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.
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 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
of children that are mistreated every year have at least one developmental disability
of children between the ages of 3-17 have a one or more developmental disabilities
young people in foster care in the United States
NYC children and families participate in prevention programs every year
investigations into child abuse and neglect occur every year in NYC
children in New York City are growing up in low-income households



