HeartShare St. Vincent’s Foster Care Appreciation Dinner in May 2016 celebrated the collaborative achievements of agency foster parents, staff and leadership in uplifting New York’s vulnerable children. The dinner hosted approximately 50 guests with invitations extended to the agency’s most dedicated foster parents. “It is so rare and unique to find someone who is willing to open their home in that way and to offer them the unconditional love that they desperately need,” remarked Executive Director Dawn Saffayeh.

The event was an opportunity for parents to share their stories. Sabrina has three boys through HSVS. “I always wanted a big family,” said Sabrina, who already raised her biological children, but has boundless room in her heart for her “sweetheart” Benjamin, (18), her “social butterfly and athlete” Tyrell, (15) and her “bold actor” Marcus, (12). Others stepped into a leadership role to further to build a sense of community. “We are here to make foster care a better place for our children. You are on the frontlines and we need your ideas to make this a stronger agency for our kids,” said Vice President of the HSVS Foster and Adoptive Parent Association Tanya Williams in an appeal to the group to join the once monthly meetings. “Tonight, you can see how HSVS serves as a resource to strengthen families,” noted Board Member Glenda Elie. The senior planner at fashion and design firm Ellery Homestyles is one of our newest Board Members. “I lived in a group home for 6 years, so I can empathize with what our children and youth experience while in care,” she shared.