About
sssOur Mission
Our mission is to end the silence and generational cycles of sexual and domestic violence by advocating, educating and empowering our community.
Our Story
Mahogany CARES was founded in 2010 and was created to bring awareness to issues affecting women, families, and the community. Domestic violence and breast cancer had affected the lives of many of those closest to Cyrena and she saw fit to create an organization that could touch the lives of many while providing them support and resources as they determine their path in life.
Since its inception, Mahogany CARES has and continues to honor survivors and those we have lost from domestic violence breast cancer. In 2010, we began celebrating breast cancer survivors and remembering those who lost their fight through the annual Breast Cancer Awareness event. The event is a day to thank our SHEROES for having the courage to tell their stories to educate others about early detection and save lives through awareness. In May 2017, Mahogany CARES Breast Cancer Survivor Day proclamation was signed by Governor Scott Walker, making October 1st Breast Cancer Survivor Day in the State of Wisconsin.
In 2016, Mahogany CARES wrote a proclamation to make October 21st Domestic Violence Survivor Recognition Day. On this day, we celebrate success after abuse by allowing survivors to share how they overcame & conquered domestic violence and move forward in a positive direction in their lives.
Mahogany CARES is dedicated to bringing awareness to issues that are plaguing our community and supporting those that are affected. Please remember you are not alone. We are here to support and protect you.
Our Focus
Women & Girls wellness and empowerment- mind, body, spirit & family
Mahogany CARES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Meet the Founder & Executive Director
Cyrena Martin, From Victim to Survivor now Advocate
Cyrena is committed to bringing forth awareness of women’s and community issues, especially domestic violence and breast cancer.
As Mahogany CARES’s Executive Director she is able to focus on advocating and empowering women who are healing from traumatic experiences. Cyrena is committed to Women’s wellness, including mind, body, spirit & family. She is committed for #HealthyRelationshipsONLY! As a former domestic violence victim, she is now survivor and certified advocate for both domestic violence & sexual assault. Her Motto: We will advocate for victims, honor & love fellow survivors, and never forget the loved ones we have lost.
Cyrena’s favorite quote:
‘We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.’- Dr. Maya Angelou
Board of Directors & Staff
Mahogany CARES Board and staff were chosen based on the needs of the organization. A collaboration of knowledge, expertises, and both professional & personal experiences, all of which continue to have a positive effect on the growth and development of our programs, services and our impact on the women and families we serve.
Wambui Kamuiru
Vice-President
Education Professional
Jimeca Hazelwood
Secretary
Curative Site Leader
Phylicia Martin
Treasurer
Cosmetologist & Essential Worker
Joan Lauver
Board Chairperson & Consultant
Retired Social Worker
Makaylah Brackins
Board Chairperson
Business Owner & Essential Worker
Contact Numbers
Mahogany CARES Direct:
855–29-CARES (22737)
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Human Trafficking Resource Center:
1-888-373-7888
Contact Us
Join Our Board
We are looking for passionate, driven, empathetic individuals to join our board. If that’s you, please complete our application.