January 22, 2025 (New York, NY)— The New York Foundling today announced the selection of Jennifer March as its new Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). For nearly two decades, March led the Citizens Committee for Children and prior to that served for eight years in City government. She brings deep policy and budgetary expertise, as well as extensive relationships with partners across government, foundations, and direct service that will strengthen The Foundling’s impact.
The Foundling serves more than 30,000 families each year across New York and Puerto Rico through data-driven and people-centered programs in foster care, supportive housing, mental health, juvenile justice and services for people with developmental disabilities.
The CAO is a new senior cabinet position that will lead The Foundling’s fundraising strategy and operations, with a focus on expanding its major donor program and corporate funding streams. March will oversee The Foundling’s entire Development team and will lead the board’s Development Committee. The Foundling leans heavily on innovative funding sources to pilot and develop new evidence-based programs that improve the lives of children, families, and communities. Many of the programs incubated at The Foundling go on to scale into public sector initiatives.
“Bringing Jen to our team was a remarkable opportunity to grow our impact and capacity. I have known and trusted Jen since the earliest days of my career here in New York City. No one knows this work or its partners in government, philanthropy, and the corporate sector better. Jen’s leadership and expertise will help us finance and develop a new generation of programs that could one day change the lives of tens of thousands of families across New York and Puerto Rico. I am so delighted to welcome her to The Foundling,” said Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling.
“From my first days working at the City Council, I’ve devoted myself to the mission of serving children and families. It’s in my DNA. And the opportunity to help support and innovate programs at an organization with The Foundling’s scale and reach is so exciting. I knew right away this was a challenge I had to pursue and I cannot wait to begin bringing partners across the city together so we can find new and better ways to make an impact for families in need,” said Jennifer March, incoming Chief Advancement Officer at The Foundling.
About Jennifer March
March comes to The Foundling after serving as the Executive Director of the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) for the last 17 years. A passionate advocate for children, youth, and families, she has led successful legislative, policy, and budget reforms, achieving historic victories across New York City and State.
Under March’s leadership, CCC expanded its staff and budget and leveraged the Keeping Track Online database to inform participatory research, a key resource for understanding and advocating for children’s needs. She has championed advocacy campaigns to address the wage gap for early educators, expand access to early childhood education and behavioral health services, and raise the age of criminal responsibility in New York.
March’s career in the social service sector began during graduate school, when she began working for the NYC City Council’s Finance Division. She spent eight years with the Council, rising to senior roles in Finance.
Originally from Upstate New York, March has lived in New York City since 1989 and is a longtime Upper West Sider and single mom. She holds a B.A. in History and French from LeMoyne College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Fordham University.
See a photo of Jen March here.
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Our Day Habilitation Program Celebrated the Grand Opening of a New Location on Herzl Street!
On April 15, our Day Habilitation Program celebrated a milestone: the opening of our new Without Walls program in Brooklyn.
The center is embedded within the Vital Brookdale complex, which is home to Supportive Housing units for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as well as young adults who are aging out of foster care. This convenient arrangement allows those enrolled in Day Habilitation to further integrate into an already full, cohesive community – and creates more opportunities for connection.
The program is off to a strong start, already supporting 27 people since the program opened earlier this year and looking forward to engaging more members of our community to enroll in services. The move increases overall program capacity and features an added computer lab for those working to secure employment.
Other amenities include a lounge area, a gym with a basketball hoop and lockers, several rooms that can be used for meetings and activities, a kitchen, and a laundry area. There truly is something for everybody; the facility was intentionally designed to provide opportunities for those in the program to further develop their unique interests and skills.
Staff and program participants from across The Foundling attended the event to celebrate our new space and new opportunities for the people we support. The environment was truly festive and communal, which is indicative of the efforts staff dedicate to the well-being of those in the program.
The program itself was crafted with the purpose of creating a place where OPWDD-eligible adults could pursue their aspirations while being surrounded by a strong network of peers, supportive staff, and community members. Day Habilitation Without Walls encourages attendees to learn through immersive experiences in their neighborhoods. Participants spend their days engaged in classes, art therapy, recreational activities, sports, job hunting, and more. All of these activities help prepare those we support to better integrate into the surrounding community as they grow.
