Our Strong Families and Communities (SFC) Training Center reflects The Foundling’s commitment to building futures: their comprehensive programming is designed to help peer organizations and professionals in the NYC human services industry become stronger, more effective practitioners. Founded in late 2020, the Center operates as a centralizing resource for those who are looking to gain a broader skillset, network with like-minded professionals, and better address the needs of communities.
How does the SFC Center Equip Professionals?
The Center uses a three-pronged approach to preparing community leaders to make a difference: training, implementation support, and coalition building.
Their training sessions take place both online and in-person throughout the year and are open to anyone who is interested in becoming a certified Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) or Family Peer Advocate (FPA). YPAs and FPAs play a unique role in the lives of people they support – they often can relate to clients in a way that makes them equipped to advocate for their needs.
These workshops are highly interactive and often involve applying concepts to hypothetical scenarios. This gives attendees the chance to practice integrating new tools and strategies into existing frameworks. While the trainings are primarily intended to support the efforts of those looking to become a YPA or FPA, they are beneficial for anyone who works in a community-facing role and is looking to improve their practical skillsets.
The group also offers guidance to organizations as they implement evidence-based models. This gives industry partners the space to ask questions, receive immediate feedback, and adjust their process as needed. This structure is mutually beneficial – providers have the chance to consult with experts, and our SFC team is able to expand their relationships within the community.
Coalition building – the third major focus of the Center – helps facilitate relationships between local leaders and organizations so that they can collaborate when addressing community needs. This is what helps the Center’s work to result in lasting change – and keep communities strong.
On October 21 from 11AM – 3PM at The Penthouse NYC (617 West 46th Street), the SFC Center will be hosting a meet-and-greet! The event will give local providers and the general public an opportunity to meet the team and build connections. This is the perfect chance to learn more about the courses, resources, certifications, and collaborative opportunities the Center offers.
Please visit our website to stay up to date on upcoming workshops and get involved.
Since 1970, the TCS New York City Marathon – the world’s largest marathon – has been a source of inspiration for runners around the globe. On November 2, 2025, over 50,000 athletes will once again take to the streets for a 26.2-mile route through all five boroughs of New York City.
In partnership with New York Road Runners, The Foundling is proud to support a team of eleven runners this year. Members of Team Foundling are committed to giving back – they combine their athletic goals with fundraising, and are currently raising funds to support our programs.
Hear more from each of our team members below, and learn how you can support them and The Foundling.
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The Staten Island Advance reports on our recent Metsgiving event. As they report, the 155-year-old community partner, The New York Foundling, which offers opportunities and programs to over 30,000 people in New York and Puerto Rico, collaborated with the Amazin’ Mets Foundation to give away 500 turkeys to families of Staten Island.
Patch reports on The Foundling’s recent Fall Fête. The event hosted over 400 guests at its Fall Fête 2024 on Wednesday at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Manhattan, and raised more than $825,000, which will go to support The Foundling’s 40 programs spanning education, child welfare, community health and behavioral health, juvenile and criminal justice, and support for people with disabilities.
In a news report in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, NY1 Noticias interviews Delila Nadal, director of our Staten Island Community Partnership, and reports on the program’s weekly Free Market, which provides food and household goods for over 80 families on Staten Island’s North Shore each week.
“When I was a child, my family and I used to use food pantries and it was a horrible thing because they would throw you a box, a bag and that was it. But in this food pantry it is a little different because it is a personalized attention that each person receives,” she explains.
“Delila Nadal says she never stops working – from picking up phone calls to unloading food from trucks and unboxing it – because she says her work is imperative to a hungry community. Nadal is the director of the Staten Island Community Partnership, a program under The New York Foundling that provides social services to anyone struggling,” shares NY1.
In a news report in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, NY1 interviews Delila and reports on our Staten Island Community Partnership’s weekly Free Market, which provides food and household goods for over 80 families on Staten Island’s North Shore each week.