On local television channel BronxNet’s Bronx Social Justice and Anti-Violence Forums, our CEO and President Bill Baccaglini sat down with host Daren Jaime to share the current state of The Foundling’s developmental disabilities, child welfare, education, and other programs. Additionally, Bill discusses the changes that the new year – with leadership changes both at The Foundling and the city’s mayoral administration- may bring.
Watch the interview below:
Fox 5’s Good Day New York recently named The New York Foundling as its ‘Hero of the Day.’
Watch the video below to learn more:
As we enter November and look toward the holiday season, the warm days of summer seem so far away. But just a few months ago, Camp Felix – our overnight summer camp – was in session, providing the young people in our programs with the opportunity to experience the outdoors, spend time away from home, and create lifelong memories and friendships.
Our Putnam Valley campground was closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, but this August, we were able to safely host 96 campers and provide them with exciting in-person activities. After last year, he ability to escape from isolation, socialize, and build connections was needed more than ever.
Because of pandemic restrictions, Camp Felix was unable to host their annual Open House – which invites visitors onto the campground for a meal, talent show, and other activities – but they were able to put together a virtual version.
Watch the video below for a glimpse of the fun!
Since October 11, 1869, The New York Foundling has worked to provide opportunities to children, adults, and families. Throughout our 152-year legacy, thousands upon thousands of people have passed through our doors, and for many, The Foundling was a pivotal and transformational part of their lives.
In honor of our 152nd anniversary, we are excited to launch our new page, which brings together resources for Foundling alumni, adoptees, and descendants who are looking to learn more about their family history.
‘Connect to Your Foundling Roots’ includes information on requesting historical records, stories from adoptees and their descendants, historical resources and archival photos, and information about The Foundling – past and present. Whether you were in foster care, were adopted, trained as a Foundling baby nurse, or have relatives that rode the Orphan Train, we are committed to providing information and support as you explore your connection to The Foundling’s history.
Harlem World Magazine reported on our Back to School Giveaway in their September print issue. The event was hosted by our Strong Families and Communities Training Center on Friday, August 27, in front of our Home of Integrated Behavioral Health in East Harlem. Over 60 families received essentials to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Read the story below:
On Friday, August 27, our Strong Families and Communities Training Center hosted its first ever Back to School Giveaway in East Harlem. Located outside The Foundling’s Home for Integrated Health on East 115th St, the event offered free toys, books, and self-care items for parents and students of all ages.
The event was a great success! Over 60 families stopped by, and over 200 items were given away – setting up parents and children alike for a great school year!
Camp Felix, our overnight summer camp for the young people in Foundling programs and students at Mott Haven Academy Charter School, has gotten off to a great start!
Last year, we made the decision to offer youth Camp Felix @ Home and provided virtual programming to campers to keep them busy, engaged, and active. Yet, the unique and memorable experiences of leaving New York City, sleeping in a cabin, and experiencing independence was sorely missed. Dr. Joe Saccocchio, The Foundling’s Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Ruth Gerson, The Foundling’s Senior Vice President for Mental Health Services, recently shared their views on the benefits of camp in MedPage Today. Together, they shared that the summer camp experience is extremely beneficial to children’s physical and emotional development – and after COVID-19 restrictions, camp is needed more than ever.
Last week, campers arrived at our Putnam Valley campground excited to view nature, learn new skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our dedicated staff have put together a comprehensive safety plan to ensure that all campers, staff, and families stay safe: cabins are at half capacity to promote social distancing, activities are structured by cabin-based cohorts to reduce contact, unvaccinated campers must wear masks, and campers undergo daily screenings.
While camp may look different this year, the magic of Camp Felix remains intact – as shown in the photo below!
Camp Felix is made possible with the support of our partners at The Felix Organization.
In an op-ed for MedPage Today, The Foundling’s Joseph R. Saccoccio, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Ruth Gerson, MD, Senior Vice President for Mental Health Services, share how summer camp is extremely beneficial to children and teenagers – and after strict COVID-19 restrictions, the structure, social interactions, and new experiences of camp are more important for young people than ever.
MST Services’ latest blog post shares the evolution of their therapy and treatment model for young people and families in New York City, and highlights The New York Foundling’s role in implementing the new MST-Prevention model across four boroughs over the past year.
“I am so thankful to be able to collaborate with the therapists on my team and use the MST model in my caseworker role,” shared Laura Valencia, a Family Resources caseworker at The Foundling.
News 12 recently highlighted Foundling foster parents Jason Knight and Liron Prioleau. When looking to start a family, the couple were drawn to becoming foster parents. “It hit home because there are so many. We learned there are so many kids in foster care that just needed a safe space to be,” Prioleau recalls.
They initially “chose to work with The New York Foundling based on…their openness to LGBTQIA parents and their work with LGBTQIA youth,” said Knight. Their family now includes their two sons, who were adopted through The Foundling, and their biological sister, who they are currently fostering.
Watch the video report and read more on News 12.
© 2023 New York Foundling, Inc • 501(c)(3) • Tax ID #13-1624123
Terms of Use • Internet Privacy Policy • Notice of Privacy Practices • Financials • Report a Concern • Spanish • Website by Elefant
