decrease in mental health crises in NYC schools utilizing our School-Based Mental Health Services
increase in oral reading fluency by elementary students in our tutoring programs
In 6th grade, Delany’s her deep struggles with anxiety, sadness, and insecurity severely impacted her life at school and home. When she was referred to our School-Based Mental Health program, her outlook began to change. As Delany began working with a Foundling therapist, she learned strategies to cope and renew her focus – tools that have helped in her successful transition to high school.
When Delany’s younger sister, Melody, their mother knew where to turn. She reached out to The Foundling, and Melody was matched with a Foundling school-based therapist who helped her build her own set of tools to work through her anxiety. These sisters and their loving mother know they can count on The Foundling – no matter where their path leads.
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.
Through our Supportive Housing program, 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.
Shawn was diagnosed with a developmental disability as a child, making everyday tasks difficult. Since 2011, he has lived at a supportive Foundling residence in Rockland County, and for the past five years, has received additional skills training through our Community Habilitation program. Given his disability, he faces numerous challenges in daily life – but with The Foundling providing a helping hand, Shawn has made tremendous strides toward independence.
For Shawn, learning to drive has been one of his personal goals for more than five years, though he hadn’t yet succeeded in passing his permit test. When Shawn’s routine was upended during the pandemic, he took a renewed approach to studying, while being supported by his Foundling Community Habilitation Specialist. Together, they reviewed sample tests and went on the road to practice concepts firsthand. In September, Shawn took the exam again—and passed with a perfect score. He now looks forward to beginning driving lessons and pursuing the new opportunities that a license will bring. With The Foundling helping him navigate, Shawn looks forward to steering the way toward further independence.
Last year, Kalvin, a 3rd grade scholar at The Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy Charter School, was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing emergency surgery and starting cancer treatment, COVID-19 hit their community. Kalvin and his family found it difficult to balance medical visits and emotionally cope with the fear and uncertainty, all while adapting to remote education and the other challenges that came with the pandemic.
From the beginning, however, Haven Academy was there to guide the family along their new and uncharted path. The K-8 charter school, which combines a trauma-informed curriculum with social services that address the needs of the whole family, was uniquely positioned to provide a helping hand. Haven teachers worked with Kalvin’s parents to address his academic needs, ensuring that Kalvin received high-quality instruction that accommodated his schedule. School staff provided emotional support, ensuring that Kalvin and his family always had a listening ear. When the family found that their living situation – an apartment in a poorly maintained complex – posed health issues and complications to Kalvin’s recovery, The Foundling supported them in finding a new home. With The Foundling at their side, Kalvin and his family are hopeful for the future – and know they can work through any obstacles along the road ahead.
locations across New York and Puerto Rico
NYFstudents in foster care across NYC receive high quality tutoring from Road to Success Citywide
of young people in Families Rising are enrolled in an education program
decrease in reading errors experienced by students receiving literacy tutoring in our Afterschool Allies program.