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Dr. Akeem Marsh

Not Just Bad Kids Book CoverAt The Foundling, we understand that many of the behavioral challenges exhibited by children and teenagers  are often linked to past trauma, stress, and other environmental factors. In our Health and Behavioral Health programs, we couple personable and compassionate care with evidence-based therapeutic models to help children and families get on track for success.

Based on the insights he’s learned throughout his career, Dr. Akeem Marsh, the Assistant Medical Director of our Home for Integrated Behavioral Health, recently co-edited a book – Not Just Bad Kids: The Adversity and Disruptive Behavior Link which hit bookstores earlier this year!

Dr. Marsh and co-editor Lara J. Cox began developing the book after conducting a series of presentations drawing on the patterns and behaviors they’d noticed within their psychiatry practices. Dr. Marsh’s passion for the topic is rooted in both his previous work within New York City’s juvenile justice system, as well as his current role working with children and families at The Foundling.

“Within the Home of Integrated Behavioral Health, the overwhelming majority of the people we serve have been traumatized – not only by whatever happened that landed them in foster care, but also often by the systems that they’ve been involved with,” Dr. Marsh says. “They get to us at some point on that journey. And on our psychiatry team, we work to not further that trauma, but to facilitate the process of healing.  It’s really about meeting people where they’re at, and being sensitive to things they might have experienced.”

The book covers this topic in great detail, and aims to provide child welfare professionals with background that can be easily applied to their clinical work. Targeted chapters involve context and tools for working with young people that have been involved in the child welfare system, juvenile detention facilities, and more.

“Those chapters talk about the specific aspects of those systems, and how certain behaviors might manifest in youth that have had those experiences,” Dr. Marsh says. “We really tried to cover all the bases – providing context for how these kids behave in school, as younger kids, as teenagers. We give vignettes and stories that show what methods work and what should be avoided.”

Dr. Marsh hopes that the book will help professionals view ‘problem kids’ differently and encourage them to address root causes of behavior, rather than enacting harsh punishments and punitive measures that aren’t effective long-term.

“Anyone who works with kids should want to understand where they’re coming from,” he says. “Psychiatrists, pediatricians, social workers, teachers, police officers: they may notice behaviors, attitudes, or actions that don’t make sense on the surface. This book helps put those things into context and provides background – ultimately helping them be more empathetic, and better able to provide support to young people in our community.”

Dr. Marsh is excited to share these ideas, and hopes that the book will spark change. “I really hope we see a reimagining in the way this work is done,” he says. “Formal training often sets expectations that things are always done a certain way, which doesn’t always meet the needs of the children and families we serve.  I’m interested in seeing how we can be creative in meeting the needs of our community.”


Dr. Marsh’s bookNot Just Bad Kids: The Adversity and Disruptive Behavior Link – is available for purchase through a variety of retailers. Additionally, those with institutional access may access the full book via ScienceDirect.

Interested in hearing more from Dr. Marsh and learning about our trauma-informed therapeutic models? Watch our Health & Behavioral Health overview video here:

Christiane Palpant at Gallery
Christiane Palpant

Christiane Palpant

The Foundling is excited to partner with Agora Gallery artist Christiane Palpant this spring. Christiane’s painting, The Journey Aglow, will be featured on the label of this year’s exclusive Foundling Rosé, and a portion of the proceeds from her current gallery exhibition will go directly to supporting The Foundling’s work.

Christiane is captivated by the natural world – particularly skies, clouds, and horizons – and her landscape paintings illustrate and evoke gratitude, resilience, and beauty. Like many of those in our Foundling community, Christiane’s life has been a winding journey.

Wine Label

Our 2022 Rose label, featuring Christiane Palpant’s painting, A Journey Aglow

She discovered painting as a healing outlet while on bed rest for nearly a year, and recently quit her lifelong career in financial services to devote her life to her art. This month, she is setting out in a modified van (which she’s named Millicent) on a 25-week cross-country journey to paint in all 50 states and further pursue her creative ambitions.

