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Our New Vital Brookdale Mural Beautifies the Community

Two years ago, The Foundling’s Vital Brookdale complex opened to serve our community in Brownsville, Brooklyn. We were involved in this project from the start, which not only includes affordable housing for the community, but contains Foundling-managed Supportive Housing units for young people aging out of foster care and adults with development disabilities. Based out of an on-site office, our staff provide holistic support and guidance as our participants navigate living on their own – often for the very first time.

We are excited to unveil a new mural – located on the wall of Brookdale Hospital, which overlooks the building – to further celebrate our residents and their place in the community.

The artwork, which is 47 feet wide and 21 feet tall, was conceptualized, created, and painted by Layqa Nuna Yawar, a public artist and multidisciplinary storyteller. Titled Colors of My City, the mural’s imagery and subjects (from actual Vital Brookdale residents to community landmarks) were developed through conversations with community members – allowing it to truly reflect the neighborhood and those within it.

Read our press release for more information on the project!

View photos of the mural’s creation and completion below:

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Meet Team Foundling’s 2023 NYC Marathon Runners!

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.

 

Jean GrecsekJean Marie Grecsek

Since 2000, I’ve run over 50 distance races, including 10 full marathons. I’m a proud New Yorker, and I look for ways to give back to my community where the needs are greatest. In years past, I have combined my love of running with raising money for charities like Fred’s Team in the past, and am excited to run for The Foundling.

I knew about The Foundling because my cousin had adopted her two children through the organization years ago. I learned more recently about the wide scope of programs and services that the organization provides and I was excited to learn about an opportunity to get involved. As a mother of seven, I understand the challenges that even the most supported parents and families face, and feel that the resources that The Foundling provides to families who are struggling is critical. I’ll work hard to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

Support Jean here!

 

Suzanne O’Brien

I believe we are all here to help one another in this life.

The Foundling has given many people, couples, and families the opportunities and tools they need. This is my first time running for a cause, and I’m happy to be giving back to The New York Foundling. I grew up hearing about the organization and how wonderful their work is. I’m so proud to be a representative of the work.

Support Suzanne here!

 

Charlotte Loper

I am very excited to run for Team Foundling! As an infant, I was sick and put in the care of The Foundling Hospital. I received care and attention and was able to be placed in my family. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to give back to an organization that gave me so much, many years ago!

Support Charlotte here!

 

Ben Oxnard

I joined the New York Foundling Junior Board in 2022, and I’m happy to run and fundraise for Team Foundling this year!

Support Ben here!

 

Shawn Garrett

My connection to The Foundling is new, but I’m passionate about the mission. From a young age, I have donated my time to empowering those in impoverished communities. Helping those of lesser means is a life goal of mine. I’m excited to run and fundraise for Team Foundling.

Support Shawn here!

 

Pilar Grullon

I am a former colleague of the Foundling’s President and CEO and Chief of Staff. The Foundling understands that mental health is the foundation for stability and function and dedicates significant resources and programming to address this, especially among communities that are predisposed to experiencing mental health issues due to the challenges in their everyday lives.

Support Pilar here!

 

Niall Keane

Growing up I had always heard about The New York Foundling, an anchor institution in New York City that provides unparalleled social services in five focus areas: child welfare, developmental disabilities, education, health and behavioral health, and juvenile and criminal justice. As an organization, their work is rooted in building and nourishing community, with the goal of helping individuals reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

This year, when adversity is facing so many people and coming in so many forms, I am running the TCS New York City Marathon for The New York Foundling to support this mission of empowerment and community building. Since its founding in 1869, The Foundling has utilized evidence-based research to amend vulnerability in our communities, while concurrently bringing heart, generosity, and humanity to every person they serve.

Support Niall here!

 

Robert Holmes

I’m passionate about the community and The Foundling’s mission. With every step I take, I will be raising critical funds to support an organization in whose work and mission I deeply believe. By supporting me, you’re really supporting the 30,000 children, adults, and families in The Foundling’s programs every year.

Support Robert here!

 

Miles Kurtz

This is my first time running for a charity partner. I am passionate about The New York Foundling and their mission. I believe in providing opportunities for children regardless of circumstances so they can grow up to achieve their potential.

Support Miles here!

 

Eric Kim

Go Team Foundling!

 

Connor Zielinski

Transformational 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.

Support Connor here!
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NY1: Pantry Space Needed for Cold Months

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:

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SI Live Mobile Pantry
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Staten Island Advance: Mobile Food Pantry Event set for Staten Island will Feature Music, Family Activities and More

The Staten Island Advance reported on our mobile food pantry, which has been operated weekly all summer by our Staten Island Community Partnership.

Read more at SI Live

 

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NY1: SICP Mobile Food Pantry

On their daily Around the Boroughs segment, reporter Ron Lee reported on our Staten Island Community Partnership‘s mobile food pantry.

