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MercyFirst Hosts Students from Local School
“The parents and students from the Village School have been wonderful friends to us,” explains MercyFirst’s SVP of Campus Programs, Cathy Menzies. “They have been so kind to us – donating gifts and cookies over the holidays and sponsoring parties for our boys. Our hosting this Bingo Bash was a small token of gratitude for all they have done for us. Both the campus youth and Syosset children and families enjoyed an afternoon of fun, friendship and of course, prizes.” Village School Parent Mary Majoy who organized the holiday toy drive and some of the other functions explains why these charitable outreach projects are so important for the children by saying, “Giving, no matter how much or how little you have, shapes who are and who you will grow up to become.” Everyone had a wonderful time and both the school and MercyFirst look forward to continuing to work together.
MercyFirst serves more than 4,000 children and their families at over 20 locations in New York City and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Mary’s of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
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MercyFirst Salutes Social Workers for Their Dedication
Social Work is a profession that promotes dignity for all, especially for the most vulnerable among us. In fact, professional social workers are the nation's largest providers of mental health services. According to government sources, more than 60 percent of mental health treatment is delivered by social workers. At MercyFirst we are glad to celebrate National Social Work Month by recognizing our staff for the positive impact they have, not just on individual clients, but on the community in general. They truly make our world a better place.
mercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as two orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, mercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community-based residential programs, medical and mental-health services, and campus-based residential treatment programs, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized support services offering skills training and hands-on work experience help our teen and young adult clients learn to be self-sufficient.
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Local Business Hosts Carnival for Disadvantaged Youth
CMP Media is a marketing and solutions company for the technology and healthcare industries headquartered in Manhasset, NY, who has been partnering with MercyFirst since 2002 to provide the young men living on MercyFirst’s Syosset Campus with expanded opportunities, including job-shadowing and one-to-one mentoring. In 2006 CMP’s Foundation donated $25,000 to begin much-needed renovations on the Syosset Campus gym. Subsequent donations have included support for Youth Development and the Assistance Dog Program, in addition to funds for the gym renovations. CMP Media was honored by MercyFirst in June 2006 for their commitment and enthusiasm to the agency and its mission. In August of 2007 CMP was recognized by their parent company, United Business Media, as a runner-up for the prestigious Littleford Award for their work with MercyFirst.
mercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as two orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, mercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community-based residential programs, medical and mental-health services, and campus-based residential treatment programs, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized support services offering skills training and hands-on work experience help our teen and young adult clients learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: Roslyn McCoy Recognized for
Excellence in Child Welfare
“Roslyn McCoy has made a personal commitment to improving the lives of children – for her there would be no other career choice that would fill her with the compassion and sense of purpose she has found in this line of work,” explains Elizabeth McCarthy, COO of MercyFirst. “One of the characteristics that makes her so unique is the honesty she has with the boys. She does not condescend to them simply because they are children. She understands that many of them have never had someone give them a clear sense of purpose and direction, and she is dedicating to giving them the skills and support that they need to achieve their goals.” The Campus is home to some 120 boys between the ages of 12 and 18. During their stay, these teens are involved in specialized treatment programs that address their specific needs, while attending school full-time on the Campus.
“I’ve always loved children,” says Roslyn McCoy, “growing up I was always a care giver to younger kids. I also love making a difference. At the end of my day if I can only see one child laughing and smiling or solve one of their problems, I leave here knowing my job was done on that day. Some of the stories here will break your heart, but that just makes me want to work even harder to make a change in their lives.”
mercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as two orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, mercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community-based residential programs, medical and mental-health services, and campus-based residential treatment programs, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized support services offering skills training and hands-on work experience help our teen and young adult clients learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: Mentors Recognized During Mentoring Month
For over a decade MercyFirst’s Mentoring Program has been providing young people in need with stable adult relationships. Studies indicated that youth who meet regularly with mentors are: Steve has been a mentor for about a year and a half. “I had been living in the neighborhood for decades and had never heard of MercyFirst, but when I became aware of it, it seemed natural to want to help,” he explains. So he decided to apply to become a mentor. “I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment just knowing that I have helped make this boy’s life better by being there for him,” he continues. “And, I think, he now knows a little more about how to make progress with his life.” Individuals, corporations and organizations who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents can become mentors. MercyFirst has mentoring opportunities available throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. For more information on Mentoring opportunities, please call Natasha Wollaston -Stewart, Esq., LMSW, Coordinator of Mentor and Volunteer Services at 516.873.9191, ext. 148.
mercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as two orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, mercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community-based residential programs, medical and mental-health services, and campus-based residential treatment programs, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized support services offering skills training and hands-on work experience help our teen and young adult clients learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: Troubled Teens Reach Out to Elderly Neighbors
“The Generations Program at Cold Spring Hills is a joint program with the ‘grandchildren,’ the students of MercyFirst and the residents, the ‘grandparents’ of Cold Spring Hills,” explains Carol Gutierrez, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Cold Spring Hills. The program focuses on bridging the gap between the two generations through activities which foster socialization, creativity, sensitivity and respect. “It’s a win/win situation,” continues Gutierrez. “It helps our residents reach out to the boys, who need someone who does not judge them, and it teaches the boys to see beyond the residents’ disabilities.” Theresa Gulli, a resident at Cold Spring Hills explains, "The kids make me feel good. We sit and talk and just do things together."
“The boys feel appreciated and respected – they need that. Most of them lack strong family relationships and connections,” explains Gerard McCaffery, CEO of MercyFirst, “These positive relationships with adults are so important.” One resident sums it up by saying, “It’s nice that they’re just happy to see me when I come. I like that.” The program is slated to continue through the spring and is likely to become a permanent part of Cold Spring Hills and MercyFirst.
MercyFirst serves more than 4,000 children and their families at over 20 locations in New York City and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Mary’s of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Contact: MercyFirst Run Raises $8,000
The annual race has a long tradition. In 2003 the race was re-named in honor of Bridget Goldstein (known to friends as “Bridie”). A bright and vital part of the MercyFirst community, Bridie worked as a nurse at the agency for almost a decade. She was tragically killed in a car accident in January of 2003. The run memorializes her spirit, her love for running, and her generous spirit, while raising money for the thousands of children and families served by MercyFirst.
MercyFirst serves more than 4,000 children and their families at over 20 locations in New York City and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Mary’s of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Contact: MercyFirst Holds Annual Run Thanksgiving Weekend
The annual race, which winds its way through Syosset, has a long tradition. In 2003 the race was re-named in honor of Bridget Goldstein (known to friends as “Bridie”). A bright and vital part of the MercyFirst community, Bridie worked as a nurse at the agency for almost a decade. She was tragically killed in a car accident in January of 2003. The run memorializes her spirit, her love for running, and her generous spirit, while raising money for the thousands of children and families served by MercyFirst.
MercyFirst serves more than 4,000 children and their families at over 20 locations in New York City and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Mary’s of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Contact: First Annual Harvest Ball Raises $120,000
Under the leadership of their respective Boards, the Angel Guardian Foundation and the St. Mary’s Foundation have played an important role in MercyFirst’s success by holding dinners and golf outings to support the agency’s programs. 2007 marks the last year the Foundations will exist as separate entities and the first year that all fundraising will be done under the banner of MercyFirst. The dinner kicked-off MercyFirst’s expanded fundraising efforts and paid homage to the Foundation Boards.
MercyFirst serves more than 4,000 children and their families at over 20 locations in New York City and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Mary’s of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Contact: CMP Donates $25,000 More Toward New Gym
CMP Media is a marketing and solutions company for the technology and healthcare industries headquartered in Manhasset, NY, who has been partnering with MercyFirst since 2002 to provide the young men living on MercyFirst’s Syosset Campus with expanded opportunities, including job-shadowing and one-to-one mentoring. In 2006 CMP’s Foundation donated $25,000 to begin much-needed renovations on the Syosset Campus gym. Subsequent donations have included support for Youth Development and the Assistance Dog Program, in addition to funds for the gym renovations. CMP Media was honored by MercyFirst in June 2006 for their commitment and enthusiasm to the agency and its mission. In August of 2007 CMP was recognized by their parent company, United Business Media, as a runner-up for the prestigious Littleford Award for their work with MercyFirst.
MercyFirst’s Syosset Campus is home to 120 boys aged 10 to 18, who frequently come from very troubled homes, often in poor neighborhoods with few services available to them. Many of them have been abused and neglected. Many are from single parent families; some have incarcerated parents.
Headquartered in Syosset, NY, MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 4,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: MercyFirst to Hold First Annual Harvest Ball
Under the leadership of their respective Boards, the Angel Guardian Foundation and the St. Mary’s Foundation have played an important role in MercyFirst’s success by holding dinners and golf outings to support MercyFirst’s programs. 2007 marks the last year the Foundations will exist as separate entities and we are delighted to honor them at our first MercyFirst dinner.
The evening will also feature the sound of Doo Wop legends, Emil Stucchio and the Classics. For over forty years The Classics have thrilled audiences with their unique sound. Emil Stucchio’s voice provides the foundation for their live performances and top-selling album Till Then, subsequent hit recordings include PS I Love You and You’ll Never Know.
MercyFirst serves more than 4,000 children and their families at over 20 locations in New York City and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Marys of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Contact: NY Jets Player Donates Shopping Spree to
Children in Need
Participants included young mothers from the Mother/Baby Program, along with boys and girls from the Campus and Group Homes. These young men and women often lack family connections and the shopping spree was a rare indulgence. One participant explains, “I’ve never been able to just walk into a store and feel like I could pick out anything I wanted.” Everyone had a great time and was very grateful for the opportunity.
Headquartered in Syosset, NY, MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that provides an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse. MercyFirst’s range of programs includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: MercyFirst Raises Over $190,000 During
Annual Summer Golf Outing
Headquartered in Syosset, NY, MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that provides an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.
The Annual Summer Golf Outing supports MercyFirst’s range of programs, which include family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: MercyFirst and CMP Media Recognized For Their Innovative Partnership
American Business Media will donate $750 to MercyFirst, which will help with renovations on the gymnasium, a project with which CMP has been deeply involved. CMP Media is a marketing solutions company for the technology and healthcare industries headquartered in Manhasset, NY.
MercyFirst’s Syosset Campus is home to 120 boys aged 10 to 18, who frequently come from very troubled homes, often in poor neighborhoods with few services available to them. Many of them have been abused and neglected. Many are from single parent families; some have incarcerated parents.
Headquartered in Syosset, NY, MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 4,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: Senator Johnson Secures $25,000 for MercyFirst’s Mother/Baby Program
Since 1975 hundreds of teenage mothers and their babies have been given a chance at a brighter future though MercyFirst’s Mother/Baby Program. “Our program provides more than just a home for mothers and their babies,” explains MercyFirst CEO Gerard McCaffery,” It provides support, parent training, medical and nutritional counseling and vocational guidance. In short, it provides them with the foundation they need for a successful future. We are grateful for Senator Johnson’s support of this vital program.” MercyFirst currently operates four Mother/baby residences in Brooklyn and on Long Island, which provide specialized services to both the mother and her baby including on-site day care and 24-hour support.
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: MercyFirst Receives $15,000 from Senator Marcellino
The Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) is located on MercyFirst’s Syosset Campus, which is home to 120 boys aged 10 to 18. The RTF provides a structured, nurturing environment for boys dealing with mental and emotional trauma. The young men receive specialized treatment to help them become stable, high functioning members of the community. While at MercyFirst they take part in a full-time educational program and are encouraged to join in recreational activities, as well as mentoring and career training programs.
““We are grateful that Senator Marcellino understands the importance of the work we do. Each of these young men has so much potential,” explains MercyFirst CEO, Gerard McCaffery, “and, with the help of friends like Senator Marcellino, we can make a difference in their lives.”
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: MercyFirst Residents Pass Regents in Record Numbers
Over 72% of these boys passed the Regents Exams this year. This is one of the highest success rates the school has ever had. This year 18 boys from the 8th and 12th grades will also walk down the aisle to receive diplomas. Although their individual circumstances vary, all these young men have overcome immense obstacles to reach this mile-stone in their lives. MercyFirst C.E.O. Gerard McCaffery says, “I’m proud of each and every one of them. We often take graduation for granted, but for these boys this day represents their ability to triumph over circumstances beyond their control. They are taking a critical step in their lives and heading in the right direction.”
