Irene reached out to the Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities Division when her daughter was looking to become more independent. Working with a skills trainer, Irene and her daughter created a plan to achieve that goal.
Jake has found himself a place in over 18 homes across the city while providing weekly, one-on-one, home-based tutoring for youth in The Foundling’s foster care program. Traversing the streets year round, Jake builds special bonds not only with his students, but with their entire families. To youth who have endured transition, hardship, and uncertainty, Jake represents permanency and stability. He earns the trust of his student by showing up every week, excited and ready to help them overcome the academic struggles they experience through creative approaches and individualized learning strategies. Jake’s students improve their grades and build their confidence, but more importantly, Jake transforms his students’ outlooks on education–and their futures.
Manuel has a passion for music and dance and wants to be a choreographer when he grows up. Manuel looks forward to his weekly tutoring sessions with Jake because they help him better understand the topics being covered in school–and to show off his newest dance moves. With Jake’s help, Manuel received a Most Improved Student award at school. Manuel has another recent achievement of which he is very proud: in 2015, he was adopted by his foster mother, Judy. When asked why she adopted Manuel, Judy said, without hesitation, “I don’t see myself without him.”
Isis loves spending time with her foster parent, Stephanie–whom she calls mom–and plans to go to college and possibly become a lawyer. Upbeat, fun, and energetic, Isis loves going to school, but found herself struggling to keep up with her classmates. That’s when Jake entered Isis’ life. The two began working together regularly and Jake quickly built a strong rapport with Isis and her younger sisters. While Jake may have taught Isis about fractions and decimals, Isis reminds Jake of the importance of positivity and gratitude.
Tajuana has begun the process of adopting her two young cousins with special needs, for whom she has been a foster parent for 7 years. Already a mother to three grown children, a grandmother, and a foster parent to another child, Tajuana is committed to providing children in need with a loving supportive home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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