Behavioral Health Archives - The New York Foundling

Behavioral Health, Child Welfare, Foster Care

Sitan Found Support and Stability

As a 19-year-old in foster care, Sitan had already faced a lifetime’s worth of challenges when she gave birth to her daughter in April 2020. But the added stress of managing life as a new parent — during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — made her struggles feel insurmountable. Her foster care team saw that Sitan needed more help, and connected her with our Mental Health Services department.

Through therapy, Sitan learned breathing exercises and coping mechanisms, and now tackles her challenges one day at a time. Additionally, The Foundling helped her make important steps toward independence— she secured daycare for her daughter, rented her own apartment, and has found a full-time job. She now has the stability to provide for her daughter, and is optimistic for the future ahead.

December 7, 2021/by Elefant Design

Behavioral Health, School Based Mental Health Services

40%

decrease in mental health crises in NYC schools utilizing our School-Based Mental Health Services

May 5, 2021/by Carmen Rojas

Behavioral Health, Programs, School Based Mental Health Services

Delany and her Family’s Partnership with The Foundling

Middle school is tough for all children of all backgrounds, but Delany struggled more than most. In 6^th grade, her deep struggles with anxiety, sadness, and insecurity severely impacted her life at school and home. She was intensely consumed with worry, and didn’t know how to process these feelings.

When school staff referred her to The Foundling’s School-Based Mental Health program, her outlook began to change. The program, which operates in 20 select New York City public schools, provides students with access to one-on-one therapists and a safe space to explore their thoughts. As Delany began working with a Foundling therapist, she learned strategies to cope and renew her focus – tools that have helped in her successful transition to high school. When the pandemic struck last year, Delany’s younger sister, Melody, began to experience significant anxiety resulting from all the disruptions to her life. This time, Melody and Delany’s mother knew where to turn. She reached out to The Foundling, and Melody was matched with a Foundling school-based therapist who helped her build her own set of tools to work through her anxiety. For the entire family, The Foundling is a vital partner, providing the support and mental tools to move forward.

These sisters and their loving mother know they can count on The Foundling – no matter where their path leads.

December 22, 2020/by Elefant Design

Behavioral Health, Child Welfare, Programs, Supportive Housing

Denisha Pursues Her Dreams

After enduring physical violence at home and battling chronic depression, Denisha left home at age 14 and spent her teenage years in foster care. As Denisha approached her 18^th birthday, she sought more independence – a transition that is hard for young people in foster care, who often lack a traditional support system. Denisha was driven to succeed, however, and applied to The Foundling’s Supportive Housing Program: a residential program that works with young adults to eliminate barriers to independent living.

Partnering with Foundling staff, Denisha was able to address her mental health needs, learn important life skills, become financially stable, and pursue her educational aspirations. The Foundling was Denisha’s safety net as she learned the skills she needed to succeed on her own. This year, Denisha completed a Master’s program in early childhood education, was hired as a full-time 1^st grade teacher, and recently moved into her own apartment. With The Foundling’s continued guidance, Denisha is excited for the next stage of her journey, and looks forward to what the future will bring.

December 22, 2020/by Elefant Design