A common goal for those in Day Habilitation is to obtain employment or volunteer opportunities – which provide a sense of independence that many are looking for. In fact, the amount of autonomy and freedom given to attendees – whether in goal setting or day-to-day activities – is one of the most commonly cited benefits by those we support.
“I like to be independent,” said Antoine, one of our Day Habilitation members. “It’s fun.” He mentioned how much he enjoys being able to go out shopping or take the train.
Staff members are committed to serving as a resource, without undermining participants’ sense of self.
We implement a person-centered approach for the people we support,” stated Henry Gaston, a Day Habilitation Manager at our Herzl and Queens locations. “When a person expresses interest in developing a particular skill set, we strive to align them with opportunities that provide practical, hands-on experience, tailored to their specific learning goals and interests.”
Similar sentiments echoed by staff and participants alike reflect the heart of The Foundling’s work – which is to respond holistically to the needs of children, adults, and families we support as they work to reach their full potential.
TODAY: This Music Program helps NYC Students Find Purpose in Performing
Nef Jones, co-founder of Haven Kids Rock, our after-school performing arts program based at Haven Academy, joins TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and guest co-host Tiffany Haddish to talk about this inspiring music and arts program, which helps students, many of whom are in the foster care and child welfare system, find their voice and discover their musical talent.
The interview was followed by an inspiring performance, in which the Haven Kids Rock members sang one of their original songs.
Watch the interview and performance below:
CBS News: The New York Foundling Awarded Mental Health Action Day Grant
During CBS New York’s Breaking The Stigma segment, lead anchor Cindy Hsu presented The New York Foundling with a generous $6,000 grant on behalf of Paramount, MTV and CBS New York in honor of Mental Health Action Day on May 15. Senior Vice President of Mental Health Services Dr. Kristy-Lee Jean-Pierre discussed some of the critical services and programs The Foundling provides and shared how meaningful this funding will be to relieve the burden of cost of treatment for our clients.
See the full interview here.
Pix 11: Brooklyn Group Home gets a $500,000 Check for Renovations
Reporter Monica Morales of Pix 11 reports from one of our homes for people with developmental disabilities in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. The home recently received $500,000 in funding for renovations and improvements, to better support the 5 men who live in the building. Leo, one of the residents provides Monica with a tour and discusses how living in the home has provided him with community, connections, and purpose.
Watch on Pix 11
WorldCC Foundation: Inspiring Women 2025
Foundling President and CEO Mel Hartzog was selected as one of WorldCC Foundation’s 2025 Inspiring Women, a testament to her accomplishments in leadership in the nonprofit sector. This prestigious program includes trailblazing women across a variety of industries.
Read more on WorldCC Foundation
City & State NY: The 2025 50 Over 50
Jennifer March, The Foundling’s new Chief Advancement Officer, was recently named to City & State NY’s 50 over 50 list. This list celebrates 50 distinguished leaders over the age of 50.
As they write, “This month, Jennifer March took on a new challenge as chief advancement officer for The New York Foundling. March previously led the Citizens’ Committee for Children for 17 years, guiding the research, advocacy and engagement organization through the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic while spearheading notable policy changes. In her new role, she’ll drive fundraising strategy and operations.”
Read more at City & State
BK Reader: State Senator Salazar Secures $500K for Cypress Hills Group Home
BK Reader reports on upcoming funding for renovations for one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities.
“The New York Foundling, a nonprofit providing social services for people with developmental disabilities, said a group home in Cypress Hills will undergo major renovations, thanks to $500,000 in funding allocated by State Senator Julia Salazar.
Salazar presented the check to the organization on Friday. It will cover upgrades at the row house at 8 Schenck Ct., which will include new safety and security systems, a redesigned communal kitchen and improvements to bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system, according to a press release.”
Read more at BK Reader
NYN Media: Advancing a Long Career in Child Welfare to the Next Level
The Foundling has brought on Jennifer March as its new Chief Advancement Officer – a new senior cabinet position that will lead the Development team and expand the organization’s fundraising strategy and operations. March comes to The Foundling after serving as the executive director of the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York for the last 17 years.