In the interview below, Christiane discusses her artistic career, the painting featured on our 2022 Rosé, and her connections to The Foundling’s work supporting children, adults, and families in reaching their full potential:

 

You’ve had an interesting journey in becoming an artist – one that shows a lot of inner strength and required a lot of bold choices. Can you share a little about this trajectory?

It has occurred to me that I approached my healing journey from both a left brain and right brain perspective.  In left brained fashion, once I realized that my healing journey was a marathon, I constructed a spreadsheet with daily mini-goals and milestones.  But my right brain kicked in when I asked myself what I could do while on bedrest in order to keep myself mentally strong.  Picking up the paintbrush was my answer and I attacked it with great passion painting sixty works that first year.  Nonetheless, healing was still a difficult and arduous process, but I am filled with gratitude for family, friends, and faith.  There were several powerful conversations that helped guide difficult life decisions.  I’ll never forget when one friend shared, “Healing is not linear.”  Understanding that better has helped me to embrace the ebbs and flows of both the healing journey and creative process.

 

During your upcoming travels, you plan to interview women across the country that have made major life changes after experiencing trauma or dramatic events. This has a parallel with many of our Foundling participants, who often draw on the challenges they’ve overcome when transforming their lives. What draws you to these stories in others? Can you share the goal of this project?  

Along with painting in all 50 states, one of the missions of my Millicent van journey is to capture the courageous stories of the women whose voices haven’t been heard.  Just like the clients of The Foundling, these women have not only transformed their own lives, but often have made a very positive impact on those around them.  These poignant journeys knit the souls of our communities.  Capturing these experiences is especially interesting to me because of my own encounter with a near death experience followed by more than a year on bed rest.  I know how difficult it was to continuously take one figurative step after another and make daily bold decisions that changed the trajectory of my life.  I believe many people can identify with pivotal moments in life and will be eager to hear of other compelling journeys.

 

Can you share a bit about the painting that will be featured on the Foundling’s 2022 Rosé – The Journey Aglow?

The painting, The Journey Aglow, is very special to me.  I painted it after spending a week with a dear friend who has three children from the foster care system.  This painting gives the feeling of being on a journey with someone special, cresting a precipice and gasping in wonder at the view.  The heavens are aglow, and it is a beautiful respite after so many trying moments.  Scenes like these bring moments of gratitude for the soul, refreshment, and interconnection.

 

AgoraGalleryOpening

Christiane, Agora Gallery, and The Foundling gathered at the opening reception for “Interconnection and Intuition” on March 3, 2022

Your exhibition at Agora Gallery is called “Interconnection and Intuition.” As our wine is called “We are Intertwined,” we feel there’s some symmetry here! What does the word ‘Interconnection’ mean to you? How do the paintings in the exhibition demonstrate this?

My paintings featured in Agora Gallery’s “Interconnection and Intuition” exhibition were painted during the global COVID-19 pandemic.  It was a poignant time during which human connection became sacred, revered, and sought after in safe settings.  The titles of my pieces tie to my feelings during the painting process.  The viewer can capture the sentiment with titles such as Calm Amidst the Chaos and descriptions of Resilience, Contentment, and Respite.

The words ‘Intertwined’ and ‘Interconnection’ are also the perfect description for my upcoming Millicent van art journey through all 50 states.  In my previous financial services career, I traveled extensively across the US.  As a result, I am planning to connect on my travel route with dear friends and family in 47 of the 50 states.  I can imagine there will be many new friends that will unfold during this powerful and creative experience.

 

What is your personal connection with The Foundling’s mission and values?

My close friend and former college roommate fostered three children and ultimately adopted them a couple of years ago.  I’ve been actively engaged in their lives the past decade and I’ve watched the positive impact on these beautiful, vulnerable lives.  (The children on their own started calling me ‘Dad’.  I think it’s hilarious and touching.)  Additionally, I teach at Georgia State University and this year I have mentored a young lady who came from the foster care system.  She is a special lady and even at her young age has aspirational dreams of owning her own business.  Because of these powerful personal experiences, The Foundling’s mission is near and dear to my heart.

 

What are your goals for the future?

