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Make an impact – donate to families like Jennifer’s this holiday season.

Raising five children on her own, Jennifer was used to juggling responsibilities and being a constant source of stability for her family – but this year’s pandemic turned her life upside down. Jennifer struggled to maintain virtual school schedules and procure enough technology and supplies for her children to stay connected with their teachers. Additionally, she found it difficult to keep her home stocked with groceries, medications, and other essentials.

In this time of stress and uncertainty, The Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy Charter School became her source of stability. Our K-8 charter school, which combines a trauma-informed curriculum with wrap-around social services, is uniquely positioned to support its community in times of crisis. Social workers and teachers stepped in to provide Jennifer everything she needed – ongoing emotional support, childcare coverage, and assistance with supplies and essentials at home.

“The pandemic was rough, but they made it easier – with food, essentials, hand soap, paper towels, coloring books, crayons, everything,” Jennifer shares. “At Haven Academy, the teachers, social workers, and staff are not just there to help students—like my children—they also help parents and families too.”

With the help of The Foundling and our supporters, Jennifer is back to being a beacon of support for her family. “I’m ready to go. I just can’t wait to see what the future looks like,” she says.


Watch Jennifer and her family tell their story!


DID YOU KNOW: This year’s CARES Act makes a new charitable deduction available to taxpayers that do not itemize their deductions. Taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions may be able to deduct up to $300 for cash contributions.*

*Please consult your accountant or financial advisor to learn more about the CARES Act and your eligibility.

Your support can help mothers like Jennifer become heroes for their children. Join us in transforming the lives of our neighbors this holiday season.

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This holiday season, Bronx public charter schools have launched a holiday campaign to thank teachers for their dedication during this challenging school year.

Jessica Nauiokas, Founder and Head of School at Haven Academy, participated in the campaign, saying “regardless of the situation, they have made it clear that they are committed to students’ excellence and education. They’ve proven that their impact on students’ lives goes beyond the traditional classroom. They are our children’s cheerleaders, role models and support systems. We’re so proud of all that they’ve done during such a difficult time.”

Read more at Bronx Times

Closing out National Adoption Month, News 12 in The Bronx recently featured Janina MacLean and her story of becoming a foster mother – and later adopting – two siblings with The Foundling.

Watch the video at News 12.

Jessica Nauiokas, Head of School at Haven Academy, shares her insight and expertise on educating young people during the pandemic in this op-ed. “As the pandemic has shown, schools are truly the anchors of the neighborhoods we serve,” she writes. “We have used this moment to reimagine our relationship with our parents. We’ve taken the time to gain an even deeper understanding of their individual situations. Did they lose a loved one? Are families facing tenuous financial circumstances? Did they have the social support they needed—food, housing, and more—in this time of urgent need? We’ve found that success at remote learning and supporting each child necessitates actively understanding those answers.”

Read more at AM New York

BronxNet reports on our efforts to spread Thanksgiving cheer to the students and families at Haven Academy – while the school cannot celebrate together this year, the school provided turkeys, vegetables, and other food for families to cook at home.

“Unfortunately, we are not allowed to sit together as one. But we are still one in our hearts,” said one Haven parent.

Watch BronxNet’s report below:

Every year, The Foundling partners with 30,000 children, adults, and families as they strive to create transformational change in their own lives –this year, our neighbors need your help more than ever. Our New York and Puerto Rico communities were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. But through hardships and uncertainty, The Foundling has represented a source of strength and hope.

With help from our generous supporters we responded directly to new community needs, allowing those we serve to persevere and stand tall. But our work is not over. As new COVID-19 cases continue to rise in our community, we have a long road ahead. This Giving Tuesday, you can be a hero for our neighbors, and help them continue to move forward and work to keep themselves and their families safe. The time to act is now.

Rodney

Rodney, a participant in Camp Felix and our Developmental Disabilities Community Habilitation program.

Make a donation today. Your gift will bring immediate support to people like Rodney, who has blossomed thanks to the partnership of his Community Habilitation therapist and his Camp Felix counselors, despite the immense challenges faced by children with developmental disabilities during the pandemic.

Your gift of:

  • $25 provides PPE for five children, adults, and families in our programs
  • $100 provides a full day of Camp Felix fun for a young person
  • $500 provides one month of weekly skills training and therapy for a person with a developmental disability
DID YOU KNOW: This year’s CARES Act makes a new charitable deduction available to taxpayers that do not itemize their deductions. Taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions may be able to deduct up to $300 for cash contributions.*

*Please consult your accountant or financial advisor to learn more about the CARES Act and your eligibility.

Amazon SmileP.S. Interested in other ways to support The Foundling? Visit AmazonSmile and choose The New York Foundling as your AmazonSmile charity. The Foundling will receive a portion of every dollar you spend – a simple way to give back as you shop online, at no cost to you!

