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Nyyim

Nyyim, a young adult in our TFFC Foster Care program, had an interest in the military since the age of 7 – and with the support of The Foundling, he completed his school’s ROTC program and became a US Marine this summer! Joseph Alexander, a Foundling staff member who has worked with Nyyim over the past two years, attended his boot camp graduation ceremony. “I was able to witness one of the most amazing young men I’ve ever known accomplish the dream that has carried him through a rather difficult childhood,” he shared.

Nitegua

Caring for a newborn and a toddler is a lot to handle in the best of times, but COVID-19 has posed even more challenges for young families. During the height of the pandemic, Nitegua – a mother of two infant children, Najay and Nellieann, in the Bronx – faced new pressures in balancing pandemic safety measures with childcare and necessary household tasks.

As a resilient and dedicated mother, Nitegua was willing to do whatever it took to best provide for her family’s needs—and when she began her work with Strengthening our Families, she had access to a new support system that was there to help. Her Founding coach, Melanie, provided support to improve her family’s stability—GED classes for her husband, guidance as she worked to secure better housing, and more. With Melanie’s help, Nitegua enhanced her budgeting and household management skillsets, and was able to move into a new apartment that fit her family’s needs. Now, her family is doing great— “[The Foundling] helped me execute the plans I had in place to move my family forward,” she says.

Sitan

As a 19-year-old in foster care, Sitan had already faced a lifetime’s worth of challenges when she gave birth to her daughter in April 2020. But the added stress of managing life as a new parent — during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — made her struggles feel insurmountable. Her foster care team saw that Sitan needed more help, and connected her with our Mental Health Services department.

Through therapy, Sitan learned breathing exercises and coping mechanisms, and now tackles her challenges one day at a time. Additionally, The Foundling helped her make important steps toward independence— she secured daycare for her daughter, rented her own apartment, and has found a full-time job. She now has the stability to provide for her daughter, and is optimistic for the future ahead.

Nina

When Nina opened her home as a foster parent to two siblings, she committed to making them feel safe, secure, and loved. The Foundling provided guidance, intensive therapy services, and more to support her and the children as they healed from past trauma and adjusted to a new environment.

Thanks to The Foundling’s support, Nina, Grace, and Logan are now a thriving family – and with adoption paperwork finalized last year, they will have each other for a lifetime.  “They’re biological siblings, and it’s amazing that they get to be together – I think they feel blessed, and I also feel blessed,” says Nina.

Denisha

After enduring physical violence at home and battling chronic depression, Denisha left home at age 14 and spent her teenage years in foster care. As Denisha approached her 18th birthday, she sought more independence – a transition that is hard for young people in foster care, who often lack a traditional support system. Denisha was driven to succeed, however, and applied to The Foundling’s Supportive Housing Program: a residential program that works with young adults to eliminate barriers to independent living.

Partnering with Foundling staff, Denisha was able to address her mental health needs, learn important life skills, become financially stable, and pursue her educational aspirations. The Foundling was Denisha’s safety net as she learned the skills she needed to succeed on her own. This year, Denisha completed a Master’s program in early childhood education, was hired as a full-time 1st grade teacher, and recently moved into her own apartment. With The Foundling’s continued guidance, Denisha is excited for the next stage of her journey, and looks forward to what the future will bring.

students in foster care across NYC receive high quality tutoring from Road to Success Citywide

Curet Family

Raising five children on her own, Jennifer was used to juggling responsibilities and being a constant source of stability for her family – but the COVID-19 pandemic turned her life upside down. In this time of stress and uncertainty, The Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy Charter School became her source of stability. “The pandemic was rough, but they made it easier – with food, essentials, hand soap, paper towels, coloring books, crayons, everything,” Jennifer shares. “At Haven Academy, the teachers, social workers, and staff are not just there to help students—like my children—they also help parents and families too.” Now, Jennifer is back to being a beacon of support for her family. “I’m ready to go. I just can’t wait to see what the future looks like,” she says.

SI Food Drive

Our Staten Island Community Partnership and Healthy Families programs have come together to help keep our neighbors in the North Shore section of Staten Island healthy and safe throughout the pandemic. One of their largest initiatives is a weekly grocery giveaway program that has provided 100 families with essential items, including fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, toiletries, and more. Thanks to collaboration with community institutions and businesses – from churches to laundromats – our impassioned team engages with local residents and families to ensure that all of our neighbors have access to the resources they need.

Sandra

Sandra has loved caring for young children her entire life. Through The Foundling, she’s found opportunities to share her heart and home with more than 20 children. Over the past 19 years, Sandra has partnered with The Foundling’s foster care team members to get the specialized training and support she needs, arming her with the resources and tools to address the unique needs of those in her care. Over the years, Sandra’s family has grown in unexpected ways, most notably through the adoption of three children who were previously in foster care. In addition to her adopted sons, she is currently fostering two younger children. With Sandra’s support, her foster and adopted children are defying the odds and finding the stability and strength to thrive.

of teens in foster care live with a family, compared to 95% of children ages 12 and under

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