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Our Stories

Helping children and teens find a home of permanent love and belonging is our untiring focus, and has been since our founding in 1851. There are no shortcuts, no easy answers. The work is difficult, but as the stories of the following individuals illustrate, the results are life-changing. In addition to the stories and videos below, visit our Video Gallery to see more videos.

Kaylene

Kaylene grew up in foster care, and now coordinates our Westchester Therapeutic Foster Homes (video).

Da'Janei, former foster youth
Da'Janei

Focused on a bright future (video).
Breshan

Campus job teaches real-world skills (video).
Hue and Van

10 foster/adoptive kids -- and counting (video).
Lloyd
Lloyd

Transformation through work with dogs (video).
DeeDee
Deedee

A grateful new mom embraces a second chance (video).
Esther
Esther

A home after being homeless at 16 (video).
Gianni & Terry

Roommates (and friends) looking out for each other.
Vincent

Relationship-building through theater.
Monique

Determined to forge a new path.
Gail

Committed to sibling togetherness.
Angela

"Mother Figure" to kids in foster care.
Demetrius

A young man accepts no limitations.
Marcy

A mentor begins with Beethoven.
Zi

Dogs provide a welcome challenge.
Luis
Luis

A campus job ignites a passion.
John and Uwan
John and Uwan

Mentoring enhances two lives.
Rebecca
Rachel

Help leads to independence.
Pauline
Pauline

A baby inspires her young mother.
Angel
Angel

Finding community after foster care.
Perrian
Perrian

From program participant to mentor.
Darian
Darian

Aiming for the skies.