For the past two decades I have kept my goals listed on a spreadsheet.  (This is my left-brain kicking in.)  While on bedrest for more than a year I created goals for 7 specific areas of pursuit: art, teaching, writing, speaking, consulting, media, and travel.  My project with The Foundling, Agora Gallery, and City Winery is on the right path for accomplishing the goals I’ve listed.  The 50-state Millicent trip also is the trajectory I have envisioned.  As Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you have imagined.”  I look forward to future meaningful projects with The Foundling and Agora Gallery.

 

Learn more about Christiane’s partnership with The Foundling  in this video from Agora Gallery:

Christiane’s work, including The Journey Aglow, is on view at Agora Gallery – her exhibition, “Interconnection and Intuition,” runs from March 1-22, 2022. Learn more here (10% of all sales from the exhibition will be donated to The Foundling.  Christiane will also be donating a portion of the proceeds from the art she sells on her 25-week cross-country trip to The Foundling.)

The 2022 limited edition of We are Intertwined, The Foundling’s exclusive Rosé produced annually in partnership with City Winery, will be available exclusively from April to June as well as featured in local New York City restaurants. The wine is available for pre-order now, with a percentage of each sale going directly to support our work! This 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir is refreshing and crisp, with hints of clementine and strawberry. Learn more and place an order!

For the first time, The Foundling has a team of runners participating in the United Airlines NYC Half. On Sunday, March 20, Team Foundling will hit the streets for a 13.1-mile course through Brooklyn and Manhattan.

We have one spot remaining on Team Foundling! If you’re interested in running in the 2022 NYC Half, please reach out to Laura Wright at Laura.Wright@nyfoundling.org today!

Read about each of our team members below, and learn how you can support them and The Foundling:

 

Daniela Hess Daniela Hess

Daniela has enjoyed running since her high school days, when she ran for her school’s cross country and track teams. She believes that running is a great way to see New York City, with her favorite place to run being Astoria Park. Daniela previously ran the NYC Half in 2019, supporting a different charity partner – JDRF. This time, she is excited to return to the course and raise funds for The Foundling!

Learn more and support Daniela!

 

Jeffrey Tuchman Jeffrey Tuchman

Jeffrey’s been an avid runner for 15 years, and has completed two marathons and four half marathons. He is eager to run for The Foundling, as he cares about children and supports investing in their present and future. For the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half, his goal is to finish in under 2:30, injury free.

Learn more and support Jeffrey!

 

Timothy WilliamsTimothy Williams

Timothy, who ran the NYC Marathon in the past, comes to Team Foundling through a deep understanding and passion for our mission. He is a foster parent himself, motivated to create a safe, loving environment and life for children who are in need of a supportive home. Timothy is excited to combine his interest in running with his dedication to helping our Foundling community.

Learn more and support Timothy!

 

Brian and Stephanie CumminsBrian & Stephanie
Cummins

Brian and Stephanie have run in numerous events together, including the Athens Marathon. The United Airlines NYC Half, however, will be Stephanie’s first race in three years, and her first one since having two children! She and Brian are excited to run with Team Foundling, with which Stephanie shares a professional connection through her role as Director of Philanthropy at Freedom Mortgage. Stephanie has helped coordinate with The Foundling on corporate volunteerism and donations.

Brian also shares a connection to The Foundling, as he is moved by the organization’s work with children and families. “As a father of two, I do my best to provide every opportunity I can to ensure they have the best upbringing and education, he says. “I’d love to give back and help kids who may not otherwise have those opportunities.”

Learn more and support Brian!

Learn more and support Stephanie!

 

Lauren Mitchell

Lauren has been running for 20 years, and has run numerous races through New York Road Runners. She loves running because it clears her mind. Her favorite routes take her across New York City’s bridges, and she keeps her energy up by running to Beyonce’s music.  For this year’s half marathon, she hopes to set a new personal best for herself.

Learn more and support Lauren!

