Promise in Action
A publication of Children’s Aid, helping children in poverty to succeed and thrive.
Children’s Aid
117 W. 124th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10027
Jill Olson Chair
Phoebe C. Boyer President and Chief Executive Officer
Caroline Gallagher Chief Development Officer
Anthony Ramos Vice President, Marketing and Communications
ChildrensAidNYC.org 212.949.4936
From the CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I bring your attention to a recent report by Robin Hood and Columbia University, “The State of Poverty and Disadvantages in New York City, Volume 6,” which spotlights the alarming poverty crisis in New York City. Shockingly, 1 in 4 children in our city live in poverty. The past year has seen a surge in youth poverty, driven by the discontinuation of crucial government policies like the expanded child tax credit and enhanced unemployment insurance. Compounding these concerns are talks of substantial cuts to essential poverty-fighting programs, casting a shadow over our city’s future.
The report highlights the disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and Asian New Yorkers, with poverty rates almost double those of their white counterparts. Mothers and children are especially vulnerable, exacerbated by a growing childcare crisis. This situation calls for urgent action. The report suggests actionable solutions that could make a significant impact. We must advocate for the permanent expansion of public benefits, such as the federal child tax credit and New York’s Empire State Child Credit. Equally crucial is prioritizing support for the childcare programs that form lifelines for working families.
In the face of these challenges, there is hope. Together, we can be a catalyst for change, pushing for policies that uplift the most vulnerable in our community. Reports like this underscore the importance of education and advocacy. Let us delve into the data, understand the nuances, and unite in championing meaningful change for the well-being and future success of our children.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support as we navigate these critical issues.
Warm regards,
Phoebe C. Boyer President and Chief Executive Officer
On the Cover:
During Reading on the Rug at Taft Early Childhood Center, each student received a copy of the book “Harlem Grown” by community garden activist Tony Hillery, which celebrates building gardens in the community.
Children’s Aid President and CEO Phoebe C. Boyer
Hearst’s Year-Round Commitment to Giving
As we reflect on the past year, we want to highlight the extraordinary contributions of one of our dedicated corporate partners, Hearst.
Through various initiatives, Hearst has played a pivotal role in supporting Children’s Aid youth and programs, serving as a beacon of hope and support for many.
Hearst employees can personally support Children’s Aid and receive a 150% match through the company’s Charitable Gift Matching program, and have the opportunity to make a difference all year long through volunteering.
For the second consecutive year, in December, Hearst’s Tech Services team demonstrated their spirit of giving through a holiday gift drive, providing 50 gifts to P.S. 8 in Washington Heights. This thoughtful gesture brought joy during the festive season, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays was shared with all.
In November, taking an innovative approach to encourage literacy, Hearst colleagues in New York City recorded themselves reading 12 different children’s books, creating an engaging and interactive
read-along experience for the classroom. This initiative not only promoted the joy of reading but also provided tangible resources – each of our nine early childhood centers received hard copies of all 12 books.
As part of their Fall Fest in October, the Hearst Magazines team showcased their creativity by decorating pumpkins for Halloween. These festive decorations were sent to an early childhood center, brightening up the space and bringing smiles to the children’s faces. Some lucky kids even got to take the pumpkins home!
Last April, in preparation for National Teacher’s Day, a group of 30 Hearst colleagues came together to pack school supply kits and write notes of gratitude and appreciation to school teachers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
Hearst’s initiatives throughout the year exemplify what it means to be a committed corporate partner. Their continuous efforts in supporting education, nurturing creativity, and spreading joy have made a significant impact.
Thank you, Hearst!
Promise in Action Executive Update
Ronald Cope II Deputy Director in the Youth Division, was named to City & State New York’s 2024 Nonprofit Trailblazers List.
Casper Lassiter Director of the Dunlevy Milbank Community Center, was honored at the Reading Partners New York City Annual Benefit in April 2024.
Margot Sigmone Vice President of Early Childhood, was recently honored with the Leadership Award at the 53rd Anniversary Gala of the Williamsbridge NAACP Daycare Center in the Bronx.
Hearst employees record readings of books to share with our Early Childhood students.
Every Step of the Way
1,129
patients received 13,534 behavioral health sessions at our health clinics last year.
3,409
youth received job training and internship experiences. of children live in poverty in New York City, increasing from 15% in 2021.*
25%
*The State of Poverty and Disadvantages in New York City, Volume 6. Robin Hood.
“1,000
Toys for Girls & Boys” A Heartwarming Holiday Drive
Karen Carson embraced the holiday giving spirit alongside her co-hosts, Johnny Mingione and Anthony Malerba, at Audacy’s NEW 102.7 The dynamic team ignited the holiday season with the heartwarming initiative, “1,000 Toys for Girls & Boys.” Their mission: collect 1,000 toys through the powerful reach of NEW 102.7’s airwaves to benefit Children’s Aid, aiming to provide joy to some of the 13,000 deserving girls and boys on our gift list.
What started as a goal soon transformed into a movement, surpassing expectations within a week and expanding to an impressive 5,000 toys. Hundreds of boxes flooded in daily, a testament to the deep connection Karen and her team share with their listeners.
This initiative was more than a toy drive – it was a demonstration of community spirit, generosity, and the profound impact of collective effort. From maintenance to IT to promotions, various departments at NEW 102.7 eagerly contributed, while Mazda, inspired by the initiative, provided vehicles for the toy deliveries. Emily Pearce from NEW 102.7 shared, “Supporting our city is incredibly important to us, and this was a very special project that touched so many. Every toy collected symbolized hope and joy, making this drive exceptionally special.”
