“Sometimes, you just have to let the little things slide,” said seventeen year old Richard, who sounded much wiser than someone his age. “Ms. Tia and Ms. Crystal helped me through difficult moments. There’s a lot to handle in high school and it’s not worth it to be mad,” explained Richard. “Besides, the good that…

Crystal lives in HSVS’ Youth Residence in the New Brighton neighborhood of Staten Island. Whether they spend time ice skating at Clove Lakes Park or a night out at Dave & Busters in Manhattan, Crystal enjoys spending time with her eleven housemates. “The girls are like my sisters, and I like when the girls come…

Allan lives in Crown Heights in one of HSVS’ Supported Housing apartments. For Allan, his apartment reduced his risk of homelessness and provided him with crucial time and support to help him get his life back on track. “I was provided the necessities—shelter, food and clothing,” Allan recalled. “The agency placed value in my future.”…

Luther started a new chapter in his life when he decided to get sober over 8 years ago. As an African American male, Luther said he was not accustomed talking openly about things and doing so with the right people made all the difference. Dr. Debra White, a counselor at the HSVS Chemical Dependency Clinic,…

“This is my story,” announced nine-year old Derrick, a patient at HeartShare St. Vincent’s Mental Health Clinic, sharing a book that he’s written and illustrated with guidance from his Art Therapist Caitlin McCarthy. With each session, Derrick’s story gradually unfolds, adding chapters as he bravely shares some traumatic life experiences with Caitlin. Derrick has worked…

“I have been with Ms. Lewis since I was 13 years old. We’ve been through a lot together and she’s never given up on me. She’s my mother,” said Malik, who celebrated his adoption finalization in April. The first time that Malik stayed with Thomasina, it was only for a few weeks. Malik’s living situation…

Constance served as the foster mother for six of her children—Elijah, 14, Elisa, 13, Elysia, 10, Ezekiel, 6, Jhaliah, 3, and Nasir, 2—before adopting them. In Constance’s home, her children have grown physically, emotionally and mentally stronger. “I have seen a metamorphosis in these children,” affirmed Terrience, their HSVS Case Planner. Constance has provided stability,…

“David is our greatest joy and a blessing to our family,” proclaimed Edwin and Elizabeth, who started fostering their youngest at four months and is in the process of adopting him. With two loving parents and four foster siblings, Serenity, Grace, Lydia, and Edwin, Jr., playing their role in caring for two year old David,…

“Quintin will always be in a home where he is loved,” said Brenda Hopkins smiling broadly. With support from HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS), Brenda fostered and adopted Quintin, an energetic, sweet boy who is now two years old. Brenda has known Quintin for most of his young life. “Three days after he was born,…

From waiting tables to working in a factory, 69 year old Fe did everything she could to support her four biological children. Fe adopted her daughter’s children when they were infants. Fe was raising children again and when reaching the challenging teenage years, seventeen year old Aixa and fifteen year old Miraida were struggling to…