 

Erin LippmannErin Lippman

Erin started running in her early twenties and found it great for mental health and stress relief from the daily grind of living in NYC. Muhammad Ali’s words: “service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth” have always resonated with her. Being able to run on behalf of different causes and philanthropic organizations has allowed her the gift of giving back to others while doing something that she loves.  She’s eager to run on behalf of The Foundling because she can combine her passion for running with her commitment to helping children and families in need. As a new member of The Foundling’s Junior Board, she’s looking forward to the beginning the marathon of working together to benefit our communities.

Learn more and support Erin!

 

Holly Smeltzer HeadshotHolly Smeltzer

Holly, who has run half marathons in the past, is committed to finding time to exercise and promote self-care. She’s proud to run the United Airlines NYC Half with Team Foundling – this is her first time running with a charity partner, and she’s excited to work toward her fitness goals while giving back to the community. Holly’s ties to The Foundling run deep – not only does she work as The Foundling’s Associate Vice President of Supportive Housing, but she is a foster parent as well! “I’ve always believed in the incredible work being done at The Foundling, even before I was an employee here,” she says. “Now that I am an employee, I believe in the mission and values even more!”

Learn more and support Holly!

 

Vic MitchellVictor (Vic) Mitchell

As an award-winning entrepreneur, Vic has founded, acquired, and turned around a number of diverse businesses over the past 35 years. He is also committed to giving back – Vic’s been involved with various charities and philanthropic efforts around food insecurity, criminal justice, affordable healthcare, and freeing the wrongly convicted. Running for The Foundling, he’s excited to complete the United Airlines NYC Half while supporting the children, adults, and families in our community.

 

Reïna Batrony, vice president of The New York Foundling’s services for community and school-based programs, spoke with AM New York on the importance of mental health care is for students and young children – especially with the ongoing pandemic.

“Whether it is preventative services at some of our school-based mental health services or some of our specialized evidence based models…with the pandemic we have had to shift pretty quickly and because of our technology and innovative approach, we were already ready and had the capacity to support with telehealth,” Batrony says. In the article, she discusses the wide range of services provided by The Foundling, and their impact on the community.

Read more at AM New York

Youth on the Rise
YOTH in Community

Mentors Taina and Thania have led Youth on the Rise participants on excursions to mini-golf, bowling, restaurants, and more – facilitating powerful bonding experiences.

The Foundling’s Youth on the Rise program allows young people in foster care to create transformational relationships with caring mentors – and create strong bonds that can last through high school, college, and beyond.

The program is novel in a few key ways: young people not only meet regularly with their mentor one-on-one for support and guidance, but have the opportunity to collectively decide upon and participate in enriching group excursions throughout the city.

Adolescents and young adults in care often need support, guidance, and community. The program is tailored to the unique needs of this population, and provides encouragement and resources so these young people can achieve academic, vocational, and personal goals – while also immersing them in new experiences and building a strong peer community.

January is National Mentoring Month – we’re excited to take the opportunity to highlight this amazing program, and showcase the dedicated staff and participants that make Youth on the Rise possible.


What does mentoring mean to them? Hear in their own words:

“Mentoring means being able to build a relationship with youth and being able to provide them with resources they might not usually have access to. We specifically assist youth transition into young adults through advocacy and helping them learn to advocate for themselves.”
– Tiana, Mentor


“For me, being a mentor means being a positive role model who helps youth both see and achieve their full potential. It means that regardless of what is going on in the world around us, I am a safe space that will listen without judging, educate without belittling, and advise without parenting. In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for specialized services for my youth, ensure that students graduated on time/were promoted to the next grade, and offer support throughout the pandemic. I help youth navigate through adulthood and growing pains, while providing them with the cheat codes to success.”
– Ayana, Mentor


“Being a mentor means being able to give to the youth of today what I received when I was their age. For me, it’s all about the ability to help guide them, instill wisdom, be understanding, and provide consistency and acceptance. Every day, I assist in shaping the youth of today, one person at a time. I allow them to make their own decisions based on what’s best for them and advocating for them where needed. I once had a mentor during my time in high school and they guided me through so many rough patches. Without them, I would have gone into social services or would have found the career I have. I owe everything to my mentor for believing in me and providing me with wisdom.”
– Jose, Mentor


