About Us
Our Story
Founded in April 2012, Start Where You Stand is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals affected by the criminal justice system and homelessness. We provide essential services such as referrals, outreach, case management, job readiness seminars, parenting skills workshops, conflict resolution, and many other services. Our mission is to reduce recidivism and facilitate successful reintegration into society, fostering productivity and a sense of belonging.
Process
Our process is designed to bring about effective change in the individual, thus, affectiing change in the community.
Week 1: Self-Discovery & Workplace Foundations
Activities: Strengths inventory, workplace simulations (e.g., dress codes, timekeeping), vision boards.
*Frame gaps (incarceration, caregiving, education) as resilience-building, not liabilities.
Week 2: Resume Building & Transferable Skills
Activities: Skills-first resumes, peer feedback, Indeed profile setup.
*Use the Action Verb Cheat Sheet to reframe diverse experiences (e.g., “Freelancing → Project Management”).
Week 3: Boundaries & Professional Branding
Activities: Role-play answering “Tell me about yourself,” LinkedIn/Indeed privacy settings, networking practice.
*Teach participants to control their narrative (e.g., “I took time to focus on personal growth”).
Week 4: Job Search Strategies & Financial Literacy
Activities: “Ban the Box” employer research, mock applications, budgeting workshops.
*Address stigma and entry-level needs (e.g., “Fair Chance Hiring” vs. “No Experience Required”).
Week 5: Workplace Success & Balance
Activities: Email etiquette, conflict resolution role-plays, time management simulations.
*Focus on soft skills (e.g., teamwork, adaptability) critical for all new hires.
Week 6: Empowerment & Graduation
Activities: Participants present their “skills story,” alumni panels, certificate ceremony.
*Highlight diverse success (e.g., a first-time employee landing a retail job, a formerly incarcerated woman becoming a supervisor).
The Founder
Start Where You Stand, was founded by a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others succeed.
Kersendria S. Abdullah
Founder & CEO
Kersendria S. Abdullah earned her Bachelor of Art Degree in Psychology from York College University of New York (CUNY). In 2004 she received her Masters of Social Work Degree from Hunter College School of Social Work. Ms. Abdullah held several titles she worked as an Intensive Case Manager advocating for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse and forensic history live independently in the community. Ms. Abdullah was promoted to Team Leader she trained case managers, counselors and housing specialist to monitor participants that was court ordered to receive mental health services. Ms. Abdullah became a Program Director for Supportive Housing Program, interviewing clients 2010E Packets to determine whether appropiate for supportive housing program. Ms. Abdullah worked in several Department of Homeless Sevices shelters as Director of Social Services supervising all clinical staff. Ms. Abdullah worked at Adult Protective Services overseeing the daily operations providing services to elderly adults that was in danger of abuse and neglect. Ms. Abdullah has dedicated her life to serving our most vulnerable populations her devotion to helping others rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences is what encouraged her to build Start Where You Stand NYC.
(845) 591-3785
A day in the community of having fun with sports achievements
Mentoring young adults and having fun in the process.
Contact Us
Get in Touch
Have a question or need more information? Reach out to us, and we'll be happy to assist you.