What is Javier looking forward to this year? “I want to try very hard to get more exposure for the agency and secure more resources for our kids. They deserve it.”

(Staten Island, NY)— HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services has responded to the prescription drug epidemic on Staten Island with its Chemical Dependency clinic at 56 Bay Street. “Through this clinic, we are reaching people who have been struggling with addiction,” said Jennifer Outlaw, Senior Vice President of Integrated Health Services. The outpatient treatment program empowers individuals…

Treasure is thirteen years old and a leader among her peers. Walking around her Beacon program with a yellow HeartShare St. Vincent’s t-shirt, Treasure has intricate knowledge of what’s going on. She’s been a part of the program since the 4th grade. Treasure knows everyone and everyone knows her. But it didn’t start off that…

“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…