A Day in the Life at Center for Hope
Welcome to A Day in the Life at Center for Hope, a blog series highlighting the dedicated professionals who support individuals and families affected by trauma, violence and loss. Center for Hope (CFH) serves as a beacon for those facing difficult times, offering essential advocacy, counseling and resources. In this series, we’ll explore the work and perspectives of those who contribute to CFH’s mission daily.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we're highlighting team members who specialize in supporting survivors of abuse. Nyisha Taylor is a domestic violence responder at Sinai Hospital, where she partners with CFH to assist patients admitted after experiencing violence. In this Q&A, she shares what drives her, how she empowers survivors and the meaning of hope in her work.
Q1. Who are you, and what do you do at Center for Hope?
A. My name is Nyisha Taylor, and I serve as a domestic violence responder at Sinai Hospital, in partnership with CFH.
In my role, I support patients who are experiencing or have experienced intimate partner or domestic violence by providing immediate crisis intervention, emotional support and safety planning. I also assist with obtaining protective orders and connecting patients to resources. I work closely with hospital staff and outside agencies to ensure patients receive trauma-informed care that respects their dignity and choices.
Q2. Why is your work important to you as a domestic violence responder at a hospital?
A. My work is important to me because it allows me to support individuals during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Being able to offer safety, compassion and resources at bedside in a hospital setting where survivors often first seek help can be a critical turning point in their journey toward healing and safety.
Q3. Do you volunteer or give back to your community outside of work? If so, why?
A. Yes, I volunteer with local organizations that support survivors of abuse and advocate for systemic change. I do this because I believe healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when communities show up, listen and act with compassion. Giving back helps me stay grounded and reminds me of the collective effort needed to end cycles of violence.
Q4. If you could tell someone considering this kind of work one thing, what would it be?
A. This work requires empathy, patience and resilience. You won’t always see the impact of your efforts right away, but every moment of support matters. Showing up consistently and without judgment can be the beginning of someone’s path to safety and healing. You don’t need to have all the answers. Most times, being present and nonjudgmental is enough.
Q5. What does "HOPE" mean to you in the context of your role?
A. In this role, HOPE is both a belief and a practice. It means holding space for someone’s story without giving up on their ability to move forward. It’s recognizing that even in crisis, people have strength, and our job is to help them rediscover it. Hope is what allows survivors to envision a life beyond violence and what keeps us showing up, even on the hardest days.