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…
“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,…
