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The North Face Grants The New York Foundling $12k for Camp Felix

Each summer, kids in foster care attend overnight camp at The New York Foundling’s Camp Felix.This enriching, memorable experience wouldn’t be possible without support from donors and grantors.

 

That’s why we’re so excited to announce The North Face’s Explore Fund awarded The Foundling $12,000 for Camp Felix, which greatly contributes to ensuring this essential childhood experience of attending sleepaway camp is made a reality. For many of the kids who attend Camp Felix, the trip is their first outside of the city and exploring the great outdoors.

 

The Foundling was one of 43 nonprofits to receive awards from The North Face Explore Fund this summer.

 

“The North Face awards $500,000 annually to nonprofit organizations working in meaningful and creative ways to do two main things: encourage people to experience outdoor activities and develop a lasting love for our natural landscapes. Since 2010, we’ve provided $2.75 million across 500 grants to organizations that help thousands of people from all backgrounds get out there and start exploring,” the company explains in a statement online.

 

Thank you, North Face!

 

If you want to give a gift in support of our summer camp, visit our Sponsor a Camper page.

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TCS NYC Marathon Team Foundling Runner, Andrew

Through the TCS New York City Marathon, nonprofits like The New York Foundling have an opportunity to fundraise and spread awareness for their missions. As an official charity partner with the marathon, The New York Foundling has runners volunteering to run on our behalf to raise money for our programs.

 

Meet one of our five runners, Andrew. Andrew, 62, lives in Manhattan, enjoys helping others and seeing the difference his work can make in the lives of others. Learn more about why he decided to join The Foundling’s official marathon team.

 

Q: What is your involvement with The Foundling?

 

A: Although no involvement at the moment, I hope to in the near future. My friend Rose, who recommended me to join the team, volunteered there and so did my mom back in the 1940s.

 

Q: When did you begin running as a sport or hobby, and why do you enjoy it?

 

A: I began running as both a sport and a hobby back in 1981 and I enjoy it. It is relaxing for me. Using it to raise money for worthwhile organizations is the icing on the cake.

 

Q: What makes you passionate about The New York Foundling’s cause? Why do you want to support it?

 

A: I am a social worker by profession and currently a director for Adult Protective Services for HRA. I enjoy seeing the difference I make in people’s lives.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s race?

 

A: Once again experiencing that wonderful sense of camaraderie of both fellow runners and also spectators all cheering you on each step of the way.

 

Q: Why would you encourage others to support you in this race?

 

A: They support me because they love me and the choices I make. More importantly, support The Foundling for the work they do.

 

Please support Andrew in the marathon, happening on Nov. 5, 2017! By doing so, you’re also helping us aid 30,000 kids and families in need of support services in NYC. Donate to Team Founding here.

 

The New York Foundling is an official charity partner with the TCS New York City Marathon. Meet the rest of our team below:

 

Marathon Blog Peter Gee   TCS Marathon Runner Blog Haley   Jason Dugan Marathon Runner Blog Art   Stephanie Lawrence Marathon Runner Blog Art

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New York City’s Foster Youth Population Attaining College Degrees Through The Foundling

Above: Foundling staff joins students and ACS commissioners at Queens College.

 

On July 17, students from the City’s Fostering College Success Initiative had the privilege of showing ACS Commissioner David Hansell and Deputy Commissioner Julie Farber around the Queens College campus.

 

The Fostering College Success Initiative (otherwise known as ‘The Dorm Project’), which The New York Foundling runs in conjunction with ACS and The City University of New York, affords youth in foster care the opportunity to attend CUNY schools across the city and live in the dorms at no cost to them.

 

Marcus and Carlos, two students involved with the program shared insights and stories about their experiences during the inaugural year of the program with NY1.

 

We’re looking forward to working with our partners at ACS and CUNY over the next 3 years to provide a key educational experience to the city’s foster youth population.

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TCS NYC Marathon Team Foundling Runner, Haley

Above: Haley enjoying an evening at Camp Felix with campers.