By Chef Mark Bailey

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It’s a time when family and friends gather to continue old traditions, start new ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a day filled with love, warmth and gratitude. Growing up as one of the youngest in my family, I didn’t get to see my older siblings a lot, because they were fairly independent and often out and about doing their own thing. Thanksgiving was the one day where we all stayed at home – watching the Macy’s parade while prepping the family feast together. Those cherished, warm memories from my youth inspire me today—that food and love go hand-in-hand.

When we cook together and for one another, we’re doing so much more than sharing a meal: we’re sharing a bit of our hearts.

Even though Thanksgiving this year is going to be very different—with smaller tables and more Zoom calls—we can still find creative ways to stay connected to our loved ones even when we are miles apart. After leading a cooking demonstration for The New York Foundling’s Fall Fete, I’ve heard much about the special ways The Foundling is celebrating Thanksgiving this year.

In The Foundling’s Mother and Child Program, staff and young moms will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal, bringing together their own customs and cultural dishes. It’s also an opportunity for young mothers to create special traditions with their children that can last a lifetime. The same is true in The Foundling’s residences for people with developmental disabilities. Here, Direct Support Professionals and the men and women in Foundling homes will prepare feasts to enjoy together.

And as a chef writing about Thanksgiving, I would be remiss if I didn’t share a recipe!

You’ve got to try Sausage Pasta with Pumpkin Parmesan Sauce (recipe below)! I love this dish because it’s the season for all things pumpkin, it’s the perfect comfort food, and it’s quick and easy to make! While your turkey is in the oven, you can whip up this dish in under 45 minutes.

No matter how we all celebrate Thanksgiving this year, or what food you prepare, let’s be thankful for the community around us. Even if we can’t be together in-person, our hearts can still bring us together around the table.


Sausage Pasta with Pumpkin Parmesan Sauce

Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients
  • I pkg. bowtie pasta (or pasta of choice)
  • 6-8 Italian sausage links, casings removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup hot water or pasta water
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
Garnish
  • chopped parsley
  • grated parmesan
  • red pepper flakes
Cooking Equipment
  • Pasta Pot
  • Pasta Strainer
  • Cooking Utensils (Spoon, Knives)
  • Zester (optional)
Directions
  1. Cook pasta per box instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups pasta water.  Drain pasta, rinse with cool water and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pasta pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and sauté until browned.   Transfer sausage to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Return pot to heat and add remaining tablespoon of oil. Add shallots and garlic.  Stir until onions become translucent and garlic fragrant.  Add pumpkin puree, half and half, parmesan and 1 cup pasta water.  Stir sauce while simmering until thickened (approximately 4-5 minutes).
  4. Add pasta and sausage to sauce and toss until well mixed. Season with salt to taste.  Add additional pasta water if sauce is too thick.  Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve warm garnished with parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes and/or parsley.

In the New York Times’ recent feature – which explores the effects of pandemic-induced isolation on the mental health of teenagers – Nandini Ahuja, a therapist in our School Based Mental Heath program, shares some of the coping strategies she has shared in her work.

Read more at New York Times

 

This year’s virtual Fall Fete honored our community of heroes—the children, adults, and families who weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic and are paving their way forward towards achieving their personal goals. Special celebrations spanned the month of October with three mini events leading up to our large virtual gala held on October 27, and totaled nearly 1,000 views across all four events!

Our mini events provided an inside look at the work being done by The Foundling and celebrated our courageous community as they found strength and resilience amid the challenges they’ve experienced this year. The Foundling’s Legacy of Adoption paid tribute to those who helped create our longstanding legacy; Cooking With Mark Bailey provided guests with an exclusive cooking program and taught viewers how to prepare a delicious seasonal dish of sausage pasta with pumpkin parmesan sauce; and our Fireside Chat provided a meaningful conversation about this past year between Foundling President and CEO Bill Baccaglini, ACS Commissioner David A. Hansell and other special guests.

Our Fall Fete grand celebration was hosted by author and NY1 news anchor Cheryl Wills, who shared messages of perseverance, strength, and the importance of The Foundling’s work across the community. Among out featured stories, viewers were inspired by Rodney, a teenager in our Developmental Disabilities program and his eagerness and energy to participate in Camp Felix at Home.

And our guests met Denisha, a young woman in our supportive housing program who shared these words when reflecting on what it meant to finally find her own apartment and a dream job as a teacher:

“I don’t want being a foster child to define me. I want to define what it means to be in foster care. That this is not it. Things will get better if you trust your goal.”

Others who found ways to stand strong through the pandemic included Gianni, who faced homelessness and wasn’t sure he’d be able to continue plans to stay in school. Gianni remarked:

“The Foundling saved my life. I have a stable place to call home and now see myself going to a four-year college.”

The evening included a performance by Haven Kids Rock and the night was made extra special through video messages from Michael Conforto of the New York Mets, Judge Michael Corriero, NY1 anchor Pat Kiernan, Prom Series co-founders Cabernet Burns and Tori Murphy, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan of Catholic Charities, and more.

