Mott Haven Herald recently featured Haven Kids Rock – detailing our program’s recent performances of Unstoppable, Tales from the Schoolyard, the important role that a performing arts program can play in the lives of students, and more. “If you lower the bar for kids who have challenging lives, you forever limit their potential,” said founder Nefertiti Jones. “We are raising the bar for our kids and they are rising.”
Read more at Mott Haven Herald.
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:
By Bonnie Loughner, Assistant Vice President, Fostering College Success Initiative
At The Foundling, we believe that education opens the doors of opportunity for children and young adults, and academic support is a prominent component of the work we do. Students in foster care often lack the support systems they need for academic success, and too often don’t graduate college as a result. By providing mentorship, tutoring, and other forms of support, the Fostering College Success Initiative (FCSI) works to fill this need. The Foundling partners with New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and City University of New York (CUNY) to produce this program, and together we provide opportunities and resources to help college students beat the odds.
In the past year, the program has had some exciting developments.
Increasing our Reach
We’re expanding the network of schools we partner with, providing more young people in foster care with the opportunity to join the program and receive support. Although 95% of our college students are enrolled in CUNY, we now also have students attending College of Mount Saint Vincent, Pace University, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Alfred State, SUNY Broome Community College, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Expanding Career Opportunities
In the past, the Fostering College Success Initiative program has focused mostly on connecting students with college coaches and tutors, but we’re now looking beyond that to the next step—guiding them to employment. In summer 2020, we added a Career Counseling unit to the services we provide, and in 2021 we were able to expand these services in partnership with the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation. Our dedicated team of career counselors helps students with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, and networking. We also connect them to opportunities like job fairs, panels, career events, and job/internship placements.
We’re also working on bolstering our partnerships, with the goal of increasing access to unique and targeted internship opportunities for our students.
For example, for the first time this summer – and with the assistance of our partners at ACS – we were able to coordinate an internship program as a paid professional development program through DYCD’s Summer Youth Employment program. For six weeks, students with an interest in business were paired with mentors from Goldman Sachs and attended sessions focusing on personal finance, job advice, and professional development. In addition to learning job skills and receiving mentorship, the students also worked on marketing-themed projects that provided Goldman Sachs with actionable data they’ll use to recruit and retain diverse talent. Previously, students who’ve completed programs like this one were ultimately hired by the company.
In addition to Goldman Sachs, FCSI’s internship program has also placed our students in office positions within the NYPD, ACS, and Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Inspiring and Connecting Students
As a source of inspiration for our students, we’ve launched a quarterly Speaker Series that highlights the voices of prior youth in care. These adults, who are now successful business professionals, know what it’s like to be in the foster care system, and how to move past these challenges to lead a successful life. Not only do these speakers inspire and provide motivation for students, they’re also a source of practical insight and guidance. We hope to attract future speakers from across the country to participate.
We also launched our new Fostering College Success Initiative website, which contains an online portal for everything our students need—announcements, events, etc. Also, while the program had previously enrolled students at the beginning of each semester, we now have moved towards rolling admissions, allowing us to support students as soon as they need assistance.
Moving Forward
All the college residences of the schools our students attend are now open after being closed last year during the pandemic. Many of our students are back in dorms, while others have opted to stay in the community with friends, family, or foster parents. While some of our students have returned to in-person classes, others became comfortable with online learning and prefer to continue that way. We also have students returning for a fresh start after taking a break year during the pandemic. Regardless of their path, they’ve been so resilient, and we’re there to help make adapting and adjusting easier.
The Foundling is committed to providing our students in care with the tools and opportunities that allow them to achieve success. That’s why we’re always tailoring our programs, expanding our reach, and opening doors to meet the needs of our students in the ever-changing academic and career landscape.
The Foundling’s Fostering College Success Initiative program is generously supported by the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation and the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation.
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!
Entering the workforce is hard for all of us: the interview process can be daunting, and learning new tasks and adapting to new environments is often stressful. For people with developmental disabilities, it can be even more challenging.
“People with disabilities want to work, because working is the way that people are involved in their communities. They have more meaningful relationships, they have a better sense of personal freedom, and they’re more independent,” says Mia Joshi, The Foundling’s Education and Employment Services Coordinator. But while the general employment rate is 70%, only 30% of adults with developmental disabilities are actively employed.
People with disabilities make up the largest minority group in the nation, yet they are underemployed because of barriers beyond their control. This community often lacks access to targeted and specialized job resources and training, making it difficult to learn the ‘soft’ skills that are often overlooked by traditional employment programs. It can also be difficult to find accommodating employers, placing them at a disadvantage in the job hunt. Additionally, nearly 25% of adults with developmental disabilities report not having anyone in their life to talk to about their goals, and this lack of mentorship and guidance can further impede long-term success.
In The Foundling’s Employment Services program, our dedicated staff address these challenges head-on. Participants are matched with a Job Coach who trains them in workplace skills and abilities– this often includes broader instruction in communicating, following directions, and more. The Foundling partners with a number of organizations and employers to place participants in meaningful volunteer work to gain experience, and to ultimately match them with fulfilling and competitively-paid job opportunities. Once they start working, participants receive long-term support to ensure that they continue to be successful.
