Blog Archives - Page 57 of 68 - The New York Foundling

Picnic to Celebrate The Foundling’s Healthy Families Program

It was a blast at the Healthy Families Picnic in Staten Island last week when family, friends and supporters gathered to enjoy a sunny day while celebrating themselves and their community.

Throughout the afternoon there were so many activities to choose from: Arts and crafts, face painting, basketball and running through water sprinklers! Together, with observing a Native American drum circle and having the opportunity to climb a Rock Tower Wall provided by the NYPD, there was so much to do and see! The Healthy Families Picnic was made extra memorable by our special supporters Fidelis Care, KTU and the NYPD–we couldn’t have done it without them! But what made the day particularly amazing were all the astounding families that were there to have a good time!

“Our families have stated that this is a wonderful opportunity for the family to spend a fun day together, as well as for those who are more isolated to get out, meet people and learn some of the services available in the community,” – Dorothy Gordon, Healthy Families Supervisor at The Foundling.

Other annual events coming up are our Pumpkin Picking Adventure (in costume) and a Christmas Party! We also will be providing trips to see Elf and Disney On Ice.

September 1, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education

BNY Mellon Volunteers Soak Up the Sun at Camp Felix

Longtime supporters and annual visitors to Camp Felix, Bank of New York Mellon Volunteers returned for another festive, fun and busy day of activities in Putnam Valley, NY. Twenty-five volunteers gave up a full day of work to spend it with our campers in foster care and child welfare system. Volunteers were embraced by the Camp Felix community as positive role models and were able to interact with the kids and bond over lunch and fun in the sun.

At The Foundling’s Camp Felix, campers have the freedom to explore, grow and try new experiences which ordinarily encounter in their day-to-day lives. The BNY Mellon volunteers made the day extra special for the campers supplying clay and other supplies for a nature learning project, leading campers in sports games and treating the whole camp to ice cream sundaes!

“We were thrilled to be able to take part in Camp Felix this summer (the 4th straight year!). The feedback from our team was that they were extremely happy to be supporting such a great cause — and a number of them are already eager for thinking of new ways to engage with the campers again next summer. We were especially impressed with how at home it seemed like the kids felt – which says a lot about the camp staff and The New York Foundling!” – Colin Lounsberry, BNY Mellon volunteer team leader

A great day was had by all, thanks to the Camp Felix staff for their coordination, and the wonderful volunteer from BNY Mellon for sharing their time and energy with our kids!

There’s still time to contribute to the magic of Camp Felix for the summer of 2015! Help us change the lives of New York City’s youth in foster care and the child welfare system.

August 31, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education, Guest Blogger

Traveling with a Toddler – Holiday Season is Approaching!

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

As our family gears up for our 4th trip and the first of the upcoming holiday season with our not quite 2 year old, I’ve learned a lot of lessons about traveling with a young one. I’ve heard every secret in the book to keep kids calm, distracted, and even asleep while traveling on a plane. These tips below apply no matter how you travel but some are tailored to a plane trip specifically as this is the most limiting way of travel and no parent is ever quite ready for what might ensue on your adventures!

Activities – I’ve chosen to limit the amount of screen time my child has while in transit to any destination and at home. I’m overly sensitive to the idea that a young child’s brain hasn’t quite developed to properly process the screen defined activities available. However, this is absolutely the easiest and fastest way to calm and distract a child so many parents rely on this in a pinch and I’m one of them. I want to offer some alternatives that give you similar levels of kid satisfaction without the guilt.

Stickers. Listen, I don’t know what it is about stickers but they are pretty much the best thing in the universe according to kids. Our house is proudly littered with (easily removable) stickers. They are easy to pack too. Bring a small composition book and pack of stickers and count on your little one being occupied for a while. Create adventures on each page using different themed stickers. Don’t splurge for the $5 pack of 12 stickers at Container Store, grab the bulk options at a party supply store or the clearance bin at Target.

Silly putty – unlike playdough which can be too sticky and fall apart more quickly. Silly putty is sturdy and easier to hold. You can make shapes and stand the newly created objects up on the tray table or car seat tray.

Books – don’t underestimate the power of books in transit. Board books are usually easier to carry and there is less chance of a page being ripped out. Toddlers are in the development phase where the idea of repeating the same book over and over again is exciting for them as they recognize the next page before they see it. This can be exhausting on parents to re-read the same book 100 times but stick with it, try voices and sounds and prompt your child to fill in the blank with words so they can contribute to the story telling.