 

Each year, runners volunteer to run the TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of The Foundling and raise money for our programs and services ahead of their 26.2-mile race. For 2017, there are five runners joining The New York Foundling’s official team.

 

Meet Haley, one of our teammates and chair of our Junior Board! Haley lives in Manhattan and dedicates her spare time promoting and uplifting The Foundling and its mission. Learn more about her motivations to run for Team Foundling in this year’s marathon.

 

Q: When did you begin running as a sport or hobby, and why do you enjoy it?

 

A: I began running as a hobby in high school and my commitment to it has definitely been a little of a rollercoaster over the years since. But recently, I realized what a positive impact it has on my brain chemistry, giving me a boost when enjoying the “time to think” on my long runs, and now I am hooked again!

 

Q: How long have you been training for this year’s marathon?

 

A: I began training back in February to run my first half marathon at the end of April and maintained my training in order to begin a more rigorous schedule for the marathon in June.

 

Q: What motivated you to run for The New York Foundling’s team in the TCS Marathon?

 

A: This is my first marathon and I’m excited for the chance to run in support of my favorite organization.

 

Q: What makes you passionate about The New York Foundling’s cause? Why do you want to support it?

 

A: I am passionate about how we care for our city’s foster care kids and youth, and The Foundling is exemplary when it comes to helping them through many stages of the journey. I want to continue to support the Foundling’s mission in this way through my marathon fundraising.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s race?

 

A: The overall experience of being part of the TCS Marathon in this incredible city I call home.

 

Q: Why would you encourage others to support you in this race?

 

A: I would encourage others to support me because they are contributing to an organization that makes a significant impact in the lives of our city’s foster care kids. As these kids journey through foster care, they deserve they support of as many people as possible to fill the gaps where their biological family might not be present. I would ask others to support me so we can better support them!

 

Please support Haley in the marathon, happening Nov. 5, 2017! By doing so, you’re also helping us aid 30,000 kids and families in need of support services in NYC. Donate to Team Founding here.

 

The New York Foundling is an official charity partner with the TCS New York City Marathon. Meet the rest of our team below:

 

Marathon Blog Peter Gee   Andrew Marathon Blog Art  Jason Dugan Marathon Runner Blog Art  Stephanie Lawrence Marathon Runner Blog Art

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UPS Delivers Ticket to Dream Foundation Donations for Foster Youth

On Friday, July 14, The New York Foundling received dozens of bags full of clothes, shoes and toys for foster youth, thanks to the Ticket to Dream Foundation’s partnership with Mattress Firm. The organizations collected thousands of items for the kids in our care.

 

To top it off, a generous volunteer from UPS picked up and delivered the truck-full of donations.

 

Thank you, Ticket to Dream, Mattress Firm and UPS, for your ongoing support for The Foundling and those we serve!

 

View photos from the drop off on our Facebook page.

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TCS NYC Marathon Team Foundling Runner, Peter

Above: Peter, one of this year’s marathon runners on The Foundling’s official team, running a race.

 

The TCS New York City Marathon is a chance for runners to compete against some of the best athletes in the country. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for nonprofits like The New York Foundling to garner support for their many meaningful missions.

 

Each year, runners volunteer to run on behalf of The Foundling and raise money for our programs and services ahead of their 26.2-mile race. For 2017, there are five runners joining The New York Foundling’s official team, and we’ll be featuring each one on our blog.

 

Meet Peter, one of our teammates! Peter, who is in his 30s, lives in Brooklyn and just began his training in July. Learn more about him — and what motivated him to run the marathon — below.

 

Q: What is your involvement with The Foundling?

 

A: I work at The Door and we regularly partner with The Foundling! We’re extremely excited that they are one of eleven partners for our new Youth Opportunity Hub that officially launches this fall.

 

Q: When did you begin running as a sport or hobby, and why do you enjoy it?

 

A: My husband is on the Board of Heights and Hills, an incredible Brooklyn-based older adults organization. They were looking to fill their marathon team four years ago and a few friends and I decided to do it on a whim. I’ve been hooked to the #TCSNYCMarathon ever since.

