A Few Words from Rod Mullen, Doug Bond, and Our Community in Honor of Naya’s Birthday

”Today, September 20th, would have been Naya's 70th birthday. So today is bitter sweet for me. I am here in Glasgow, Scotland to attend, with friends and colleagues from Amity, the European Federation of Therapeutic Communities conference. Naya and our dear friend Rowdy Yates will both be honored and remembered at this conference for their extraordinary contributions over many decades, and for the many lives they touched, and the thousands they inspired. I have both looked forward to being here with friends, and also dreaded this day without her. We found a second home with our friends from Europe at these conferences, and this will be the first trip I have made since she died six months ago---and I'm feeling that loss ever more keenly today than ever. So Happy Birthday, Naya, my love---you will be with me for the rest of my life, in my heart, in my thoughts, in my dreams, in every precious moment. You came into my life and have been a revolution in my life, and in my heart. Como siempre.”

-Rod Mullen

A message from Doug Bond:

”On September 20th 1952 Naya Arbiter was born. She started Amity Foundation a little over 40 years ago. Naya helped to form this organization, and in doing so, granted us the opportunity to help support and build community for those marginalized & disenfranchised.”

“May we honor her birthday by remembering to take care of the newest people in our community. My wish is that we show the same level of humanity and empathy for our students that she always demonstrated in her actions, and that we embody this in our culture through every part of Amity Foundation.

Thank you all for continuing the honor her lifetime of work by staying true to our mission and carting for our communities. “

You can also view our collection of tributes to Naya from our community and around the world here.

Naya remains in our hearts and minds forever, and our community strives to emulate the example she set and continue her vision that inspired so many among us.