Products – There is no perfect travel product collection but there are some pretty great options out there to make things a little easier. I’ve travelled with and without my husband and when I was without him, some of these items were lifesavers! I have personally used all of these products.

Ok this first one is a little pricey but if you are a regular traveler you will not want to live without this! Sit n Stroll car seat http://lillygold.com/ This is a super easy stroller with retractable wheels that easily store inside the unit with one handed action. This is most appropriate for 0-1.5 but I know they are coming out with upgraded designs for a little older and new colors. The cushioned material is easily washable, and the option of being able to pop your baby out of the rental car while fast asleep so you can run into a restaurant and grab a bite adds some extra adult time to your trip! You can also install in a plane seat if you can swing the extra ticket price – splurge if you are flying solo with a kiddo.

The is my favorite option for kids between 22-44 lbs. It is a seat belt mechanism that is used with the existing seat belts in plane seats (THIS IS NOT FOR CARS!) http://store.kidsflysafe.com/ Bonus: they have a separate product to serve children and adults with special needs. Super reasonable and with the frequent Buy Buy Baby 20% off coupons, it’s a steal!

Portable high chair. I recommend 2 different options. One that stands alone and another that fastens to any dining chair. This first is the Ciao Baby Portable Highchair, it works like the foldable park chairs that you can buy at your local bodega during the summertime. The other is the Munchkin travel booster seat. The second one gets mixed reviews online but I found it to be the best of the options with a 3 point harness and storage compartment in the seat giving it double use when not being used as a chair.

Planning – Try not to drive yourself or your loved one crazy. If you’ve decided to travel with a child, embrace it and get to a place where you feel relatively comfortable so you can reduce your and your family’s stress. Just own that you WILL forget something but as long as it is not your child or significant other you can pretty much buy anything you could possibly need!

Booking travel at the right time, on the right day for the right price is daunting! Here’s the thing: You will not get the perfect plan in place so stop agonizing and save yourself some cash to use for a special treat at your destination by booking the cheapest at a reasonable hour! Traveling can dramatically change the nap hours of your child so don’t count on the perfect hour on the plane where they will drift into sleep. This happened once for us but due to all of the other travel discomforts she was cranky the rest of the day!

Airport arrival time: check in and load up do require more precise planning on the day. You don’t want to arrive too early as you’ll be sitting in the airport for too long. Just go with the average suggestion time by the airport. Print your boarding passes before you get to the airport. Airport security are usually a little more lax when you have a kid cause they can see you coming a mile away and want you to get through fast. Have your stuff in hand before getting in line and take a deep breath. It is just travel with a kid, not the bar exam. Note: airlines don’t let parents with small children board early anymore but if you have to install one of the devices above, talk to the attendant and they usually allow you to board early.

Hotel stay – try to find a room that mimics your set up at home. If your child sleeps in a separate room attempt to locate a hotel that has a door separating rooms to establish the same patterns. I recommend a hotel with guest laundry – no matter how much you pack, puke, spills, messes are even more frequent on vacation. Murphy’s law.

HAVE FUN!

Embrace the mess, love the mistakes and support each other. Happy travelling!

August 27, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education, Guest Blogger

Q&A with Sabrina C. | Strategic Partnerships & Communications Department Intern

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.

August 20, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Developmental Disabilities, Education, Guest Blogger, Partnerships

TEACHING AT-RISK YOUTH IN TRAUMA-SENSITIVE EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

By Bill Baccaglini, President and CEO,

The New York Foundling

One of the most pressing education policy challenges our country currently faces is the persistently huge disparity in academic achievement between children growing up in poor, underserved communities and children in communities with the resources to meet their educational and recreational needs. That education gap is even wider for children who are also members of our most fragile student population: those in the child welfare system.

The New York Foundling is one of New York’s oldest and largest child welfare organizations and several years ago, we began an effort to develop an educational model that provided these children with the array of services they need and that incorporated our knowledge of child welfare into their school day. Seven years ago, we launched Mott Haven Academy, a K-5 charter school in one of the nation’s most disadvantaged communities. Two-thirds of our students are in the child welfare system, with the remaining third from the surrounding community.

State test results just in show strong evidence that our approach is working.

Overall, in both English and Math, the percentage of students with passing scores at Haven Academy was triple the percentage in the surrounding community school district.