 

Q: What makes you passionate about The New York Foundling’s cause? Why do you want to support it?

 

A: The Foundling is led by some incredible leaders, they are one of our city’s oldest and most respected nonprofit organizations, and their mission of saving children, preserving families, and building communities. There are over 13,000 children living in the city’s foster care system – and every year 1,200 age out. The Foundling is using evidence-based models to solve this crisis.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s race?

 

A: I’m looking forward to start training with some of my other friends running the #TCSNYCMarathon this year – and telling my friends and family about The Foundling.

 

Please support Peter in the marathon, happening Nov. 5, 2017! By doing so, you’re also helping us aid 30,000 kids and families in need of support services in NYC. Donate to Team Founding here.

 

The New York Foundling is an official charity partner with the TCS New York City Marathon. Meet the rest of our team below:

 

TCS Marathon Runner Blog Haley   Andrew Marathon Blog Art  Jason Dugan Marathon Runner Blog Art  Stephanie Lawrence Marathon Runner Blog Art

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Q&A with Rajiv, a Stand-Out ‘Road to Success’ Student

Above: Rajiv on the day of his high school graduation (Credit: NY1).

 

After hitting some academic roadblocks in 2015, during his sophomore year of high school, Rajiv joined The New York Foundling’s Road to Success program, available to youth in foster care.

 

After just two years of working closely with his tutor Dylan, Rajiv went from being a good student to a great student, program staff notes. He even scored a 31 on his ACT!

 

Because of his story and success, Rajiv was recently featured on NY1.

 

To celebrate his graduation from Queens High School for the Sciences at York College on June 27, we asked Rajiv a few questions about his experiences with RTS.

 

1. What challenges have you faced in school?

 

The tremendous distance from my home(s) due to sporadic home changes, and the general academic rigor of my school (school ranked 8th in the state) have all been roadblocks that I have overcome with my time at RTS.

 

2. What have you achieved through RTS and what achievements are you most proud of?

 

RTS has helped me pass my required regents with flying colors, has helped me attain SAT/ ACT scores in the top 10% of all test takers, and has helped me navigate the complex college application process, yielding a tremendous amount of positive results.

 

3. How have you felt about your time in RTS?

 

I am tremendously grateful for the dedication that my tutor has for helping me advance my academic career and help me attain success in many ways which will enhance my future at college

 

4. How has RTS helped you achieve your goals?

 

Weekly sessions on a rigid basis year round, constant communication via email, hosting college-bound sessions and providing me with a tremendous amount of school resources (i.e. graphing calculators, notebooks and writing utensils.

 

Rajiv was accepted to Baruch. We’re are all very proud of you, Rajiv!

 

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10 Ways to Be Involved with The Foundling

Without our committed donors, dedicated volunteers, and community supporters, we wouldn’t be able to help 30,000 children, families and individuals each year. We value and appreciate each and every person who supports The Foundling, and cannot thank you enough!

 

With summer upon us, and people finding themselves with a little more free time than usual, we’re often asked, “how can I become more involved with The Foundling?” Well, we have 10 easy and simple ways you can stay connected to us year-round (summer, fall, winter or spring!).

 

1. Dedicate your birthday to The Foundling

 

Skip the gift wrap. For your next birthday, encourage your friends to donate to The Foundling in honor of you! Visit our donation page and select “In Honor Of” when making your gift.

 

2. Join our Junior Board

 

We’re always looking for new members to join our Junior Board. This group of young professionals in their 40s and younger volunteer with us and use their talents to help with events and other Foundling endeavors. For more details on joining, email Kathleen.Passantino@NYFoundling.org or visit our Junior Board page.

 

3. Volunteer your time and talent

 

Have a special talent or skillset? Have a passion for helping others? Whether you’d like to volunteer with your company, group of friends, by yourself, regularly, or here-and-there, we’ve got plenty of volunteer opportunities. Visit our volunteers webpage or email Volunteer@NYFoundling.org.

