Pix11 journalist Monica Morales, host of this year’s Fall Fête, interviewed our CEO & President Melanie Hartzog, as well as Sitan Keita – a former participant in our programs. Sitan was formerly in foster care with The Foundling, and now works as a job coach in our Employment Services program. The interview highlights the support that Sitan received, and the array of our services for parents and children.
Watch the Pix11 clip below:
City & State New York has recognized Melanie Hartzog, The Foundling’s President & CEO, in their 2023 Nonprofit Power 100 list. This annual list highlights the most notable nonprofit leaders who are strengthening the safety net and serving the New York community.
As City & State notes, under Mel’s leadership “the child welfare organization has been touting a number of successes, including a 40% decrease in mental health crises in the city’s public schools for students participating in a Foundling program and that 95% of students transitioning out of foster care have moved into permanent housing due to a Foundling program.”
In The City’s recent article exploring the impact on New Yorkers if a government shutdown ends up taking place, our CEO & President Melanie Hartzog provided some insight on the food insecurity issues that could ensue, and how The Foundling is working on anticipating the needs of our community.
“We run a pop-up food pantry, so of course, we’re thinking about what additional resources could bring to bear there,” Hartzog said. “We have our charter school in the South Bronx, where we service a number of families, including child welfare-involved families, and so we’re trying to make sure that we are anticipating what their needs may be.”
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.”
On November 5, 2023, over 50,000 athletes will take to the streets for a 26.2-mile route through all five boroughs of New York City – and 11 of them will be running in support of The Foundling!
Meet our team of runners below – each of them are incredible athletes, and all share a commitment to raising money to help build futures for the communities we serve in New York and Puerto Rico. Learn more about each runner, and help them reach their goals here.
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Jean Marie Grecsek
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Eric Kim
Connor ZielinskiTransformational change is possible, but sometimes only with some help. The Foundling inspires me and many others to support any way we can, and I genuinely believe in the mission. I am a massive proponent of ending the mental health stigma, and I fully believe everyone deserves a fair shot at a healthy and happy life. I want to continue to help remove obstacles for people across the community. |
The Imprint recently reported on the opening of the NYC Department of Education’s new office for students in foster care, and the importance of improving educational outcomes for young people in care – highlighting The Foundling’s education programs, including Haven Academy.
“For children who were removed from their home and are now in an educational setting, dealing with that trauma, and trying to focus in school is extremely difficult,” said Melanie Hartzog, president of The New York Foundling. The Foundling-supported charter school in the Bronx, Mott Haven Academy, is unique in its approach. It is believed to be the first and only school in the country created specifically for children in foster care, with specially trained staff and goals centered on students’ emotional needs as well as their academics.
On their Around the Boroughs segment, NY1 reporter reporter Ron Lee reported on our Staten Island Community Partnership‘s need for an indoor space for our weekly SICP Free Market. While the pantry has operated outdoors over the summer, as the months grow colder this will be more difficult.
Watch the video below:
On #StatenIsland, an indoor space is being sought so that a food pantry can continue to help those in need when the weather gets colder. #AroundTheBoroughs #ny1 @chelsea_j_katz @Sherwoodstock pic.twitter.com/eCOOqV4u7L
— Ron Lee (@RonLeeReporting) September 11, 2023
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:
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The Staten Island Advance reported on our mobile food pantry, which has been operated weekly all summer by our Staten Island Community Partnership.