Our students’ performance also exceeded the averages for New York City, New York State and other charter schools.

Most telling, even child welfare children at Haven Academy outperformed students in the community school district – students who may or may not have encountered the child welfare system.

In English, the percentage of child welfare students at Haven who passed the exam was double the percentage in the school district as a whole.

In Math, the percentage passing was two and a half times that in the school district and exceeded the overall City and State averages.

What are we doing to achieve these results?

We’ve found that children do better when educators and child welfare professionals work together, providing critical and comprehensive care to students. This collaboration enables us to develop and implement intervention plans in a timely manner.

For example, when a student is absent, the teacher notifies the school social worker who, based on the student’s history, determines if a child’s caseworker should be notified. This follow-up often includes home visits by school personnel and case workers. And since we offer health and dental services on the premises, if a child needs these services, we can integrate the visits into the school day, so the student doesn’t need to miss a day of school every time there’s an appointment.

We also utilize a trauma-sensitive model, giving students access to advanced counseling services and a school culture designed to educate them academically and to teach them how to perform socially and cope with whatever trauma they may experience.

This requires that teachers and staff receive intensive training on how to interact with children. For example, they recognize that when students are sensitive to physical touch, it may be because of a history of abuse – and that they need to engage students without physical contact. Teachers and staff are also very intentional about the language, habits, routines and interactions they exhibit.

By emphasizing the rewarding of positive behaviors, leveraging student strengths to curb unproductive behaviors and creating a consistent adult climate, we can encourage children to make responsible decisions based on outcomes they can predict. Traditional public education models are built to educate the majority of students. They aren’t equipped, and understandably so, to address the special needs and circumstances of students in the child welfare system – many of whom have experienced trauma, been physically or sexually abused or seriously neglected. Creating a model that reaches these children is crucial – without it, they are far more likely to struggle with unplanned pregnancies, drug abuse, incarceration and long-term dependence on government-funded services for food, healthcare and housing in the future.

We believe that in bridging the gap between educators and child welfare professionals to create trauma-sensitive schools, we can also bridge the education gap between at-risk youth and students of the general population nationwide. Our experience at Haven Academy is showing that it can work.

Please visit The Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy by Clicking Here.

August 18, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog

Campers Debut their Talents at Camp Felix’s Open House!

It was a lively and eventful evening in Putnam Valley as parents, family, friends, teachers, and Foundling staff gathered for a night of food, fun, laughter, and entertainment at Camp Felix’s Open House. Everyone lined up to enjoy dinner in preparation for the excitement of the camp’s talent show ahead of them.

The show included dynamic and energetic performances that varied from dancing, to singing, to one-act plays! Each of the campers exuded confidence as they performed their area of artistry. The atmosphere was electric as campers and audience members cheered on their friends and bunkmates.

“It’s so uplifting to see how much progress many of the campers make while at Camp Felix. These are children who have faced adversity at a young age and it takes a lot of courage and resiliency to push through the hardships and just be a kid. To see everyone smiling, laughing and being creative is such a gift,” said Gabriella Cassandra, Interim Program Director of Camp Felix.

Time is running out to give the gift of Camp. Please sponsor a camper today and provide youths in NYC’s foster care system the chance to have the summer of their lives.

August 13, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education, Guest Blogger

Q&A with Sarah H. | Business Operations Department Intern at The Foundling

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.

August 11, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education, Guest Blogger

Q&A with Amanda E. | Strategic Partnerships & Communications Department Intern at The Foundling

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 go to Horace Mann School in Riverdale in the Bronx. I’m going to be a senior in High School.

What is your favorite subject in school to study?

I really enjoy math, psychology and certain types of history. I think that getting to look at history through a specific lens and in one type of aspect is so interesting. I love math because I really like problem solving and I love how there is (usually) just one answer. I also think psychology is really cool because I think it is so interesting to look at how people’s minds work.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself definitely working in the field of public policy or advocacy. I would definitely love to work at organization like the New York Foundling and I would love to be able to say I made a huge positive impact on many people.

Who is your role model and why?

My mom has always been my role model. I’ve always really admired how she’s done such an amazing job of balancing working and her career and being around to raise her children. She’s also extremely caring and honest and has many admirable qualities.

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

I really loved being able to spend time with children at the Crisis Nursery and teens at the Haddad Brands event. I think that especially at the teen event, I was able to get to know some of the people in the Foundling’s programs and I am definitely proud of that. I also enjoyed gathering statistics about foster care and nutrition in the U.S. I am happy that I was able to contribute to raising awareness about very significant issues and getting others to know how they can help change the alarming data.

