Remember the excitement of moving out on your own? Many New Yorkers may never get the opportunity – but they will now thanks to you and thanks to The Foundling. While those growing up without support systems or with developmental disabilities may dream of having their own home, they often struggle to find clear pathways to achieve that goal.
Today, residents in our Supportive Housing programs are seeing their dreams of independence come true.Vital Brookdale, our first supportive housing complex, provides purpose-built apartments and on-site guidance for young people aging out of foster care and adults with developmental disabilities: two groups that often struggle to secure and maintain housing.
In the videos below, see the benefits of this unique approach!
Meet Anthony, one of Vital Brookdale’s new residents
Meet our Supportive Housing team: The Foundling’s ‘Dreammakers’
The Foundling is committed to providing opportunities like this for our community – but we can only do it with your help.Your gift this holiday season will allow more people like Anthony to reach their full potential.
https://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AnthonyMcQueen2.png10801920Elefant Designhttps://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/nyf-logo-wp.pngElefant Design2022-12-09 10:17:202022-12-09 10:18:00After 15 Years of Wishing, Anthony’s Dreams of Independence Came True
At The Foundling, we are committed to serving our community, and to continue the promise that the Sisters of Charity made to support our neighbors over 150 years ago.
As Melanie Hartzog, our President & CEO, recently shared:
“The New York Foundling is a place of inspiration, hope, transformation, and community. That is what drew me here – I was so impressed with the mission and vision of The Foundling, and its many opportunities to make a real impact in the lives of children, adults, and families.
Whether we’re supporting young people through and beyond foster care, providing families in Puerto Rico with early education services, or giving people with developmental disabilities the guidance to achieve their dreams, The Foundling transforms to support the communities we serve.”
This important work is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters – and this Giving Tuesday, you can help us keep this legacy alive.
This Giving Tuesday, help transform lives. Here’s how you can make an impact in the lives of children, adults, and families in New York and Puerto Rico:
Donate: A donation provides support where it’s needed most!
$2,500 can furnish an apartment for 2 people living on their own for the first time
$1,000 can fund 6 months of art therapy and community engagement for young people in foster care
$500 can provide a child abuse prevention workshop for 20 students
$100 can sponsor a day of camp for a young person involved in the child welfare system
Give back on AmazonSmile: 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!
Crowdfund for The Foundling: If you’re on Facebook, you and your network can easily support us! Visit our Facebook page and start a fundraiser to support the children, adults, and families in our programs.
Volunteer: Lend a hand this holiday season! Sign up for December volunteer opportunities here.
Make a Legacy Gift: Include The Foundling in your estate plans, ensuring that our work continues for generations to come. Learn more here.
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For the New York Mets’ September 2 game at Citi Field, pitcher Taijuan Walker partnered with The New York Foundling for his Tai’s Taco Truck initiative, where he gave out free tacos and solicited donations on behalf of The Foundling.
On November 6, Team Foundling will take to the streets for the TCS New York City Marathon! The world’s largest marathon and a source of inspiration to runners worldwide, the race will include over 50,000 athletes who will complete a 26.2-mile route through all five boroughs of New York City.
This year marks our largest team of runners yet – and while they come from different backgrounds and have different athletic aspirations, they all share a commitment to not only reach their personal race goals, but to raise money for the children, adults, and families in our Foundling community as well.
Ryan has only been running for four years, but in this time, he has participated in the 2018 Detroit Marathon, as well as the Brooklyn, NYC, Disney, and Portland Half Marathons. He loves the runner community, especially around big races, and how supportive everyone is when you are training and participating in an event. For the NYC Marathon, he’d ideally like to break the 4 hour barrier.
It’s his first time running with a charity partner, and he’s excited for the opportunity. Not only is he looking forward to the comraderies and shared commitment that comes with running with a team, but he’s passionate about The Foundling’s work. As he shares, “The Foundling is such an incredible institution for kids in New York City. As a former NYC public school teacher, I am thankful for any organization that works to provide underserved youth with opportunities to embrace life and grow into the best people they can be. And The Foundling is exactly that kind of organization.”
Eric has completed 4 marathons in the past (including the NYC Marathon), and is excited to run for The Foundling this year! He enjoys running in lower Manhattan and Central Park, and particularly cherishes how the sport provides him with the opportunity to think without distractions.
As a foster parent with The Foundling, he shares a personal connection to our mission, and is excited to support our work!
Jeffrey’s been an avid runner for 15 years, and has completed two marathons and five half marathons. Most recently, Jeffrey was a member of Team Foundling for the 2022 United Airlines Half!
He is eager to run for The Foundling once again, as he cares about children and supports investing in their present and future.
Timothy’s been a runner for 18 years, and most recently ran with us for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon earlier this year! His favorite places to run are across NYC and on the beach, and he particularly enjoys the sense of accomplishment that running gives him.
