RELISH Certificate and Mentorship Program
RELISH 2026-2027 Leadership Development Program Application Now Live!
Deadline: Friday, July 10th, by 5PM
Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing (RELISH) is a six-month leadership development program that prepares mid-career professionals in the nonprofit homeless and supportive housing sector for upward mobility. Through in-person seminars and one-on-one mentorship, scholars develop the management, leadership, and networking skills needed to advance into senior roles.
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Information Session
Wednesday, June 10th | 9:30am-11:00am — info session is closed
Register HERE
Please review the Program Guidelines and Agency Authorization form prior to submitting an application.
Application deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026 at 5pm.
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APPLY AS A SCHOLAR
Are you a supervisory or managerial-level professional with a long-term commitment to the sector?
RELISH can accept up to three scholars per organization. The $2,750 program fee per accepted scholar is paid by employer.
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BECOME A MENTOR
RELISH mentors are experienced sector leaders who meet one-on-one with scholars over six months to support their professional growth. To be considered, mentors must:
- Hold an executive or senior management position with broad decision-making authority
- Possess strong communication and listening skills with the ability to provide constructive feedback
- Support mentees in developing a plan for professional growth and advancement
- Help mentees apply curriculum practically in their day-to-day work
RELISH is an affirming space for historically oppressed and marginalized communities. Program conversations and curriculum engage themes of systemic racism and oppression.
Learn more HERE.
If you have trouble accessing the applications, please contact Tierra Labrada at tlabrada@shnny.org.
About Homeward NYC and RELISH
Jeannette Ruffins, our Chief Executive Officer, is a founding organizer and mentor of Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing, a program of the Supportive Housing Network of New York. The RELISH certificate and mentorship program launched in 2022 to prepare the next generation of Black leaders in supportive housing and homeless services. The 24-week program provides emerging leaders in the nonprofit homeless and housing sector with management, leadership, and networking skills to grow into senior leadership. RELISH 2026-2027 will be cohort five for this annual program.
RELISH is a 6-month program for Black professionals currently in supervisory or managerial roles who are looking to grow into senior leadership. The program includes:
- One-on-one mentorship
- In-person leadership seminars at Silberman School of Social Work
- Continuing education credits upon completion (if applicable)
- Networking across the supportive housing and homeless services field
You can apply to be a scholar or to be a mentor.
Also learn more here