Just about every weekday, Nancy wakes up around dawn and travels from her home in The Bronx to The Foundling’s headquarters in Manhattan for a morning of work. As a Program Assistant, she ensures that her floor is organized and running smoothly, and her tasks – which include refilling the copier machine, stocking the kitchen, and organizing conference rooms and shared areas – help her coworkers work effectively and efficiently.

It’s Nancy’s first paying job, and she loves every moment of it.

As a participant in The Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities Division, Nancy has worked hard to achieve this level of independence. She’s lived in one of our supportive residences since 2004, and always felt like she could do more in her life. A few years ago, Nancy joined our Employment Services Program, where she had the opportunity to volunteer at numerous organizations and learn important work skills.

Since May, Nancy has worked for The Foundling, assisting staff in our Evidence-Based Community of Programs division. She enjoys having her own desk, supportive coworkers, and regular duties to complete, and particularly appreciates the independence and sense of purpose that employment provides.

Nancy’s supervisor, Maria Gomez, heralds her positive attitude and outlook, and remarks that her presence uplifts everyone on the floor. Nancy is committed to always looking toward the future, and finding joy in whatever awaits her. To that end, she plans to continue working for The Foundling, and hopes to someday move into her own apartment.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we’re so proud that Nancy – as well as others in our programs at The Foundling – are supported in finding personal fulfillment, thriving in their communities, and living their best lives.

Written by Foundling Intern and Guest Blogger, Liam M.

The men and women involved with The New York Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities program and services have been taking advantage of community activities and events across the city and surrounding counties. And with summer around the corner, including longer and warmer days, the best is yet to come!

Below is a roundup of some of the exciting ways our individuals are keeping busy, and putting into practice the skills they’ve been working on in recent months with their advocates, coaches, and mentors. Together, they’re setting and achieving goals centered on independence, as well as teamwork and relationship building with others.

• In May, a group of residents based in the Bronx mastered art classes, using different materials and style of paint—like water color and acrylic—to express themselves through artwork, building the techniques and skills to become better painters!
• A field trip to Old Tapan took place recently where our individuals were able to take the front seat of Go-Karts, and enjoyed the outdoor air and wind driving on the tracks with their house managers and the Direct Support Professionals who provide care for them at home.
• Last week, hundreds of men and women from The Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities Division attended an annual basketball tournament in Nyack, NY. There were several different teams competing and players enjoyed the drills to help them prepare. Staff from The Foundling served as coaches, referees, and scorekeepers—and the sidelines of the court were filled with cheerleaders!

More events are underway this summer for the men and women in The Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities Division—as well as our other program areas. To learn more and get involved, please email events@nyfoundling.org.