Programs Archives - Page 2 of 13 - The New York Foundling

Michelle Was Supported in Living as her True Self

As a transgender woman with developmental disabilities, Michelle had spent most of her life struggling to access the gender-affirming care she needed. But after coming to live at one of our supportive residences two years ago, she was finally able to take the steps to live as her true self. The dedicated Foundling staff at Michelle’s home provided her with crucial support throughout her transition process – helping her navigate the healthcare system, update her identification documents, and more. When asked to provide advice for others in the LGBTQ+ community, she shared that it’s important to “make sure they have the right people around to help.” At The Foundling, Michelle found just that – and is now on her way to living her best life and reaching her full potential!

May 11, 2022/by Elefant Design

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

Education, Road to Success

Marquise and his Tutor Formed a Close Bond

Marquise was struggling academically, found it difficult to focus on life goals, and was often distrustful and distant around others — including his foster mother. Then he joined The Foundling’s Road to Success tutoring program. Once realizing that his tutor, Khristian, was there to help him, Marquise began to open up and see new possibilities. Marquise and his tutor formed a close bond, and while Khristian provided life-changing academic support, he also became Marquise’s friend and mentor. And their relationship did more than improve Marquise’s grades. He has more confidence, and his relationship with his foster mother has completely changed for the better. Now, Marquise is on track in his high school courses, and is excited to plan for higher education and beyond.

December 7, 2021/by Elefant Design

Early Head Start, Education, Head Start

Bianca Came to our Early Head Start Center for Support

Bianca, now a mother of three, came to The Foundling’s Early Head Start Center in San Juan when she learned she was pregnant with her first son, Kermitt, for pre-natal guidance and parent resources and support. Working in partnership with Head Start specialists, Bianca later learned that Kermitt had mild attention deficit challenges. Kermitt began to receive the services and help he needed to succeed in school.

Now 10 years old, Kermitt is on the Honor Roll in school, and Bianca’s two younger daughters are currently receiving support and services through Head Start as well. Thanks to the Head Start program, Bianca’s three children are thriving today—and she is too.

December 7, 2021/by Elefant Design

Child Welfare, Foster Care

Nina, Grace, and Logan are a Family

When Nina opened her home as a foster parent to two siblings, she committed to making them feel safe, secure, and loved. The Foundling provided guidance, intensive therapy services, and more to support her and the children as they healed from past trauma and adjusted to a new environment.

Thanks to The Foundling’s support, Nina, Grace, and Logan are now a thriving family – and with adoption paperwork finalized last year, they will have each other for a lifetime. “They’re biological siblings, and it’s amazing that they get to be together – I think they feel blessed, and I also feel blessed,” says Nina.

December 7, 2021/by Elefant Design

Developmental Disabilities, Employment Services

Lowell Dreamed of Having a Job

Lowell, who lives in one of our Bronx residences for people with developmental disabilities, knew he wanted to work. However, people with disabilities have some of the lowest employment rates in the country, and it was difficult for him to achieve this goal. Years passed without any progress – until he enrolled in The Foundling’s Employment Services in 2018. The program was exactly what he was looking for. Matched with a supportive coach, he began to learn the basics of being in the workforce. He embarked on dedicated skills training, and received expert guidance as he identified jobs that fit with his interests and aptitudes. Through several volunteer positions in the community, he learned how to follow directions and conduct himself in the workplace. While some skills took some time to master, and the COVID-19 pandemic posed further disruptions, Lowell continued to have hope. He never gave up on his goal – and neither did his Foundling job coach. This summer, those efforts paid off as he accepted his first job as a team member with Shake Shack, working at a location in the Bronx! Now, he starts his days with purpose, and enjoys doing meaningful paid work in the community. With The Foundling’s continued partnership, Lowell has a bright 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

Education, Road to Success

87%

increase in oral reading fluency by elementary students in our tutoring programs

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

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