Reporter Monica Morales of Pix 11 reports from one of our homes for people with developmental disabilities in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. The home recently received $500,000 in funding for renovations and improvements, to better support the 5 men who live in the building. Leo, one of the residents provides Monica with a tour and discusses how living in the home has provided him with community, connections, and purpose.
Foundling President and CEO Mel Hartzog was selected as one of WorldCC Foundation’s 2025 Inspiring Women, a testament to her accomplishments in leadership in the nonprofit sector. This prestigious program includes trailblazing women across a variety of industries.
Jennifer March, The Foundling’s new Chief Advancement Officer, was recently named to City & State NY’s 50 over 50 list. This list celebrates 50 distinguished leaders over the age of 50.
As they write, “This month, Jennifer March took on a new challenge as chief advancement officer for The New York Foundling. March previously led the Citizens’ Committee for Children for 17 years, guiding the research, advocacy and engagement organization through the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic while spearheading notable policy changes. In her new role, she’ll drive fundraising strategy and operations.”
BK Reader reports on upcoming funding for renovations for one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities.
“The New York Foundling, a nonprofit providing social services for people with developmental disabilities, said a group home in Cypress Hills will undergo major renovations, thanks to $500,000 in funding allocated by State Senator Julia Salazar.
Salazar presented the check to the organization on Friday. It will cover upgrades at the row house at 8 Schenck Ct., which will include new safety and security systems, a redesigned communal kitchen and improvements to bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system, according to a press release.”
The Foundling has brought on Jennifer March as its new Chief Advancement Officer – a new senior cabinet position that will lead the Development team and expand the organization’s fundraising strategy and operations. March comes to The Foundling after serving as the executive director of the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York for the last 17 years.
“No one knows this work or its partners in government, philanthropy and the corporate sector better,” said Melanie Hartzog, our President & CEO. “Jen’s leadership and expertise will help us finance and develop a new generation of programs that could one day change the lives of tens of thousands of families across New York and Puerto Rico. I am so delighted to welcome her to The Foundling.”
In a new feature, New York Nonprofit Media sat down with March for an interview to discuss her new role.
Brooklyn Paper reports on funding for one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities, which will modernize the facility.
“The New York Foundling celebrated a significant funding boost on Friday after State Senator Julia Salazar secured $500,000 to renovate a Cypress Hills group home for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The half-million-dollar grant will enable extensive upgrades to the row house, including modernized safety and security systems, a new HVAC system, and renovations to bathrooms, bedrooms, and the communal kitchen.
The improvements aim to enhance the quality of life for the five residents who receive on-site support to live independently, access health care, and participate in employment and community programs through the work of The New York Foundling — which provides services to more than 1,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities each year.”
“We are so grateful to State Senator Salazar for securing funding that will make a huge difference in the lives of our residents,” said Hartzog. “These renovations will make this home safer, more comfortable, and more beautiful — and our residents deserve nothing less. Working together, we can help people with developmental disabilities reach their full potential.”
Our CEO & President, Melanie Hartzog, appeared on Monica Morales’ Pix 11 show – Monica Makes it Happen – to discuss The Foundling’s three new supportive housing developments. Monica also recognized Mel with a PIX11 Legends Award for her commitment to meaningful change in the communities we support.
Watch the full interview below:
On the Tuesday, December 17 episode of BronxNet Community Television‘s OPEN, Senior Vice President of Mental Services Dr. Kristy-Lee Jean-Pierre, Ph.D, sat with host Kibin Alleyne to discuss the importance of mental health during the holiday season.
She discusses our array of programs targeting young people in foster care, attending NYC schools, as well as the general New York community, and how our mental health services focus on individualized care to create impactful and effective change.
Watch the full interview below, or read more on BronxNet:
In addition to receiving housing and daily support through The Foundling, Kathy has had the opportunity to make her voice heard and refine her leadership and advocacy skills.
Kathy, who lives in one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities, enjoys the opportunities that The Foundling provides. Our person-centered approach assists each person in achieving their own personal goals, and Kathy’s interest in self-advocacy has led her to spearheading the Developmental Disabilities Peer Advisory Board.
“We have one mission and one mission only: to speak up for ourselves and to speak up for other people who can’t speak up for ourselves,” says Kathy.
Created by Foundling staff so participants can have input on the services they receive, the Peer Advisory Board provides Kathy a space to advocate for herself and her peers, while honing her leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills. As President, she has had the opportunity to rally in Albany, create a voter registration initiative, and directly address The Foundling’s Board of Trustees about the issues that impact her and others with developmental disabilities.
“I motivate my peers, I motivate my housemates, I motivate the people in other residences to speak up. It makes my heart so happy to bring self-advocacy into The Foundling,” Kathy shares.
Since 1869, The Foundling has been committed to providing resources and tools so New Yorkers of all abilities can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Your gift can make a big difference, allowing us to support more people like Kathy. Help us give our neighbors the support to make a difference in their community.
Our CEO & President, Melanie Hartzog, was named to City & State NY’s 2024 Responsible 100 list. This list spotlights leaders that exemplify what it means to be socially responsible – whether it’s through community engagement and volunteerism, diversity, equity and inclusion, ethics and transparency, or philanthropy and charity.
“Social responsibility is about leading with community – meeting people and communities where they are, understanding and then being responsive to their needs,” Mel shares.