“This neighborhood has been so wonderful to us over the years that we wanted to give something back,” says Joseph Loccisano, who co-owns Rocco’s with his brother Danny. “Considering the traffic we expect and the publicity we draw for the contest, we decided we should do something special this year for an important charity. That MercyFirst has a local operation and does such amazing work with children, right in our backyard, well, we couldn’t have made a better decision.”
The Syosset campus is home to some 120 boys aged 10 to 18. They frequently come from very troubled homes, often in poor neighborhoods with few services available to them. Many of them have been abused and neglected. Many are from single parent families; some have incarcerated parents. While on the campus these boys are involved in a full-time educational program at P256Q. They are also involved in a number of other activities, including: intensive treatment programs, recreational programs, and mentoring programs. The boys reside on the campus anywhere from several months to several years depending on their needs.
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: 3rd Annual Pizza-Eating Contest Raises $4,000 for MercyFirst
This is the third year that Rocco’s has hosted the event to raise money for the children served by MercyFirst. MercyFirst’s Angel Guardian Building, located in Bay Ridge, has been a refuge for children in need since it first opened its doors to the orphans living in the streets of Brooklyn in 1899. Rocco’s has been located in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn since it was established in 1980.
“This neighborhood has been so wonderful to us over the years that we wanted to give something back,” says Joseph Loccisano, who co-owns Rocco’s with his brother Danny. “Considering the traffic we expect and the publicity we draw for the contest, we decided we should do something special this year for an important charity. That MercyFirst has a local operation and does such amazing work with children, right in our backyard, well, we couldn’t have made a better decision.”
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: Spring Golf Outing Raises $140,000
Participating businesses include: API Systems, Inc; BDO Seidman, LLP; EA Systems; BMC Software; Business Edge Solutions; Cisco Systems; Commerce Bank; Comprehensive Benefits; Con Edison; Configuresoft; Sean Coughlin;
Cullen & Dykman, LLP; Digby 4; EMC Corporation; Flushing Savings Bank; Hitachi Data Systems; Hewlett Packard; IBM Corporation; The Info Project, Inc.; Innovativ Systems; Jaspan Schlesinger Hoffman, LLP; Joseph Picone & Son, Inc.; Maspeth Fereral Savings & Loan; McData Corporation; Network Appliance, Inc.; Onlone Computer; OPSWARE; Our Lady of Mercy Academy; Paragon Solutions Group; John Pizzuti; Quinn Family Foundation; Ridgewood Savings Bank; SHI; Siwel Consulting, Inc.; Joe Stanco, Raylle Motors; Sun Microsystems; SUN/STK; Symantec Corporation; USI, Northeast; Xerox Corporation.
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community homes and campus-based residential treatment programs, medical and mental-health care, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized skills development and workforce preparation experiences designed to help our adolescents learn to be self-sufficient.
Contact: May is National Foster Care Awareness Month
“This dinner is so important,” explains Jacqueline McKelvey, S.V.P. of MercyFirst’s Foster Boarding Home Program, “because it recognizes some of the most important volunteers in our communities. These parents give of themselves 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure that the children are given the love and support they need.”
“Across the country, and in our own neighborhoods, people are helping youth in foster care build brighter futures by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers and volunteers,” says MercyFirst C.E.O., Gerard McCaffery. “But much more help is needed. Each year, more than 20,000 young Americans "age-out" of foster care, most without the appropriate resources, skills or options they will need to live on their own. If nothing changes by the year 2020 more than 300,000 children will age of foster care, ill-prepared for success in higher education, technical college or the workforce. At MercyFirst we’re working to change this picture, and with your help we can do even more. For more information on becoming a foster parent, please contact us at 718-232-1500 ext 270.”
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human service agency that serves more than 3,000 traumatized and neglected children, teenagers and their families in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Founded as two orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care through its network of 23 service locations in New York City and on Long Island. It’s continuum of care includes family support and after-school programs, foster homes and adoption services, community-based residential programs, medical and mental-health services, and campus-based residential treatment programs, as well as the innovative Bridges to the Future, a range of specialized support services offering skills training and hands-on work experience help our teen and young adult clients learn to be self-sufficient.
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