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4,000+ holiday gifts distributed to The Foundling program participants every year

107 program sites across New York and Puerto Rico

Over one third of youth in foster care will have experienced five or more school moves by the time they age out of the system

Haven Academy was founded to help close the academic achievement gap for students whose families are involved with the child welfare system

When young people age out of the foster care system at age 21, they’re at a higher risk of homelessness, incarceration, and early parenthood

Haven Academy, The Foundling’s public charter school, is the only one of its kind in the country, targeting children involved in the child welfare system

Isis loves spending time with her foster parent, Stephanie–whom she calls mom–and plans to go to college and possibly become a lawyer. Upbeat, fun, and energetic, Isis loves going to school, but found herself struggling to keep up with her classmates. That’s when Jake entered Isis’ life. The two began working together regularly and Jake quickly built a strong rapport with Isis and her younger sisters. While Jake may have taught Isis about fractions and decimals, Isis reminds Jake of the importance of positivity and gratitude.

Manuel has a passion for music and dance and wants to be a choreographer when he grows up. Manuel looks forward to his weekly tutoring sessions with Jake because they help him better understand the topics being covered in school–and to show off his newest dance moves. With Jake’s help, Manuel received a Most Improved Student award at school. Manuel has another recent achievement of which he is very proud: in 2015, he was adopted by his foster mother, Judy. When asked why she adopted Manuel, Judy said, without hesitation, “I don’t see myself without him.”

Jake has found himself a place in over 18 homes across the city while providing weekly, one-on-one, home-based tutoring for youth in The Foundling’s foster care program. Traversing the streets year round, Jake builds special bonds not only with his students, but with their entire families. To youth who have endured transition, hardship, and uncertainty, Jake represents permanency and stability. He earns the trust of his student by showing up every week, excited and ready to help them overcome the academic struggles they experience through creative approaches and individualized learning strategies. Jake’s students improve their grades and build their confidence, but more importantly, Jake transforms his students’ outlooks on education–and their futures.

Raquel is an ambitious college student who credits her success to Jessica, her Foundling tutor. When Raquel struggled in math, Jessica broke down the steps so she could take on the new curriculum. Raquel now leads a student group in her college dormitory where she helps other students understand their budgeting and finances.

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