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.
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.”
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.”
In addition to receiving housing and daily support through The Foundling, Kathy has had the opportunity to make her voice heard and refine her leadership and advocacy skills.
Kathy, who lives in one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities, enjoys the opportunities that The Foundling provides. Our person-centered approach assists each person in achieving their own personal goals, and Kathy’s interest in self-advocacy has led her to spearheading the Developmental Disabilities Peer Advisory Board.
“We have one mission and one mission only: to speak up for ourselves and to speak up for other people who can’t speak up for ourselves,” says Kathy.
Created by Foundling staff so participants can have input on the services they receive, the Peer Advisory Board provides Kathy a space to advocate for herself and her peers, while honing her leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills. As President, she has had the opportunity to rally in Albany, create a voter registration initiative, and directly address The Foundling’s Board of Trustees about the issues that impact her and others with developmental disabilities.
“I motivate my peers, I motivate my housemates, I motivate the people in other residences to speak up. It makes my heart so happy to bring self-advocacy into The Foundling,” Kathy shares.
Since 1869, The Foundling has been committed to providing resources and tools so New Yorkers of all abilities can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Your gift can make a big difference, allowing us to support more people like Kathy. Help us give our neighbors the support to make a difference in their community.
Talk of The Sound reports on our recent BBQ event, which brought together over 1,000 staff, participants, and families involved in our Developmental Disabilities programs.
The Staten Island Advance recently reported on the opening of our new Staten Island office, and highlights the various services provided in the location.
“This new space allows us to bring every one of our programs under one roof,” said Melanie Hartzog, New York Foundling’s CEO and president. “Everything is on site, and that makes a world of difference to the families who we serve.”
The Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities Division Annual Friends and Family BBQ was a huge success!
Our biggest annual event is the highlight of the summer for many of the people that live in our residences, attend our day or community habilitation programs, or participate in our employment services programs. It’s an opportunity to enjoy great food, play games, relax in the sun, and connect with family and friends.
This year’s event was no exception – hosted on August 18 at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, over 1,000 attendees enjoyed a beautiful day in the park. Foundling staff, trustees, participants, and families socialized and mingled with the crowd.
Entertainment and activities included face painting, balloon twisting, and carnival games. Attendees enjoyed a catered meal, with volunteers from BNY Mellon’s Corporate Volunteer team providing assistance as servers. Uncle Louis G’s Homemade Italian Ice was enjoyed as well.
Our Developmental Disabilities Division strives to provide the people we support with opportunities to reach their full potential and live their best lives – and through social experiences like this, they not only enjoy community interaction and socialization, but feel truly embraced by The Foundling family.
View more photos below:
Thank you to the following sponsors for making this amazing event possible:
 |
 |
 |
 |
Pix11 covered our June 14 Daniel Washington Jr. Basketball Tournament – an annual event hosted by our Developmental Disabilities Division that allows our participants the opportunity to play competitive basketball, enjoy cheerleading, and showcase their skills.
The Nonprofit Voice, a weekly radio show on 103.9 FM Long Island News Radio, recently featured The Foundling. Host Ron Gold spoke with Maria Bediako, Vice President of our Developmental Disabilities Division, about our work.
Click here or listen below to hear the conversation (Maria’s segment begins at 21:00.)
Pix 11 News reported on the opening of Vital Brookdale, our newest supportive housing complex. Watch the video report and meet Anthony McQueen, one of our residents.
Watch the video: