Je’Mere Heyward, MSW
Program Director
New Beginnings Men’s Shelter
Je’mere Heyward is an accomplished human services leader with over 15 years of progressive experience across incarceration, re-entry, homelessness, residential services, mental health, substance use treatment, and domestic violence programming. She brings a comprehensive understanding of high-acuity service environments, along with the strategic and operational expertise required to lead them effectively, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver compassionate, client-centered care.
Most recently, Je’mere served as Site Director with the Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs (NAICA), where she led the daily operations of a DHS-funded shelter. In this role, she provided executive-level oversight of 24/7 emergency operations, ensuring full compliance with city, state, and federal regulations, including DHS, OTDA, HPD, DOB, FDNY, and DOHMH standards. She managed multidisciplinary teams, oversaw incident review and corrective action processes, monitored performance metrics, and implemented continuous quality improvement initiatives. Her leadership also encompassed regulatory audit preparation, policy development, fiscal oversight, and strengthening internal accountability systems to improve service delivery and client outcomes.
Throughout her career, Je’mere has demonstrated deep expertise in contract compliance, program development, fiscal management, and staff supervision. She has held leadership roles with organizations such as Samaritan Daytop Village and EAC Network, where she directed re-entry initiatives, supervised therapeutic and case management teams, and ensured adherence to HIPAA and 42 CFR regulations. Her work has consistently involved strong collaboration with criminal justice systems and community stakeholders, alongside responsibilities in clinical supervision, crisis intervention, documentation audits, and performance reporting.
In addition to her administrative leadership, Je’mere is deeply committed to workforce development and professional training. She serves as a Recovery Coach Trainer, Prime for Life Instructor, Adjunct Professor, and certified facilitator in evidence-based models including Thinking for a Change, Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing. She has trained and mentored emerging social workers, peer mentors, and program facilitators, emphasizing ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care.
Je’mere holds a Master of Social Work degree and is recognized for her ability to balance mission-driven compassion with operational rigor. She excels at building cohesive teams, strengthening compliance infrastructures, improving program outcomes, and fostering partnerships that drive measurable community impact.