Breaking Barriers and Building Communities with Crystal A. Orr

In this episode, Crystal Orr shares her journey from an Urban League kid to CEO. Crystal discusses how the organization provides stability for low to moderate-income individuals through financial coaching, partnerships with county organizations and government departments. She shares how she uses social media and networking to increase visibility and foster innovative culture.

 

[00:00 - 08:39] Challenges Faced by the Urban League During the Pandemic 

• Crystal Orr is the CEO of the Urban League of Union County, New Jersey 
• The Urban League had to adjust its services during the pandemic to assist people facing eviction 
• The team had to switch to virtual services and partner with other organizations to provide assistance 
• People in North Jersey are facing high rental costs and need more than two bedrooms for their families 

  

[08:40 - 16:23] Addressing Affordability Issues for Low to Moderate Income Families 

• Partnering with the county union to start a financial opportunity center and provide financial coaching 
• Reentry program partnering with Department of Corrections in New Jersey to help assist people on parole 
• Trying to put a band aid on the situation to keep people in their homes 
• Having an MBA opens doors and removes barriers for black women. 

  

[16:24 - 23:50] The Role of Millennial Leadership in Transforming the Urban League 

•  Using TikTok to share information and increase brand awareness on social media 
•  Partnering with churches, other organizations, cities, and counties 
•  Hosting virtual financial literacy events, wellness fairs, and community resource fairs 
• Creating a family environment for staff by providing team lunches and meetings 

  

[23:51 - 31:23] The Urban League's Role in Fighting for Civil Rights and Empowering Communities 

• Providing social service programs such as housing counseling, mortgage assistance, rental assistance, utilities, security deposits, and first-time home buyer's programs 
• Helps people who were formerly incarcerated reconnect back to society with employment and expungement 
• Encourages youth to get GEDs and trade certifications 
• Celebrates black pride and history with events 

  

[31:24 - 44:11] The Urban League's Vision for the Future 

• Focus on mental health and wellness 
• Expanding workforce development, youth initiatives, and youth entrepreneurship programs 
• Owning a building for community refuge, hosting events, workshops, and a computer lab 
• Support from board members and predecessors 

 

Connect with Crystal:

Website: http://www.uloucnj.org/home.aspx

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

 

Join the movement for justice and power with the "Justice & Power" podcast. Listen to stimulating conversations on tough topics affecting Black and Brown America with host Nekima Levy Armstrong. Reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. To know more about us connect with us at Wayfinder Foundation and www.nekimalevyarmstrong.com. Let's make change happen together!

 

 

Tweetable Quote:

“Having a place to live can literally just release so much and give you peace.” - Crystal A. Orr