“No one knows this work or its partners in government, philanthropy and the corporate sector better,” said Melanie Hartzog, our President & CEO. “Jen’s leadership and expertise will help us finance and develop a new generation of programs that could one day change the lives of tens of thousands of families across New York and Puerto Rico. I am so delighted to welcome her to The Foundling.”
In a new feature, New York Nonprofit Media sat down with March for an interview to discuss her new role.
Read more on NYN Media
Press Release: The New York Foundling Announces Jennifer March as New Chief Advancement Officer
January 22, 2025 (New York, NY)— The New York Foundling today announced the selection of Jennifer March as its new Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). For nearly two decades, March led the Citizens Committee for Children and prior to that served for eight years in City government. She brings deep policy and budgetary expertise, as well as extensive relationships with partners across government, foundations, and direct service that will strengthen The Foundling’s impact.
The Foundling serves more than 30,000 families each year across New York and Puerto Rico through data-driven and people-centered programs in foster care, supportive housing, mental health, juvenile justice and services for people with developmental disabilities.
The CAO is a new senior cabinet position that will lead The Foundling’s fundraising strategy and operations, with a focus on expanding its major donor program and corporate funding streams. March will oversee The Foundling’s entire Development team and will lead the board’s Development Committee. The Foundling leans heavily on innovative funding sources to pilot and develop new evidence-based programs that improve the lives of children, families, and communities. Many of the programs incubated at The Foundling go on to scale into public sector initiatives.
“Bringing Jen to our team was a remarkable opportunity to grow our impact and capacity. I have known and trusted Jen since the earliest days of my career here in New York City. No one knows this work or its partners in government, philanthropy, and the corporate sector better. Jen’s leadership and expertise will help us finance and develop a new generation of programs that could one day change the lives of tens of thousands of families across New York and Puerto Rico. I am so delighted to welcome her to The Foundling,” said Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling.
“From my first days working at the City Council, I’ve devoted myself to the mission of serving children and families. It’s in my DNA. And the opportunity to help support and innovate programs at an organization with The Foundling’s scale and reach is so exciting. I knew right away this was a challenge I had to pursue and I cannot wait to begin bringing partners across the city together so we can find new and better ways to make an impact for families in need,” said Jennifer March, incoming Chief Advancement Officer at The Foundling.
About Jennifer March
March comes to The Foundling after serving as the Executive Director of the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) for the last 17 years. A passionate advocate for children, youth, and families, she has led successful legislative, policy, and budget reforms, achieving historic victories across New York City and State.
Under March’s leadership, CCC expanded its staff and budget and leveraged the Keeping Track Online database to inform participatory research, a key resource for understanding and advocating for children’s needs. She has championed advocacy campaigns to address the wage gap for early educators, expand access to early childhood education and behavioral health services, and raise the age of criminal responsibility in New York.
March’s career in the social service sector began during graduate school, when she began working for the NYC City Council’s Finance Division. She spent eight years with the Council, rising to senior roles in Finance.
Originally from Upstate New York, March has lived in New York City since 1989 and is a longtime Upper West Sider and single mom. She holds a B.A. in History and French from LeMoyne College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Fordham University.
See a photo of Jen March here.
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Brooklyn Paper: Cypress Hills Group Home receives $500K for Upgrades from State Senator Julia Salazar
Brooklyn Paper reports on funding for one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities, which will modernize the facility.
“The New York Foundling celebrated a significant funding boost on Friday after State Senator Julia Salazar secured $500,000 to renovate a Cypress Hills group home for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The half-million-dollar grant will enable extensive upgrades to the row house, including modernized safety and security systems, a new HVAC system, and renovations to bathrooms, bedrooms, and the communal kitchen.
The improvements aim to enhance the quality of life for the five residents who receive on-site support to live independently, access health care, and participate in employment and community programs through the work of The New York Foundling — which provides services to more than 1,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities each year.”
“We are so grateful to State Senator Salazar for securing funding that will make a huge difference in the lives of our residents,” said Hartzog. “These renovations will make this home safer, more comfortable, and more beautiful — and our residents deserve nothing less. Working together, we can help people with developmental disabilities reach their full potential.”
Read more at Brooklyn Paper