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Nicole has a special connection to The Foundling as a former resident of our Young Mothers’ Support Program. Now happily married with a successful career as a property administrator, Nicole joined The Foundling’s Junior Board in 2012 to give back to the organization that supported her and her son 20 years ago.

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.

Like many children in the child welfare system, high school was a challenge for Emahni, who struggled in class and had difficulty completing her homework. Through The Foundling, Emahni was connected with Kat, who tutored her and even helped her submit her college applications. Thanks to Kat and The Foundling, Emahni passed her tests, graduated from high school, and was accepted into college. Kat was with her every step of the way.

Julie is a mom to three young boys and a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. Working with her social worker Kyle, Julie was able to access important social services she didn’t know were available. This past summer, Julie’s kids experienced the magic of Camp Felix, our overnight summer camp which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019.

Carl’s disabilities aren’t seen as obstacles to living an independent and fulfilling life. With hands-on training and coaching from his care management team at The Foundling, Carl sets out to conquer the day from the moment his alarm clock rings. From preparing healthy meals in his supported apartment to managing his bank account and enjoying time with friends, Carl is setting and exceeding his own goals. Last summer, Carl began working at a local nursing home. He’s taking on new responsibilities and is becoming more and more independent, taking advantage of all the opportunities available to him.

Marina was thrilled to learn she was pregnant for the second time. But when she discovered she was expecting twins, the excitement quickly shifted to anxiety. It had been nearly 13 years since she had her first child, and she worried that having twins would be a completely different experience. With guidance from The Foundling’s Healthy Families Program, Marina refreshed her parenting skills and learned about community resources available to her and the new babies, Amaya and Ayden. From the hospital room to today, The Foundling’s family support specialists have been there every step of the parenting journey. “The program has given me confidence in being a mom,” she says.

Sixteen-year-old Sarah wanted to help care for her five siblings to support her family and because she was excited to become a mother herself one day. Unfortunately, her parents struggled with substance abuse and relied too heavily on Sarah to care for their younger children. They were referred to The Foundling and our team worked with the family to combat their substance abuse and to understand how their actions affected Sarah and her brothers and sisters. The right program model and their self-motivation helped them to move on and redistribute the responsibility for the family’s care.

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.

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.

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.

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