decrease in reading errors experienced by students receiving literacy tutoring in our Afterschool Allies program.
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.
NYFstudents in foster care attend college with support from The Foundling’s Fostering College Success Initiative
tutoring hours provided each year
As a Program Assistant at The Foundling, Nancy ensures that her floor is organized and running smoothly, and her tasks help her coworkers work effectively and efficiently. It’s Nancy’s first paying job, and she loves every moment of it. She has worked hard to achieve this level of independence: Nancy has lived in one of our supportive residences since 2004, and always felt like she could do more in her life. A few years ago, Nancy joined our Employment Services Program, where she had the opportunity to volunteer at numerous organizations and learn workplace skills. Now, she appreciates the independence and sense of purpose that employment provides.
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.
Michael, who has lived in a Foundling residence since 2014, has made great strides in his path toward independence and personal growth. With the help of caring staff both at his home and within our Day Habilitation program, he has overcome behavioral challenges over the past 6 years, and is now taking charge of his future. He enjoys watching movies, spending time with housemates and staff, and is taking on progressively harder tasks around the home, including yard work, grocery shopping, and cleaning. Michael continues to grow and pursue new opportunities and interests, and he’s also actively looking for a full time job.
As a first-year student at Borough of Manhattan Community College, she is enjoying the independence, stability, and support that the Dorm Project has provided. Over the past few months, she has appreciated the emotional and academic assistance that her coaches have provided in navigating college life. As a Childhood Education and Psychology major, she’s planning for a career in Social Work. She is innately driven by her desire to give back, and to use her own experiences growing up to assist others in foster care.
He’s majoring in business at Queensborough Community College with the goal of turning his passion for athletic footwear into an opportunity for international entrepreneurship. The Foundling has been an integral part of his journey. In the past three years, the support he’s received from his team of case planners, tutors, social workers, and coaches have allowed him to succeed in classes, find career mentorship, travel abroad, and work toward making his dreams a reality.
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.