“A mentor to me is an individual who provides guidance and support in developing the mentee’s goals and skills. However, being a mentor in foster care, you are that and much more. Since you are able to connect with the youth consistently, it helps promote a positive role model in their life. Many of our youth have not experienced a consistent adult in their life, so for our youth we are more than a professional development resource point. We are their safe space that helps them strengthen their voice and be heard.”
-Thalia, Mentor


“As a mentor, I have been able to embrace our youth on a different level that has taught me more about myself. We all need support from time to time and our kids are no different. Being their mentor has taught me to be patient and loving.”
– Khristian, Mentor


“Having a mentor means that there will always be someone there to help you with your work, support you, and give you fun activities.”
– Michael, Participant


Nehemiah

Nehemiah

“Having a mentor means having someone who guides me, gives me advice, and helps me with my goals and future.”
-Nehemiah, Participant

 


Cassandra and Marquise

“Having Khristian as a mentor is inspiring and beneficial because Khristian is another support system. [With Youth on the Rise], I’ve went to American Dream Mall, bowling, cooking class, and to Prospect Park. When we were on these trips, Khristian took time to get to know me more and check on me to see how my week had been.”
– Marquise, Participant

“Khristian has been a great inspiration for Marquise. Khristian is kind, easy to talk to, and a young man I admire. I wish we had more young men like him (he reminds me of my son).”
– Cassandra, Foster Parent

Denis Torlic

Run the United Airlines NYC Half with Team Foundling!

After a 2 year hiatus, the United Airlines NYC Half is back on March 20, 2022! This half marathon, which has historically featured nearly 25,000 runners, will send athletes along a 13.1-mile course through Brooklyn and Manhattan.

In partnership with New York Road Runners, we are excited to sponsor a team of ten runners for the event. While we have been a charity partner for the TCS New York City Marathon for the past five years, we are thrilled to be participating in the United Airlines NYC Half for the first time.

Click here to learn more and reserve your spot!

Sitan

For Sitan, a 19-year-old in foster care, new motherhood – at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – seemed like an insurmountable challenge. But The Foundling was there to help.

Sitan knew how to cope with challenges – but after giving birth to her daughter in April 2020, the additional stress of managing life as a new parent seemed like too much to bear. Her foster care team at The Foundling realized she needed additional support, and so they connected Sitan with a trained therapist, Elisabeth, from our Mental Health Services department.

Through regular sessions and continual communication, Elisabeth became a trusted source of guidance. Sitan learned breathing exercises and coping mechanisms to better manage her stress levels and outlook.

Working together with her therapist, Sitan found the mental space to tackle her challenges one day at a time and make steps in her life toward independence. With the support of The Foundling, she secured daycare for her daughter, rented her own apartment, and found a full-time job.

Thanks to supporters like you, Sitan is optimistic for the future. She is happy, healthy, and feels equipped to care for her young child. “The Foundling’s helped me to become a better me – and a better mother to my daughter,” Sitan says.

Watch Sitan discuss her journey in our new Health & Behavioral Health video:

Every day at The Foundling, we provide the resources for children, adults, and families to transform their own lives. However, this is only possible because of the generosity of our community. Your donation can help mothers like Sitan find the strength and stability to provide for their families, and allow the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year to move forward in their lives.

Donate today – every dollar can help our neighbors move forward as they build stability and independence. If you make your gift before midnight on December 31, it will be matched by an anonymous member of the Foundling community – meaning your gift will go twice as far to support the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year.Donate

This year – with the generous support of our corporate partners, community supporters, and donors –  The Foundling was able to bring holiday cheer to the children, adults, and families in our programs!

While we usually host a number of holiday celebrations and events annually, the pandemic placed most of our festivities on hold last year. Earlier this month, vaccinations and other developments allowed us to gather in-person once again, albeit on a limited scale and with strict safety precautions. After the past year and a half, these recent events felt particularly special.

Here’s how the Foundling community came together to celebrate the season this year:

Manhattan Lobby Decorating with Macy’s

Our annual tradition continued this year as our partners at Macy’s decked the halls of our Manhattan headquarters to bring holiday spirit to our staff and participants!