Timothy comes to Team Foundling through a deep understanding and passion for our mission. He is a foster parent with us, and was drawn to create a safe, loving environment and life for children who need a supportive home. Timothy is excited to combine his interest in running with his dedication to helping our Foundling community.
Emerson will be running her very first marathon as part of Team Foundling! She’s been a runner off and on since high school, and has completed in five half marathons in the past. Her favorite song to run to is Higher Love by Whitney Houston, and her favorite places to run are Prospect Park and Central Park.
She is particularly passionate about The Foundling’s Haven Academy and our Haven Kids Rock performing arts program. “I believe in the transformational power of the arts and Haven Kids Rock is a wonderful example of that,” she shares.
Running “can provide a mental and physical escape, and is one thing that’s completely powered by you,” says Jacqueline. She’s been a casual runner for the past 10 years, and has completed a few 5k runs, but this is her first marathon! She’s excited to soak up the energy of the city, and to finish the race.
Jacqueline’s excited to raise money for The Foundling, and has a personal connection to foster care and adoption. “I believe strongly that having an advocate for you can completely change the course of your life,” she says. “My mother was someone who was adopted at age 13 and suffered through a difficult home environment. She ultimately was set on a better path thanks to someone who was able to advocate and give her access to resources like the ones that The Foundling provides.”
Amanda has been a runner for her entire life, and is excited to finish the NYC Marathon! She enjoys running in forests and parks, to Beyonce, Drake, and Brockhampton’s music.
Running for The Foundling is just one more way she’s deepening her connection to The Foundling – she also serves on our Junior Board, was a Camp Counselor at Camp Felix, and volunteers regularly for the organization. “My work with The Foundling is what inspired me to become a teacher, and to teach in a high need, urban environment,” she says.
CL is a beginning runner who hopes to complete the NYC Marathon this year! She enjoys running because you need nothing but an open road, and enjoys running along the West Side Highway.
CL was formerly on The Foundling’s Junior Board, and is drawn to our organization’s deep history and wide scope of programs.
David is excited to join Team Foundling and complete the marathon in under 3:45. He enjoys running along NYC’s waterfronts, as well as in neighborhoods that he’s unfamiliar with. Running allows him to clear his head – he often doesn’t listen to music, and running gives him time to think.
David is excited to be on Team Foundling – he loves that the organization provides holistic support to families and young people, from counseling to housing to education and so much more!
Cecile has been a runner for 7 years, and has completed the virtual Boston Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon, and the Marine Corp Marathon. For the NYC Marathon, she hopes to finish in under 5:30-6:00. She enjoys running in Cape Cod and Central Park, and likes that it provides a chance to zone out and clear her head.
Her connection to The Foundling comes through family – her daughter Taylor previously worked for The Foundling as an Education Specialist!
In a press release from The American Foundation of Savoy Orders (Savoy Foundation), the foundation shared that they recently granted $150,000 for The Foundling’s Camp Felix.
https://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220718_151200-Resized-2.jpg12951727Elefant Designhttps://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/nyf-logo-wp.pngElefant Design2022-07-20 16:51:282022-07-20 16:55:02Savoy Foundation Grants $150,000 to The New York Foundling Summer Camp Program for Inner-City Foster Care Children
Since 1970, the TCS New York City Marathon – the world’s largest marathon – has been a source of inspiration for runners around the globe. On November 6, 2022, over 50,000 athletes will once again take to the streets for a 26.2-mile route through all five boroughs of New York City. While the lottery for general admission to the race is now closed, The Foundling still has spots available for dedicated runners. Join us in becoming a part of this important milestone!
In partnership with New York Road Runners, The Foundling is proud to support a team of ten runners. Apply today to join The Foundling’s 2022 TCS NYC Marathon team, as spots will fill up quickly! The final deadline to secure your spot is June 1!
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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.
Our 2022 Rose label, featuring Christiane Palpant’s painting, A Journey Aglow
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.
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!
https://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_4346-scaled.jpg17072560Elefant Designhttps://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/nyf-logo-wp.pngElefant Design2022-03-09 12:24:292022-03-24 16:25:49Meet Christiane Palpant: Artist and Friend of The Foundling
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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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
The Junior Board volunteered their time to sort gifts for distribution to the people in our programs.
We hosted a corporate volunteer event for the staff at Peoplehood, where they created cards for our program participants.
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.
https://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_4120-crop-scaled.jpg12142560Elefant Designhttps://www.nyfoundling.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/nyf-logo-wp.pngElefant Design2021-12-22 11:00:332021-12-22 12:15:35Bringing Cheer this Holiday Season
Holly Smeltzer
Victor (Vic) Mitchell