Watch the video below:

 

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The Difference Card: The New York Foundling Finds Long-term Success with The Difference Card Health Insurance Strategy

In their latest blog post, Taylor Britt of The Difference Card sat down with Meghan O’Keefe, Assistant Vice President in our Human Resources department. In the interview, they discuss our successes using The Difference Card as a way to keep health insurance cost low while providing the best possible benefits for Foundling staff.

Read more at The Difference Card

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Team Foundling 2023: Meet our United NYC Half Runners!

On March 19, Team Foundling will embark on the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half! The half marathon historically has taken over 25,000 runners 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 – members receive guaranteed entry and other perks, all while crowdfunding for The Foundling’s programs supporting children, adults, and families. Our 2023 Team Foundling runners come from a variety of backgrounds – but are united in their dedication to running this strenuous race and giving back to our shared Foundling community.

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

 

 Erik Clark-resizedErik Clark

Having recently moved to New York has had its challenges, but it has also provided a lot of opportunities. I wanted a new challenge and couldn’t think of a more demanding activity than to start with this half marathon and have the opportunity to give back to the Foundling community!

Learn More & Support Erik! 

Jardy Santana-resizedJardy Santana

Connection to The Foundling: Haven Academy staff member

I’ve known I’ve wanted to be a teacher from the age of 6. For 12 of the past 14 years as an educator, I have been a teacher at Mott Haven Academy Charter school, The Foundling’s charter school in the South Bronx.

I’ve experienced the impact of this partnership on our community first hand, and joining Team Foundling allows me to further support my immediate community and fellow New Yorkers, through another one of my passions: running. I chose to run with Team Foundling to make a difference in my community!

Learn More & Support Jardy!

 Michelle Watsula-resizedMichelle Watsula

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling staff member

I’m fairly new to the running game compared to most people. I started running during COVID as a way to keep myself healthy, both mentally and physically. Running is tough, but what has kept me motivated to continue was seeing my son cheer me on as I approached the finish line of my first half marathon last year.

When the opportunity arose to run for The New York Foundling – the agency that has provided me with invaluable learning experiences, growth opportunities, mentors, and relationships; an agency that continues to grow, innovate, and advocate to ensure we are always helping our clients reach their full potential – I jumped at the chance.

Learn More & Support Michelle!

Naomi Jackson-resizedNaomi Jackson

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling Junior Board member

Naomi is excited to participate in her first half marathon since moving to NYC five years ago. A member of The Foundling’s Junior Board, Naomi is inspired to contribute to the vision to help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. A Hudson River Park regular, Naomi is keen to explore new running paths during her training. She’s also looking forward to the scenic race route of the NYC half and the special experience of crossing the finish line in Central Park. And course to enjoying a celebratory champagne with loved ones and her fellow Team Foundling runners afterward!

Learn More & Support Naomi!

John Machado-resizedJohn Carlos Machado II 

Victory is paid for in sweat, courage, and preparation. It’s about being on a lonely road and running like a champion even when there’s not a single soul in sight to cheer you on – when I wake up in the morning, feeling dangerous. Mindset: I hate to lose, more than I love to win.

Learn More & Support John!

Mel Hartzog -resizedMel Hartzog

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling staff member

I’m proud to lead The Foundling and all that our incredible staff do in support of the more than 30,000 children, adults, and families we reach each year!

In our work, and especially during the pandemic, managing our health and wellness has been especially important. Exercising is one of the ways that I keep myself physically and mentally healthy and when combined with the opportunity to support Team Foundling – I couldn’t wait to sign up!!

Learn More & Support Mel!

Elliott Lynn-resizedElliot Lynn 

Elliott started running as a way to exercise outside during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has recently run two half marathons. He’s passionate about The Foundling’s work, and has seen the impact of The Foundling’s services through his wife, a pediatric primary care provider for many years at The Foundling. Elliott is excited to combine his love of running with the opportunity to support the work of an organization that provides compassion, care and opportunity for those who need it most.

Learn More & Support Elliot!

Erin Lippman-resizedErin Lippman

Connection to The Foundling: Foundling Junior Board member

I started running about 20 years ago and have found it to be therapeutic. Running had allowed me to look at my city and other places from a different perspective. Being able to run on behalf of causes I care has about allowed me to combine something I love with something that helps others. I’m very thankful to be a member of the Junior Board for The New York Foundling. No children should have to live in a world without human basic needs.

Learn More & Support Erin!

Emma Wolfe

 

Learn More & Support Emma!

Jason Kauppila Jason Kauppila

I am NYC born and raised and have been running competitively for the past 10 years for teams with a common goal and personal achievements. This time, the race is not for me. It’s to embody the spirit of an amazing team – one that empowers our neighbors and changes lives for the better. Special shout out to Jane Fanning and The New York Foundling for getting me involved!   

 

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