On their daily Around the Boroughs segment, reporter Ron Lee reported on our Staten Island Community Partnership‘s mobile food pantry.

Watch the video below:

 

In their latest blog post, Taylor Britt of The Difference Card sat down with Meghan O’Keefe, Assistant Vice President in our Human Resources department. In the interview, they discuss our successes using The Difference Card as a way to keep health insurance cost low while providing the best possible benefits for Foundling staff.

Read more at The Difference Card

On March 19, Team Foundling will embark on the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half! The half marathon historically has taken over 25,000 runners along a 13.1 mile course through Brooklyn and Manhattan.

In partnership with New York Road Runners, we are excited to sponsor a team of ten runners – members receive guaranteed entry and other perks, all while crowdfunding for The Foundling’s programs supporting children, adults, and families. Our 2023 Team Foundling runners come from a variety of backgrounds – but are united in their dedication to running this strenuous race and giving back to our shared Foundling community.

Read more about each of our team members below, and learn how you can support them and The Foundling.

 

 Erik Clark-resizedErik Clark

Having recently moved to New York has had its challenges, but it has also provided a lot of opportunities. I wanted a new challenge and couldn’t think of a more demanding activity than to start with this half marathon and have the opportunity to give back to the Foundling community!

Learn More & Support Erik! 

Jardy Santana-resizedJardy Santana

Connection to The Foundling: Haven Academy staff member

I’ve known I’ve wanted to be a teacher from the age of 6. For 12 of the past 14 years as an educator, I have been a teacher at Mott Haven Academy Charter school, The Foundling’s charter school in the South Bronx.

I’ve experienced the impact of this partnership on our community first hand, and joining Team Foundling allows me to further support my immediate community and fellow New Yorkers, through another one of my passions: running. I chose to run with Team Foundling to make a difference in my community!

Learn More & Support Jardy!

 Michelle Watsula-resizedMichelle Watsula

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling staff member

I’m fairly new to the running game compared to most people. I started running during COVID as a way to keep myself healthy, both mentally and physically. Running is tough, but what has kept me motivated to continue was seeing my son cheer me on as I approached the finish line of my first half marathon last year.

When the opportunity arose to run for The New York Foundling – the agency that has provided me with invaluable learning experiences, growth opportunities, mentors, and relationships; an agency that continues to grow, innovate, and advocate to ensure we are always helping our clients reach their full potential – I jumped at the chance.

Learn More & Support Michelle!

Naomi Jackson-resizedNaomi Jackson

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling Junior Board member

Naomi is excited to participate in her first half marathon since moving to NYC five years ago. A member of The Foundling’s Junior Board, Naomi is inspired to contribute to the vision to help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. A Hudson River Park regular, Naomi is keen to explore new running paths during her training. She’s also looking forward to the scenic race route of the NYC half and the special experience of crossing the finish line in Central Park. And course to enjoying a celebratory champagne with loved ones and her fellow Team Foundling runners afterward!

Learn More & Support Naomi!

John Machado-resizedJohn Carlos Machado II 

Victory is paid for in sweat, courage, and preparation. It’s about being on a lonely road and running like a champion even when there’s not a single soul in sight to cheer you on – when I wake up in the morning, feeling dangerous. Mindset: I hate to lose, more than I love to win.

Learn More & Support John!

Mel Hartzog -resizedMel Hartzog

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling staff member

I’m proud to lead The Foundling and all that our incredible staff do in support of the more than 30,000 children, adults, and families we reach each year!

In our work, and especially during the pandemic, managing our health and wellness has been especially important. Exercising is one of the ways that I keep myself physically and mentally healthy and when combined with the opportunity to support Team Foundling – I couldn’t wait to sign up!!

Learn More & Support Mel!

Elliott Lynn-resizedElliot Lynn 

Elliott started running as a way to exercise outside during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has recently run two half marathons. He’s passionate about The Foundling’s work, and has seen the impact of The Foundling’s services through his wife, a pediatric primary care provider for many years at The Foundling. Elliott is excited to combine his love of running with the opportunity to support the work of an organization that provides compassion, care and opportunity for those who need it most.

Learn More & Support Elliot!

Erin Lippman-resizedErin Lippman

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling Junior Board member

I started running about 20 years ago and have found it to be therapeutic. Running had allowed me to look at my city and other places from a different perspective. Being able to run on behalf of causes I care has about allowed me to combine something I love with something that helps others. I’m very thankful to be a member of the Junior Board for The New York Foundling. No children should have to live in a world without human basic needs.

Learn More & Support Erin!

Emma Wolfe

 

Learn More & Support Emma!