Thank you to our generous supporters and our Fall Fete Host Committee! In total, we received nearly $550,000 that will support The Foundling’s vital programs and services. These funds will go directly to uplifting our heroes and supporting the tremendous work they do each and every day.

To watch any of the events from Fall Fete, please click on the links below.

The Foundling’s Legacy of Adoption

Fireside Chat with Bill Baccaglini

Cooking With Mark Bailey

Fall Fete

At The Foundling, we see education as the pathway to independence. Our programs lay the groundwork for healthy development, wellbeing, and self-determination by teaching critical life and learning skills. We know that education is much more than what happens in a classroom, and includes families learning to communicate effectively, children navigating life challenges without strong family support systems, and young adults relearning habits to change the trajectory of their lives. This is especially true today, nearly eight months since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The 2020-2021 school year will undoubtedly present unique challenges for students and their families and caregivers—but for those involved in the child welfare system, they will have to overcome even larger hurdles and obstacles. That’s why The Foundling is doubling down on efforts to provide educational programming and support services to hundreds of students across our community.

Read our roundtable conversation with Foundling staff and expert leaders from our organization who work closely with students, families, tutors, mentors, and teachers—and you’ll hear firsthand how the school year is going so far.

PARTICIPANTS
Clarisse Miller

The Foundling’s Fostering College Success Initiative

 

Jessica Nauiokas

Head of School, Mott Haven Academy Charter School

 

Joni Rivera

Road to Success, Road to Success Citywide, and Afterschool Allies at The Foundling

Elizabeth Tremblay

School Based Mental Health at The Foundling

 

Michelle Watsula

School Based Mental Health at The Foundling

 


How are students faring with their return to school?

Jessica: Our students love coming to school, so we are cognizant of how learning remotely impacts them emotionally and mentally. Creating a structured routine and predictable schedule has really helped. School is in session using Google Classrooms from 8:00am-2:00pm and students interact with their classroom community virtually and complete pre-recorded activities throughout the day. They have blocks of time where they are encouraged to take breaks and get their bodies moving!

Michelle: Students are happy to be back at school and to have the ability to see their teachers and friends. Some students are disappointed with the low turnout of other students returning for in-person instruction—they miss the “normal times” from last year. And the student who are fully remote are sad that they aren’t blended, but their parents opted for remote learning due to having other people in their home who are immunocompromised.

How do you keep teachers, staff, students, and parents motivated each day?

Jessica: We plan virtual classes, assignments, events, gatherings, and meetings with a single question in mind: How do we uplift everyone and bring joy to the learning experience? We also hold monthly student celebration community meetings, weekly staff circles, and weekly “Coffee Hours” for families. Our team also makes surprise ‘cookie and treat’ deliveries to families!

How are students staying connected and maintaining friendships this semester?

Clarisse: We’ve increased the number of workshops we do so that students are interacting more with us and each other. Students are staying in touch with their friends through phone calls, video chats, social media, and interactive video games. Some make time to hang out or form study groups—which is really nice to see take shape. Kids need these social touch points to stay connected and to maintain friendships, and they’re doing a great job so far!

Michelle and Elizabeth: Some students are able to spend time with peers who live in their direct neighborhood, but many are feeling isolated and frustrated with the lack of social interaction. In some of our high schools where we provide therapy to students, we’ve seen freshmen feeling socially disconnected and struggling to make new friends because they’re not physically in school. We’re making the most of tech tools like Google Classroom to run interactive events and workshops that help new students meet classmates. We want to give them every opportunity possible to make new friends and feel connected. In recent weeks, we’ve seen some great participation and success.

How are your teams adjusting to working remotely?

Michelle: They have been creative in engaging students, families, and faculty through virtual workshops. In October we began re-entering NYC schools, and are now using a hybrid of in-person and telehealth services—whatever each individual school needs is what we deliver.

Joni: Our tutors have been extremely innovative! They’re using a multitude of technological tools and platforms to match the different learning styles of our students, like giving styli to students who learn best when they can write and draw on their tablet screens. We’ve created remote learning tip sheets, supplied links to additional online learning resources, and developed a training program on remote learning best practices.

What challenges are you facing—and what do solutions look like?

Joni: Given the changing academic landscape, some of our goals related to college access have shifted. Standardized tests like the New York State Regents exams and SAT/ACTs are largely cancelled, so we have been working with students to instead boost their math and English language grades in order to demonstrate college readiness without standardized tests. At the same time, we’ve been adapting to support 9th grade students entering high school. Research has demonstrated that this time of transition is of particular importance in predicting graduation rates, so we’re prioritizing support for these students to ensure they don’t fall off track with remote learning.

Elizabeth: It’s hard to get know new students when our team has not been able to meet them in person. We’re trying to balance addressing each student’s learning needs and their social emotional needs. We can’t ignore the stressors caused by the pandemic, but we also don’t want students to fall behind in their classes. Collectively, students have shown to be incredibly resilient and strong, and eager to make their new routines work in the most successful ways possible!

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