From 2003-2006, Iris often looked after Destiny Paradiso, the daughter of a family friend. She took care of Destiny when her grandmother, who served as the child’s guardian, worked. But when Destiny was placed in the foster care system at age eight, Iris lost contact with her. Destiny was in her seventh foster home on the day Iris noticed her photo on the foster care agency’s website in 2010. She was one of more than 10,000 children in the foster care system in New York City, a number that now dropped slightly to about 8,800. “I’ve found her,” Iris told Michelle from the living room floor. “I found my daughter.” READ MORE

“We are more concerned about tomorrow than we are yesterday,” said New York Foundling President and CEO, Bill Baccaglini. “We’re constantly pushing the envelope on ways to respond to the need of the kids and families we serve. We love the kids and families of this city and we won’t rest until the foster care population is at zero and every kid is at home with their parents and safe.” READ MORE

The City’s Administration for Children’s Services announced a new program to help 50 foster care youth achieve a higher education. This work is a joint initiative with the City University of New York and The New York Foundling. READ MORE

“Using race entry fees as seed money, Tunnel to Towers has built a house for orphaned children at the New York Foundling, and helped injured soldiers adjust to life back at home.” READ MORE

An Olympic gymnast is quickly becoming an inspiration to many adopted children. Thirteen-year-old Elishama Collado was adopted as a baby through The New York Foundling. She says she dreams of playing in the WNBA and becoming an elite athlete like Olympian Simone Biles, who is also adopted. READ MORE.