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Looking at Maya now, you’d never know the difficulties she had as a baby. Today, she’s a spunky toddler who loves Mickey Mouse and lollipops and has doting parents who adore her, but Maya spent her first two years in foster care. Last Christmas, she was adopted by Chrissy and Jared, and changed the whole family’s future forever.

Oumou left Guinea as a young teenager, escaping the risk of an arranged marriage. Soon after arriving in the United States she became pregnant, and the relative she was living with told her she was no longer welcome in his house. Fortunately, she was referred to The Foundling’s residential program for pregnant and parenting teens in foster care, where she was welcomed with open arms. Today, with help from our staff, Oumou is creating a better future for her family.

Christina came to the U.S. to live with a relative when she was just 6 months old, leaving behind her 14-year-old mother, who was unable to provide the care at age 11 when her safety was at risk. With help from the Foundling, Christina was given the opportunities she needed to become the woman she is today.

Ohilda was ready to move cross-country for a new job when she received an unexpected phone call: “You’re an aunt!” In that same moment, she was asked to become a foster mom to baby Elizabeth. Ohilda dropped everything, changed her plans, and agreed. From the second newborn Elizabeth arrived at Ohilda’s door, The Foundling has provided guidance and resources to make sure Elizabeth, now 5 and living with special needs, receives the best possible medical and mental health care. “There’s no greater reward than being a foster parent,” Ohilda frequently shares with friends.

Marck wants to be an attorney when he grows up and Refugio, his socio-therapist, is there every step of the way to make sure Marck stays on track to achieve his dreams. Refugio was even with Marck when The Foundling reunited him with his biological mother after a brief period in foster care.

1,000+ mothers with young children have called The Foundling home since our founding

6,200+ high-quality free medical visits provided every year for youth in foster care

40+ programs and services serving children, families, and adults across New York and Puerto Rico

18 evidence-based models and adaptations implemented with fidelity across our array of programs and service areas

$5 donation launched The Foundling’s work in 1869

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