Jason Kauppila Jason Kauppila

I am NYC born and raised and have been running competitively for the past 10 years for teams with a common goal and personal achievements. This time, the race is not for me. It’s to embody the spirit of an amazing team – one that empowers our neighbors and changes lives for the better. Special shout out to Jane Fanning and The New York Foundling for getting me involved!   

 

Remember the excitement of moving out on your own? Many New Yorkers may never get the opportunity – but they will now thanks to you and thanks to The Foundling. While those growing up without support systems or with developmental disabilities may dream of having their own home, they often struggle to find clear pathways to achieve that goal.

Today, residents in our Supportive Housing programs are seeing their dreams of independence come true. Vital Brookdale, our first supportive housing complex, provides purpose-built apartments and on-site guidance for young people aging out of foster care and adults with developmental disabilities: two groups that often struggle to secure and maintain housing.

In the videos below, see the benefits of this unique approach!


Meet Anthony, one of Vital Brookdale’s new residents

Meet our Supportive Housing team: The Foundling’s ‘Dreammakers’


The Foundling is committed to providing opportunities like this for our community – but we can only do it with your help. Your gift this holiday season will allow more people like Anthony to reach their full potential.

 

At The Foundling, we are committed to serving our community, and to continue the promise that the Sisters of Charity made to support our neighbors over 150 years ago.

As Melanie Hartzog, our President & CEO, recently shared:

“The New York Foundling is a place of inspiration, hope, transformation, and community. That is what drew me here – I was so impressed with the mission and vision of The Foundling, and its many opportunities to make a real impact in the lives of children, adults, and families.

Whether we’re supporting young people through and beyond foster care, providing families in Puerto Rico with early education services, or giving people with developmental disabilities the guidance to achieve their dreams, The Foundling transforms to support the communities we serve.”

This important work is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters – and this Giving Tuesday, you can help us keep this legacy alive.

This Giving Tuesday, help transform lives. Here’s how you can make an impact in the lives of children, adults, and families in New York and Puerto Rico:

  • Donate: A donation provides support where it’s needed most!
Jason

$2,500 can furnish an apartment for 2 people living on their own for the first time

Doodle Den

$1,000 can fund 6 months of art therapy and community engagement for young people in foster care

$500 can provide a child abuse prevention workshop for 20 students

Camp Felix

$100 can sponsor a day of camp for a young person involved in the child welfare system

  • Give back on AmazonSmile: Visit AmazonSmile and choose The New York Foundling as your AmazonSmile charity. The Foundling will receive a portion of every dollar you spend – a simple way to give back as you shop online, at no cost to you!
  • Crowdfund for The Foundling: If you’re on Facebook, you and your network can easily support us! Visit our Facebook page and start a fundraiser to support the children, adults, and families in our programs.
  • Volunteer: Lend a hand this holiday season! Sign up for December volunteer opportunities here.
  • Make a Legacy Gift:  Include The Foundling in your estate plans, ensuring that our work continues for generations to come. Learn more here.

For the New York Mets’ September 2 game at Citi Field, pitcher Taijuan Walker partnered with The New York Foundling for his Tai’s Taco Truck initiative, where he gave out free tacos and solicited donations on behalf of The Foundling.

Read more at CSRWire

On November 6, Team Foundling will take to the streets for the TCS New York City Marathon! The world’s largest marathon and a source of inspiration to runners worldwide, the race will include over 50,000 athletes who will complete a 26.2-mile route through all five boroughs of New York City.

This year marks our largest team of runners yet – and while they come from different backgrounds and have different athletic aspirations, they all share a commitment to not only reach their personal race goals, but to raise money for the children, adults, and families in our Foundling community as well.

Read more about each of our team members below, and learn how you can support them and The Foundling.


Ryan Dykhouse Ryan Dykhouse

 Ryan has only been running for four years, but in this time, he has participated in the 2018 Detroit Marathon, as well as the Brooklyn, NYC, Disney, and Portland Half Marathons. He loves the runner community, especially around big races, and how supportive everyone is when you are training and participating in an event. For the NYC Marathon, he’d ideally like to break the 4 hour barrier.

It’s his first time running with a charity partner, and he’s excited for the opportunity. Not only is he looking forward to the comraderies and shared commitment that comes with running with a team, but he’s passionate about The Foundling’s work. As he shares, “The Foundling is such an incredible institution for kids in New York City. As a former NYC public school teacher, I am thankful for any organization that works to provide underserved youth with opportunities to embrace life and grow into the best people they can be. And The Foundling is exactly that kind of organization.”

Support Ryan here!