The Foundling’s Holiday Gift Drive

Junior Board Gift Sorting

The Junior Board volunteered their time to sort gifts for distribution to the people in our programs.

Peoplehood Volunteer Event

We hosted a corporate volunteer event for the staff at Peoplehood, where they created cards for our program participants.

Cub Scout Holiday Drive

Cub Scout Pack 422 in Manhattan hosted a holiday drive for The Foundling, collecting over $1100 in gift cards and over 200 toys.

Each December, The Foundling collects and distributes over 5,000 gifts to ensure that each child, adult, and family in our programs has a happy holiday season! This massive undertaking is only possible because of our generous donors, corporate partners, and volunteers.

TBTA Holiday Gift Giveaway

For over 25 years, the Emerald Society of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) collects gifts for the young people in The Foundling’s programs (over 1,000 each year!), and hosts a special event featuring Santa Claus and more. In early December, they delivered a portion of the toys to our Manhattan headquarters, where kindergarten students at Haven Academy were invited to meet Santa and receive a gift.

 

Happy holidays from all of us at The Foundling!

Marquise and Khristian

When Marquise joined our Youth on the Rise program, he found a new outlook on life.

Marquise, a high school student living in Brooklyn, was falling behind in his high school courses, had difficulty setting goals, and was often distrustful and quiet around others.

Young people in foster care often face obstacles – but our Youth on the Rise program is expressly designed to break down these barriers. Each participant is assigned to a mentor for one-on-one guidance, and is provided with the holistic support necessary to successfully make progress for the future.

When Marquise was paired with Khristian, the two formed a close bond. Not only did Khristian provide academic help, but he also was a source for mentorship and guidance. They kept in contact regularly through text – ensuring that there was always an open line of communication – as Marquise began to work on his academic, social, and personal goals.

This partnership with The Foundling – and supporters like you – has made a world of difference. “He’s done a complete 180,” says his foster mother. Marquise is now on track to graduate, has more confidence in himself, and is looking forward to college.

This is what The Foundling’s programs do each day – we provide children, adults, and families with the support to pursue their aspirations and find success.  And we can only do this through the generosity of our community. Your donation can help young people in foster care like Marquise succeed academically, and provide stability, strength, and hope to the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year.

Make a donation this holiday season  – every dollar can give our neighbors across New York and Puerto Rico the support to transform their lives.

Donate

Lowell

For years, Lowell dreamed of having a job. The Foundling was there every step of the way as he made this dream a reality.

Lowell, who lives in one of our Bronx residences for people with developmental disabilities, knew he wanted to work. However, people with disabilities have some of the lowest employment rates in the country, and it was difficult for him to achieve this goal. Years passed without any progress – until he enrolled in The Foundling’s Employment Services in 2018. The program was exactly what he was looking for.

Matched with a supportive coach, he began to learn the basics of being in the workforce. He embarked on dedicated skills training, and received expert guidance as he identified jobs that fit with his interests and aptitudes. Through several volunteer positions in the community, he learned how to follow directions and conduct himself in the workplace. While some skills took some time to master, and the COVID-19 pandemic posed further disruptions, Lowell continued to have hope. He never gave up on his goal – and neither did his Foundling job coach. This summer, those efforts paid off as he accepted his first job as a team member with Shake Shack, working at a location in the Bronx!

Now, he starts his days with purpose, and enjoys doing meaningful paid work in the community. Thanks to supporters like you, Lowell has a bright future ahead.

This is what our programs do each day: provide children, adults, and families with the guidance and resources to transform their lives. And with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic creating further obstacles for our neighbors to obtain employment and self-sufficiency, these vital programs are needed more than ever.

As a nonprofit organization, we can only do this important work with the support of our donors. Your gift can help adults like Lowell find independence, and provide stability, strength, and hope to the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year. All donations are tax-deductible and will directly benefit our shared community.

Donate today – every dollar gives our neighbors the support to move forward as they pursue their dreams.

Donate

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