 

4. Attend a Foundling event

 

Twice a year, The Foundling hosts its major fundraisers: The Blue Party and Fall Fête. The Blue Party is typically in the spring, and Fall Fête is in the fall. Keep up to date with those online.

 

In the meantime, we have plenty of fun events open to the public. Be sure to check our events calendar!

 

5. Talk about The Foundling on Social Media!

 

If you follow The New York Foundling on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, be sure to like, comment and share our posts to help spread the news about what we do!

 

6. Shop for a cause

 

While you’re shopping online at your favorite stores, you can support The Foundling! Check out with AmazonSmile and JetCares.

 

Fun fact: When you visit COFFEED in Chelsea, located next door to our office at 590 Avenue of the Americas, you are contributing to The Foundling, too!

 

7. Sign up for our emails

 

Sign up for our emails to stay in the loop with everything we’re doing here at The Foundling, from latest news to upcoming events.

 

8. Join The Foundling’s Friends’ Council

 

Become a supporter through our Foundling Friends’ Council.  Get involved, donate, and support us at events. Learn more and sign up here.

 

9. Check out our latest media coverage and blog posts

 

Visit this page to be in the know whenever we’re featured in a newspaper, magazine, or on TV. We also update our blog regularly with foster parent stories, client interviews, exciting internal news, and more.

 

10. Watch our videos

 

Get an all-encompassing overview of our history and the people we serve through our videos on YouTube.

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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Visits The Foundling, Talks Current Issues

On June 26, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited The New York Foundling to meet with Catholic Charities and several of its affiliates to hear about issues facing New York City’s human services providers.

 

Representatives from The Foundling and participating organizations were able to sit down with the Senator to talk about the services they provide to the community, and the current issues facing those they serve, including educational and employment opportunities for teens aging out of the foster care system, challenges immigrants and refugees face, mental health services for children in public schools, addiction, and more. Senator Gillibrand offered opportunities and ideas for follow-up and collaboration.

 

It was an honor to be a part of the meeting and we’re excited to have had the opportunity to discuss our work with the Senator.

 

This was adapted from a message written by Catholic Charities of New York, the New York Foundling’s sister organization.

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Foster Youth Document First Year of College: Jasmine

Above: Jasmine, age 23, rising senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. This was her first year of college with the Fostering College Success Initiative.

 

The day I moved into the dorms at Queens College it was pretty calm. My support team was there with me the entire time and I felt really excited about the new move. My first semester, I spent my time in the classroom as opposed to the spring semester where I took all online courses except for one. This gave me the opportunity to do other activities on the Queens College campus.  I enjoyed my classes because they were very specific and detailed.

 

I transferred from a different college, so seeing the change in teaching styles was great. I learned a lot about myself through these classes. I did a lot of community service this year through the YAB group for New Yorkers for Children. I was invited to be a part of two galas, helping raise money for youth in care, and it was definitely an exciting experience.

 

My Residential Case Planner, Lovedeep, is amazing to say the least. She always makes sure she can get an answer to my many questions. She is always there for me and I appreciate this very much. My tutor Elizabeth has also been amazing and our time together has been beneficial to me because I feel tutoring is not only about the work.

 

There were times I didn’t have work, but I would still come just to talk about how I was feeling. It was like academic therapy. Her knowing what I felt, and how it affected my work ethic, allowed her to be a better tutor forms me because she was always aware.

 

The most challenging thing about living in the dorms is living with other people and them not having the same living style that you do, but that can be experienced outside as well; however, it is not too bad. Dorming and college never was a problem for me, as I know how to keep focused and stay dedicated to my goals.

 

The above post is an excerpt from an essay written by Jasmine. Click here to learn more about The New York Foundling’s efforts and role in the CUNY/ACS Fostering College Success Initiative.

 

Read the essays of other students by clicking their photos below:

 

Nakia College Dorm Guest Blog   Marcus College Dorm Student Blog   Blog Photo Monica Essay   Ericka Blog Post

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