 

Eric KanagyEric Kanagy

Eric has completed 4 marathons in the past (including the NYC Marathon), and is excited to run for The Foundling this year! He enjoys running in lower Manhattan and Central Park, and particularly cherishes how the sport provides him with the opportunity to think without distractions.

As a foster parent with The Foundling, he shares a personal connection to our mission, and is excited to support our work!

Support Eric here!

 

Jeffrey TuchmanJeffrey Tuchman

Jeffrey’s been an avid runner for 15 years, and has completed two marathons and five half marathons. Most recently, Jeffrey was a member of Team Foundling for the 2022 United Airlines Half!

He is eager to run for The Foundling once again, as he cares about children and supports investing in their present and future.

Support Jeffrey here!

 

Timothy WilliamsTimothy Williams

Timothy’s been a runner for 18 years, and most recently ran with us for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon earlier this year!  His favorite places to run are across NYC and on the beach, and he particularly enjoys the sense of accomplishment that running gives him.

Timothy comes to Team Foundling through a deep understanding and passion for our mission. He is a foster parent with us, and was drawn to create a safe, loving environment and life for children who need a supportive home. Timothy is excited to combine his interest in running with his dedication to helping our Foundling community.

Support Timothy here!

 

Emerson DavisEmerson Davis

Emerson will be running her very first marathon as part of Team Foundling! She’s been a runner off and on since high school, and has completed in five half marathons in the past. Her favorite song to run to is Higher Love by Whitney Houston, and her favorite places to run are Prospect Park and Central Park.

She is particularly passionate about The Foundling’s Haven Academy and our Haven Kids Rock performing arts program. “I believe in the transformational power of the arts and Haven Kids Rock is a wonderful example of that,” she shares.

Support Emerson here!

 

Jacqueline Falcon

Running “can provide a mental and physical escape, and is one thing that’s completely powered by you,” says Jacqueline. She’s been a casual runner for the past 10 years, and has completed a few 5k runs, but this is her first marathon! She’s excited to soak up the energy of the city, and to finish the race.

Jacqueline’s excited to raise money for The Foundling, and has a personal connection to foster care and adoption. “I believe strongly that having an advocate for you can completely change the course of your life,” she says. “My mother was someone who was adopted at age 13 and suffered through a difficult home environment. She ultimately was set on a better path thanks to someone who was able to advocate and give her access to resources like the ones that The Foundling provides.”

Support Jacqueline here!

 

Amanda BrownAmanda Brown

Amanda has been a runner for her entire life, and is excited to finish the NYC Marathon! She enjoys running in forests and parks, to Beyonce, Drake, and Brockhampton’s music.

Running for The Foundling is just one more way she’s deepening her connection to The Foundling – she also serves on our Junior Board, was a Camp Counselor at Camp Felix, and volunteers regularly for the organization. “My work with The Foundling is what inspired me to become a teacher, and to teach in a high need, urban environment,” she says.

Support Amanda here!

 

CL Freedman

CL is a beginning runner who hopes to complete the NYC Marathon this year! She enjoys running because you need nothing but an open road, and enjoys running along the West Side Highway.

CL was formerly on The Foundling’s Junior Board, and is drawn to our organization’s deep history and wide scope of programs.

Support CL here!

 

David Stuckey David Stuckey

David is excited to join Team Foundling and complete the marathon in under 3:45. He enjoys running along NYC’s waterfronts, as well as in neighborhoods that he’s unfamiliar with. Running allows him to clear his head – he often doesn’t listen to music, and running gives him time to think.

David is excited to be on Team Foundling – he loves that the organization provides holistic support to families and young people, from counseling to housing to education and so much more!

Support David here!

 

Cecile CurtinCecile Curtin

Cecile has been a runner for 7 years, and has completed the virtual Boston Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon, and the Marine Corp Marathon. For the NYC Marathon, she hopes to finish in under 5:30-6:00.  She enjoys running in Cape Cod and Central Park, and likes that it provides a chance to zone out and clear her head.

Her connection to The Foundling comes through family – her daughter Taylor previously worked for The Foundling as an Education Specialist! 

Support Ceclile here!

 

In a press release from The American Foundation of Savoy Orders (Savoy Foundation), the foundation shared that they recently granted $150,000 for The Foundling’s Camp Felix.

Read more on PRWeb

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 6, 2022, 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. While the lottery for general admission to the race is now closed, The Foundling still has spots available for dedicated runners. Join us in becoming a part of this important milestone!

In partnership with New York Road Runners, The Foundling is proud to support a team of ten runners. Apply today to join The Foundling’s 2022 TCS NYC Marathon team, as spots will fill up quickly! The final deadline to secure your spot is June 1!

Click here to learn more and reserve your spot!

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