian life can be difficult for veterans. They’ve led a highly mobile lifestyle, often living overseas or in another state while in the service. This, in turn, can affect their economic stability. When they leave the service, veterans must navigate moving costs, obtain health insurance, learn about new tax laws, and apply for civilian jobs. Access to a service, such as WVFS, unlocks economic opportunities such as career development, housing, and education. When asked what she wishes civilians knew about veterans, Marisa responds, “They don't understand everything that we go through, the mental issues that we have. They don't understand we are suffering when we come back and some of us will lose family and we don't have [any] house.” Citizens partners with a prominent organization, Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF), to overcome these very hurdles.

Making an impact in our neighborhoods

As part of our expansion into the New York market, we are ready to earn our place as a valued part of the community to drive long-term systemic change. We are proud to have branches located in some of the most diverse and culturally relevant neighborhoods, and as a part of our ongoing commitment Citizens invested $300,000 in the Bronx, in partnership with Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) and the Hope4Heroes program, to support veteran-owned small businesses. The selected deserving neighborhood establishments will receive tailored support, such as financial mentoring, storefront renovation, materials, website improvement, or technical training. And statistics show support is needed: 218,808 veterans live in New York. Their median income is less than $37,700, and 10.1% live below poverty levels. Twelve percent are small-business owners, helping to strengthen their communities and neighborhoods. But even the strongest could use a little help, which is where Citizens comes in.

Citizens and MWSF: Helping vets together

In addition to the financial mentoring, Marisa will receive a cargo van — something she feels will allow her to continue her mission by not missing out on donations. “I applied for a cargo van because when we are offered small donations I can’t pick up, I lose that donation,” she explains. In addition to the van, she will receive from Citizens two computers, a printer, and computer programs for her nonprofit. It’s also all hands-on deck as Citizens colleagues pitch in to collect canned goods for Marisa’s food pantry in all five Citizens locations in the Bronx.

Citizens is committed to supporting deserving veteran-owned small businesses owners to help them succeed and thrive. It’s not a new program or initiative, but instead part of a long history of helping the military heroes who have dedicated themselves to protect our nation. In partnership with MWSF, Citizens is proud to support the needs of deserving veterans and military families. Since 2015, we’ve provided newly renovated mortgage-free homes, payment-free hybrid vehicles and additional support for veterans and Gold Star spouses, so they can focus on settling back into their daily lives as civilians. This partnership aligns to our commitment to financial empowerment, helping communities by supporting programs that give people the confidence and tools they need to budget, invest, be financially healthy and reach their potential. The financial help is crucial — in addition to the troubles they face upon returning home, according to a recent survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, veterans are almost twice as likely to have debt carried over from month to month (58%) than civilians (34%). Also, 55% of veterans believe they are ill-prepared for an emergency. As a result of the financial mentorship, our past veteran recipients have paid off a whopping $535,881 in debt.

Advice for female founders

If you’ve ever thought of starting a nonprofit, it can help to hear from women who have been there — and done that. Here, Marisa Estrella shares three pieces of advice for women founders:

1. Take free online classes to learn how to run a nonprofit. “I tell women to take the training for nonprofits,” Marisa says. “I refer them to an organization that offers free classes, like a community college. The first thing is you must love to help people.”
2. Know that you won’t get an income right away. “Do it because you love it and you care,” Marisa said.
3. Stay open-minded to receiving help.  “Think about having a supportive group around you,” Marisa advises.

A bright future

The next steps for Marisa are expansion. “We want to see WVFS statewide and worldwide. We want to help U.S. veterans and their families and at the same time help the veterans and their families in those counties with low income.” No doubt she will tackle this goal, just as this hero has tackled every obstacle in her way. And with a little help from Citizens, anything can happen.