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

I have definitely gained an understanding of how important every small project is and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a great feeling knowing that even though I am not necessarily seeing the people I am helping every day, my work has gone towards such an amazing cause. Every project benefits the Foundling, whether it is spreading awareness or collecting data, and I am very proud of that. I definitely think that I will take away a lot of organizational skills and also an emphasis on how important it is to communicate while doing projects.

What piece of advice would you tell future Foundling Interns?

I would definitely encourage future interns to always take the opportunity to go on “field trips” or do projects that are outside the department they are working in. It’s such a great opportunity to be able to explore other aspects of the Foundling and it’s always fun to get out of the office and experience something new. There are also so many amazing events and departments around the Foundling so it is definitely a unique experience to be able to be a part of them all.

What is your spirit animal and why?

I think that a kangaroo is my spirit animal. Female kangaroos are very protective of their young and carry them in pouches on their body. Although I don’t usually physically carry my friends and family, I think I’m very supportive and protective of them, just like a kangaroo.

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

Santorini, Greece. It’s relaxing, has beautiful beaches, and has a cool culture.

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

The last book I read was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and now I am reading another book by the same author, Dark Places. I initially wanted to read Gone Girl because I love mysteries and wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. It was such a good book and I love a shocking ending.

August 6, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog

Goldman Sachs Community Team Works (CTW) Visit Camp Felix for an Afternoon of Fun

Volunteers from Goldman Sachs’ visited Camp Felix in Putnam Valley, NY, for an action packed day full of fun and adventure as part of Community Team Works (CTW), the firm’s global volunteer initiative. The event was organized by Dan Oneglia, a Foundling Trustee and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs.

Nearly two dozen volunteers spent time with campers, learning about their interests, hobbies, passions, and what they want to be when they grow up. Everyone enjoyed lunch in the mess hall then dispersed to play sports and games. When it was time to cool off, everyone went inside and created arts and crafts projects.

It was an exciting and meaningful day as the campers showed the Goldman Sachs volunteers what Camp Felix means to them. In return, Goldman Sachs’ volunteers had the opportunity to serve as role models for youth living in foster care and the child welfare system.

“Volunteering at Camp Felix brought back memories of my own summer vacations playing games and trying new activities. The impact of camp on these kids is profound. They gain confidence, learn new skills, and have stability. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, campers were smiling, singing, cheering and having the time of their lives,” said Mr. Oneglia.

There’s still time to sponsor a camper for 2015!

Help us change the lives of New York City’s youth in foster care and the child welfare system.

August 4, 2015/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education

Junior Board Visits Camp Felix and Participates in an Evening Scavenger Hunt | The NY Foundling

The New York Foundling’s Junior Board returned to Camp Felix, located in Putnam Valley, NY, for their annual volunteer event with youth in New York City’s child welfare and foster care system. More than half of the Junior Board membership attended this special event, bringing back memories of their own camp experiences.

The evening started with dinner in the ‘mess hall’ where campers and Junior Board members got to know each other and exchange stories about their lives. After dinner, the entire camp participated in a Scavenger Hunt. Teams included kids in different age groups which allowed the older campers to serve as role models and leaders for the younger campers. Special prizes donated by the Junior Board were given out at the end of the Scavenger Hunt to the winning team.

“Camp Felix is an amazing opportunity for many of New York City’s foster care youth to have fun and act their age! They get away from the stresses of their everyday and jump into the incredible childhood experience of camp. Taking a trip out to visit and play with these kids is one of my favorite nights of the summer because I get to connect my passion for awareness and advocacy with the actual children in foster care,” said Haley Wright.

The Junior Board is a dynamic group of young professionals dedicated to volunteering their time, talents, and energy to raise critical funds for The Foundling. Members have the unique opportunity to serve as advocates for The Foundling’s important work to empower the children and families, while advancing their personal, professional, and leadership goals.

Want to learn more about Camp Felix? Click here to read Bill Baccaglini’s Huffington Post article on empowering kids through the gift of camp. You can also help us send more kids to Camp Felix by sponsoring a camper.

July 31, 2015/by Elefant Design

There’s still time to sponsor a camper for 2015!

Help us change the lives of New York City’s youth in foster care and the child welfare system.

Contact us.