Approximately 50 children from HeartShare St. Vincent’s COMPASS Program attended an annual tour and holiday party at the U.S.S. Intrepid on Saturday, December 9.

Thanks to generous community partners, like the Asian Community United Society, all school age children will receive a free toy for Christmas and a photo with Santa.

We will never know the trauma of being removed from home. But we can help our youth to heal. We can show up and be the upstanding adults they never thought existed.

“Poor, black, homeless, a foster child. I did not let those labels define me,” shared Samira Todd, an HSVS American Dream Program Scholar.

Samira is a role model to her sibling and hopes to inspire others that they can achieve anything they put their mind to.

At the HSVS Chemical Dependency Clinic, Daniel is receiving the compassion and therapeutic support he needs.

With the help of the after-school and summer camp staff at P.S. 102, especially group leader and teacher Robert Terranova, Mohamed’s vocabulary quickly expanded.

With the supportive housing team at HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services, Ralph has turned over a new leaf.

Camille and her three girls, Calista, Miranda and baby Mattila are closer and stronger than ever.

“I have the daughter I always wanted and my beautiful boys. I can’t believe it,” said Safiya with a huge smile.