As Karen and the Audacy team reflect on the triumph of “1,000 Toys for Girls & Boys,” they view it as an inspiring example of what’s achievable when a community unites – neighbors supporting neighbors.
Thank you Karen, Johnny, Anthony, and everyone at Audacy’s NEW 102.7 for joining Children’s Aid this holiday season and giving back to our community!
Karen Carson in the Morning and her team, along with Children’s Aid’s Georgia Boothe and Anthony Ramos, BCCP Community School Director Cherron Murray, and Children’s Aid youths Isis Troxler and Tauryian Sparrow, celebrate the 5,000+ toys collected through the drive.
NY SWIMS unveiled at 2024 State of the State
In a January 2024 press conference held at Children’s Aid’s Dunlevy Milbank Community Center, Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside Mayor Eric Adams and federal, state, and local elected officials, unveiled the “NY SWIMS” initiative, a component of her 2024 State of the State proposals. This program represents New York’s steps in combating the alarming rates of drowning, particularly among young children, and in preparing for the challenges posed by climate change.
Drowning, as Governor Hochul highlighted, remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for those aged 5-14. The NY SWIMS program, New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming, is a plan aimed at expanding access to swimming pools, particularly in underserved communities, and addressing the statewide lifeguard shortage. This initiative is not just about creating recreational opportunities; it’s a life-saving mission and one that supports the water safety work Children’s Aid has been providing in our communities for decades. Included aspects of the program are:
• A $60 million capital grant for constructing at least 10 new landmark swimming pools in underserved communities, reminiscent of the pool construction efforts under FDR’s Works Progress Administration.
• Developing and installing innovative floating pools, enhancing the state’s rivers and waterways.
• The +Pool project, a floating pool concept set against the city skyline, supported by $12 million state contribution and $4 million from the city. This unique initiative kicked off its testing and planning stages this summer, with a goal to begin construction and open to swimmers as soon as possible. The project also includes a $30 million fund to deploy pop-up pools and above-ground pools in areas experiencing extreme heat, particularly during block parties, in parks, and at events. This fund will have a positive impact for many of our neighbors, with accessible cooling options, during times of extreme heat.
This announcement at Children’s Aid holds significant weight due to our longstanding dedication to water safety and increasing swim access at the pools we operate at the Dunlevy Milbank Community Center, Goodhue Community Center, and Wagon Road. Children’s Aid is a proud member of both the State Commission to Prevent Childhood Drowning and the New York City Lifeguard Interorganizational Task Force.
With strong state investments, NY SWIMS is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of New Yorkers, particularly children, by enhancing their safety around water and giving them the joy of swimming.
Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul are joined by Children’s Aid CEO Phoebe Boyer and members of the Harlem community to unveil NY SWIMS.
5. Children’s Aid staff meet with legislators in Albany to share their stories and advocate for pay parity and a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment.
6. Family Advocate Carmen Colon leads a scented candle-making activity for families at CS 211 in the Bronx. Carmen set a calming tone and created a fun atmosphere of laughter and talk among our caregivers.
7. Jumpstart volunteers read aloud to Children’s Aid Early Childhood kids. Early Childhood programs in Washington Heights partnered with Jumpstart, an organization focused on early literacy. Along with reading selected books, volunteers also engaged children in themed arts and crafts activities.
8. Our College and Career Access and Success Program hosts an information fair for post-secondary pathways. High schoolers connected directly with trade schools, certification programs, and training organizations.
Photo Key:
1. Youth stock a food pantry for our community schools at the Charles Drew Campus in the Bronx.
2. Isis Troxler, from Bronx Career and College Prep, receives a Garden of Dreams college scholarship from Knicks legend John Starks on the set of Good Day New York.
3. Isaiah Figueroa, 16, from Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, is joined by his mom, Lisette Cruz (left), VP of Youth Division Sarah Jonas (second right), and US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona (right) as he shares his insight on chronic absenteeism at the Every Day Counts Summit.
4. Early Childhood students from Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School receive their holiday gifts, generously donated by friends of Robin Hood.
Moments from the 25th Annual Children’s Aid Golf Classic
Thanks to our community of friends, donors, and partners, Children’s Aid raised more than $420,000 at this year’s Golf Classic – pivotal funds which will allow us to continue our essential and holistic work in New York City, supporting and empowering the next generation and their families. Enjoy these captures from a fun, successful day on the green!
Photo Key:
9. From left, Bob Persico, Golf Classic Host Committee Co-Chair Russel Hamilton, and Pete Hannigan pause for a pre-tournament photo.
10. Evelyn Burgess and Chip Krotee of Cerity Partners head out for our shotgun start.
11. Students and chaperones from Curtis High School, a Children’s Aid community school in Staten Island, pose with Children’s Aid President and CEO Phoebe Boyer.
12. Curtis High School students participate in our Youth Golf Clinic led by a Baltusrol Golf Club golf professional.
13. From left, Brian Guttman, Roy Ku, Greg Hill, and Christopher Johnson.
14. From left, Golf Classic Host Committee Co-Chair Jon Harrington, Afrim Berisha, Sharon Tompkins, and John Tompkins.
15. Golf Classic Host Committee Co-Chair Mark Allen, host committee member Clint Factor, and guest Bob Fassett enjoy our cocktail reception.
16. Commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association Cathy Engelbert and WNBC lead sports anchor and our auctioneer Bruce Beck pose with this year’s Youth Speaker Benedicta Donkor.