Sophia volunteering at the New York Botanical Garden
Sophia, who is working on pre-vocational skills training with Employment Services, has made great strides in her path toward independence as a result of the program. The Foundling has set her up with volunteer opportunities, such as working at the New York Botanical Garden, that have given her the chance to grow.
“I learned to listen to instructions to do things the right way…They are helping us to learn and gain employment. I used to get more frustrated but now I can communicate with people better,” she says.
Now, Sophia is learning to type and is finessing her communication skills, all in preparation for paid employment – and is excited about her professional future ahead.
Lowell at his new job
Lowell, another one of our Employment Services participants, recently took his first step into the working world. Since 2018, he has worked hard with our team to learn skills and prepare for employment. This summer, those efforts paid off!
Through The Foundling’s partnership with the Consortium for Customized Employment, which works to create a network of organizations and employers to expand work options for people with developmental disabilities, Lowell was able to find a job that fit with his skillset and aspirations. He is now a Shake Shack team member, and is enjoying the autonomy, responsibility, and purpose that being part of the workforce brings.
This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, learn more about our Employment Services program in the video below:
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.
On Thursday, September 30, we livestreamed a special Fireside Chat featuring current President and CEO, Bill Baccaglini, and Melanie Hartzog, his successor, in conversation.
It was a wonderful discussion about the vital work that is done at The Foundling each day, and an opportunity to meet our incoming leader. Hartzog discussed her background and experience in child welfare, and shared her vision for continuing The Foundling’s legacy of supporting children, adults, and families across our five service areas – particularly as our community continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In case you missed it, the full video is available below.
Team Foundling is in the midst of training, fundraising, and preparing for the 2021 TCS NYC Marathon! On Sunday, November 7, our nine runners will hit the streets for a 26.2 mile course through all five boroughs of New York City.
Read about each team member below, and learn how you can support them and The Foundling:
Dan Eatroff
Dan began long-distance running three years ago, and finds it a meditative act. He is excited to run his first marathon, while supporting our community! He’s been training for the past few months, and aims to finish the marathon in less than 4 hours.
“I became involved with The Foundling recently and was impressed with the array of services they offer to the foster care community,” he says. “I want to support The New York Foundling’s team because I can make a valuable difference and educate my network to expand the Foundling’s reach.”
James Grasso
James, who has been on our Junior Board since 2018, is excited to be a part of Team Foundling and to run the NYC Marathon! “I started running in high school on my cross country team and realized I both loved running and wasn’t so bad either,” he says. “I continued running through college on both the cross country and track and field teams. I like how you can always compete against yourself and carefully track your progress.”
He is passionate about The Foundling’s mission, and has been looking at ways to support and raise money for our programs for quite some time. “I was very lucky to grow up with all the resources I ever needed, but I realize that many New Yorkers are born into difficult situations – and need help in the form of money, education, support.”
Michelle Hadley
Michelle has been an avid runner since running Varsity Cross Country in high school. “Running is the best, totally free therapy. No matter what you’ve been through or what you’re going through right now, a run can help you clear your head and move past the tough stuff in a productive way. Plus, I love how much guilt-free eating I can do,” she says.
Michelle joined The Foundling’s Junior Board this year, and is excited to use this opportunity to fundraise for our programs. She last ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, and is looking forward to beating her time and raising more money this year. “The only thing that gets me to run a marathon is a good cause, she shares. “It’s the perfect combination of two things I love passionately – giving back and running my heart out!”
She encourages other people to give back and provide support: “I’ve been through a lot in my life, but when I think back on how I had two loving parents and always had enough resources, I realize how truly lucky I am. I don’t see how any of us can live a day on this earth knowing there are children who don’t have that and not caring enough to do something about it. Be the person that does something about it.”
Learn more and support Michelle!
Kendra Morgan
Learn more and support Kendra!
Dr. Roslyn Murov
Learn more and support Dr. Murov!
Mike Russo
Max Shapiro
Max is traveling to NYC from Los Angeles to run in his first marathon! “The motivation to run a marathon specifically came from my Dad,” he shares. “The way he has describes his experience running the New York City marathon has made it a long-time goal of mine.” He learned about The Foundling from one of his college friends, and was impressed with the organization’s work. “As I began to consider the prospect of running a marathon, I knew The New York Foundling’s team was who I wanted to run for,” he says.
Max began running long distance in March 2020, as gyms were closing due to the pandemic. Despite hating running in the past, he now finds it a great physical and mental outlet. “Whether I’m running for 30 minutes or two hours, the time allows me to disconnect and reflect in a way nothing else does,” he says. “And nothing beats the moments during a run when you lose track of time, distance, and feel like you can run forever.”
Max is looking forward to everything related to the marathon: “The training, the fundraising, meeting other members of the Foundling team, and of course… The finish line!”
Emily Tsang
Emily, who serves on our Junior Board, has been training for the past six months to run the NYC Marathon. She enjoys running as a hobby – viewing it as a meditation-like activity. It has been her life goal to run a marathon, and she’s excited to achieve this while supporting a great cause.
“There are many people who find themselves in situations out of their control. Everybody has the right to have a place to turn to and find aid in those situations and to have access to opportunities regardless of socioeconomic status,” she says. “The New York Foundling provides a range of amazing resources to thousands of people in need, and this is a great way to be a part of that!”
Molly Clarke
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:
