Internships present a great opportunity for students and young adults to learn about working at a nonprofit. This summer, a group of interns from across New York City had the chance to see our work in action, collaborate with staff and make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve. Each week this summer, we will highlight one of our interns, sharing what makes them special, and recognizing their accomplishments and achievements.

Where do you go to school?

I have an associate degree in Business Administration and this fall I am transferring to City Tech as a Hospitality major.

What is your favorite subject in school to study?

My favorite subject is math—I’m good with numbers, it has always come easy to me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I would love to own my own soul food restaurant. Ideally, I would like to open the restaurant somewhere where it’s hot, like Miami. I love hot weather. My back up plan is to manage a hotel.

Who is your role model and why?

My older cousin is my role model because she had a rough childhood and was still able to graduate not only high school, but go onto college as well. She is now a nurse and is always helping others and me. Just because you have a rough childhood doesn’t mean you can’t be someone.

What project did you work on while working at The Foundling?

One of the projects I valued the most was researching advertising space for National Adoption Month. Adoption is very important to me as my sister was adopted. I am happy I was able to help spread the word about adoption and make it a more popularized issue.

What will you take away from your experience at The Foundling?

I’ve learned to be detail oriented and that more information is always better.

What piece of advice would you tell future Foundling Interns?

While you’re at The Foundling you’re going to learn a lot, so just soak it up. Everyone at The Foundling is friendly, and they are happy to give you advice and help you out. Also, the 99¢ Pizza place near the West 4^th subway stop is pretty good.

What is your spirit animal and why?

I’m cat because I’m quite and observant.

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go and why?

I would love to take a trip somewhere in Africa so I could help children in need. I would also like to see Dubai.

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was “A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive” by Dave Pelzer but I also recently read “Oedipus” by Sophocles which was really interesting and different from anything I have ever read before.

Internships present a great opportunity for students and young adults to learn about working at a nonprofit. This summer, a group of interns from across New York City had the chance to see our work in action, collaborate with staff and make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve. Each week this summer, we will highlight one of our interns, sharing what makes them special, and recognizing their accomplishments and achievements.

Where do you go to school?

I’m a rising junior at Stanford University. In the fall I will be studying in Washington D.C. for the quarter.

What is your favorite subject in school to study?

Entrepreneurship, Strategic Philanthropy, and Social Impact. I love tackling issues, brain storming, pitching ideas and being hands on.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to have completed business school and to be an entrepreneur by starting my own endeavor or by getting more involved with an existing establishment. In addition, I hope to have opportunities to contribute creative ideas, work on teams, and lead while making a positive impact on society as a whole. I also plan to stay active and continue my training in rowing (I am currently a member of the Lightweight Rowing Team at Stanford). I especially want the experience of rowing with siblings.

Who is your role model and why?

My parents are my role models because they have so much love to give to others and they have taught my five siblings and me to do the same. They have instilled the belief that hard work, faith and family are of the utmost importance and that we are empowered to make the world a better place. The dedication to service inspired me to found a service project during my freshman year of college. In Project S.W.E.E.P. (Stanford Women’s Educational Erging Program), my teammates on the rowing team and I teach disadvantaged youth how to use the rowing machines. We were also able to take them to the boathouse which was an amazing experience. I love the sport of rowing and feel fortunate to have opportunities to give back.

What project did you work on while at The Foundling?

One of my projects while at The Foundling has been in finding the contact person who will run the Employee Wellness Initiative.  I love people and it goes to show you how one conversation from your personal life can lead to a major change in one’s work life.  Employee Wellness has been a great group effort and I am happy I could help out.

What will you take away from your experience at The Foundling?

I value the strong relationships I have developed with the entire Business Operations team. They have been such great mentors and strong role models. I will continue to reach out for wisdom and advice as The Foundling is such a supportive environment.

What piece of advice would you tell future Foundling Interns?

Do not be afraid to propose new ideas. Also remember that you have the potential to make a positive impact no matter what your tasks may be.

What is your spirit animal and why?

I would have to say I am a squirrel. I have lots of energy and like squirrels; I like the idea of storing, planning, and preparing. Not to mention, I love eating healthy and I always have nuts with me for snacking.

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go and why?

London with my family! I went to preschool there and loved it, but I want to experience it now that I am older. My family is a significant aspect in my life so it’s extremely important to me that they get to enjoy it too.

What is the last book you read, what are you reading now?

The last book I read was Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead”, it’s empowering for women in business and focuses on staying confident. Currently, I am reading “Rhythm of Life: Living Everyday with Passion and Purpose” by Matthew Kelly who is a Catholic speaker and runs a consulting agency which shows you, you don’t have to choose, you can have faith and everything else too.

Internships present a great opportunity for students and young adults to learn about working at a nonprofit. This summer, a group of interns from across New York City had the chance to see our work in action, collaborate with staff and make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve. Each week this summer, we will highlight one of our interns, sharing what makes them special, and recognizing their accomplishments and achievements.

Where do you go to school?

University of Southern California

What is your favorite subject?

Urban social issues and calculus

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully working at a nonprofit in NYC. I’m really passionate about education, so I’d like to be working in an organization that focuses on providing education to low income and disadvantaged students.

Who is your role model and why?

My aunt, Frances Resheke, because she is the most kind-hearted, hardworking, intelligent person that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. 

What project did you work on while at The Foundling?

I helped draft the Sponsor a Camper emails for Camp Felix, The Foundling’s overnight summer camp located in Putnam Valley, NY, for children living in welfare or foster care. It felt amazing to be trusted enough to write emails that would go out to potential donors who would in turn be donating thousands of dollars. It made me feel like I had a direct impact on The Foundling’s success.

What will you take away from your experience at The Foundling?

The Foundling has definitely continued and strengthened my passion for helping those who are undeserved and misrepresented. I think it’s so easy to generalize and make conclusions about people based on one detail, such as being in foster care. Working here has reminded me to always get to know someone’s story before latching onto one detail about them.

What piece of advice would you tell future Foundling Interns?

Ask questions. It’s so easy to be nervous or intimidated, but I truly believe that the employees at The Foundling want to help you as much as you want to help them. If you show interest, imitative, and passion, I think you’ll be much happier with your experience at any internship.

What is your spirit animal and why?

An otter because they hold hands to keep their families together, and I like to think of myself as the glue in my relationships.

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go and why?

The next place I want to go is Cape Town, South Africa. In school we barely covered African history and heritage, and I would love to go there and experience the history and culture for myself.

What is the last book you read, what are you reading now?

The last book I read was “Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation” by Bill Nye, and currently I’m reading “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn.

Stephanie Kearns, our Director of Business Operations, shares her baby food tips!

As a little girl, I vividly remember watching Baby Boom with Diane Keaton as the high powered Manhattan executive newly saddled with an infant daughter. She quickly become overwhelmed by her dual roles and decided to turn lemons into lemonade, well, technically apples into applesauce. Dianne decided to forego her big time city job and start a baby food company. It looked like so much fun and easy! I thought, “I will definitely make my own baby food when I have a baby too! What fun!” Well, here I am with my first baby and I can humbly say, it is not as easy as it looks but I’ve found ways to make the experience fun in the real world. Here are my best tips:

• Good storage containers are important! Scrutinize your choices and see what works best for you. Don’t forget to measure your freezer to make sure the base of the containers you choose fits
• Buy storage containers for “on the road” They sell reusable pouches that you can freeze and take on long car trips
• Fill each container only halfway. Little tummies need less food so you’ll waste a lot if you don’t plan for small doses
• Get creative with new ideas or simply copy the ideas for pre-made food from Happy Family or Plum Organics. They always have yummy combos so I take their lead when possible
• My favorite starter foods alone or combined: sweet potatoes, yams, butternut squash, carrots, peaches, peas, broccoli, bananas – all freeze very well!
• Less water = better consistency
• Chill the food first, then freeze. This results in less freezer burn.
• Your food will not be as pretty as prepackaged food. Don’t panic, your baby doesn’t care about visual as much as taste
• Always keep pre-packaged food on hand. Many times I forget to thaw out food overnight and have to turn to my trusty stock of pouches to serve up dinner. Happy Family and Plum make excellent options.
• Don’t stress out if he/she doesn’t like your food. Keep reintroducing different options and go back to previously rejected items and you’ll often find they’ll eat it!
• You can make a delicious broccoli/pea/squash soup out of the leftover puree. Fill all of your little tots food containers and keep the remaining in the food processor. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of cream or milk and black pepper and salt. Serve in a shot glass as an appetizer for dinner.
• Make your prep work count twice! Chop your fruits and veggies and use 2/3 for baby food and 1/3 for baked goods or stews for a dinner party or family dinner.

Written by Foundling Guest Blogger, Stephanie Kearns, Director of Business Operations

Don’t over-commit to things like writing posts or blogs, there is never enough time in the day! Only kidding. If I can impart any wisdom on mothers and fathers to be, it’s a privilege to share some helpful tips:

1. You will never be able to fully prepare. I know this is a tough pill to swallow but if you’re a perfectionist or control freak like me, it becomes an unfulfilling endeavor to make the scene perfect before baby. Do your best, get the most necessary goods and the rest will fall into your lap. Trust me, friends will come out of the woodwork and free goodies will fall on your doorstep. You will survive without the $300 baby monitor that allows you log on wirelessly.

2. That leads me to #2; Don’t go for the priciest items on the spectrum. That baby monitor I refer to above? I have yet to use it and babysitters and visiting family members can’t use it because it’s too complicated to set up. You have to download an app, make sure Time Warner doesn’t fail you and zoom the camera around wherever your little one decides to crash at that particular moment. Get the good ole’ fashioned noise notifier. It does the trick!

3. Breastfeeding vs. formula. Oh boy, hot topic! Yes breastfeeding is natural, amazing and magical all in one. But truth is, most people have an extraordinarily hard time doing it. Do not beat yourself up as you learn to embrace the idea of breastfeeding. Relax, take your time and supplement in between. I’m not a doctor but I found that stress contributed to making a difficult new experience almost impossible. Feeding your child, no matter how you choose to do it is the most important thing. Nourishment and love is what they need, not a frustrated mom.

4. Don’t overindulge in the internet while pregnant or once you have the baby. I spent WAY too much time looking up every single symptom, quirk and oddity that I experienced and wasted so much time when I could have been sleeping or bonding with my husband or baby. Take a class when you’re around 7-8 months pregnant and you will get the tools you need. Otherwise you will drive yourself crazy believing that your baby has a lip tie and THAT is the reason they disconnect from the bottle or breast during feeding. Relax, they are just excited about the world around them.

5. My last piece of advice is to let go early. I love my baby girl, she is the absolute best thing I ever did and improved my life beyond measure. But don’t neglect the other areas of your life because of guilt or fear. Spend time with your partner, go out with your friends, ask your support system to babysit so you can read that book you’ve been dying to finish – heck you can still do it in the house – just get relief for those precious moments of pleasure. You deserve it and your baby deserves a parent who can love herself too.