Stories Archive - Page 3 of 6 - The New York Foundling

Nicole Munhoo

Nicole Munhoo
Foundling Adoptee

Nicole was adopted in 1980 from The Foundling as a 5-month-old baby. “My mother has a story about how she fell in love the first time she saw me as an infant,” she says.

Growing up with her adoptive parents in Long Island, NY, and in Florida, Nicole gravitated toward music and the arts at a young age. “As an adoptee, the arts really engaged me, they helped me emotionally, and I didn’t feel lonely because the arts programs filled a void,” she says. Nicole played French horn throughout school, and found a job as a professional player with the U.S. Army during college. While she is still engaged in the arts, Nicole attended graduate school for business, and now works as a program analyst in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

“My parents were great parents, they raised me very well and were supportive of my artistic endeavors and me pursuing college,” Nicole says. However, she has been committed to finding her biological family – particularly after the birth of her son, Cortez. “Until I was in my early 30s, I didn’t know any of my biological relatives,” she shares. “My adoption was ‘closed’ so I only had non-identifying information available to me. I called The Foundling, and I searched records—I decided it was time to find out more.” Nicole has found some answers through DNA testing, but is currently still searching for her immediate biological family.

April 29, 2021/by Elefant Design

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

Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation, Developmental Disabilities, Programs

Shawn’s Road to Independence

Shawn was diagnosed with a developmental disability as a child, making everyday tasks difficult. Since 2011, he has lived at a supportive Foundling residence in Rockland County, and for the past five years, has received additional skills training through our Community Habilitation program. Given his disability, he faces numerous challenges in daily life – but with The Foundling providing a helping hand, Shawn has made tremendous strides toward independence.

For Shawn, learning to drive has been one of his personal goals for more than five years, though he hadn’t yet succeeded in passing his permit test. When Shawn’s routine was upended during the pandemic, he took a renewed approach to studying, while being supported by his Foundling Community Habilitation Specialist. Together, they reviewed sample tests and went on the road to practice concepts firsthand. In September, Shawn took the exam again—and passed with a perfect score. He now looks forward to beginning driving lessons and pursuing the new opportunities that a license will bring. With The Foundling helping him navigate, Shawn looks forward to steering the way toward further independence.

December 22, 2020/by Elefant Design

Education, Mott Haven Academy Charter School, Programs

Kalvin & his Family Find Strength and Support

Last year, Kalvin, a 3^rd grade scholar at The Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy Charter School, was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing emergency surgery and starting cancer treatment, COVID-19 hit their community. Kalvin and his family found it difficult to balance medical visits and emotionally cope with the fear and uncertainty, all while adapting to remote education and the other challenges that came with the pandemic.

From the beginning, however, Haven Academy was there to guide the family along their new and uncharted path. The K-8 charter school, which combines a trauma-informed curriculum with social services that address the needs of the whole family, was uniquely positioned to provide a helping hand. Haven teachers worked with Kalvin’s parents to address his academic needs, ensuring that Kalvin received high-quality instruction that accommodated his schedule. School staff provided emotional support, ensuring that Kalvin and his family always had a listening ear. When the family found that their living situation – an apartment in a poorly maintained complex – posed health issues and complications to Kalvin’s recovery, The Foundling supported them in finding a new home. With The Foundling at their side, Kalvin and his family are hopeful for the future – and know they can work through any obstacles along the road ahead.

December 22, 2020/by Elefant Design

Child Welfare, Education, Mott Haven Academy Charter School, Programs

Jennifer and her family are supported at Haven Academy

Raising five children on her own, Jennifer was used to juggling responsibilities and being a constant source of stability for her family – but the COVID-19 pandemic turned her life upside down. In this time of stress and uncertainty, The Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy Charter School became her source of stability. “The pandemic was rough, but they made it easier – with food, essentials, hand soap, paper towels, coloring books, crayons, everything,” Jennifer shares. “At Haven Academy, the teachers, social workers, and staff are not just there to help students—like my children—they also help parents and families too.” Now, Jennifer is back to being a beacon of support for her family. “I’m ready to go. I just can’t wait to see what the future looks like,” she says.

December 8, 2020/by Elefant Design

Developmental Disabilities, Employment Services, Programs, Residential Services

Nancy Finds Fulfillment at her First Job

As a Program Assistant at The Foundling, Nancy ensures that her floor is organized and running smoothly, and her tasks help her coworkers work effectively and efficiently. It’s Nancy’s first paying job, and she loves every moment of it. She has worked hard to achieve this level of independence: Nancy has lived in one of our supportive residences since 2004, and always felt like she could do more in her life. A few years ago, Nancy joined our Employment Services Program, where she had the opportunity to volunteer at numerous organizations and learn workplace skills. Now, she appreciates the independence and sense of purpose that employment provides.

July 30, 2020/by Elefant Design

Child Welfare, Community Partnership Program, Healthy Families, Programs

Providing community support during the pandemic

Our Staten Island Community Partnership and Healthy Families programs have come together to help keep our neighbors in the North Shore section of Staten Island healthy and safe throughout the pandemic. One of their largest initiatives is a weekly grocery giveaway program that has provided 100 families with essential items, including fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, toiletries, and more. Thanks to collaboration with community institutions and businesses – from churches to laundromats – our impassioned team engages with local residents and families to ensure that all of our neighbors have access to the resources they need.

July 30, 2020/by Elefant Design

Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation, Developmental Disabilities, Programs, Residential Services

Michael is striving towards independence

Michael, who has lived in a Foundling residence since 2014, has made great strides in his path toward independence and personal growth. With the help of caring staff both at his home and within our Day Habilitation program, he has overcome behavioral challenges over the past 6 years, and is now taking charge of his future. He enjoys watching movies, spending time with housemates and staff, and is taking on progressively harder tasks around the home, including yard work, grocery shopping, and cleaning. Michael continues to grow and pursue new opportunities and interests, and he’s also actively looking for a full time job.

July 30, 2020/by Elefant Design

College Bound, Education, Educational Advocacy, Programs, The Dormitory Project

Latina wants to help others

As a first-year student at Borough of Manhattan Community College, she is enjoying the independence, stability, and support that the Dorm Project has provided. Over the past few months, she has appreciated the emotional and academic assistance that her coaches have provided in navigating college life. As a Childhood Education and Psychology major, she’s planning for a career in Social Work. She is innately driven by her desire to give back, and to use her own experiences growing up to assist others in foster care.

July 30, 2020/by Elefant Design

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