“I did not pick my major. My major picked me,” shared Santos, who looks forward to entering the field of social work next year. At New York City College of Technology, the rising senior explains the strong connection between his personal experiences and his academic studies. “I had a lot to contribute to the conversation….

HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services American Dream Scholar Daniel is a freshman at Monroe College and an aspiring web designer. Growing up in foster care, Daniel faced many obstacles before he reached this point in his life. Daniel grew up in Guyana, but his family faced some challenges when they first arrived in the U.S. Daniel…

HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services American Dream Program Scholar Tyon came into foster care in 2008. In high school, he was a star running back and liked that football gave him ‪stability, a schedule and a ‪‎purpose. Today, he’s the first of his mother’s children to go college. At Monroe College, he’s studying ‪Business Administration. “I’ve…

“I want kids entering foster care to have an understanding of their rights within the system. We are strong,” said Dea, a Skidmore College sophomore who plans to major in Business and International Affairs. Although Dea lived in several states and moved through different schools, Dea overcame the obstacles of a childhood in foster care….

Benita Miller signed a lifelong commitment to twenty-year old Jasmine through the HSVS Permanency Pact Program, which ensures that young people who have grown up in foster care do not have to navigate the challenges of young adulthood alone. “No matter what it is about, Jasmine knows that I’m there for her,” Benita said. During…

“She’s like my older sister,” said eight grader Sarah, referring to McKinley Beacon’s Youth Program Assistant Director. The Assistant Director also happens to be a Sarah—Sarah Lanza. The younger of the pair has been attending HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services after-school and summer camp programs year-round since she was in the third grade, making her one…

“The American Dream Program scholarship made my dream of college a reality and whenever I need any advice, there’s someone there for me,” noted Shantel, referring to the close-knit HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services Youth Development team that is readily accessible to scholars in need of academic, career and personal advice, even when they are away…

HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services’ After School and Community programs provide engaging after-school and summer opportunities that support academic advancement, promote career goals, expand recreational interests and develop stronger student ties with the local community. For brothers Dante, 14, and Marquis, 12, the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) at Carey Gardens Cornerstone Program offers team-building and other…

Dareth is one of our outstanding ADP scholars. Dareth entered foster care at the age of three. By the time she turned 18 years old, Dareth had lived in over thirteen different foster homes and attended more than ten different schools. Currently, she is in her freshman year at SUNY Sullivan, and plans to pursue…

Seventeen-year-old Mark has been through a lot in his young life. Growing up, Mark was exposed to violence and addiction in the home. “The only thing we could do is to be there for him,” said George Goode, Manager of the HSVS Jamaica Hills Group Home. “Mark is humble and caring to his peers and…